Self-sealing gasket for electrolytic bath and electrolytic bath

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of electrolytic cells, and discloses a self-sealing gasket for an electrolytic cell and the electrolytic cell, the self-sealing gasket is of an annular structure and is used for being installed between two adjacent polar plate frames, the two side faces of the self-sealing gasket are attached to the sealing faces of the polar plate frames, the inner side face of the self-sealing gasket is provided with an annular groove, and the annular groove is communicated with the annular groove. The section of the annular groove is V-shaped to form a V-shaped groove, and component force of total pressure acting on the V-shaped groove compresses the self-sealing gasket, so that the self-sealing gasket is compressed on the sealing surface of the polar plate frame; the V-shaped groove is formed in the inner side surface of the self-sealing gasket, so that when the self-sealing gasket bears the internal pressure of an electrolytic cell, the component force of the pressure acts on the inclined surface of the V-shaped groove, the outer side surface of the sealing gasket is tightly pressed on the sealing surface of a polar plate frame, and the self-sealing gasket is better deformed to fill a gap of the sealing surface; and the service life of the electrolytic cell is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of electrolytic cells, in particular to a self-sealing gasket for an electrolytic cell and the electrolytic cell. Background Art

[0002] Alkaline water electrolysis is the most mature hydrogen production technology currently. It has the advantages of simple cell structure, safety and reliability, long service life, easy operation, and low price. It is the main electrolytic hydrogen production method on the market. Alkaline electrolyzers usually include hundreds of sets of metal pole frames, pole plates, and sealing gaskets, etc. Sealing gaskets are set between two adjacent pole frames; the sealing of alkaline electrolyzers is mainly achieved by tightening bolts to produce a large compression stress on the contact surface between the pole plate frame and the gasket and inside the gasket. On the one hand, the gasket surface is tightly combined with the pole plate frame surface to fill the micro gap on the plate frame surface, and on the other hand, the porosity of the gasket material is reduced, and the leakage channel of the electrolyte is also reduced. If the performance of the sealing gasket is poor, the cell seal will leak, which is mainly manifested as interface leakage and permeation leakage.

[0003] The working environment of the electrolytic cell is relatively harsh. In addition to enduring the strong corrosiveness of the alkaline solution, a large amount of heat is also released during the working process. In a high temperature environment, the pole frame will expand due to the heat, and then put pressure on the sealing gasket. When the sealing gasket is in a high temperature environment and is under compression, the creep phenomenon will be very obvious, and the sealing gasket after creep is difficult to rebound and recover. After the creep amount of multiple groups of sealing gaskets is superimposed, a gap will appear between the sealing gasket and the pole frame, which will cause leakage and other problems. Therefore, in the actual operation of the alkaline electrolytic cell, under high temperature, high pressure and repeated start and stop conditions, the sealing gasket is prone to cold flow and creep, resulting in cell leakage, which directly reduces the service life of the electrolytic cell. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a self-sealing gasket for an electrolytic cell and an electrolytic cell. A V-shaped groove is provided on the inner side of the self-sealing gasket so that when the self-sealing gasket is subjected to the internal pressure of the electrolytic cell, the component of the pressure acts on the inclined surface of the V-shaped groove, so that the outer side of the sealing gasket is tightly pressed against the sealing surface of the electrode plate and frame, so that the self-sealing gasket can be deformed better to fill the gap in the sealing surface, thereby preventing leakage of the electrolytic liquid in the electrolytic cell and ensuring the service life of the electrolytic cell.

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solutions:

[0006] In the first aspect, a self-sealing gasket for an electrolytic cell is provided. The self-sealing gasket has a circular ring structure and is used to be installed between two adjacent plate frames. The two side surfaces of the self-sealing gasket are in contact with the sealing surface of the plate frame. The inner side surface of the self-sealing gasket is provided with an annular groove. The cross-section of the annular groove is V-shaped to form a V-shaped groove. The component force of the total pressure acting on the V-shaped groove presses the self-sealing gasket to press the self-sealing gasket against the sealing surface of the plate frame.

[0007] As a further implementation, the V-shaped groove is located in the middle of the inner side surface of the self-sealing gasket.

[0008] As a further implementation, the opening end of the V-shaped groove has a set distance from the side of the self-sealing gasket.

[0009] As a further implementation, the included angle between the two inclined surfaces formed by the V-shaped groove section is 0-90°.

[0010] As a further implementation, the cross section of the V-shaped groove forms an equilateral triangle.

[0011] As a further implementation manner, the cross section of the V-shaped groove forms an isosceles triangle.

