A gas booster device, an apparatus and method comprising the gas booster device for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixtures.

Abstract

This invention relates to a gas pressurizing device, an apparatus and method for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases including the gas pressurizing device, the gas pressurizing device comprising a first compression device, a first cooling device, a second compression device and a second cooling device connected in descending order of pressure; a first water cooling device is arranged around the first compression device; a second water cooling device is arranged around the second compression device; by designing the connection relationship of each inlet and outlet of the gas pressurizing device, the problem of high operational risk and unstable device operation caused by heat generation during the compression of hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases can be effectively solved, the hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases can be compressed to above 0.4 MPa while ensuring that the temperature is kept below 50°C; and by using the gas pressurizing device in combination with a pressure swing adsorption device, a condenser and a drying device, high-purity hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases are separated efficiently, with a hydrogen recovery rate of over 80%.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydrogen separation and purification technology, and in particular to a gas pressurization device, an apparatus and method for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases including the same. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen energy, as a crucial component of the future energy system, will be widely applied in industries that are difficult to decarbonize, such as manufacturing, transportation, and building heating, as well as other emerging industries. Advanced green hydrogen production technologies mainly include water electrolysis, solar photocatalytic water splitting, photosynthetic biomass hydrogen production, and nuclear hydrogen production. Among these methods, solar photocatalytic water splitting is the most ideal, as it does not consume fossil fuels and produces no byproducts, making it a truly green hydrogen production technology. However, although researchers began studying photocatalytic water splitting as early as 1972, it remained limited to the laboratory stage. Besides low hydrogen production efficiency and catalyst instability, separating the hydrogen-oxygen mixture produced by solar photocatalytic water splitting remains a challenge.

[0003] Currently, hydrogen purification technologies mainly include gas membrane separation, cryogenic separation, and pressure swing adsorption, all of which can achieve good separation results. However, due to the explosiveness of hydrogen-oxygen mixtures, hydrogen purification technologies are primarily used for purifying mixtures of hydrogen with gases other than oxygen. For hydrogen-oxygen mixtures, especially those produced by solar water splitting with a hydrogen-oxygen volume ratio of 2:1, there is currently no mature and economical hydrogen-oxygen separation process or equipment.

[0004] For example, gas membrane separation utilizes the selective permeability of specific types of membranes to certain components in a mixture to separate and purify gas mixtures. This requires relatively high pressure (5–14 MPa) to drive the separation. Gas membrane separation technology is suitable for scenarios where the gas mixture can be easily pressurized or already has pressure, such as the recovery of hydrogen from hydrogen-containing tail gas in petroleum refining and chemical processes. However, for a hydrogen-oxygen mixture with a volume ratio of 2:1 produced by solar hydrolysis, the pressure itself is slightly positive, insufficient to drive membrane separation. Higher pressures are needed for hydrogen-oxygen separation and purification. However, this pressurization process easily generates excessive heat, causing a rapid increase in gas temperature and potentially leading to an explosion. This not only poses a high risk but also consumes a large amount of energy.

[0005] Cryogenic separation utilizes the difference in relative volatility (boiling point difference) of the components in the feed gas under low-temperature conditions, causing partial condensation and thus achieving separation. This method is suitable for applications where the hydrogen content in the feed gas is low (approximately 20%). However, for hydrogen-containing gases, the condensation temperature depends not only on the total pressure of the mixture but also on the partial pressure of the component. When a component condenses, its partial pressure in the gas phase decreases, and its condensation temperature also decreases. Therefore, not all components can condense completely when they reach their condensation temperature. In practical operation, this method results in high energy consumption and low hydrogen purity. Furthermore, the hydrogen-oxygen mixture produced by solar photocatalytic water splitting contains water vapor, which can cause the temperature drop during cryogenic separation to freeze or even block the pipelines, posing a significant safety hazard to the equipment.

[0006] Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) utilizes the different selective adsorption capacities of different gases on an adsorbent under varying pressures. Adsorption and desorption occur through periodic pressure changes, thereby achieving gas separation and purification. This method has relatively low requirements for the source of the feed gas; generally, a hydrogen content of around 30% is sufficient for PSA operations, and the required operating pressure is relatively low (0.2–0.8 MPa). However, currently reported PSA methods primarily separate and purify mixtures of hydrogen with gases other than oxygen, such as separating hydrogen from reformed gas in petroleum refining, from gases produced by electrolysis of brine in the chlor-alkali industry, or from syngas during ammonia production. Because hydrogen and oxygen mixtures are highly explosive under certain conditions, and PSA requires periodic pressure changes to compress or depressurize the gas, the process involves temperature increases, making the operation extremely dangerous.

[0007] Therefore, the separation of hydrogen-oxygen mixtures with high hydrogen purity, especially those produced by solar water splitting for hydrogen production, is a pressing technical challenge that requires the development of a high-pressure, low-temperature gas pressurization device and a high hydrogen recovery rate for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixtures. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a gas pressurization device, an apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases including the gas pressurization device, and a method thereof. The gas pressurization device can solve the problem of high operational risks caused by the large amount of heat generated during hydrogen gas pressurization, and can obtain low-temperature, high-pressure compressed gas. The apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases including the gas pressurization device can achieve the separation of hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases with high hydrogen purity. The apparatus operates stably and safely, and has a high hydrogen recovery rate.

[0009] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0010] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a gas boosting device, the gas boosting device comprising a first compression device, a first cooling device, a second compression device, and a second cooling device connected in descending order of height; a first water cooling device is disposed around the periphery of the first compression device; a second water cooling device is disposed around the periphery of the second compression device; the outlet of the second cooling device is connected to the inlet of the first cooling device; the outlet of the first cooling device is connected to the inlet of the first water cooling device; and the outlet of the first water cooling device is connected to the inlet of the second water cooling device.

