An apparatus for producing heavy water

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of heavy water production, and discloses a device for producing heavy water, which comprises multiple electrolytic cells, and multiple electrolytic cells are connected with each other through a transfer pipeline system; the transfer pipeline system comprises multiple pipeline bodies for connecting adjacent two electrolytic cells, one end of the pipeline body is communicated with the inside of one of the electrolytic cells through the bottom of the electrolytic cell, and the bottom of the electrolytic cell is provided with a perforated plate. In use, the multiple electrolytic cells are connected in series, in actual use, on one hand, the movement of the piston can realize the breathing process of the liquid in the electrolytic cell, that is, the process that the liquid is drawn into the pipeline body and then pushed into the electrolytic cell, and on the other hand, the perforated plate structure can promote the release of the bubbles in the heavy water, so that the electrolysis process is not disturbed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of heavy water production technology, and more particularly to an apparatus for producing heavy water. Background Technology

[0002] The production of heavy water (D2O) typically involves enriching the hydrogen isotope deuterium (D) in ordinary water (H2O) to the desired concentration. Deuterium is a stable isotope of hydrogen with a nucleus containing one proton and one neutron, while the nucleus of ordinary hydrogen contains only one proton.

[0003] Electrolyzers, commonly used in heavy water production, are a type of equipment used to enrich heavy water through an electrolytic process. The basic structure of an electrolyzer includes an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte (usually water). During electrolysis, water molecules decompose into hydrogen and oxygen at the electrodes. Because ordinary hydrogen (H) electrolyzes much faster than deuterium (D), the concentration of heavy water in the electrolyzer gradually increases during the electrolysis process.

[0004] Currently, in the heavy water production process, multiple electrolytic cells are used in series to improve production efficiency. However, during this process, the gases (such as hydrogen and oxygen) generated during electrolysis may form bubbles in the electrolytic cells, which may interfere with the electrolysis process. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems existing in the prior art by proposing an apparatus for producing heavy water.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] An apparatus for producing heavy water includes multiple electrolytic cells, which are connected in pairs via a transfer pipeline system.

[0008] The transfer pipeline system includes multiple pipeline bodies for connecting two adjacent electrolytic cells. One end of each pipeline body is connected to the bottom of one of the electrolytic cells and the bottom of the electrolytic cell is provided with an orifice plate. The other end of the pipeline body is fixedly connected to the top of another electrolytic cell. A piston is provided inside the pipeline body, and a lifting drive mechanism for driving the piston to move inside the pipeline body is provided at the bottom of the piston.

[0009] An electrolyte breathing tube is connected to the upper part of the main body of the pipeline. The other end of the gas connecting tube is connected to the upper part of the electrolytic cell above the main body of the pipeline, and the other end of the electrolyte breathing tube is connected to the electrolytic cell below the main body of the pipeline.

[0010] Preferably, the lifting drive mechanism includes an opening below the side of the pipeline body, a push rod motor disposed on the outside of the pipeline body, and an X-shaped lifting frame disposed on the drive end of the push rod motor, wherein the top of the X-shaped lifting frame is connected to the bottom of the piston.

[0011] Preferably, the orifice plate includes a frame and a sealing assembly located inside the frame. The frame is installed at the bottom of the electrolytic cell. The sealing assembly includes several sealing blocks arranged in parallel. Both ends of each sealing block are provided with flexible connectors. The other end of each flexible connector is connected to the inner circumference of the frame. Both sides of the frame are equipped with pushing devices. When the sealing blocks on both sides of the orifice plate are subjected to the horizontal thrust of the pushing devices, all the sealing blocks and flexible connectors are squeezed together, thereby sealing the orifice plate.

[0012] Preferably, the flexible connector includes a plurality of rectangular corrugated structures and an elastic element disposed between two adjacent rectangular corrugated structures.

[0013] Preferably, a protrusion is provided on one side of the sealing block, and an embedding groove is provided on the other side of the sealing block, wherein the shape of the protrusion is adapted to the shape of the embedding groove.

[0014] Preferably, the outer side of each protrusion is provided with a plurality of protrusions, the inner wall of each embedding groove is provided with a flexible embedding surface, and the protrusions are adapted to the flexible embedding surface.

