Electrolytic hydrogen removal device and pressurized hydrogen removal method for ship ballast water treatment system

Abstract

The application discloses an electrolysis hydrogen removal device of a ship ballast water treatment system and a pressurized hydrogen removal method, and belongs to the field of marine environmental engineering. The device comprises a cyclone separator, a water inlet pipeline, a gas outlet pipeline and a liquid level meter; an automatic adjusting valve is connected with the liquid level meter, the opening of the automatic adjusting valve is adjusted according to the data monitored by the liquid level meter, the pressure in the barrel of the cyclone separator is controlled to be 2-7 bar, and the hydrogen flow rate in the gas outlet pipeline is controlled to be 0.5-15 m / s. The application is applied to the field of marine environmental engineering, solves the technical problem that the existing hydrogen removal method of the ship ballast water treatment system adopts more system internal module settings, and increases the risk of system operation failure, and has the characteristics that the generated sodium hypochlorite solution after hydrogen removal of the electrolysis device can be directly injected into the main pipeline under pressure, and an additional dosing pump is not needed for pressurized injection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of marine environmental engineering, and particularly relates to an electrolytic hydrogen removal device and a pressurized hydrogen removal method for a ship ballast water treatment system. Background Technology

[0002] In the process of treating ship ballast water using the branch electrolysis method, some hydrogen gas is generated during the electrolysis of seawater to produce sodium hypochlorite solution. The existing technology uses a cyclone separator to separate the hydrogen gas from the sodium hypochlorite solution and depressurize it. The sodium hypochlorite solution is then extracted by the dosing unit and injected into the main pipeline to inactivate microorganisms in the main pipeline seawater.

[0003] Chinese patent CN112624242A discloses a cyclone separator, including a separator housing and an exhaust assembly disposed within the separator housing. The exhaust assembly includes a bearing bracket, a bearing, a hollow rotating shaft, a drive fan, and a gas collecting cap. The bearing bracket is disposed at the exhaust port and fixed to the inner wall of the separator housing. The bearing bracket has multiple first exhaust holes along the axial direction of the separator housing. The top end of the hollow rotating shaft is rotatably mounted on the bearing bracket via a bearing. The gas collecting cap is fixed to the bottom end of the hollow rotating shaft. A gap is provided between the outer edge of the gas collecting cap and the inner wall of the separator housing. The drive fan is fixed on the hollow rotating shaft and located between the bearing bracket and the gas collecting cap. The position of the drive fan corresponds to the position of the solution inlet.

[0004] The aforementioned patent enables the escape of hydrogen from the seawater electrolyte, thereby improving the gas-liquid separation efficiency of the cyclone separator. However, the patented system has numerous modules, increasing the risk of malfunctions during system operation. To simplify the system, upgrades are necessary to improve its operational reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Details of one or more embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the following drawings and description to make other features, objects and advantages of the present application more readily apparent.

[0006] This invention proposes an electrolytic hydrogen removal device and a pressurized hydrogen removal method for a ship ballast water treatment system. It solves the technical problem that the existing hydrogen removal methods for ship ballast water treatment systems have a large number of internal modules, which increases the risk of failure during system operation. It has the feature of being able to directly inject the sodium hypochlorite solution generated after hydrogen removal by the electrolytic device into the main pipeline under pressure without the need for an additional dosing pump for pressurized injection.

[0007] This invention provides an electrolytic hydrogen removal device for a ship ballast water treatment system, comprising a cyclone separator, an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and a level gauge. The cyclone separator separates sodium hypochlorite solution and hydrogen gas. The inlet pipe is connected to the cyclone separator and tangential to its side cylinder, and is used to transport the electrolyzed solution containing sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen gas into the cylinder of the cyclone separator. The outlet pipe is connected to the top of the cyclone separator and is equipped with an automatic regulating valve. The outlet pipe receives the hydrogen gas through the cyclone separator. Hydrogen gas separated by the cyclone separator is output; the level gauge is connected to the cyclone separator to monitor the liquid level inside the cyclone separator; the bottom of the cyclone separator is connected to the main pipeline, and the sodium hypochlorite solution separated by the cyclone separator flows through the main pipeline and inactivates the microorganisms in the main pipeline; the automatic regulating valve is connected to the level gauge, and the opening of the automatic regulating valve is adjusted according to the data monitored by the level gauge to control the pressure inside the cyclone separator cylinder to be 2-7 bar, and the hydrogen gas flow rate in the outlet pipeline to be 0.5-15 m / s.

[0008] In some embodiments, the water inlet pipe is connected to an electrolyzer, the electrolyzer producing hydrogen at a rate of 2.5-20% of the incoming water flow.

[0009] In some embodiments, a gas-water separation valve is also provided on the gas outlet pipe.