[0011] The first compression device, the first cooling device, the second compression device, and the second cooling device constitute the pressurization component of the gas pressurization device.

[0012] The gas booster device of this invention achieves a booster process of compression, cooling, recompression, and recooling by designing a first compression device, a first cooling device, a second compression device, and a second cooling device connected sequentially from high to low. Simultaneously, a first water-cooling device and a second water-cooling device are designed to cool the compression chamber of the compression device. Furthermore, the connection relationship between the inlet and outlet of the second cooling device, the first cooling device, the first water-cooling device, and the second water-cooling device is designed to ensure that the cooling water flows first through the second cooling device, then through the first cooling device, then through the first water-cooling device, and finally through the second water-cooling device. This ensures that the cooling water enters from the bottom and exits from the top, achieving sufficient heat exchange and timely dissipating the heat generated during the compression of the hydrogen-oxygen mixture. This avoids the risk of explosion due to excessively high temperature in the hydrogen-oxygen mixture, resulting in a low-temperature, high-pressure hydrogen-oxygen mixture with high hydrogen purity, meeting the operating pressure required for subsequent separation of the hydrogen-oxygen mixture using pressure swing adsorption (PSA).

[0013] The present invention designs a specific connection relationship between the inlet and outlet of the second cooling device, the first cooling device, the first water cooling device, and the second water cooling device. This not only enables the cooling water to enter from the bottom and exit from the top, efficiently cooling the compression chamber of the compression device and the compressed hydrogen-oxygen mixture, but also makes the overall structure of the gas booster device compact and reduces the footprint.

[0014] Preferably, the first compression device includes a first cylinder.

[0015] Preferably, the second compression device includes a second cylinder.

[0016] Preferably, the first cylinder and the second cylinder each independently include a piston, a crankshaft, and a connecting rod.

[0017] Preferably, the gas booster device is provided with a total gas inlet and a total gas outlet.

[0018] Preferably, the gas inlet of the gas booster is connected to the air inlet of the first compression device; the air outlet of the first compression device is connected to the air inlet of the first cooling device; the air outlet of the first cooling device is connected to the air inlet of the second compression device; the air outlet of the second compression device is connected to the air inlet of the second cooling device; and the air outlet of the second cooling device is connected to the gas outlet of the gas booster.

[0019] Preferably, a first pressure sensor and a first solenoid valve are installed on the pipeline between the gas inlet of the gas booster and the air inlet of the first compression device.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first pressure sensor and a first solenoid valve are installed on the pipeline between the gas inlet of the gas booster device and the air inlet of the first compression device. The first pressure sensor and the first solenoid valve work together. After the gas booster device is started, the first solenoid valve opens. When the first pressure sensor shows that the air inlet pressure has dropped, the first solenoid valve controls the gas flow output to decrease. When the air inlet pressure drops further to the set protection value, the gas booster device is forced to stop.

[0021] Preferably, a filter, preferably a Y-type filter, is installed on the pipeline between the gas inlet of the gas booster and the air inlet of the first compression device.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a filter is provided on the pipeline between the gas inlet of the gas booster device and the air inlet of the first compression device to remove solid impurities entrained in the hydrogen-oxygen mixture, so as to prevent them from entering the subsequent process and causing high operational risks in the compression process.

[0023] Preferably, a first temperature sensor is provided on the pipe between the air outlet of the first compression device and the air inlet of the first cooling device.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first temperature sensor is provided on the pipe between the outlet of the first compression device and the inlet of the first cooling device. The first temperature sensor is used to monitor the temperature reached by the gas after being compressed by the first compression device. When the temperature is too high, the gas pressurization device will automatically stop.

[0025] Preferably, a second pressure sensor is provided on the pipe between the air outlet of the first cooling device and the air inlet of the second compression device.

[0026] Preferably, a first safety valve and a first bursting component are also provided on the pipe between the air outlet of the first cooling device and the air inlet of the second compression device.

[0027] The present invention further preferably includes a second pressure sensor installed on the pipe between the outlet of the first cooling device and the inlet of the second compression device to monitor the pressure value of the gas after being compressed by the first compression device and cooled by the first cooling device; preferably, a first safety valve and a first bursting component are also installed on the pipe between the outlet of the first cooling device and the inlet of the second compression device; when the pressure value exceeds the set value, the first safety valve automatically opens, and when the first safety valve fails, the first bursting component ruptures to protect the gas pressurization device.

[0028] Preferably, a second temperature sensor is provided on the pipe between the outlet of the second compression device and the inlet of the second cooling device.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a second temperature sensor is provided on the pipe between the outlet of the second compression device and the inlet of the second cooling device. The second sensor is used to monitor the temperature of the gas after being compressed by the second compression device. When the temperature is too high, the gas pressurization device will automatically stop.

[0030] Preferably, a second solenoid valve and a third pressure sensor are installed on the pipe between the air outlet of the second cooling device and the total gas outlet of the gas booster device.

[0031] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a second solenoid valve and a third pressure sensor are installed on the pipeline between the air outlet of the second cooling device and the total gas outlet of the gas booster device. The second solenoid valve and the third pressure sensor work together. When the second pressure sensor shows that the gas pressure has reached the rated pressure, the first solenoid valve is closed to stop the air intake, and the second solenoid valve is opened to release the high-pressure gas remaining in the cylinder, ensuring that the gas positive pressure device is unloaded when restarted. When the second pressure sensor shows that the gas pressure has dropped to the set lower limit value, the gas booster device is automatically started, the first solenoid valve is opened, the second solenoid valve is closed, and the gas continues to be compressed.

