A crushing device and method for hydrogen storage alloy materials

Abstract

This invention discloses a crushing device and method for hydrogen storage alloy materials, comprising: a first tank, a gas source, a filling assembly, and a valve assembly. The first tank is used to temporarily store the material to be crushed. The outlet of the gas source is connected to the interior of the first tank for supplying hydrogen gas to the first tank to crush the material. The filling assembly includes a second tank and a vacuum pump. The interior of the second tank is connected to the interior of the first tank, and the inlet of the vacuum pump is connected to the interior of the second tank for venting the gas in the first tank or filling the crushed product into the second tank. The valve assembly is disposed on the outlet of the first tank, the gas source, the second tank, and the inlet of the vacuum pump for controlling the gas flow. This invention solves the problem of inconvenience caused by the need for transfer processing when the crushed product is still stored in the tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydrogen storage alloy preparation technology, and in particular to a crushing device and crushing method for hydrogen storage alloy materials. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous application of hydrogen energy, research on hydrogen storage technologies has also emerged.

[0003] For example, Chinese invention patent application number 202111415968.7, entitled "A Method for Crushing Hydrogen Storage Alloy Block Material," includes the following steps: A. Placing the hydrogen storage alloy block material to be crushed in a sealed tank; B. Vacuuming the tank and then heating it to an internal temperature of 50–300°C for 2–12 hours; C. Introducing gas into the tank until the internal pressure reaches a predetermined working pressure value, and then maintaining the temperature and pressure for 4–24 hours; D. Repeating steps B and C several times, then cooling the tank and maintaining the temperature and pressure for another 4–24 hours; E. Stopping the circulation of cooling medium, venting the gas from the tank, and obtaining hydrogen storage alloy powder material, thus completing the crushing of the hydrogen storage alloy block material. While this method utilizes the energy generated by the release of hydrogen gas to crush the hydrogen storage alloy, it lacks a crushed material collection device. The crushed product remains stored in the tank and needs to be transferred to an alloy storage tank, making it inconvenient to use.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a crushing device and method for hydrogen storage alloy materials to solve the problem that the crushed products still need to be transferred and processed in the existing technology, which makes it inconvenient to use. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, it is necessary to provide a crushing device and crushing method for hydrogen storage alloy materials to solve the technical problem in the prior art that the crushed products still need to be transferred and processed in the tank, which leads to inconvenience in use.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention provides a hydrogen storage alloy material crushing device, comprising:

[0007] The first tank is used to temporarily store materials to be crushed.

[0008] A gas source body, the gas outlet of which is connected to the interior of the first tank body, is used to supply hydrogen to the first tank body;

[0009] A filling assembly includes a second tank and a vacuum pump. The interior of the second tank is connected to the interior of the first tank, and the air inlet of the vacuum pump is connected to the interior of the second tank. The vacuum pump is used to vent the gas in the first tank or fill the crushed product in the second tank.

[0010] A valve body assembly is disposed on the outlet end of the first tank, the gas source body, the second tank, and the inlet end of the vacuum pump, and is used to control the gas flow.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a stirring component, which is rotatably built into the first tank body to assist in crushing the material to be crushed in the first tank body.

[0012] Furthermore, the first tank is a detachable and sealed container, and the filling assembly also includes a filter screen, which is disposed opposite to the discharge end of the first tank and connected to the first tank.

[0013] Furthermore, the filling assembly also includes an airtight rotary feeder and a large-diameter solenoid valve, which are sequentially arranged between the discharge end of the first tank and the inlet end of the second tank.

[0014] Furthermore, the filling assembly also includes a first can opening valve and a second can opening valve, wherein the first can opening valve is disposed at the feed end of the second can body and the second can opening valve is disposed at the discharge end of the second can body.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a filter, which is disposed between the air inlet of the vacuum pump and the discharge end of the second tank.

[0016] Furthermore, the valve body assembly includes a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve, wherein the first solenoid valve is disposed between the filter and the air inlet of the vacuum pump, and the second solenoid valve is disposed between the air inlet of the vacuum pump and the air inlet of the first tank.