[0010] In some embodiments, the level gauge is provided with at least four alarm points.

[0011] In some embodiments, the level gauge is equipped with four alarm points: low-low alarm, low alarm, high alarm, and high-high alarm.

[0012] In some embodiments, a hydrogen sensor, a pressure switch, and an explosion-proof fan are also provided on the gas outlet pipe.

[0013] In some embodiments, a pressure gauge is provided on the main pipeline.

[0014] In some embodiments, the electrolytic cell is connected to a water supply pipe that delivers seawater into the electrolytic cell for electrolysis.

[0015] In some embodiments, the water supply pipe is equipped with a conductivity meter, a flow meter, and a pressure sensor.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention provides a pressurized hydrogen removal method for the electrolytic hydrogen removal device of the ship ballast water treatment system described in any of the above technical solutions, comprising: pressurized seawater is electrolyzed in an electrolytic cell, and the resulting mixed solution of sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen enters a cyclone separator. The solution in the cyclone separator forms a vortex, and hydrogen accumulates at the top of the cyclone separator. The hydrogen is discharged stably through an outlet pipe connected to the top of the cyclone separator and by adjusting the opening of an automatic regulating valve, ensuring that the liquid level inside the cyclone separator cylinder is stable within a certain range. The sodium hypochlorite solution flows out through the lower end of the separator and is directly injected into the main pipeline under pressure.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0018] This invention provides an electrolytic hydrogen removal device and a pressurized hydrogen removal method for a ship ballast water treatment system. Through structural design and control of flow rate, pressure, and hydrogen flow rate, it ensures complete separation of hydrogen and sodium hypochlorite solution. At the same time, by using a regulating valve, it ensures that the sodium hypochlorite solution discharged from the cyclone separator can directly enter the main pipeline under pressure. This eliminates the need for depressurization and storage in a buffer tank, as well as the need for a dosing unit to extract sodium hypochlorite solution and inject it into the main pipeline. This ensures efficient separation of hydrogen and sodium hypochlorite solution while simplifying the device structure and process. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and form part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the electrolytic hydrogen removal device of the ship ballast water treatment system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the electrolytic hydrogen removal device of the ship ballast water treatment system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the pressurized hydrogen removal process of the electrolytic hydrogen removal device in the ship ballast water treatment system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure descriptions: 1. Electrolytic cell; 2. Temperature sensor; 3. Automatic regulating valve; 4. Gas-water separator valve; 5. Hydrogen sensor; 6. Air pressure switch; 7. Explosion-proof fan; 8. Pressure gauge; 9. Level gauge; 10. Cyclone separator; 11. Conductivity meter; 12. Flow meter; 13. Pressure sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be described and illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments provided by this invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0025] Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are merely some examples or embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can apply the present invention to other similar scenarios based on these drawings without any inventive effort. Furthermore, it is understood that although the efforts made in this development process may be complex and lengthy, for those skilled in the art related to the content disclosed in this invention, modifications to design, manufacturing, or production based on the technical content disclosed in this invention are merely conventional technical means and should not be construed as insufficient disclosure of the present invention.

[0026] In this invention, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this invention may be combined with other embodiments without conflict.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "a," "an," "an," "the," and similar words used in this invention do not indicate quantity limitation and may indicate singular or plural. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and any variations thereof used in this invention are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or modules (units) is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may also include steps or units not listed, or may include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. The terms "connected," "linked," "coupled," and similar words used in this invention are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "A plurality" in this invention refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships may exist; for example, "A and / or B" can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone.

[0028] This invention provides an electrolytic hydrogen removal device for a ship ballast water treatment system. Figure 1 , 2 This is a schematic diagram and a partial schematic diagram of the electrolytic hydrogen removal device of a ship ballast water treatment system according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Reference) Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the device includes at least a cyclone separator 10, a water inlet pipe, an air outlet pipe, and a level gauge 9. The cyclone separator 10 is used to separate sodium hypochlorite solution and hydrogen gas. The water inlet pipe is connected to the cyclone separator 10 and is tangent to the side cylinder of the cyclone separator 10. The water inlet pipe is used to transport the electrolyzed solution containing sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen gas into the cylinder of the cyclone separator 10. The air outlet pipe is connected to the top of the cyclone separator 10 and is equipped with an automatic regulating valve 3. The air outlet pipe receives the sodium hypochlorite solution separated by the cyclone separator 10. The system outputs hydrogen gas; a level gauge 9 is connected to a cyclone separator 10 to monitor the liquid level within the separator; the bottom of the cyclone separator 10 is connected to a main pipeline, and the sodium hypochlorite solution separated by the cyclone separator 10 flows through the main pipeline, inactivating microorganisms within it; an automatic regulating valve 3 is connected to the level gauge 9, adjusting its opening based on the data monitored by the level gauge 9 to control the pressure inside the cyclone separator 10 at 2-7 bar and the hydrogen flow rate in the outlet pipeline at 0.5-15 m / s. This invention specifies that the inlet water pipe is connected to the cyclone separator 10 and tangential to the side cylinder of the cyclone separator 10, so that the incoming water forms a vortex, achieving the purpose of hydrogen separation. Furthermore, a temperature sensor 2 is also installed on the inlet water pipe.