[0032] Preferably, a second safety valve and a second bursting component are also provided on the pipe between the air outlet of the second cooling device and the total gas outlet of the gas booster device.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a second safety valve and a second bursting component are provided on the pipeline between the gas outlet of the second cooling device and the gas outlet of the gas booster device. When the gas pressure exceeds the set value, the second safety valve automatically opens. When the second safety valve fails, the second bursting component ruptures to protect the gas booster device.

[0034] Preferably, the gas pressurization device is further equipped with a chiller unit.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gas booster device is also equipped with a chiller unit to provide cooling water to the gas booster device, so as to timely discharge the heat from the compression chamber of the cylinder and the gas compressed by the first and second compression devices, thereby enabling the gas booster device to operate stably.

[0036] Preferably, the outlet of the chiller unit is connected to the inlet of the second cooling device.

[0037] Preferably, a third temperature sensor is installed on the pipe between the outlet of the chiller unit and the second cooling device.

[0038] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a third temperature sensor is installed on the pipe between the outlet of the chiller unit and the second cooling device to monitor the temperature of the cooling water supplied by the first circulating water pump. If the temperature is too high, the gas pressurization device will automatically shut down.

[0039] The present invention further preferably includes the chiller unit, which is used to continuously provide circulating cooling water to the gas pressurization device. That is, the cooling water discharged from the outlet of the second water cooling device, which has a higher temperature after heat exchange, is further cooled for subsequent cooling water supply.

[0040] Preferably, a fourth pressure sensor and a third safety valve are installed on the pipe between the outlet of the second water-cooling device and the inlet of the chiller unit.

[0041] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a fourth pressure sensor and a fourth safety valve are installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the second water-cooling device and the inlet of the chiller unit to monitor the pressure of the cooling water discharged from the outlet of the second water-cooling device. If the pressure exceeds the set value, the third safety valve is automatically opened to protect the gas pressurization device.

[0042] Preferably, a fourth temperature sensor is installed on the pipe between the outlet of the second water-cooling device and the inlet of the chiller unit.

[0043] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a fourth temperature sensor is installed on the pipe between the outlet of the second water-cooling device and the inlet of the chiller unit to monitor the temperature of the cooling water discharged from the outlet of the second water-cooling device after heat exchange. If the temperature is too high, the gas pressurization device will automatically stop.

[0044] Secondly, the present invention provides an apparatus for separating a hydrogen-oxygen mixture, the apparatus comprising a condensation device, a gas pressurization device as described in the first aspect, a drying device, and a pressure swing adsorption device connected in sequence.

[0045] The apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases according to the present invention can achieve efficient separation of hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases, especially hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases with a high oxygen volume ratio (5% to 33.4%), particularly hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases produced by solar hydrolysis (hydrogen to oxygen volume ratio of 2:1). Furthermore, the apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases has a compact structure, occupies a small area, and can operate stably with low operational risks.

[0046] Preferably, the pressure swing adsorption device includes at least two adsorption towers arranged in parallel, such as two, three, four or five.

[0047] The present invention further preferably includes at least two adsorption towers arranged in parallel to improve the adsorption efficiency of oxygen in the hydrogen-oxygen mixture and realize the high-purity recovery of hydrogen in the hydrogen-oxygen mixture.

[0048] Preferably, the adsorption tower is provided with an adsorbent.

[0049] Preferably, the total gas outlet of the gas booster is connected in parallel with the gas inlet of each adsorption tower.

[0050] Preferably, the apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas is further provided with a first buffer device between the drying device and the pressure swing adsorption device.

[0051] Preferably, the apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas is further provided with a second buffer device, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of each adsorption tower in the pressure swing adsorption device.

[0052] Preferably, the apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas is further provided with a gas storage device between the condensation device and the gas pressurization device.

[0053] Thirdly, the present invention provides a method for separating a hydrogen-oxygen mixture, the method being performed using the apparatus for separating a hydrogen-oxygen mixture as described in the second aspect.

[0054] Preferably, the method includes the following steps:

[0055] (1) The hydrogen-oxygen mixture is fed into a condenser for condensation to obtain a non-condensable gas;

[0056] (2) The non-condensable gas mentioned in step (1) enters the gas pressurization device for pressurization treatment to obtain compressed gas;

[0057] (3) The compressed gas in step (2) enters the drying device for drying treatment to obtain dried compressed gas;

[0058] (4) The dry compressed gas in step (3) enters the pressure swing adsorption device for oxygen adsorption treatment to obtain hydrogen.

[0059] The method for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases described in this invention has good separation effect, high hydrogen recovery rate, simple operation, low energy consumption, economic feasibility and low risk.

[0060] Preferably, the volume ratio of hydrogen to oxygen in the hydrogen-oxygen mixture in step (1) is (1.8 to 20):1, for example, it can be 1.8:1, 2:1, 3:1, 5:1, 5.5:1, 8:1, 10:1, 12:1, 15:1, 18:1 or 20:1, etc., preferably (2 to 10):1.

[0061] The method of the present invention is applicable to a wide range of hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas volume ratios, and more preferably the volume ratio of hydrogen to oxygen in the hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas is (1.8-20):1.

[0062] Preferably, the temperature of the condensation treatment in step (1) is 5 to 25°C, for example, it can be 5°C, 10°C, 15°C, 20°C or 25°C.

[0063] Preferably, the pressurization process in step (2) includes: the non-condensable gas is first compressed by a first compression device to obtain a first pressurized gas, the first pressurized gas is first cooled by a first cooling device to obtain a first pressurized cooling gas, and then the first pressurized cooling gas is first pressurized by a second compression device and then cooled by a second cooling device to obtain a second pressurized cooling gas.

[0064] Preferably, during the pressurization process in step (2), the piston speed in the first compression device is 80 to 180 r / min, for example, it can be 80 r / min, 100 r / min, 120 r / min, 140 r / min, 160 r / min or 180 r / min, etc.