[0017] Furthermore, the valve body assembly includes a pressure reducing valve, which is disposed between the gas outlet end of the gas source body and the first tank body.

[0018] Furthermore, it also includes a third can opening valve, which is located at the air inlet end of the first can body.

[0019] The present invention also provides a method for crushing hydrogen storage alloy materials, which utilizes the hydrogen storage alloy material crushing device as described in any of the above-mentioned methods, and includes the following steps:

[0020] The material to be crushed is loaded into the first tank and the first tank is sealed.

[0021] Close the airtight rotary feeder and the large-diameter solenoid valve, and open the vacuum pump, the second solenoid valve and the third tank valve to evacuate the first tank.

[0022] Turn off the vacuum pump and the second solenoid valve, open the pressure reducing valve, and introduce the gas from the gas source body into the first tank.

[0023] Turn on the vacuum pump, the second solenoid valve and the third tank valve to discharge the hydrogen in the first tank, then turn off the vacuum pump and the second solenoid valve again, open the pressure reducing valve and introduce the gas from the gas source into the first tank again.

[0024] Turn on the agitator, and turn on the second tank valve, vacuum pump, and first solenoid valve;

[0025] Close the first solenoid valve, and open the airtight rotary feeder, the large-diameter solenoid valve, and the first tank opening valve.

[0026] Close the airtight rotary feeder and the large-diameter solenoid valve, and repeat the above steps several times.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention include: the gas source body is connected to the interior of the first tank for introducing hydrogen gas at a certain pressure into the first tank to crush the material to be crushed in the first tank; the vacuum pump is connected to the interior of the first tank through the interior of the second tank, which can both vent the air in the first tank and use suction force to suck out the crushed product from the first tank and store the crushed product in the second tank; the valve assembly is set on the gas outlet of the first tank, the gas source body, the second tank, and the vacuum pump, for controlling the gas flow. Compared with the prior art, by setting a vacuum pump and the first and second tanks connected internally, the crushed product in the first tank is sucked into the second tank for storage by the action of the vacuum pump, eliminating the need to separately transfer the product to an alloy storage tank, thus solving the technical problem in the prior art where the crushed product still needs to be transferred in the tank, resulting in inconvenience in use. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hydrogen storage alloy material crushing device and crushing method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this application and are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to illustrate the principles of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0030] Please see Figure 1This invention provides a hydrogen storage alloy material crushing device, comprising: a first tank 1, a gas source 2, a filling assembly 3, and a valve assembly 4. The first tank 1 is used to temporarily store the material to be crushed. The outlet of the gas source 2 is connected to the interior of the first tank 1 and is used to supply hydrogen to the first tank 1 to crush the material to be crushed. The filling assembly 3 includes a second tank 31 and a vacuum pump 32. The interior of the second tank 31 is connected to the interior of the first tank 1, and the inlet of the vacuum pump 32 is connected to the interior of the second tank 31. The vacuum pump 32 is used to vent the gas in the first tank 1 or to fill the crushed product in the second tank 31. The valve assembly 4 is disposed on the outlet of the first tank 1, the gas source 2, the second tank 31, and the inlet of the vacuum pump 32 and is used to control the flow of gas.

[0031] In this device, the gas source 2 is connected to the interior of the first tank 1 and is used to introduce hydrogen gas with a certain pressure into the first tank 1 to crush the material to be crushed in the first tank 1. The vacuum pump 32 is connected to the interior of the first tank 1 through the interior of the second tank 31. It can both vent the air in the first tank 1 and use suction force to suck out the crushed product in the first tank 1 and store the crushed product in the second tank 31. The valve assembly 4 is set on the gas outlet of the first tank 1, the gas source 2, the second tank 31, and the gas inlet of the vacuum pump 32 to control the gas flow.

[0032] Compared to existing technologies, by setting up a vacuum pump 32 and internally connected first tank 1 and second tank 31, the broken product in the first tank 1 is sucked into the second tank 31 for storage using the action of the vacuum pump 32. There is no need to separately transfer the product to an alloy storage tank, which solves the technical problem in existing technologies where the broken product is still stored in the tank and needs to be transferred, resulting in inconvenience in use.