[0029] Current technology uses a cyclone separator 10 to separate hydrogen from sodium hypochlorite solution, depressurize and store it in a buffer tank, and then inject the sodium hypochlorite solution into the main pipeline via a dosing unit to inactivate microorganisms in the seawater in the main pipeline. However, this system has many modules, increasing the risk of malfunctions during operation. To simplify the system, upgrades are needed to improve its reliability. The present invention, through structural design and control of flow rate, pressure, and hydrogen flow rate, ensures complete separation of hydrogen and sodium hypochlorite solution. Simultaneously, a regulating valve ensures that the pressurized sodium hypochlorite solution discharged from the cyclone separator 10 enters the main pipeline directly, eliminating the need for depressurization, buffer tank storage, and injection of sodium hypochlorite solution into the main pipeline via a dosing unit. This ensures efficient separation of hydrogen and sodium hypochlorite solution while simplifying the device structure and process. Specifically, the inlet pipe of the cyclone separator 10 is tangential to the cylinder body, causing the incoming water to form a vortex flow, thus achieving the purpose of separating hydrogen. Its hydrogen outlet is equipped with an automatic regulating valve 3 and a gas-water separator. Pressurized seawater is electrolyzed by the electrolytic cell 1 into a mixed solution of sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen, which enters the cyclone separator 10. A vortex flow is formed in the solution of the cyclone separator 10, and hydrogen accumulates at the top of the separator. A hydrogen discharge pipe is installed at the top of the separator, and the hydrogen is discharged after being diluted to below a safe concentration by a blower. The automatic regulating valve 3 stabilizes the discharge of hydrogen by adjusting the valve opening, ensuring that the liquid level in the separator is stable within a certain range. The sodium hypochlorite solution is discharged through the separator outlet, realizing the direct injection of pressurized sodium hypochlorite solution produced after hydrogen removal by the electrolytic device into the main pipeline. This invention also specifies that the pressure inside the cyclone separator 10 is 2-7 bar, and the hydrogen flow rate in the outlet pipe is 0.5-15 m / s. Furthermore, it specifies that the inlet pipe is connected to the electrolytic cell 1, and the hydrogen production rate of the electrolytic cell 1 is 2.5-20% of the inlet water flow rate. This ensures that, under the maximum flow rate corresponding to the design pressure of the hydrogen system, the venting rate is lower than the hydrogen production rate. This, in turn, ensures that the sodium hypochlorite solution enters the main pipeline under pressure while maintaining separation efficiency, even when hydrogen and sodium hypochlorite are completely separated. The electrolytic hydrogen removal device and pressurized hydrogen removal method for ship ballast water treatment systems mentioned in this invention can effectively simplify the system, reduce system costs, and improve system operational reliability.

[0030] In some embodiments, a gas-water separation valve 4 is also included on the gas outlet pipe. The gas-water separation valve 4 can separate water mixed in the hydrogen gas to ensure that water does not enter the hydrogen discharge pipe.

[0031] In some embodiments, at least four alarm points are provided for the level gauge 9. Further, four alarm points are provided for the level gauge 9: low-low alarm, low alarm, high alarm, and high-high alarm. The automatic regulating valve 3 is located on the upper pipe of the hydrogen discharge port of the cyclone separator 10 and dynamically adjusts its opening degree according to the output data of the level gauge 9 set in the cyclone separator 10, thereby achieving stable hydrogen discharge.

[0032] In some embodiments, the system also includes a hydrogen sensor 5, a pressure switch 6, and an explosion-proof fan 7, all mounted on the outlet pipe. The pressure switch 6 detects the pressure at the fan outlet and switches to a standby fan and triggers an alarm when the outlet pressure is too low.

[0033] In some embodiments, a pressure gauge 8 is installed on the main pipeline. The electrolytic cell 1 is connected to a water supply pipeline, which delivers seawater to the electrolytic cell 1 for electrolysis. The water supply pipeline is equipped with a conductivity meter 11, a flow meter 12, and a pressure sensor 13. The flow rate is maintained within a stable range via an inlet regulating valve for the electrolytic cell 1. The flow meter 12 monitors the incoming water flow rate to the electrolytic cell 1, and the inlet regulating valve ensures the flow rate remains within a stable range; the pressure sensor 13 monitors the incoming water pressure to the electrolytic cell 1, and the inlet regulating valve ensures pressure stability.

