In-situ activation system and method for electrolytic cell electrodes

Abstract

This invention discloses an in-situ activation system and method for an electrolytic cell electrode. The system includes: an activation pipeline connected at both ends to the output and input ends of the electrolytic cell; an outlet temperature monitoring unit, a gas-liquid separation unit, and an inlet temperature monitoring unit sequentially connected along the output end to the input end of the electrolytic cell; an inert gas filling pipeline connected to the gas-liquid separation unit to replace the inert gas in the system; a liquid inlet pipeline connected to the gas-liquid separation unit to input activation liquid into it; a gas outlet pipeline connected to the gas-liquid separation unit; and a drain pipeline connected to the electrolytic cell. A pumping unit and a heat exchange unit are also connected between the gas-liquid separation unit and the inlet temperature monitoring unit. An unactivated catalyst precursor is installed inside the electrolytic cell. The heat exchange unit heats the activation liquid in the activation pipeline to meet preset requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydrogen and oxygen production technology by water electrolysis, and in particular to an in-situ activation system and method for electrodes in an electrolyzer. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional water electrolysis for producing hydrogen and oxygen involves activating the catalyst before assembling the electrolyzer. However, this process has a problem: after activation, during the assembly of the electrolyzer, the catalyst comes into contact with air. The active sites of the catalyst react with oxygen or other gases in the air, leading to a decrease in catalyst activity or even deactivation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an in-situ activation system and method for electrolytic cell electrodes, in order to solve the problem of reduced or even deactivated catalyst activity in existing activation processes.

[0004] The above-mentioned objectives of the present invention can be achieved by the following technical solutions:

[0005] This invention provides an in-situ activation system for electrolytic cell electrodes, comprising:

[0006] The activation pipeline is connected at both ends to the output and input ends of the electrolytic cell, respectively.

[0007] Along the path from the output end to the input end of the electrolytic cell, an outlet temperature monitoring unit, a gas-liquid separation unit, and an inlet temperature monitoring unit are sequentially connected in the activation pipeline;

[0008] An inert gas filling pipeline is connected to the gas-liquid separation unit to complete the inert gas replacement of the system;

[0009] The liquid inlet pipe is connected to the gas-liquid separation unit to allow the input of activation liquid into it;

[0010] A gas outlet pipeline is connected to the gas-liquid separation unit;

[0011] A sewage discharge pipe is connected to the electrolytic cell;

[0012] A pumping unit and a heat exchange unit are connected between the gas-liquid separation unit and the inlet temperature monitoring unit. The electrolytic cell contains an unactivated catalyst precursor. The heat exchange unit can heat the activation liquid in the activation pipeline to meet the preset requirements.

[0013] Preferably, a flow controller is provided in the heat exchange pipeline of the heat exchange unit.

[0014] Preferably, the catalyst precursor is made of a nickel-based alloy.

[0015] Preferably, the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange unit is hot water or hot steam to maintain the inlet temperature monitoring unit at a preset value.

[0016] The present invention also provides an in-situ activation method for electrolytic cell electrodes, comprising the following steps performed according to the aforementioned in-situ activation system for electrolytic cell electrodes:

[0017] The system is purged with inert gas using the inert gas filling pipeline to ensure that the system meets the activation requirements;

[0018] An activation liquid is injected into the system through the inlet pipe or the outlet pipe, and the pumping unit is turned on at the same time to activate the catalyst precursor for a preset time to generate a porous catalyst.

[0019] After completing the activation process, the pumping unit is shut down.

[0020] Inert gas is blown into the system through the inert gas filling pipeline to force the activation liquid out through the drain pipeline.

[0021] Preferably, after the step of blowing inert gas into the system through the inert gas filling pipeline to force the activating liquid out through the drain pipeline, the method further includes:

[0022] Deionized water is injected into the system through the inlet pipe or the outlet pipe.

[0023] After the pumping unit is turned on and the system is cleaned with the deionized water for a preset time;

[0024] Inert gas is introduced into the system through the inert gas filling pipeline to force out the residual deionized water in the system through the drain pipeline.