[0033] Furthermore, in this device, the gas source 2 is a hydrogen cylinder that is common and readily available on the market, and the vacuum pump 32 is a gas pump that is common and readily available on the market. Here, the gas source 2 and the vacuum pump 32 are conventional settings known to those skilled in the art, and will not be described in detail.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the hydrogen storage alloy material crushing device in this application also includes a stirring element 5, a filter 6, and a third tank valve 7.

[0035] The agitator 5 is rotatably built into the first tank 1 to assist in crushing the material to be crushed in the first tank 1.

[0036] The alloy reacting with hydrogen is in the initial hydrogenation stage, which increases its brittleness. The rotation of the agitator 5 can help the alloy break down and accelerate the production efficiency of the crushing device.

[0037] Furthermore, the agitator 5 here is a commonly available and readily procurable agitator, which is a standard configuration known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0038] One implementation method is, for example Figure 1 As shown, the first tank 1 is a detachable and sealed container, and the filling assembly 3 also includes a filter screen 33, which is disposed relative to the discharge end of the first tank 1 and connected to the first tank 1.

[0039] By selecting the sieve diameter of filter screen 33, the output of the crushed product can be effectively controlled. By using a repeated crushing method, the ideal particle diameter and better crushing effect can be achieved.

[0040] Furthermore, in this device, the first tank 1 is a sealed storage tank with an open top structure, which is sealed by flanges and seals. The inner wall of the first tank 1 slopes continuously along the direction close to the bottom of the first tank 1, forming a structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, which is beneficial for the collection of crushed materials. This will not be elaborated further here.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the filling assembly 3 also includes an airtight rotary feeder 34 and a large-diameter solenoid valve 35, a first can opening valve 36 and a second can opening valve 37.

[0042] Among them, the airtight rotary feeder 34 and the large-diameter solenoid valve 35 are sequentially arranged between the discharge end of the first tank 1 and the feed end of the second tank 31.

[0043] The airtight rotary feeder 34 and the large-diameter solenoid valve 35 are located between the discharge end of the first tank 1 and the feed end of the second tank 31, which facilitates the smooth entry of crushed particles from the first tank 1 into the second tank 31.

[0044] Furthermore, the airtight rotary feeder 34 and the large-diameter solenoid valve 35 are common and readily available equipment on the market, and are conventional settings known to those skilled in the art, so they will not be described in detail here.

[0045] One implementation method is, for example Figure 1 As shown, the first tank valve 36 is located at the feed end of the second tank 31, and the second tank valve 37 is located at the discharge end of the second tank 31.

[0046] The first tank valve 36 and the second tank valve 37 can efficiently control the connection status between the second tank 31 and the first tank 1 and the vacuum pump 32, which is beneficial for vacuuming the first tank 1 and drawing the crushed products into the second tank 31, making it convenient to use.

[0047] One implementation method is, for example Figure 1As shown, filter 6 is located between the air inlet of vacuum pump 32 and the discharge end of second tank 31.

[0048] The filter 6 can effectively prevent impurities or fine particles generated in the first tank 1 or the second tank 31 from entering the vacuum pump 32, reducing the wear and tear on the vacuum pump 32 and improving the stability of the device operation.

[0049] Furthermore, the filter 6 in this device is a common and readily available filter on the market, which is a conventional setting known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the valve body assembly 4 includes a first solenoid valve 41, a second solenoid valve 42, and a pressure reducing valve 43.

[0051] The first solenoid valve 41 is located between the filter 6 and the air inlet of the vacuum pump 32, and the second solenoid valve 42 is located between the air inlet of the vacuum pump 32 and the air inlet of the first tank 1.

[0052] The first solenoid valve 41 and the second solenoid valve 42 can control the vacuum pump 32 to be connected to the inside of the first tank 1 through the second tank 31, or directly connected to the inside of the first tank 1, which is convenient for the user to operate.