[0012] As a further implementation, the depth of the V-shaped groove is not greater than the thickness of the self-sealing gasket.

[0013] In a second aspect, an electrolytic cell comprises a plurality of pole plates and pole frames arranged in parallel, wherein a self-sealing gasket for an electrolytic cell as described above is clamped between the plurality of pole plates and pole frames.

[0014] As a further implementation, the outer sides of the pole plate and the pole frame are fixed by pressing plates, and the pole plate and the pole frame are fixed between the pressing plates by clamping fastener assemblies.

[0015] As a further implementation method, the pole plate and pole frame cooperate with the self-sealing gasket through a sealing surface, and a plurality of watermark lines are processed on the sealing surface.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0017] 1. The present invention provides a V-shaped groove on the inner side of the self-sealing gasket, so that when the self-sealing gasket is subjected to the internal pressure of the electrolytic cell, the component force of the pressure acts on the inclined surface of the V-shaped groove, so that the outer side of the sealing gasket is tightly pressed against the sealing surface of the pole plate and pole frame, so that the self-sealing gasket is better deformed to fill the sealing surface gap, and the tank body leakage problem caused by poor resilience caused by cold flow and creep of the self-sealing gasket can be better solved, thereby ensuring the service life of the electrolytic cell.

[0018] 2. The electrolytic cell of the present invention is equipped with a self-sealing gasket with a V-shaped groove. The sealing gasket can achieve an effective self-sealing effect with the help of the pressure in the electrolytic cell, ensure the close fit between the sealing gasket and the pole frame, meet the static and dynamic sealing performance requirements, prevent the leakage of alkaline electrolyte solution, and ensure the stable, safe and reliable operation of the electrolytic cell; coupled with the presence of the hydrographic line of the pole plate and pole frame 5, a labyrinth seal is formed to prevent the leakage of the electrolytic liquid in the electrolytic cell; the V-shaped groove is opened in the middle position of the inner side of the self-sealing gasket to ensure force balance.

[0019] 3. The present invention can effectively reduce the failure maintenance rate of the electrolytic cell, facilitate maintenance, greatly reduce the maintenance cost of the electrolytic cell, and fundamentally solve the difficulty and high maintenance cost of downtime maintenance and return to the factory for maintenance of the traditional electrolytic cell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The accompanying drawings in the specification, which constitute a part of the present invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute improper limitations on the present invention.

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an electrolytic cell in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of part A;

[0023] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a sealing gasket in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of part B.

[0025] In the figure: the distances or sizes between parts are exaggerated to show the positions of various parts, and the schematic diagram is for reference only.

[0026] Wherein: 1. left end pressure plate, 2. clamping fastener assembly, 3. tensioning elastomer guide ring, 4. tensioning elastomer fixing ring, 5. pole plate and pole frame, 6. self-sealing gasket, 7. tensioning elastomer assembly, 8. right end pressure plate; 61. V-shaped groove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in the present invention have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0028] Embodiment 1

[0029] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 2-Figure 4 As shown, a self-sealing gasket for an electrolytic cell includes a self-sealing gasket 6 in a circular ring structure, which is used to be installed between two adjacent plate frames 5. The two side surfaces of the self-sealing gasket 6 are in contact with the sealing surface of the plate frame 5. The inner side surface of the self-sealing gasket 6 is provided with an annular groove, and the cross-section of the annular groove is V-shaped to form a V-shaped groove 61. The component force of the total pressure acting on the V-shaped groove 61 presses the self-sealing gasket 6 to press the self-sealing gasket 6 against the sealing surface of the plate frame 5.

[0030] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the cross-section of the annular groove is V-shaped, and the V-shaped groove 61 is located in the middle of the inner side of the self-sealing gasket, so that the self-sealing gasket 6 is a symmetrical structure as a whole, so that the force at the position of the V-shaped groove 61 on the inner side of the self-sealing gasket 6 is balanced.

[0031] like Figure 4 As shown, the open end of the V-shaped groove 61 is located on one side of the inner side of the self-sealing gasket 6, and the closed end is set away from the inner side of the self-sealing gasket. In the cross section of the self-sealing gasket 6, the open end of the V-shaped groove 61 forms a point C and a point D at the intersection with the inner side of the self-sealing gasket 6, and the point C and the point D have a set distance from the side of the self-sealing gasket, and the distance is equal.