[0025] Preferably, the step of using the inert gas filling pipeline to replace the system with inert gas to make the system meet the activation requirements includes:

[0026] Close the gas outlet pipeline and use the inert gas filling pipeline to blow inert gas into the system;

[0027] When the pressure inside the system rises to the first preset value, the inert gas filling pipeline is closed and the gas outlet pipeline is opened to reduce the pressure.

[0028] When the pressure inside the system drops to the second preset value, the gas outlet pipeline is closed, and inert gas is blown into the system again using the inert gas filling pipeline.

[0029] The aforementioned steps are repeated a preset number of times, or the system is deemed to meet the activation requirements based on an oxygen content of less than 0.5%.

[0030] Preferably, the heat exchange unit during the activation process maintains the inlet temperature monitoring unit at 80°C, and the preset activation time is 24 hours.

[0031] Preferably, the first preset value is 1 MPa.

[0032] Preferably, the second preset value is 0.1 MPa.

[0033] This invention has at least the following features and advantages:

[0034] The key to the activation process of this invention is that the electrode does not come into contact with air, so as to avoid reducing or even deactivating the catalyst activity, protecting the electrode surface from being affected, and allowing the electrode activity to be better exerted, thereby improving the performance of the electrolyzer and reducing energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the in-situ activation system for the electrolytic cell electrode of the present invention.

[0037] Figure labels and descriptions:

[0038] 1. Electrolytic cell; 2. Outlet temperature monitoring unit; 3. Gas-liquid separation unit; 4. Inert gas filling pipeline; 5. Gas outlet pipeline; 6. Liquid inlet pipeline; 7. Pumping unit; 8. Heat exchange unit; 9. Flow controller; 10. Heat exchange medium; 11. Inlet temperature monitoring unit; 12. Drainage pipeline. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described below are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] This invention provides an in-situ activation system and method for electrode 1 of electrolytic cell 1. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 It includes an activation pipeline, an inert gas filling pipeline 4, a liquid inlet pipeline 6, a gas outlet pipeline 5, a sewage discharge pipeline 12, an outlet temperature monitoring unit 2, a gas-liquid separation unit 3, and an inlet temperature monitoring unit 11.

[0041] Specifically, the two ends of the activation pipeline are connected to the output and input ends of the electrolytic cell 1, respectively. Along the direction from the output end to the input end of the electrolytic cell 1, the activation pipeline is sequentially connected to the outlet temperature monitoring unit 2, the gas-liquid separation unit 3, the pumping unit 7, the heat exchange unit 8, and the inlet temperature monitoring unit 11. The inert gas filling pipeline 4 is connected to the gas-liquid separation unit 3 to complete the inert gas replacement of the system. The liquid inlet pipeline 6 is connected to the gas-liquid separation unit 3 to input the activation liquid into it. The gas outlet pipeline 5 is connected to the gas-liquid separation unit 3. The sewage discharge pipeline 12 is connected to the electrolytic cell 1. Among them, the pumping unit 7 and the heat exchange unit 8 are also connected between the gas-liquid separation unit 3 and the inlet temperature monitoring unit 11 (that is, the connection positions of the pumping unit 7 and the heat exchange unit 8 can be interchanged, that is, pumping first and then heat exchange, or heat exchange first and then pumping). The electrolytic cell 1 is equipped with an unactivated catalyst precursor. The heat exchange unit 8 can heat the activation liquid in the activation pipeline to meet the preset requirements.

[0042] Those skilled in the art should understand that the in-situ activation system and the water electrolysis hydrogen and oxygen production system can share the same equipment. The difference is that the medium input to the heat exchange unit 8 in this invention is for heating the activation liquid.

[0043] In some embodiments, a flow controller 9 is provided in the heat exchange pipeline of the heat exchange unit 8.

[0044] In some embodiments, the catalyst precursor is made of a nickel-based alloy.

[0045] In some embodiments, the heat exchange medium 10 in the heat exchange unit 8 uses hot water or hot steam to maintain the inlet temperature monitoring unit 11 at a preset value.

[0046] The system of this invention includes a water electrolysis cell 1, an activation liquid, a heat exchanger, deionized water, and an inert gas. Its working principle is as follows: Before assembly, the electrodes of the water electrolysis cell 1 are assembled inside the cell 1 in a precursor state without activation. The water electrolysis cell 1 is activated before being put into use. Before activation, the air in the water electrolysis system is replaced with a catalyst inert gas, and the activation liquid is injected. The activation temperature is controlled according to requirements. After activation, the activation liquid is pumped out of the system using inert gas. If necessary, deionized water is injected for rinsing, and then the electrolyte is injected again for normal production. The key to the activation process is that the electrodes must not come into contact with air to prevent the catalyst activity from decreasing or even deactivating.