[0065] Preferably, during the pressurization process in step (2), the temperatures of the first cooling and the second cooling are each independently 3 to 10°C, for example, 3°C, 5°C, 8°C or 10°C.

[0066] In this invention, the temperatures of the first cooling and the second cooling refer to the temperatures of the cooling water in the first cooling device and the cooling water in the second cooling device, respectively.

[0067] The drying device described in this invention preferably employs an adsorption dryer. No special restrictions are placed on the drying temperature of the drying process. The purpose is to reduce the water vapor content in the second pressurized cooling gas to ensure the high activity of the oxygen adsorbent in the subsequent adsorption tower.

[0068] Preferably, the oxygen adsorbent used in the oxygen adsorption treatment in step (4) includes any one or a combination of at least two of porous carbon molecular sieves, zeolite molecular sieves or calcium-based molecular sieves. Typical but non-limiting combinations include combinations of porous carbon molecular sieves and zeolite molecular sieves, combinations of zeolite molecular sieves and calcium-based molecular sieves, or combinations of porous carbon molecular sieves and calcium-based molecular sieves.

[0069] Preferably, the ratio of the amount of oxygen adsorbent to the volume of oxygen in the hydrogen-oxygen mixture is 3-5 kg / Nm³. 3 For example, it could be 3kg / Nm 3 3.5 kg / Nm 3 4kg / Nm 3 4.5 kg / Nm 3 Or 5kg / Nm 3 wait.

[0070] As a further preferred technical solution of the present invention, the method includes the following steps:

[0071] (1) A hydrogen-oxygen mixture with a volume ratio of (1.8 to 20):1 is fed into a condenser and condensed at 5 to 25°C to obtain a non-condensable gas.

[0072] (2) The non-condensable gas mentioned in step (1) enters the gas pressurization device for pressurization treatment to obtain compressed gas;

[0073] The pressurization process includes: the non-condensable gas is first compressed by a first compression device to obtain a first pressurized gas, the first pressurized gas is first cooled by a first cooling device to obtain a first pressurized cooled gas, and then the first pressurized cooled gas is first pressurized by a second compression device and then cooled by a second cooling device to obtain a second pressurized cooled gas.

[0074] The piston in the first compression device rotates at a speed of 80–180 r / min; the temperatures of the first and second cooling systems are each 3–10 °C independently.

[0075] (3) The compressed gas in step (2) enters the drying device for drying treatment to obtain dried compressed gas;

[0076] (4) The dry compressed gas in step (3) enters the pressure swing adsorption device and is treated with oxygen adsorbent to obtain hydrogen.

[0077] The amount of oxygen adsorbent used is in a ratio of 3 to 5 kg / Nm³ to the volume of oxygen in the hydrogen-oxygen mixture. 3 .

[0078] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0079] (1) The gas booster device provided by the present invention achieves simultaneous compression and cooling during the gas compression process by setting a cooling device and a water cooling device, thereby making the compressed gas have the characteristics of low temperature and high pressure (temperature as low as below 50°C and pressure as high as above 0.4MPa). The connection relationship of its inlet and outlet water ports is designed to ensure that the cooling water can enter from the bottom and exit from the top, so that the heat exchange is more complete. This solves the problem of high operation risk caused by excessive heat during the compression of gas (especially hydrogen-oxygen mixture with a large hydrogen volume ratio). Moreover, the gas booster device has a compact overall structure and occupies a small area.

[0080] (2) The apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas provided by the present invention, by setting up a condensation device, the above-mentioned gas pressurization device and pressure swing adsorption device, realizes efficient separation of hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas by pressure swing adsorption at a low operating pressure, with a hydrogen recovery rate of up to 80% or more, and the apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas has a simple and compact structure and a safe and stable operating state.

[0081] (3) The method for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas provided by the present invention achieves efficient separation of hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas, especially hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas with a large oxygen volume ratio. It solves the problem that when separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas by membrane separation method and cryogenic separation method, the hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas is increased from normal pressure to medium and high pressure in the front-end hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas pressurization process, which leads to extremely dangerous operation, while the hydrogen-oxygen separation effect is poor under low pressure conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0082] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure and connection relationship of the device for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0083] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure and connection relationship of the gas booster device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0084] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure and connection relationship of the pressure swing adsorption device, the first buffer tank and the second buffer tank in the apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0085] In the diagram: 1. Condenser; 2. Gas storage tank; 3. Gas booster; 31. Booster; 311. First cylinder; 312. First cooler; 313. Second cylinder; 314. Second cooler; 315. First water-cooled jacket; 316. Second water-cooled jacket; 317. First solenoid valve; 318. Second solenoid valve; 32. Chiller unit; 4. Dryer; 5. Pressure swing adsorption unit; 501. Adsorption tower; 6. First buffer tank; 7. Second buffer tank. Detailed Implementation

[0086] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. However, the following examples are merely simplified examples of the present invention and do not represent or limit the scope of protection of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is determined by the claims.

[0087] I. Implementation Examples

[0088] Example 1

[0089] This embodiment provides a gas booster device 3, such as Figure 2 As shown, the gas booster device 3 includes a booster compressor 31 and a chiller unit 32; the booster compressor 31 includes a first cylinder 311, a first cooler 312, a second cylinder 313, and a second cooler 314 connected in sequence from high to low; a first water-cooled jacket 315 is provided on the periphery of the first cylinder 311; a second water-cooled jacket 316 is provided on the periphery of the second cylinder 313;

[0090] The outlet of the chiller unit 32 is connected to the inlet of the second cooler 314; the outlet of the second cooler 314 is connected to the inlet of the first cooler 312; the outlet of the first cooler 312 is connected to the inlet of the first water-cooled jacket 315; the outlet of the first water-cooled jacket 315 is connected to the inlet of the second water-cooled jacket 316; and the outlet of the second water-cooled jacket 316 is connected to the inlet of the chiller unit 32.

