Electrolytic cell structure and electrolytic cell

Abstract

The invention provides an electrolytic cell structure and an electrolytic cell. This electrolytic cell structure is provided with: a frame having a bottom surface and an open part positioned above the bottom surface; an electrode disposed on the open portion side and having a substantially rectangular shape in which a short side L1 (m) multiplies a long side L2 (m); a rib which is provided on the bottom surface and supports the electrode; and a baffle plate which is fixed to the rib and has a substantially rectangular shape having a short side L3 (m) * a long side L4 (m), the short side L1 being 1.3 m or more and 1.6 m or less, and the ratio L4 / L1 of the long side L4 to the short side L1 being 0.35 or more and 0.97 or less.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to an electrolytic cell structure and an electrolytic cell. Background Art

[0002] Alkali metal salt electrolysis is a method of electrolyzing an aqueous solution of an alkali metal chloride such as brine (hereinafter also simply referred to as "electrolysis") to produce high-concentration alkali metal hydroxides, hydrogen, chlorine, etc. As this method, electrolysis using the mercury method and the diaphragm method can be cited. In recent years, the ion exchange membrane method with good power efficiency has been mainly used.

[0003] In the ion exchange membrane method, electrolysis is carried out using an electrolytic cell in which a plurality of electrolytic cells each having an anode and a cathode (hereinafter also collectively referred to as "electrodes") are arranged with an ion exchange membrane interposed therebetween. The electrolytic cell has the following structure: a cathode chamber in which a cathode is installed and an anode chamber in which an anode is installed are arranged back to back with a partition (back panel) interposed therebetween. In the electrolytic cell, an aqueous solution of an alkali metal chloride is supplied to the anode chamber, and an alkali metal hydroxide is supplied to the cathode chamber, and electrolysis is carried out. Thereby, chlorine gas is generated in the anode chamber, and an alkali metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas are generated in the cathode chamber.

[0004] In addition, in recent years, in order to further improve the unit power consumption, zero-gap electrolysis in which the ion exchange membrane is brought into contact with the cathode has become mainstream. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for a unit cell of a bipolar pressure filter type electrolytic cell for an aqueous solution of an alkali metal chloride.

[0005] [Prior Art Documents]

[0006] [Patent Documents]

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3707778 Summary of the Invention

[0008] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0009] In the technique described in Patent Document 1, a unit cell having a lateral width of 2400 mm and a height of 1280 mm is disclosed, and a baffle can be provided above the anode chamber of the unit cell. However, in such a structure, there is room for improvement from the viewpoints of unit power consumption and sodium hydroxide production.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of this point, and an object thereof is to provide an electrolytic cell structure capable of improving unit power consumption and sodium hydroxide production.

[0011] [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0012] The inventors of the present invention repeatedly conducted in-depth research and found that the above problems can be solved by an electrolytic cell structure having a specific structure, thereby completing the present invention.

[0013] That is, the present invention includes the following methods. [1]

[0015] An electrolytic cell structure includes: a frame body F1 having a bottom surface and an opening portion located above the bottom surface; an electrode E1 disposed on the side of the opening portion and having a substantially rectangular shape with a short side L1 (m) × a long side L2 (m); a rib R1 provided on the bottom surface and supporting the electrode E1; and a baffle B1 fixed to the rib and having a substantially rectangular shape with a short side L3 (m) × a long side L4 (m), where the short side L1 is 1.3 m or more and 1.6 m or less, and the ratio of the long side L4 to the short side L1, i.e., L4 / L1, is 0.35 or more and 0.97 or less. [2]

[0017] The electrolytic cell structure according to [1] further includes a gas-liquid separation portion having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and separating gas from the electrolyte. When looking down at the energization surface in the electrolytic cell structure, the gas-liquid separation portion has a substantially rectangular shape with a short side L5 (m) × a long side L6 (m), and the ratio of the short side L5 to the short side L1, i.e., L5 / L1, is 0.03 or more and 0.08 or less. [3]