[0053] Furthermore, both the first solenoid valve 41 and the second solenoid valve 42 are common and readily available solenoid valves on the market. This is a conventional setting known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0054] As another implementation method, such as Figure 1 As shown, the pressure reducing valve 43 is located between the outlet end of the gas source body 2 and the first tank body 1.

[0055] The pressure reducing valve 43 is located at the outlet of the gas source body 2, which can effectively control the pressure when hydrogen enters the first tank 1, thereby making the device suitable for crushing hydrogen storage alloys of different materials and improving the applicability of the device.

[0056] As another implementation method, such as Figure 1 As shown, the third tank valve 7 is located at the air inlet end of the first tank 1.

[0057] The third tank valve 7 can be used as an air inlet or outlet for the first tank 1, which improves the stability of the device operation and makes it easier to use.

[0058] The present invention also provides a method for crushing hydrogen storage alloy materials, which utilizes the hydrogen storage alloy material crushing device described in any of the above-mentioned methods, and includes the following steps:

[0059] The material to be crushed is loaded into the first tank and the first tank is sealed.

[0060] Close the airtight rotary feeder and the large-diameter solenoid valve, and open the vacuum pump, the second solenoid valve and the third tank valve to evacuate the first tank.

[0061] Turn off the vacuum pump and the second solenoid valve, open the pressure reducing valve, and introduce the gas from the gas source body into the first tank.

[0062] Turn on the vacuum pump, the second solenoid valve and the third tank valve to discharge the hydrogen in the first tank, then turn off the vacuum pump and the second solenoid valve again, open the pressure reducing valve and introduce the gas from the gas source into the first tank again.

[0063] Turn on the agitator, and turn on the second tank valve, vacuum pump, and first solenoid valve;

[0064] Close the first solenoid valve, and open the airtight rotary feeder, the large-diameter solenoid valve, and the first tank opening valve.

[0065] Close the airtight rotary feeder and the large-diameter solenoid valve, and repeat the above steps several times.

[0066] In the specific workflow of this invention, the gas source 2 is connected to the interior of the first tank 1, and is used to introduce hydrogen gas at a certain pressure into the first tank 1 to crush the material to be crushed in the first tank 1. The vacuum pump 32 is connected to the interior of the first tank 1 through the interior of the second tank 31, which can both vent the air in the first tank 1 and use suction force to suck out the crushed product from the first tank 1 and store the crushed product in the second tank 31. The valve assembly 4 is disposed on the gas outlet of the first tank 1, the gas source 2, the second tank 31, and the gas inlet of the vacuum pump 32, and is used to control the gas flow. Compared with the prior art, by setting the vacuum pump 32 and the first tank 1 and the second tank 31 connected internally, the crushed product in the first tank 1 is sucked into the second tank 31 for storage by the action of the vacuum pump 32, and there is no need to transfer the product to an alloy storage tank separately.