[0091] The gas booster device 3 is provided with a total gas inlet and a total gas outlet; the total gas inlet of the gas booster device 3 is connected to the air inlet of the first cylinder 311; the air outlet of the first cylinder 311 is connected to the air inlet of the first cooler 312; the air outlet of the first cooler 312 is connected to the air inlet of the second cylinder 313; the air outlet of the second cylinder 313 is connected to the air inlet of the second cooler 314; the air outlet of the second cooler 314 is connected to the total gas outlet of the gas booster device 3; along the gas inlet direction, a Y-type filter, a first pressure sensor, and a first electrical sensor are sequentially connected on the pipe between the total gas inlet of the gas booster device 3 and the air inlet of the first cylinder 311. A solenoid valve 317 is provided; a first temperature sensor is provided on the pipe between the outlet of the first cylinder 311 and the inlet of the first cooler 312; along the gas inlet direction, a first rupture disc, a second pressure sensor, and a first safety valve are sequentially connected on the pipe between the outlet of the first cooler 312 and the inlet of the second cylinder 313; a second temperature sensor is provided on the pipe between the outlet of the second cylinder 313 and the inlet of the second cooler 314; along the gas inlet direction, a second solenoid valve 318, a second rupture disc, a third pressure sensor, and a second safety valve are sequentially connected on the pipe between the outlet of the second cooler 314 and the total gas outlet of the gas booster device 3.

[0092] A third temperature sensor is installed on the pipe between the outlet of the chiller unit 32 and the second cooler 314; along the cooling water flow direction, a third safety valve, a fourth pressure sensor, and a fourth temperature sensor are installed on the pipe between the outlet of the second water-cooled jacket 316 and the inlet of the chiller unit 32.

[0093] This embodiment also provides a device for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the device for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas includes a condenser 1, a gas storage tank 2, a gas pressurization device 3 provided in this embodiment, a dryer 4, a first buffer tank 6, a pressure swing adsorption device 5, and a second buffer tank 7 connected in sequence.

[0094] like Figure 3 As shown, the pressure swing adsorption device 5 includes two adsorption towers 501 arranged in parallel; each adsorption tower 501 contains an adsorbent (the adsorbent is a carbon molecular sieve); the total gas outlet of the gas booster device 3 is connected to the inlet of the first buffer tank 6, and the outlet of the first buffer tank 6 is connected in parallel to the inlet of each adsorption tower 501; the inlet of the second buffer tank 7 is connected to the outlet of each adsorption tower 501 in the pressure swing adsorption device 5.

[0095] Example 2

[0096] This embodiment provides a gas booster device, which includes a booster compressor and a chiller unit; the booster compressor includes a first cylinder, a first cooler, a second cylinder, and a second cooler connected in sequence from high to low; a first water-cooled jacket is provided on the periphery of the first cylinder; a second water-cooled jacket is provided on the periphery of the second cylinder;

[0097] The outlet of the chiller unit is connected to the inlet of the second cooler; the outlet of the second cooler is connected to the inlet of the first cooler; the outlet of the first cooler is connected to the inlet of the first water-cooled jacket; the outlet of the first water-cooled jacket is connected to the inlet of the second water-cooled jacket; the outlet of the second water-cooled jacket is connected to the inlet of the chiller unit; the gas booster device is provided with a total gas inlet and a total gas outlet; the total gas inlet of the gas booster device is connected to the inlet of the first cylinder; the outlet of the first cylinder is connected to the inlet of the first cooler; the outlet of the first cooler is connected to the inlet of the second cylinder; the outlet of the second cylinder is connected to the inlet of the second cooler; the outlet of the second cooler is connected to the total gas outlet of the gas booster device; Along the gas inlet direction, a first pressure sensor and a first solenoid valve are sequentially connected on the pipe between the gas inlet of the gas booster and the inlet of the first cylinder; a first temperature sensor is installed on the pipe between the outlet of the first cylinder and the inlet of the first cooler; along the gas inlet direction, a first rupture disc, a second pressure sensor, and a first safety valve are sequentially connected on the pipe between the outlet of the first cooler and the inlet of the second cylinder; a second temperature sensor is installed on the pipe between the outlet of the second cylinder and the inlet of the second cooler; along the gas inlet direction, a second solenoid valve, a second rupture disc, a third pressure sensor, and a second safety valve are sequentially connected on the pipe between the outlet of the second cooler and the gas outlet of the gas booster.

[0098] A third temperature sensor is installed on the pipe between the outlet of the chiller unit and the second cooler; along the direction of cooling water flow, a third safety valve and a fourth pressure sensor are installed on the pipe between the outlet of the second water-cooled jacket and the inlet of the chiller unit.

[0099] This embodiment also provides an apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas, which includes a condenser, a gas storage tank, a gas booster device provided in this embodiment, a dryer, a pressure swing adsorption device, and a second buffer tank connected in sequence.

[0100] The pressure swing adsorption device includes three adsorption towers arranged in parallel; each adsorption tower contains an adsorbent (the adsorbent is a carbon molecular sieve); the total gas outlet of the gas booster is connected to the inlet of the first buffer tank, and the outlet of the first buffer tank is connected in parallel to the inlets of each adsorption tower; the inlet of the second buffer tank is connected to the outlet of each adsorption tower in the pressure swing adsorption device.

[0101] Example 3

[0102] This embodiment provides a gas booster device, which is the same as that in Embodiment 1 except that it does not have a Y-type filter.