[0015] Preferably, the sealing block is provided with a microporous ceramic structure, which connects the inner cavity of the electrolytic cell and the inner cavity of the main pipe body.

[0016] Preferably, a gas connecting pipe is connected to the main body of the pipeline, and the other end of the gas connecting pipe is connected to the top of the electrolytic cell above the main body of the pipeline. A pumping device, a drying box and an exhaust pipe are provided on the gas connecting pipe. The exhaust pipe is connected to the output end of the pumping device. Solenoid valves are provided on both the gas connecting pipe and the electrolyte breathing pipe.

[0017] Preferably, a limiting plate is installed at the bottom inside the electrolytic cell. The limiting plate is frame-shaped and located above the frame. When all the sealing blocks and flexible connectors are squeezed together, the length of the sealing assembly is less than the inner circumference of the limiting plate. The top of the sealing block abuts against the bottom of the limiting plate. A limiting slider is installed on the surface of the rectangular corrugated structure. Several sliding grooves are opened at the bottom of the limiting plate, and the limiting slider is slidably connected to the sliding grooves.

[0018] Preferably, the protrusion is an airbag, and a second airbag is provided on both sides of the limiting slider. The second airbag is designed in the shape of a corrugated tube, and its outer side abuts against the inner wall of the groove. The second airbag is connected to the protrusion through a gas channel. When the pushing device pushes the second airbag of the limiting slider, the protrusion can be filled with gas, so as to achieve the fitting and sealing of the protrusion and the flexible embedded surface. After the second airbag loses its thrust, it is reset by the elastic force of the protrusion itself and the second airbag itself, and returns to the limiting slider. At this time, the position of the limiting slider is fixed to ensure the stability of the sealing block position.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0020] This invention, through a transfer pipeline system, connects multiple electrolytic cells in series during use. In actual use, the movement of the piston enables the liquid inside the electrolytic cell to "breathe," that is, the liquid is drawn into the main body of the pipeline and then pushed into the electrolytic cell. The perforated plate structure promotes the release of air bubbles in the heavy water, thus avoiding interference with the electrolysis process. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of an apparatus for producing heavy water according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a front sectional view of Embodiment 1 of an apparatus for producing heavy water according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a front view of Embodiment 2 of an apparatus for producing heavy water according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a top view of an orifice plate in Embodiment 2 of an apparatus for producing heavy water according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the limiting plate in Embodiment 2 of the heavy water production device proposed in this invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a front view of Embodiment 3 of an apparatus for producing heavy water according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a top view of an orifice plate in Embodiment 3 of an apparatus for producing heavy water according to the present invention.

[0028] In the diagram: 1. Electrolytic cell; 2. Main pipeline; 3. Orifice plate; 4. Piston; 5. Gas connecting pipe; 6. Electrolyte breathing pipe; 7. Opening; 8. Push rod motor; 9. X-shaped lifting frame; 10. Frame; 11. Sealing block; 12. Propulsion device; 13. Rectangular corrugated structure; 14. Elastic element; 15. Protrusion; 16. Embedded groove; 17. Protrusion; 18. Flexible embedded surface; 19. Microporous ceramic structure; 20. Pumping device; 21. Exhaust pipe; 22. Limiting plate; 23. Slide groove; 24. Second airbag; 25. Limiting slider; 26. Gas channel; 27. Drying oven; 28. Push plate. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0030] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 An apparatus for producing heavy water includes multiple electrolytic cells 1, which are connected in pairs via a transfer pipeline system.

[0031] The transfer pipeline system includes multiple pipeline bodies 2 for connecting two adjacent electrolytic cells 1. One end of the pipeline body 2 is connected to the bottom of one of the electrolytic cells 1 and its interior is connected to it. The bottom of the electrolytic cell 1 is provided with a perforated plate 3. The other end of the pipeline body 2 is fixedly connected to the top of the other electrolytic cell 1. A piston 4 is provided inside the pipeline body 2. The bottom of the piston 4 is provided with a lifting drive mechanism for driving the piston 4 to move inside the pipeline body 2.

[0032] An electrolyte breathing tube 6 is connected to the upper part of the pipeline body 2, and the other end of the electrolyte breathing tube 6 is connected to the electrolytic cell 1 below the pipeline body 2.