[0032] like Figure 2-Figure 4 As shown, the self-sealing sealing gasket 6 is installed between two adjacent pole plates and pole frames 5. A V-shaped groove 61 is opened at the middle position of the inner side of the self-sealing gasket 6. When the electrolytic cell is working, the V-shaped groove 61 is subjected to the pressure F from the liquid in the cell. The pressure F is decomposed into a pressure F1 perpendicular to the inclined surface and a pressure F2 along the inclined surface on the inclined surface of the V-shaped groove. Under the action of the pressure F1, the outer side of the sealing gasket is tightly pressed on the sealing surface of the pole plate frame 5. The greater the pressure inside the electrolytic cell, the greater the total pressure F acting on the inclined surface of the V-shaped groove 61 of the self-sealing gasket, and the greater the component F1. The outer side of the self-sealing gasket can be pressed more and more tightly on the sealing surface of the pole plate frame 5, so that the self-sealing gasket can be better deformed to fill the gap in the sealing surface. In addition, the existence of the hydrographic line of the pole plate frame 5 forms a labyrinth seal. In this way, the surface plastic deformation of the self-sealing gasket fills the microscopic unevenness of the sealing surface of the pole plate frame 5, prevents the leakage of the electrolytic liquid in the electrolytic cell, and ensures the service life of the electrolytic cell.

[0033] By providing the V-shaped groove 61, the cross-section of the V-shaped groove 61 is a triangular structure, and the cross-section of the V-shaped groove 61 forms an equilateral triangle or an isosceles triangle. When it is an equilateral triangle, the lengths of the hypotenuses of the cross-section of the V-shaped groove at point C and point D are equal, and the angle between the hypotenuse and the horizontal direction is 60°.

[0034] It can be understood that the included angle 2α of the two inclined surfaces formed by the cross section of the V-shaped groove 61 in this embodiment is 0-90°, preferably 60°.

[0035] According to the force analysis, F1=Fs inα, therefore, within the set range, the larger α is, the larger the component force F1 acting on the inclined surface of the V-shaped groove 61 is; in addition, the influence of the depth of the V-shaped groove 61 on the pressure needs to be considered, and the optimal parameters of the V-shaped groove 61 can be calculated through simulation experiments, and the depth of the V-shaped groove 61 is not greater than the thickness of the self-sealing gasket 6. In this embodiment, the shape of the V-shaped groove 61 is an equilateral triangle, and the depth of the V-shaped groove 61 is less than the thickness of the self-sealing gasket 6.

[0036] By opening a V-shaped groove 61 on the inner side of the self-sealing gasket 6, when the self-sealing gasket is subjected to the internal pressure of the electrolytic cell, the component force of the pressure acts on the inclined surface of the V-shaped groove 61, so that the outer side of the sealing gasket is tightly pressed against the sealing surface of the plate frame 5, so that the self-sealing gasket can be deformed to fill the gap in the sealing surface, thereby preventing leakage of the electrolytic liquid in the electrolytic cell and ensuring the service life of the electrolytic cell.

[0037] Embodiment 2

[0038] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 1-Figure 4 As shown, an electrolytic cell includes a plurality of plate pole frames 5 arranged in parallel, and a self-sealing gasket 6 for an electrolytic cell shown in the first embodiment is clamped between the plurality of plate pole frames 5. The outer sides of the plate pole frames 5 are fixed by a pressing plate, and the plate pole frames 5 are fixed between the pressing plates by clamping a fastener assembly 2. The plate pole frames 5 cooperate with the self-sealing gasket 6 through a sealing surface, and a plurality of water lines are processed on the sealing surface.

[0039] Specifically, Figure 1 As shown, the pressing plate includes a left pressing plate 1 and a right pressing plate 8, which respectively press the outermost plate frame 5 from the left and right sides, and the self-sealing gasket 6 is clamped between the plate frame 5. The plate frame 5 and the pressing plate have holes at corresponding positions to facilitate the passage of the clamping fastener assembly 2, so as to fix the pressing plate and the plate frame 5 as a whole. The left pressing plate 1 and the right pressing plate 8 of this embodiment play the role of providing axial end face clamping of the entire electrolytic cell and supporting the electrolytic cell.

[0040] The clamping fastener assembly 2 is a high-strength connecting fastener that has been modulated. Its function is to connect the entire electrolytic cell into a whole. The main body is a screw structure, which provides pre-tightening force for the electrolytic cell to ensure that the sealing gasket can undergo a certain deformation in the cold-tightened state and be pressed into the hydrographic line of the plate frame 5.

[0041] The function of the tensioning elastic body guide ring 3 is to provide surface contact force for the tensioning elastic body and prevent damage to the thread of the fastener; the function of the tensioning elastic body fixing ring 4 is to fix the tensioning elastic body and transmit the fastening force to the left end pressure plate 1 and the right end pressure plate 8. The tensioning elastic body guide ring 3 and the tensioning elastic body fixing ring 4 are both annular structures.