[0103] This embodiment also provides an apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas. Except for the gas pressurization device provided in this embodiment, the apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas is the same as that in Embodiment 1.

[0104] Since no Y-type filter is provided in Example 3, compared with Example 1, the gas booster device in Example 3 cannot remove sodium hydroxide and solid impurity particles in the gas, which is prone to wear or blockage of the gas booster device, reducing the booster efficiency and service life, thereby affecting the working efficiency of the device for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas.

[0105] Example 4

[0106] This embodiment provides a gas booster device, which is the same as that in Embodiment 1 except that it does not have a second rupture disc.

[0107] This embodiment also provides an apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas. Except for the gas pressurization device provided in this embodiment, the apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas is the same as that in Embodiment 1.

[0108] Since Example 4 does not have a second rupture disc, when the pressure of the gas after being compressed by the first cylinder is too high and the first safety valve fails, the pressure inside the gas booster device becomes too high, making operation dangerous and preventing the automatic protection gas booster device from rupturing. In other words, the device is extremely unstable in operation.

[0109] Example 5

[0110] This embodiment provides an apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases. Except that the pressure swing adsorption device has only one adsorption tower, the apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases is the same as that in Embodiment 1.

[0111] Since the pressure swing adsorption device described in Example 5 only has one adsorption tower, the oxygen adsorbent in the adsorption tower becomes saturated and cannot continue to adsorb oxygen, resulting in a decrease in the separation efficiency of the hydrogen-oxygen mixture.

[0112] Example 6

[0113] This embodiment provides a device for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas. The device for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas is the same as that in Embodiment 1 except that it does not have a condenser.

[0114] Since the device for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas described in Example 6 is not equipped with a condenser, there is too much residual water vapor in the hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas, which increases the workload of the dryer, accelerates the deactivation of the oxygen adsorbent in the subsequent adsorption tower, and the gas pressurization device cannot operate safely and stably.

[0115] Example 7

[0116] This embodiment provides an apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas. Except for the absence of a dryer, the apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas is the same as that in Embodiment 1.

[0117] Since no dryer was installed in Example 7, the water vapor entrained in the hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas was not removed in time after being compressed and cooled by the gas pressurization device, which caused the oxygen adsorbent in the subsequent adsorption tower to become deactivated and the device to operate unstablely; moreover, the entrained water vapor would also reduce the purity of the separated hydrogen.

[0118] II. Comparative Example

[0119] Comparative Example 1

[0120] This comparative example provides a gas booster device, which is the same as that in Example 1 except that it does not have a second cylinder and a second cooler.

[0121] This comparative example also provides an apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas. Except for the gas pressurization device provided in this comparative example, the apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas is the same as that in Example 1.

[0122] Because Comparative Example 1 does not include a second cylinder and a second cooler, the gas pressurization device can only perform one pressurization and one cooling cycle, resulting in the hydrogen-oxygen mixture being compressed to only 0.1–0.4 MPa, which is insufficient to reach the operating pressure required for pressure swing adsorption (0.2–0.8 MPa). Furthermore, the temperature after one cooling cycle only drops to 70–90°C, which is still relatively high.

[0123] Comparative Example 2

[0124] This comparative example provides a gas boosting device, which is the same as that in Example 1 except that it does not have a first cooler and a second cooler.

[0125] This comparative example also provides an apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas. Except for the gas pressurization device provided in this comparative example, the apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas is the same as that in Example 1.

[0126] Because Comparative Example 2 does not have a first and second cooler, the heat generated during the compression of the hydrogen-oxygen mixture cannot be dissipated in time. This results in excessively high temperatures in both the compression chamber and the hydrogen-oxygen mixture, both of which pose significant operational risks and prevent safe and stable operation.

[0127] Comparative Example 3

[0128] This comparative example provides a gas booster device. In this gas booster device, the outlet of the first water-cooled jacket is connected to the inlet of the first cooler, the outlet of the first cooler is connected to the inlet of the second water-cooled jacket, and the outlet of the second water-cooled jacket is connected to the inlet of the second cooler. Compared with embodiment 1, the connection relationship of the corresponding inlet and outlet in comparative example 3 results in cooling water entering from the top and exiting from the bottom, leading to insufficient heat exchange and a poorer cooling effect.

[0129] III. Application Examples

[0130] Application Example 1

[0131] This application example provides a method for separating a hydrogen-oxygen mixture, which is carried out using the apparatus for separating a hydrogen-oxygen mixture provided in Example 1. The method includes the following steps:

[0132] (1) A hydrogen-oxygen mixture with a volume ratio of 2:1 is fed into a condenser and condensed at 15°C to obtain a non-condensable gas.

[0133] (2) The non-condensable gas mentioned in step (1) enters the gas pressurization device for pressurization treatment to obtain compressed gas;

[0134] The pressurization process includes: the non-condensable gas is first compressed by a first cylinder to obtain a first pressurized gas, the first pressurized gas is first cooled by a first cooler to obtain a first pressurized cooled gas, and then the first pressurized cooled gas is first pressurized by a second cylinder and then cooled by a second cooler to obtain a second pressurized cooled gas.

[0135] The piston in the first cylinder rotates at 120 r / min; the temperatures of the first and second coolants are each 5°C independently.

[0136] (3) The compressed gas in step (2) enters the drying device and is dried at a drying temperature of 30°C to obtain dried compressed gas;

[0137] (4) The dry compressed gas in step (3) enters the pressure swing adsorption device and is treated with oxygen adsorbent to obtain hydrogen.

[0138] The ratio of the amount of oxygen adsorbent to the volume of oxygen in the hydrogen-oxygen mixture is 4 kg / Nm³.3 .