[0033] In operation, multiple electrolytic cells 1 are connected in series. During actual use, the movement of piston 4 enables a "breathing" process for the liquid within each electrolytic cell 1. This involves the liquid being drawn into the main pipe and then pushed into the electrolytic cell 1. The perforated plate 3 structure promotes the release of air bubbles in the heavy water, preventing interference with the electrolysis process. Simultaneously, piston 4 also acts as a power source, transferring the enriched heavy water from one electrolytic cell 1 to another, achieving multi-stage electrolysis and improving production efficiency. Furthermore, in certain situations requiring the addition of electrolyte, such as to improve conductivity or control pH, the addition of electrolyte promotes mixing between the electrolyte and heavy water, preventing the formation of excessively concentrated or diluted areas within the electrolytic cell 1 during the electrolysis process. Excessive concentration can decrease the electrolysis rate because heavy water electrolyzes more slowly than ordinary water; conversely, excessive dilution can lead to excessively rapid electrolysis of ordinary water, wasting energy.

[0034] In this embodiment, the lifting drive mechanism includes an opening 7 below the side of the pipeline body 2, a push rod motor 8 located on the outside of the pipeline body 2, and an X-shaped lifting frame 9 located at the drive end of the push rod motor 8. The top of the X-shaped lifting frame 9 is connected to the bottom of the piston 4. The two ends of one side of the X-shaped lifting frame 9 are rotatably connected to the bottom of the piston 4 and the top of the electrolytic cell 1 below, respectively. The two ends of the other side can slide within the sliding groove 23 provided at the bottom of the piston 4 and the top of the electrolytic cell 1. At this time, the push rod motor 8 can push one end of the X-shaped lifting frame 9 to move, thereby realizing the lifting process of the top of the X-shaped lifting frame 9 and realizing the position control of the piston 4.

[0035] Example 2

[0036] like Figures 3-5 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that:

[0037] In this embodiment, the perforated plate 3 includes a frame 10 and a sealing assembly located inside the frame 10. The frame 10 is installed at the bottom of the electrolytic cell 1. The sealing assembly includes several sealing blocks 11 arranged in parallel. Both ends of each sealing block 11 are provided with flexible connectors. The other end of each flexible connector is connected to the inner circumference of the frame 10. Both sides of the frame 10 are equipped with a pushing device 12, which is an electric telescopic rod. A push plate 28 is installed at its driving end. When the sealing blocks 11 on both sides of the perforated plate 3 are pushed by the horizontal force of the pushing device 12, all the sealing blocks 11 and the flexible connectors are squeezed together, thus sealing the perforated plate 3. Through the above structural design, it is convenient to control the perforated plate 3. The opening and closing mechanism can control the outflow of heavy water. For example, when all the sealing blocks 11 and flexible connectors are squeezed together, the heavy water enrichment process takes place in the electrolytic cell 1. After the propulsion device 12 is unloaded, all the sealing blocks 11 and flexible connectors separate, and the heavy water can flow out from the gaps between the sealing blocks 11. With the help of the piston 4, the heavy water can be transferred. That is, after a certain amount of heavy water enters the pipeline body 2, the sealing blocks 11 re-close the electrolytic cell 1. At this time, by moving the piston 4 upward, the heavy water is pushed into another electrolytic cell 1 through the electrolyte breather tube 6 for the next step of electrolysis, or it can pass through the gaps between the sealing blocks 11 and return to the previous electrolytic cell 1 to complete the process of eliminating air bubbles.

[0038] In this embodiment, the flexible connector includes several rectangular corrugated structures 13 and elastic elements 14 disposed between two adjacent rectangular corrugated structures 13. The outermost rectangular corrugated structure 13 is fixedly connected to the inner periphery of the frame 10, while the other rectangular corrugated structures 13 are movably disposed. The purpose of the elastic elements 14 is that when the sealing block 11 is squeezed, it will move horizontally. Under the action of the elastic elements 14, when the sealing block 11 loses the thrust of the pushing device 12, it can be reset by the action of the elastic elements 14, thereby allowing the gap between the several sealing blocks 11 to be re-formed. The rectangular corrugated structures 13 can play a certain compensating role for the elastic elements 14 (they themselves have a certain degree of deformability).