[0067] When using the product, the user sequentially loads 100kg of cake-shaped high-vanadium solid solution hydrogen storage alloy (vanadium content exceeding 80%) after melting and heat treatment into the first tank 1, tightens the bolts, and seals it. The airtight rotary feeder 34 and the large-diameter solenoid valve 35 are then closed. The vacuum pump 32, the second solenoid valve 42, and the third tank valve 7 are turned on to evacuate the first tank 1 for 50 minutes. The vacuum pump 32 and the second solenoid valve 42 are then closed, and the hydrogen pressure reducing valve 43 is adjusted to 0.01MPa to introduce hydrogen into the first tank 1 for 30 minutes. At this point, the easily activated vanadium-based solid solution hydrogen storage alloy has begun preliminary hydrogenation. However, due to the low input hydrogen pressure, the degree of hydrogenation is not high, resulting in a low-pressure and stable hydride plateau. The lattice of the hydrogen storage alloy begins to expand, and the stress increases its brittleness. At this point, the hydrogen gas in the first tank 1 is discharged through a vacuum pipeline consisting of vacuum pump 32, third tank valve 7, and second solenoid valve 42 for 50 minutes. Then, the vacuum pump 32 and second solenoid valve 42 are turned off, and the hydrogen pressure reducing valve 43 is adjusted to 0.05 MPa to introduce hydrogen gas into the first tank 1 for 30 minutes. During this stage, the alloy in the first tank 1 will be further hydrogenated, generating greater expansion stress. The stirring device inside the first tank 1 is then turned on. At this point, the cake-shaped high-vanadium solid solution hydrogen storage alloy has been pulverized, but it will retain its original shape if there is no external force intervention. The function of the stirring device is to break its original shape. The particles formed after stirring accumulate in the first tank 1. The inner wall of the first tank 1 has a certain angle. As the stirrer is turned on, more particles will be transported downwards under the action of gravity. Finally, the crushed particles are transported to the solid alloy hydrogen storage tank to be filled with powder through a 50-mesh filter sieve 33, an airtight rotary sampler, and a large-diameter solenoid valve 35. Vacuum pump 32, second tank valve 37, and first solenoid valve 41 are turned on to evacuate the solid alloy hydrogen storage tank to be filled with powder. After evacuating the tank, the first solenoid valve 41 is closed. The airtight rotary sampler, large-diameter solenoid valve 35, and first tank valve 36 are turned on. After hydrogen is absorbed, crushed, and stirred in the first tank 1, the powder particles will be transported into the solid alloy hydrogen storage tank due to the pressure difference between the 0.05 MPa hydrogen pressure inside the first tank 1 and the vacuum state inside the solid alloy hydrogen storage tank. The large-diameter solenoid valve 35 and the airtight rotary sampler are closed. The flange of the first tank 1 is opened to continue filling the disc-shaped high vanadium solid solution hydrogen storage alloy. The above steps can be repeated to crush the disc-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage alloy into particles and fill them into the hydrogen storage tank container in batches. The powder filling density can reach 3.8 kg / L, and the hydrogen release capacity of the resulting alloy hydrogen storage tank can be converted into a hydrogen storage density of 2.31 wt%.

[0068] Furthermore, the user can sequentially load nearly 150 kg of AB5 type rare earth hydrogen storage alloy ingots into the first tank 1, tighten the bolts and seal it, close the airtight rotary feeder 34 and the large-diameter solenoid valve 35, turn on the vacuum pump 32, the second solenoid valve 42 and the third tank valve 7 to perform vacuum treatment on the first tank 1 for 50 minutes; turn off the vacuum pump 32 and the second solenoid valve 42, adjust the hydrogen pressure reducing valve 43 to 0.2 MPa, and input hydrogen into the first tank 1 for 30 minutes. At this point, the hydrogen gas in the first tank 1 is discharged through the vacuum pipeline for 30 minutes; the vacuum pump 32 and the second solenoid valve 42 are turned off, and the hydrogen pressure reducing valve 43 is adjusted to 0.8 MPa to input hydrogen gas into the first tank 1 for 30 minutes. During this stage, the alloy in the first tank 1 will be further hydrogenated, generating greater expansion stress. The stirring device inside the first tank 1 is then turned on. At this point, the high vanadium solid solution hydrogen storage alloy ingot has been pulverized, but it will retain its original shape if there is no external force intervention. The role of the stirring device is to break its original shape. The resulting particles accumulate in the first tank 1. The inner wall of the first tank 1 has a certain angle. As the stirrer is turned on, more particles are transported downwards under the action of gravity. Finally, the crushed particles are transported to the solid alloy hydrogen storage tank to be filled with powder through a 6-mesh filter sieve 33, an airtight rotary sampler, and a large-diameter solenoid valve 35. Turn on vacuum pump 32, second tank opening valve 37 and first solenoid valve 41 to evacuate the solid alloy hydrogen storage tank to be filled with powder, then close the first solenoid valve 41. Turn on the airtight rotary sampler, large-diameter solenoid valve 35 and first tank opening valve 36. After the powder particles are absorbed, crushed and stirred in the first tank 1, they will be transported to the solid alloy hydrogen storage tank due to the pressure difference. Close the large-diameter solenoid valve 35 and the airtight rotary sampler, open the flange of the first tank 1 and continue to fill AB5 type rare earth hydrogen storage alloy ingots. Repeat the above steps to crush the alloy ingots into particles in batches and fill them into the hydrogen storage tank container. The hydrogen release capacity of the resulting alloy hydrogen storage tank can be converted into a hydrogen storage density of up to 1.25 wt%.