[0139] In this application example, the pressure of the first booster gas reaches 0.3 MPa, the temperature of the first booster cooling gas reaches 80°C, the pressure of the second booster gas reaches 0.5 MPa, and the temperature of the second booster cooling gas reaches 50°C. The purity of the obtained hydrogen is as high as 92.5%, and the hydrogen recovery rate is as high as 84%.

[0140] Application Example 2

[0141] This application example provides a method for separating a hydrogen-oxygen mixture, which is carried out using the apparatus for separating a hydrogen-oxygen mixture provided in Example 2. The method includes the following steps:

[0142] (1) A hydrogen-oxygen mixture with a volume ratio of 5:1 is fed into a condenser and condensed at 5°C to obtain a non-condensable gas.

[0143] (2) The non-condensable gas mentioned in step (1) enters the gas pressurization device for pressurization treatment to obtain compressed gas;

[0144] The pressurization process includes: the non-condensable gas is first compressed by a first cylinder to obtain a first pressurized gas, the first pressurized gas is first cooled by a first cooler to obtain a first pressurized cooled gas, and then the first pressurized cooled gas is first pressurized by a second cylinder and then cooled by a second cooler to obtain a second pressurized cooled gas.

[0145] The piston in the first cylinder rotates at 80 r / min; the temperatures of the first coolant and the second coolant are each 3°C independently.

[0146] (3) The compressed gas in step (2) enters the drying device and is dried at a drying temperature of 20°C to obtain dried compressed gas;

[0147] (4) The dry compressed gas in step (3) enters the pressure swing adsorption device and is treated with oxygen adsorbent to obtain hydrogen.

[0148] The ratio of the amount of oxygen adsorbent to the volume of oxygen in the hydrogen-oxygen mixture is 4 kg / Nm³. 3 .

[0149] In this application example, the pressure of the first booster gas reaches 0.2 MPa, the temperature of the first booster cooling gas reaches 70°C, the pressure of the second booster gas reaches 0.4 MPa, and the temperature of the second booster cooling gas reaches 40°C. The purity of the obtained hydrogen is as high as 91.1%, and the hydrogen recovery rate is as high as 82%.

[0150] Application Example 3

[0151] This application example provides a method for separating a hydrogen-oxygen mixture, which is carried out using the apparatus for separating a hydrogen-oxygen mixture provided in Example 1. The method includes the following steps:

[0152] (1) A hydrogen-oxygen mixture with a volume ratio of 10:1 is fed into a condenser and condensed at 10°C to obtain a non-condensable gas.

[0153] (2) The non-condensable gas mentioned in step (1) enters the gas pressurization device for pressurization treatment to obtain compressed gas;

[0154] The pressurization process includes: the non-condensable gas is first compressed by a first cylinder to obtain a first pressurized gas, the first pressurized gas is first cooled by a first cooler to obtain a first pressurized cooled gas, and then the first pressurized cooled gas is first pressurized by a second cylinder and then cooled by a second cooler to obtain a second pressurized cooled gas.

[0155] The piston in the first cylinder rotates at 180 r / min; the temperatures of the first coolant and the second coolant are each 10°C independently.

[0156] (3) The compressed gas in step (2) enters the drying device and is dried at a drying temperature of 45°C to obtain dried compressed gas;

[0157] (4) The dry compressed gas in step (3) enters the pressure swing adsorption device and is treated with oxygen adsorbent to obtain hydrogen.

[0158] The ratio of the amount of oxygen adsorbent to the volume of oxygen in the hydrogen-oxygen mixture is 5 kg / Nm³. 3 .

[0159] In this application example, the pressure of the first booster gas reaches 0.4 MPa, the temperature of the first booster cooling gas reaches 100°C, the pressure of the second booster gas reaches 0.8 MPa, and the temperature of the second booster cooling gas reaches 50°C. The purity of the obtained hydrogen is as high as 93.8%, and the hydrogen recovery rate is as high as 85%.

[0160] As can be seen from the comprehensive application examples 1 to 3, the gas pressurization device and the device for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas containing the present invention can achieve pressurization of hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas with a high oxygen volume content (hydrogen to oxygen volume ratio as high as (2-10):1) and efficient separation of hydrogen and oxygen. It can obtain hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas with a pressure of up to 0.4 MPa and a temperature as low as 50°C, and the hydrogen recovery rate is up to 80%, thus solving the technical problems currently faced in separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas.

[0161] The applicant declares that the above description is only a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art should understand that any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention fall within the protection and disclosure scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for separating a hydrogen-oxygen mixture, characterized in that, The apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases includes a condenser, a gas pressurizer, a drying device, and a pressure swing adsorption device connected in sequence. The gas booster device includes a first compression device, a first cooling device, a second compression device, and a second cooling device connected in sequence from high to low. A first water-cooling device is provided around the first compression device; a second water-cooling device is provided around the second compression device. The outlet of the second cooling device is connected to the inlet of the first cooling device; the outlet of the first cooling device is connected to the inlet of the first water-cooling device; and the outlet of the first water-cooling device is connected to the inlet of the second water-cooling device.

2. The apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas booster device is equipped with a total gas inlet and a total gas outlet.

3. The apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gas inlet of the gas booster is connected to the inlet of the first compression device; the outlet of the first compression device is connected to the inlet of the first cooling device; the outlet of the first cooling device is connected to the inlet of the second compression device; the outlet of the second compression device is connected to the inlet of the second cooling device; and the outlet of the second cooling device is connected to the gas outlet of the gas booster.

4. The apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases according to claim 3, characterized in that, A first pressure sensor and a first solenoid valve are installed on the pipeline between the gas inlet of the gas booster and the air inlet of the first compression device.

5. The apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases according to claim 3, characterized in that, A first temperature sensor is installed on the pipe between the air outlet of the first compression device and the air inlet of the first cooling device.