[0039] In this embodiment, a protrusion 15 is provided on one side of the sealing block 11, and an embedding groove 16 is provided on the other side of the sealing block 11. The shape of the protrusion 15 is adapted to the shape of the embedding groove 16. When the sealing blocks 11 are pressed together, the protrusion 15 can be inserted into the embedding groove 16 to further form a seal.

[0040] In this embodiment, the outer side of each protrusion 15 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 17, and the inner wall of each embedding groove 16 is provided with a flexible embedding surface 18. The protrusions 17 are adapted to the flexible embedding surface 18. After the protrusion 15 enters the embedding groove 16, the protrusions 17 can be embedded into the flexible embedding surface 18 to further form a seal and improve the sealing effect.

[0041] In this embodiment, a limiting plate 22 is installed at the bottom inside the electrolytic cell 1. The limiting plate 22 is frame-shaped and located above the frame 10. When all the sealing blocks 11 and flexible connectors are squeezed together, the length of the sealing assembly is less than the inner circumference of the limiting plate 22. The top of the sealing block 11 abuts against the bottom of the limiting plate 22. A limiting slider 25 is installed on the surface of the rectangular corrugated structure 13. A plurality of sliding grooves 23 are opened at the bottom of the limiting plate 22. The limiting slider 25 is slidably connected to the sliding grooves 23.

[0042] In this embodiment, the protrusion 17 is an airbag, and a second airbag 24 is provided on both sides of the limiting slider 25. The second airbag 24 is designed in the shape of a corrugated tube, and its outer side abuts against the inner wall of the slide groove 23. The second airbag 24 is connected to the protrusion 17 through the gas channel 26. The pushing device 12 pushes the second airbag 24 of the limiting slider 25 through the push plate 28 (the push plate 28 is in the shape of a "U", and its two ends are located in the slide groove 23 on both sides of the frame 10, which is used to push the second airbag 24). This allows the protrusion 17 to be filled with gas, so as to achieve the fitting and sealing of the protrusion 17 and the flexible embedded surface 18 (the volume of the protrusion 17 increases, and the flexible embedded surface 18 is squeezed). After the second airbag 24 loses its pushing force, it is reset by the elastic force of the protrusion 17 itself and the second airbag 24 itself, and returns to the limiting slider 25. At this time, the position of the limiting slider 25 is fixed to ensure the stability of the sealing block 11.

[0043] Example 3

[0044] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 2 is that:

[0045] In this embodiment, a gas connecting pipe 5 is connected to the main body of the pipeline 2. The other end of the gas connecting pipe 5 is connected to the upper part of the electrolytic cell 1 above the main body of the pipeline 2. A pumping device 20, a drying chamber 27, and an exhaust pipe 21 are provided on the gas connecting pipe 5. The drying chamber 27 is connected to the output end of the pumping device 20. The exhaust pipe 21 is connected to the gas connecting pipe 5 at the output end 27 of the drying chamber. Solenoid valves are provided on the exhaust pipe 21, the gas connecting pipe 5, and the electrolyte breathing pipe 6. A microporous ceramic structure 19 is provided inside the sealing block 11. The microporous ceramic structure 19 connects the inner cavity of the electrolytic cell 1 and the inner cavity of the main body of the pipeline.

[0046] Through the above structural design, the pumping device 20 can remove the gas generated during the electrolysis process in the electrolytic cell 1. Optionally, the removed gas can be dried by passing it through the drying chamber 27 to remove moisture, and then reintroduced into the pipeline body 2. It can then pass through the microporous ceramic structure 19 (which allows only gas to pass through, but not liquid) before being reintroduced into the electrolytic cell 1. In certain specific situations, such as when electrolyte needs to be added to improve conductivity or control pH, the oxygen and oxygen generated during the electrolysis of heavy water and electrolyte can be reintroduced into the electrolytic cell 1. Gas bubbling can generate turbulence, increasing the mixing degree of the fluid and preventing the formation of locally overly concentrated or dilute areas in the electrolytic cell 1 during the electrolyte addition process. Local overconcentration may lead to a decrease in the electrolysis reaction rate because the electrolysis rate of heavy water is slower than that of ordinary water; while local overdiluteity may lead to an excessively fast electrolysis rate of ordinary water, wasting electrical energy.

[0047] It should be noted that in this invention, components requiring elasticity, such as the sealing block 11, protrusion 15, protrusion 17, second airbag 24, and elastic element 14, are all made of rubber.