[0047] The key to the activation process of this invention is that the electrode does not come into contact with air, so as to avoid the catalyst activity being reduced or even deactivated, protect the electrode surface from being affected, and allow the electrode activity to be better exerted, thereby improving the performance of electrolyzer 1 and reducing energy consumption.

[0048] Implementation Method 2

[0049] The present invention also provides an in-situ activation method for the electrode of electrolytic cell 1, wherein the following steps are performed according to the in-situ activation system for the electrode of electrolytic cell 1 according to any one of the embodiments:

[0050] The system is replaced with inert gas using inert gas filling pipeline 4 to meet the activation requirements.

[0051] Activation liquid is injected into the system through the inlet pipe 6 or the drain pipe 12, and the pumping unit 7 is turned on at the same time to activate the catalyst precursor for a preset time to generate a porous catalyst.

[0052] Based on the completion of the activation process, pumping unit 7 is shut down;

[0053] Inert gas is blown into the system through inert gas filling line 4 to force the activation liquid out through drain line 12.

[0054] In some embodiments, after the step of blowing inert gas into the system through the inert gas filling line 4 to force the activation liquid out through the drain line 12, the method further includes:

[0055] Deionized water is injected into the system through the inlet pipe 6 or the outlet pipe 12;

[0056] After the pump unit 7 is turned on and the system is cleaned with deionized water for a preset time;

[0057] Inert gas is introduced into the system through inert gas filling line 4 to force out the residual deionized water in the system through drain line 12.

[0058] In some embodiments, inert gas purging of the system using inert gas filling line 4 to make the system meet activation requirements includes:

[0059] Close the gas outlet pipe 5 and use the inert gas filling pipe 4 to blow inert gas into the system;

[0060] When the pressure inside the system rises to the first preset value, the inert gas filling pipeline 4 is closed and the gas outlet pipeline 5 is opened to reduce the pressure.

[0061] When the pressure in the system drops to the second preset value, the gas outlet pipeline 5 is closed, and inert gas is blown into the system again using the inert gas filling pipeline 4.

[0062] The aforementioned steps are repeated a preset number of times, or the system is deemed to meet the activation requirements based on an oxygen content of less than 0.5%.

[0063] In some embodiments, the inlet temperature monitoring unit 11 is maintained at 80°C by the heat exchange unit 8 during the activation process, and the preset activation time is 24 hours.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first preset value is 1 MPa and the second preset value is 0.1 MPa.

[0065] The invention will be further described in detail below through an embodiment. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 :

[0066] A nickel-based alloy is used as a catalyst precursor in electrolytic cell 11. After the equipment is installed at the site, the catalyst needs to be activated before it is put into use.

[0067] First, the system is purged with an inert gas for the target catalyst. In this embodiment, nitrogen is introduced through the inert gas filling pipeline 4. When the system pressure rises to 1 MPa, the inert gas filling pipeline 4 is closed. The gas outlet pipeline 5 is opened, and when the pressure drops to 0.1 MPa, the gas outlet pipeline 5 is closed. Nitrogen is then introduced through the inert gas filling pipeline 4, and the above steps are repeated three times, or a sample is taken to test the oxygen content in the system, which is below 0.5%. Then, the activation liquid is injected through the liquid inlet pipeline 6 or the drain port of the electrolytic cell 1, and the electrolyte pumping unit 7 is turned on. The active elements in the catalyst precursor react with the activation liquid and dissolve in the activation liquid, and are carried away from the catalyst surface with the flow of the activation liquid, generating a porous catalyst. To make the activation more complete, heat management can be carried out using the heat exchange unit 8 in the system. The heat exchange medium 10 uses hot water or hot steam, so that the inlet temperature monitoring unit 11 of the electrolytic cell 1 is maintained at 80°C. After activation in this state for 24 hours, the pumping unit 7 is stopped. Nitrogen gas is introduced through inert gas filling pipe 4, and the activation solution is forced out through the drain port of electrolytic cell 1 using nitrogen gas. Then, deionized water is injected through inlet pipe 6 or the drain port of electrolytic cell 1. The cleaning system of pump unit 7 is started, and after cleaning for 1 hour, nitrogen gas is again introduced through inert gas filling pipe 4 to force the deionized water out through the drain port of electrolytic cell 1. Then, electrolyte is injected through inlet pipe 6 or the drain port of electrolytic cell 1, and production can begin. During this process, the catalyst does not come into contact with air, ensuring its catalytic activity.