6. The apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases according to claim 3, characterized in that, A second pressure sensor is installed on the pipe between the air outlet of the first cooling device and the air inlet of the second compression device.

7. The apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases according to claim 6, characterized in that, A first safety valve and a first bursting component are also installed on the pipe between the air outlet of the first cooling device and the air inlet of the second compression device.

8. The apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases according to claim 3, characterized in that, A second temperature sensor is installed on the pipe between the outlet of the second compression device and the inlet of the second cooling device.

9. The apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases according to claim 3, characterized in that, A second solenoid valve and a third pressure sensor are installed on the pipe between the air outlet of the second cooling device and the total gas outlet of the gas booster device.

10. The apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases according to claim 9, characterized in that, A second safety valve and a second bursting component are also installed on the pipe between the air outlet of the second cooling device and the total gas outlet of the gas booster device.

11. The apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas pressurization device is also equipped with a chiller unit.

12. The apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases according to claim 11, characterized in that, The outlet of the chiller unit is connected to the inlet of the second cooling device.

13. The apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases according to claim 11, characterized in that, A third temperature sensor is installed on the pipe between the outlet of the chiller unit and the second cooling device.

14. The apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases according to claim 11, characterized in that, The outlet of the second water-cooling device is connected to the inlet of the chiller unit.

15. The apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases according to claim 14, characterized in that, A fourth pressure sensor and a third safety valve are installed on the pipe between the outlet of the second water-cooling device and the inlet of the chiller unit.

16. The apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases according to claim 14, characterized in that, A fourth temperature sensor is installed on the pipe between the outlet of the second water-cooling device and the inlet of the chiller unit.

17. The apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure swing adsorption device includes at least two adsorption towers arranged in parallel.

18. The apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases according to claim 17, characterized in that, The adsorption tower is equipped with an adsorbent.

19. The apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases according to claim 17, characterized in that, The total gas outlet of the gas booster is connected in parallel to the gas inlet of each adsorption tower.

20. A method for separating a hydrogen-oxygen mixture, characterized in that, The method is carried out using the apparatus for separating hydrogen-oxygen mixed gases as described in any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. The method for separating a hydrogen-oxygen mixture according to claim 20, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: (1) The hydrogen-oxygen mixture is fed into a condenser for condensation to obtain a non-condensable gas; (2) The non-condensable gas mentioned in step (1) enters the gas pressurization device for pressurization treatment to obtain compressed gas; (3) The compressed gas in step (2) enters the drying device for drying treatment to obtain dried compressed gas; (4) The dry compressed gas in step (3) enters the pressure swing adsorption device for oxygen adsorption treatment to obtain hydrogen.

22. The method for separating a hydrogen-oxygen mixture according to claim 21, characterized in that, In step (1), the volume ratio of hydrogen to oxygen in the hydrogen-oxygen mixture is (1.8~20):

1.

23. The method for separating a hydrogen-oxygen mixture according to claim 22, characterized in that, In step (1), the volume ratio of hydrogen to oxygen in the hydrogen-oxygen mixture is (2~10):

1.

24. The method for separating a hydrogen-oxygen mixture according to claim 21, characterized in that, The condensation treatment in step (1) is carried out at a temperature of 5~25℃.

25. The method for separating a hydrogen-oxygen mixture according to claim 21, characterized in that, The pressurization process in step (2) includes: the non-condensable gas is first compressed by a first compression device to obtain a first pressurized gas, the first pressurized gas is first cooled by a first cooling device to obtain a first pressurized cooling gas, and then the first pressurized cooling gas is first pressurized by a second compression device and then cooled by a second cooling device to obtain a second pressurized cooling gas.

26. The method for separating a hydrogen-oxygen mixture according to claim 25, characterized in that, In step (2), the piston in the first compression device rotates at a speed of 80-180 r / min during the pressurization process.

27. The method for separating a hydrogen-oxygen mixture according to claim 25, characterized in that, In step (2), the temperatures of the first and second cooling processes are each 3~10℃.

28. The method for separating a hydrogen-oxygen mixture according to claim 21, characterized in that, The oxygen adsorbent used in step (4) includes any one or a combination of at least two of porous carbon molecular sieves, zeolite molecular sieves or calcium-based molecular sieves.

29. The method for separating a hydrogen-oxygen mixture according to claim 28, characterized in that, The amount of oxygen adsorbent used is in a ratio of 3-5 kg / Nm³ to the volume of oxygen in the hydrogen-oxygen mixture. 3 .

30. The method for separating a hydrogen-oxygen mixture according to claim 20, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: (1) A hydrogen-oxygen mixture with a volume ratio of (1.8~20):1 is fed into a condenser and condensed at 5~25℃ to obtain a non-condensable gas; (2) The non-condensable gas mentioned in step (1) enters the gas pressurization device for pressurization treatment to obtain compressed gas; The pressurization process includes: the non-condensable gas is first compressed by a first compression device to obtain a first pressurized gas, the first pressurized gas is first cooled by a first cooling device to obtain a first pressurized cooled gas, and then the first pressurized cooled gas is first pressurized by a second compression device and then cooled by a second cooling device to obtain a second pressurized cooled gas. The piston in the first compression device rotates at a speed of 80~180 r / min; the temperatures of the first cooling and the second cooling are each 3~10℃ independently; (3) The compressed gas in step (2) enters the drying device for drying treatment to obtain dried compressed gas; (4) The dry compressed gas in step (3) enters the pressure swing adsorption device and is treated with oxygen adsorbent to obtain hydrogen gas; The amount of oxygen adsorbent used is in a ratio of 3-5 kg / Nm³ to the volume of oxygen in the hydrogen-oxygen mixture. 3 .

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