[0069] This device, through the aforementioned structure, solves the technical problem in the prior art where the crushed products still need to be transferred within the tank, resulting in inconvenience in use.

[0070] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for crushing hydrogen storage alloy materials, characterized in that, The hydrogen storage alloy material crushing device includes: The first tank is used to temporarily store materials to be crushed. A gas source body, the gas outlet of which is connected to the interior of the first tank body, is used to supply hydrogen to the first tank body; A filling assembly includes a second tank and a vacuum pump. The interior of the second tank is connected to the interior of the first tank, and the air inlet of the vacuum pump is connected to the interior of the second tank. The vacuum pump is used to vent the gas in the first tank or fill the crushed product in the second tank. A valve body assembly is disposed on the outlet end of the first tank, the gas source body, the second tank, and the inlet end of the vacuum pump, and is used to control the gas flow. The method for crushing hydrogen storage alloy materials includes the following steps: The material to be crushed is loaded into the first tank and the first tank is sealed. Close the airtight rotary feeder and the large-diameter solenoid valve, and open the vacuum pump, the second solenoid valve and the third tank valve to evacuate the first tank. Turn off the vacuum pump and the second solenoid valve, open the pressure reducing valve, and introduce the gas from the gas source body into the first tank. Turn on the vacuum pump, the second solenoid valve and the third tank valve to discharge the hydrogen in the first tank, then turn off the vacuum pump and the second solenoid valve again, open the pressure reducing valve and introduce the gas from the gas source into the first tank again. Turn on the agitator, and turn on the second tank valve, vacuum pump, and first solenoid valve; Close the first solenoid valve, and open the airtight rotary feeder, the large-diameter solenoid valve, and the first tank opening valve. Close the airtight rotary feeder and the large-diameter solenoid valve, and repeat the above steps several times. The powder particles that have been absorbed, crushed, and stirred in the first tank will be transported to the solid alloy hydrogen storage tank due to the pressure difference caused by the hydrogen pressure in the first tank and the vacuum state inside the solid alloy hydrogen storage tank.

2. The method for crushing hydrogen storage alloy materials according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a stirring component, which is rotatably built into the first tank and is used to assist in crushing the material to be crushed in the first tank.

3. The method for crushing hydrogen storage alloy materials according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first tank is a detachable and sealed container, and the filling assembly further includes a filter screen, which is disposed opposite to the discharge end of the first tank and connected to the first tank.

4. The method for crushing hydrogen storage alloy materials according to claim 3, characterized in that, The filling assembly also includes an airtight rotary feeder and a large-diameter solenoid valve, which are sequentially arranged between the discharge end of the first tank and the inlet end of the second tank.

5. The method for crushing hydrogen storage alloy materials according to claim 4, characterized in that, The filling assembly further includes a first can opening valve and a second can opening valve, wherein the first can opening valve is disposed at the inlet end of the second can body and the second can opening valve is disposed at the outlet end of the second can body.

6. The method for crushing hydrogen storage alloy materials according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a filter, which is disposed between the air inlet of the vacuum pump and the discharge end of the second tank.

7. The method for crushing hydrogen storage alloy materials according to claim 6, characterized in that, The valve body assembly includes a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve. The first solenoid valve is disposed between the filter and the air inlet of the vacuum pump, and the second solenoid valve is disposed between the air inlet of the vacuum pump and the air inlet of the first tank.

8. The method for crushing hydrogen storage alloy materials according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body assembly includes a pressure reducing valve, which is disposed between the gas outlet end of the gas source body and the first tank body.

9. The method for crushing hydrogen storage alloy materials according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a third can opening valve, which is located at the air inlet end of the first can body.

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