[0034] Another aspect of the present invention provides a pressurized hydrogen removal method for an electrolytic hydrogen removal device of a ship ballast water treatment system according to any of the above-mentioned technical solutions, comprising: pressurized seawater is electrolyzed in an electrolytic cell 1, and the resulting mixed solution of sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen enters a cyclone separator 10. The solution in the cyclone separator 10 forms a vortex, and hydrogen accumulates at the top of the cyclone separator 10. The hydrogen is discharged stably through an outlet pipe connected to the top of the cyclone separator 10 and by adjusting the opening of an automatic regulating valve 3, ensuring that the liquid level in the cylinder of the cyclone separator 10 is stable within a certain range. The sodium hypochlorite solution flows out through the lower end of the separator and is directly injected into the main pipeline under pressure. Specifically, pressurized seawater is electrolyzed in electrolytic cell 1 into a mixed solution of sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen, which then enters cyclone separator 10. In cyclone separator 10, the solution forms a vortex, and hydrogen accumulates at the top of the separator. A hydrogen discharge pipe is installed at the top of the separator, and the hydrogen is diluted to a safe concentration by a blower before being discharged. An automatic regulating valve 3 adjusts the valve opening to stably discharge hydrogen, ensuring the liquid level inside the separator remains stable within a certain range. The sodium hypochlorite solution flows out through the lower end of the separator, and a pressure gauge 8 is installed at the separator outlet for easy inspection and maintenance. This technology allows the pressurized sodium hypochlorite solution produced after hydrogen removal from the electrolytic unit to be directly injected into the main pipeline without the need for an additional dosing pump.

[0035] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0036] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electrolytic hydrogen removal device for a ship ballast water treatment system, characterized in that, include: Cyclone separator, the cyclone separator being used to separate sodium hypochlorite solution and hydrogen gas; The water inlet pipe is connected to the cyclone separator and is tangent to the side cylinder of the cyclone separator. The water inlet pipe is used to transport the electrolyzed solution containing sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen into the cylinder of the cyclone separator. An outlet pipe is connected to the top of the cyclone separator. An automatic regulating valve is provided on the outlet pipe, and the outlet pipe outputs the hydrogen gas separated by the cyclone separator. A level gauge is connected to the cyclone separator to monitor the liquid level inside the cyclone separator. The bottom of the cyclone separator is connected to the main pipeline, and the sodium hypochlorite solution separated by the cyclone separator flows through the main pipeline and inactivates the microorganisms in the main pipeline. The automatic regulating valve is connected to the level gauge. The opening of the automatic regulating valve is adjusted according to the data monitored by the level gauge to control the pressure inside the cyclone separator to be 2-7 bar and the hydrogen flow rate in the outlet pipe to be 0.5-15 m / s. The water inlet pipe is connected to the electrolyzer, and the hydrogen production of the electrolyzer is 2.5-20% of the inlet water flow rate.

2. The electrolytic hydrogen removal device for the ship ballast water treatment system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a gas-water separation valve installed on the gas outlet pipe.

3. The electrolytic hydrogen removal device for the ship ballast water treatment system according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least four alarm points shall be set for the level gauge.

4. The electrolytic hydrogen removal device for the ship ballast water treatment system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The level gauge is equipped with four alarm points: low-low alarm, low alarm, high alarm, and high-high alarm.

5. The electrolytic hydrogen removal device for the ship ballast water treatment system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a hydrogen sensor, a wind pressure switch, and an explosion-proof fan installed on the gas outlet pipe.

6. The electrolytic hydrogen removal device for the ship ballast water treatment system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A pressure gauge is installed on the main pipeline.

7. The electrolytic hydrogen removal device for the ship ballast water treatment system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrolytic cell is connected to a water supply pipeline, which delivers seawater to the electrolytic cell for electrolysis.

8. The electrolytic hydrogen removal device for the ship ballast water treatment system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The water supply pipeline is equipped with a conductivity meter, a flow meter, and a pressure sensor.

9. The pressurized hydrogen removal method of the electrolytic hydrogen removal device of the ship ballast water treatment system according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, include: Pressurized seawater is electrolyzed in an electrolytic cell, and the resulting mixture of sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen enters a cyclone separator. The solution in the cyclone separator forms a vortex, and the hydrogen accumulates at the top of the cyclone separator. The hydrogen is discharged stably through an outlet pipe connected to the top of the cyclone separator and by adjusting the opening of an automatic regulating valve, ensuring that the liquid level inside the cyclone separator is stable within a certain range. The sodium hypochlorite solution flows out through the lower end of the separator and is directly injected into the main pipeline under pressure.

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