[0068] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention has at least the same beneficial effects as Embodiment 1, which will not be described in detail here.

[0069] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An in-situ activation system for an electrolytic cell electrode, characterized in that, include: The activation pipeline is connected at both ends to the output and input ends of the electrolytic cell, respectively. Along the path from the output end to the input end of the electrolytic cell, an outlet temperature monitoring unit, a gas-liquid separation unit, and an inlet temperature monitoring unit are sequentially connected in the activation pipeline; An inert gas filling pipeline is connected to the gas-liquid separation unit to complete the inert gas replacement of the system; The liquid inlet pipe is connected to the gas-liquid separation unit to allow the input of activation liquid into it; A gas outlet pipeline is connected to the gas-liquid separation unit; A sewage discharge pipe is connected to the electrolytic cell; A pumping unit and a heat exchange unit are connected between the gas-liquid separation unit and the inlet temperature monitoring unit. The electrolytic cell contains an unactivated catalyst precursor. The heat exchange unit can heat the activation liquid in the activation pipeline to meet the preset requirements.

2. The in-situ activation system for electrolytic cell electrodes according to claim 1, characterized in that, A flow controller is installed in the heat exchange pipeline of the heat exchange unit.

3. The in-situ activation system for electrolytic cell electrodes according to claim 2, characterized in that, The catalyst precursor is made of a nickel-based alloy.

4. The in-situ activation system for electrolytic cell electrodes according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heat exchange medium in the heat exchange unit is hot water or hot steam to maintain the inlet temperature monitoring unit at a preset value.

5. A method for in-situ activation of an electrolytic cell electrode, characterized in that, The in-situ activation system for the electrolytic cell electrode according to any one of claims 1 to 4 performs the following steps: The system is purged with inert gas using the inert gas filling pipeline to ensure that the system meets the activation requirements; An activation liquid is injected into the system through the inlet pipe or the outlet pipe, and the pumping unit is turned on at the same time to activate the catalyst precursor for a preset time to generate a porous catalyst. After completing the activation process, the pumping unit is shut down. Inert gas is blown into the system through the inert gas filling pipeline to force the activation liquid out through the drain pipeline.

6. The in-situ activation method for electrolytic cell electrodes according to claim 5, characterized in that, After the step of blowing inert gas into the system through the inert gas filling pipeline to force the activation liquid out through the drain pipeline, the method further includes: Deionized water is injected into the system through the inlet pipe or the outlet pipe. After the pumping unit is turned on and the system is cleaned with the deionized water for a preset time; Inert gas is introduced into the system through the inert gas filling pipeline to force out the residual deionized water in the system through the drain pipeline.

7. The in-situ activation method for electrolytic cell electrodes according to claim 6, characterized in that, The process of using the inert gas filling pipeline to purge the system with inert gas to meet the activation requirements includes: Close the gas outlet pipeline and use the inert gas filling pipeline to blow inert gas into the system; When the pressure inside the system rises to the first preset value, the inert gas filling pipeline is closed and the gas outlet pipeline is opened to reduce the pressure. When the pressure in the system drops to the second preset value, the gas outlet pipeline is closed, and inert gas is blown into the system again using the inert gas filling pipeline. The aforementioned steps are repeated a preset number of times, or the system is deemed to meet the activation requirements based on an oxygen content of less than 0.5%.

8. The in-situ activation method for electrolytic cell electrodes according to claim 7, characterized in that, During the activation process, the heat exchange unit maintains the inlet temperature monitoring unit at 80°C, and the preset activation time is 24 hours.

9. The in-situ activation method for electrolytic cell electrodes according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first preset value is 1 MPa.

10. The in-situ activation method for electrolytic cell electrodes according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second preset value is 0.1 MPa.

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