[0048] 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 equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for producing heavy water comprising a plurality of electrolytic cells, characterized in that: A plurality of said electrolytic cells are connected by a transfer pipeline system. The transfer pipeline system comprises a plurality of pipeline bodies for connecting adjacent two electrolytic cells, one end of the pipeline body is communicated with the inside of one of the electrolytic cells through the bottom of the electrolytic cell, and the bottom of the electrolytic cell is provided with a hole plate, the other end of the pipeline body is fixedly connected with the top of the other electrolytic cell, the inside of the pipeline body is provided with a piston, the bottom of the piston is provided with a lifting driving mechanism for driving the piston to move in the pipeline body. An electrolyte breathing pipe is communicated above the pipeline body, the other end of the electrolyte breathing pipe is communicated with the electrolytic cell below the pipeline body. The hole plate comprises a frame and a sealing assembly inside the frame, the frame is installed on the bottom of the electrolytic cell, the sealing assembly comprises a plurality of sealing blocks arranged side by side, both ends of the sealing block are provided with flexible connecting pieces, the other end of the flexible connecting piece is connected with the inner wall of the frame, the frame is provided with a propulsion device on both sides, when the sealing blocks on both sides of the hole plate are pushed by the propulsion device in the horizontal direction, all the sealing blocks and the flexible connecting pieces are extruded together, so that the hole plate is closed.

2. An apparatus for producing heavy water as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The lifting driving mechanism comprises an opening opened below the side of the pipeline body, a push rod motor arranged outside the pipeline body, and an X-shaped lifting frame arranged at the driving end of the push rod motor, the top of the X-shaped lifting frame is connected with the bottom of the piston.

3. An apparatus for producing heavy water as claimed in claim 2, wherein: The flexible connecting piece comprises a plurality of rectangular corrugated structures and elastic members arranged between two adjacent rectangular corrugated structures.

4. An apparatus for producing heavy water as claimed in claim 3, wherein: One side of the sealing block is provided with a protrusion, the other side of the sealing block is provided with an embedding groove, the shape of the protrusion is matched with the shape of the embedding groove.

5. An apparatus for producing heavy water as claimed in claim 4, wherein: The outer side of the protrusion is provided with a plurality of protrusions, the inner wall of the embedding groove is provided with a flexible embedding surface, and the protrusions are matched with the flexible embedding surface.

6. An apparatus for producing heavy water as claimed in claim 5 wherein: A gas communication pipe is communicated above the pipeline body, the other end of the gas communication pipe is communicated with the top of the electrolytic cell above the pipeline body, a pumping device, a drying box and an exhaust pipe are arranged on the gas communication pipe, the exhaust pipe is communicated with the output end of the pumping device, electromagnetic valves are arranged on the gas communication pipe and the electrolyte breathing pipe, a microporous ceramic structure is arranged in the sealing block, and the microporous ceramic structure communicates the inner cavity of the electrolytic cell and the inner cavity of the pipeline body.

7. An apparatus for producing heavy water as claimed in claim 5, wherein: A limiting plate is installed on the bottom of the electrolytic cell, the limiting plate is in a frame type and located above the frame, the length of the sealing assembly is less than the inner circumferential length of the limiting plate when all the sealing blocks and the flexible connecting pieces are extruded together, the top of the sealing block abuts against the bottom of the limiting plate, a limiting sliding block is installed on the surface of the rectangular corrugated structure, a plurality of sliding grooves are opened in the bottom of the limiting plate, and the limiting sliding block is slidingly connected with the sliding grooves.

8. An apparatus for producing heavy water as claimed in claim 7, wherein: The protrusion is an airbag, and a second airbag is provided on both sides of the limiting slider. The second airbag is designed in the shape of a corrugated tube, and its outer side abuts against the inner wall of the slide groove. The second airbag is connected to the protrusion through a gas channel. The pushing device pushes the second airbag of the limiting slider, which can make the protrusion fill with gas, so as to achieve the fitting and sealing of the protrusion and the flexible embedded surface. After the second airbag loses its thrust, it is reset by the elastic force of the protrusion itself and the second airbag itself, and returns to the limiting slider. At this time, the position of the limiting slider is fixed to ensure the stability of the sealing block position.

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