[0019] In the electrolytic cell structure according to [2], the ratio of the volume V1 of the electrode chamber divided by the frame body F1 and the electrode E1 to the volume V2 of the gas-liquid separation portion, i.e., V1 / V2, is 15 or more and 20 or less. [4]

[0021] In the electrolytic cell structure according to any one of [1] to [3], the angle formed by the electrode E1 and the baffle B1 is 0.5° or more and 2.4° or less. [5]

[0023] In the electrolytic cell structure according to any one of [1] to [4], it further includes an electrode E2 and a conductive buffer pad pressing the energization surface of the electrode E2, where the electrode E1 is an anode and the electrode E2 is a cathode. [6]

[0025] An electrolytic cell, where the electrolytic cell includes: a plurality of the electrolytic cell structures according to claim 1; an ion exchange membrane disposed between adjacent electrolytic cell structures; and a connection unit configured to connect the electrolytic cell structure and the ion exchange membrane. [7]

[0027] The electrolytic cell according to [6], wherein the connecting unit includes a pressure applicator and a fixing head connected to the pressure applicator, and the fixing head is configured to press the entire surface of the contact surface in the electrolytic cell structure that contacts the fixing head by driving the pressure applicator. [8]

[0029] The electrolytic cell according to [6], further comprising a dummy cell between the electrolytic cell structure closest to the connecting unit and the connecting unit, wherein the connecting unit includes a pressure applicator and a fixing head connected to the pressure applicator, the fixing head is configured to press the dummy cell by driving the pressure applicator, and the dummy cell is configured to press the entire surface of the contact surface in the electrolytic cell structure that contacts the dummy cell under the pressing force from the fixing head. [9]

[0031] The electrolytic cell according to [8], wherein the dummy cell is made of a rigid material.

[10]

[0033] The electrolytic cell according to [6], further comprising an attachment member configured to be fitted with the connecting unit, wherein the connecting unit includes a pressure applicator and a fixing head connected to the pressure applicator, the fixing head is configured to be able to press the attachment member by driving the pressure applicator, and the attachment member is configured to press the entire surface of the contact surface in the electrolytic cell structure that contacts the attachment member under the pressing force from the fixing head.

[11]

[0035] The electrolytic cell according to

[10] , wherein the attachment member is made of a rigid material.

[0036] [Advantages of the Invention]

[0037] According to the present invention, an electrolytic cell structure capable of improving the unit power consumption and the production amount of sodium hydroxide can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a structural example of the electrolytic cell structure.

[0039] Figure 2 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a structural example when two electrolytic cell structures are connected in series.

[0040] Figure 3 It is a schematic view showing an example of the electrolytic cell.

[0041] Figure 4 It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the process of assembling the electrolytic cell.

[0042] Figure 5 Viewed from the front in the direction of αFigure 1 A diagram of the electrolytic cell structure 50 shown.

[0043] Figure 6 In (A), it is observed from direction β Figure 5 A diagram of the x-x' cross-section of the electrolytic cell structure 50 shown. Figure 6 In (B), it is used to explain Figure 6 A diagram of the volume V1 of the anode chamber in the cross-sectional structure of the housing 101 shown in (A).

[0044] Figure 7 It is observed from direction γ Figure 5 A diagram of the y-y' cross-section of the electrolytic cell structure 50 shown.

[0045] Figure 8 A diagram showing an example where the baffle is disposed obliquely with respect to the anode.

[0046] Figure 9 In (A), it illustrates the position of the central portion of the current-carrying surface in the electrolytic cell structure. Figure 9 In (B), it is used to explain the relationship between the pressing position when the presser presses the electrolytic cell structure and the central portion of the current-carrying surface when connecting in the electrolytic cell.

[0047] Figure 10 In (A), it is a schematic diagram showing an example of an existing electrolytic cell. Figure 10 In (B), it is a schematic diagram showing an example of enlarging the presser and the fixed head of the existing electrolytic cell. Figure 10 In (C), it is a schematic diagram showing an example of applying the dummy cell to the presser and the fixed head of the existing electrolytic cell. Figure 10 In (D), it is a diagram showing an example of the dummy cell. Figure 10 In (E), it is a schematic diagram showing an example of applying the attachment to the presser and the fixed head of the existing electrolytic cell.