[0042] The pole plate and pole frame 5 of the present embodiment is a supporting member and a clamping member of the self-sealing gasket. The contact surface between the pole plate and the self-sealing gasket is a sealing surface. A plurality of hydrographic lines are processed on the sealing surface to ensure that the self-sealing gasket can be clamped.

[0043] The tensioning elastic body assembly 7 is a mechanical component with a flat circular appearance, which is composed of multiple groups of tensioning elastic bodies. The tensioning elastic bodies are made of spring steel metal materials and have elasticity and flexibility. The tensioning elastic body assembly 7 can increase the contact area between the bolt or nut and the surface of the part to prevent the surface of the part from being worn. At the same time, it also plays a role in protecting the parts and locking the parts and compensating for the repeated changes in the preload force caused by factors such as thermal expansion and contraction, so that the preload force remains stable and unchanged, preventing bolt fatigue and failure of the self-sealing gasket 6. During the operation of the alkaline electrolytic cell, the size of the electrolytic cell body changes due to thermal expansion and contraction due to pressure and temperature. This depends on the force of the tensioning elastic body assembly 7 to keep the cell body in a compressed state.

[0044] During installation, the screw structure of multiple sets of clamping fastener components 2 passes through the left end pressure plate 1, the plate frame 5, and the right end pressure plate 8 in sequence, and then the tensioning elastic body fixing ring 4 is sleeved on both ends of the screw structure, and then multiple sets of tensioning elastic bodies are sleeved to form a tensioning elastic body component 7, and finally the tensioning elastic body guide ring 3 is sleeved, and finally the nut is tightened on the screw to compress the tensioning elastic body guide ring 3 to achieve the installation of the electrolytic cell. The self-sealing gasket 6 is compressed at the sealing surface between the two adjacent plate frames 5.

[0045] Since the sides of the two plate pole frames 5 are provided with hydrographic lines, and the self-sealing gasket 2 is provided with a V-shaped groove 61, when the self-sealing gasket is subjected to the internal pressure of the electrolytic cell, the component of the pressure acts on the inclined surface of the V-shaped groove 61, so that the outer side surface of the sealing gasket is tightly pressed against the sealing surface of the plate pole frame 5, so that the self-sealing gasket is better deformed to fill the gap in the sealing surface. In addition, the presence of the hydrographic line of the plate pole frame 5 forms a labyrinth seal to prevent leakage of the electrolytic liquid in the electrolytic cell and ensure the service life of the electrolytic cell.

[0046] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention may have various modifications and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-sealing gasket for an electrolytic cell, characterized in that: The self-sealing gasket is in a circular ring structure and is used to be installed between two adjacent plate frames. The two side surfaces of the self-sealing gasket fit with the sealing surface of the plate frame. The inner side surface of the self-sealing gasket is provided with an annular groove. The cross-section of the annular groove is V-shaped to form a V-shaped groove. The component force of the total pressure acting on the V-shaped groove presses the self-sealing gasket to press the self-sealing gasket against the sealing surface of the plate frame.

2. A self-sealing gasket for an electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The V-shaped groove is located at the middle position of the inner side surface of the self-sealing gasket.

3. A self-sealing gasket for an electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The opening end of the V-shaped groove has a set distance from the side of the self-sealing gasket.

4. A self-sealing gasket for an electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The included angle between the two inclined surfaces formed by the V-shaped groove section is 0-90°.

5. The self-sealing gasket for an electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross section of the V-shaped groove forms an equilateral triangle.

6. The self-sealing gasket for an electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross section of the V-shaped groove forms an isosceles triangle.

7. The self-sealing gasket for an electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The depth of the V-shaped groove is no greater than the thickness of the self-sealing gasket.

8. An electrolytic cell, characterized in that: The electrolytic cell comprises a plurality of pole plates and pole frames arranged in parallel, and a self-sealing gasket for the electrolytic cell as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 is clamped between the plurality of pole plates and pole frames.

9. An electrolytic cell according to claim 8, characterized in that: The outer sides of the pole plate and the pole frame are fixed by pressing plates, and the pole plate and the pole frame are fixed between the pressing plates by clamping fastener components.

10. An electrolytic cell according to claim 9, characterized in that: The pole plate and pole frame cooperate with the self-sealing gasket through a sealing surface, and a plurality of watermark lines are processed on the sealing surface.

Images