[0048] Figure 11 It is used to explain according to Figure 5 A diagram showing the concentration measurement position in the embodiment based on the structure of the electrolytic cell structure 50 shown. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0049] Hereinafter, a mode for implementing the present invention (hereinafter, simply referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described in detail. The following present embodiment is an illustration for explaining the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention to the following content. The present invention can be appropriately modified and implemented within the scope of its gist.

[0050] In addition, in the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Further, the positional relationships such as up, down, left, and right in the drawings are based on the positional relationships shown in the drawings unless otherwise specified, and the dimensional ratios of the drawings are not limited to the ratios shown. However, the drawings only show an example of the present embodiment, and the present embodiment should not be construed as being limited thereto.

[0051] The electrolytic cell structure of the present embodiment includes: a frame body F1 having a bottom surface and an opening portion located above the bottom surface; an electrode E1 disposed on the opening portion side and having a substantially rectangular shape with a short side L1(m)×long side L2(m); a rib R1 provided on the bottom surface and supporting the electrode E1; and a baffle B1 fixed to the rib and having a substantially rectangular shape with a short side L3(m)×long side L4(m). The short side L1 is 1.3 m or more and 1.6 m or less, and the ratio L4 / L1 of the long side L4 to the short side L1 is 0.35 or more and 0.97 or less. Since the electrolytic cell structure of the present embodiment is configured in this way, the unit power consumption and the sodium hydroxide production amount can be improved.

[0052] 〔Electrolytic cell〕

[0053] In the present embodiment, the term "electrolytic cell structure" is used to refer to a part or the whole of the structure of an electrolytic cell. That is, the electrolytic cell structure of the present embodiment may refer to the structure on the anode chamber side of the electrolytic cell or the structures on both the anode chamber side and the cathode chamber side.

[0054] Hereinafter, taking the case where the electrolytic cell structure of the present embodiment is applied to an electrolytic cell as an example, it will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0055] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the electrolytic cell structure 50. In Figure 1 this example, the electrolytic cell structure 50 includes an anode chamber 60, a cathode chamber 70, a partition wall 80 provided between the anode chamber 60 and the cathode chamber 70, an anode 11 provided in the anode chamber 60, and a cathode 21 provided in the cathode chamber 70. As Figure 1As shown, a reverse current absorber 18 provided in the cathode chamber may also be provided as needed. The cathode chamber 70 also has a current collector 23, a support 24 for supporting the current collector, and a metal elastic body 22. The metal elastic body 22 is provided between the current collector 23 and the cathode 21. The support 24 is provided between the current collector 23 and the partition wall 80. The current collector 23 is electrically connected to the cathode 21 via the metal elastic body 22. The partition wall 80 is electrically connected to the current collector 23 via the support 24. Therefore, the partition wall 80, the support 24, the current collector 23, the metal elastic body 22, and the cathode 21 are electrically connected. Preferably, the entire surface of the cathode 21 is covered with a catalyst layer for the reduction reaction. In addition, the form of electrical connection may also be as follows: the partition wall 80 and the support 24, the support 24 and the current collector 23, and the current collector 23 and the metal elastic body 22 are directly mounted respectively, and the cathode 21 is laminated on the metal elastic body 22. As a method of directly mounting these respective constituent members to each other, welding or the like can be cited.

[0056] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of two electrolytic cell structures 50 adjacent to each other in the electrolytic cell 4. Figure 3 Shows the electrolytic cell 4. Figure 4 Shows the process of assembling the electrolytic cell 4.

[0057] As Figure 2 shown, the electrolytic cell structures 50, the cation exchange membrane 51, and the electrolytic cell structures 50 are arranged in series in this order. In the electrolytic cell, a cation exchange membrane 51 is disposed between the anode chamber of one electrolytic cell structure 50 and the cathode chamber of another adjacent electrolytic cell structure 50. That is, the anode chamber 60 of the electrolytic cell structure 50 and the cathode chamber 70 of the adjacent electrolytic cell structure 50 are separated by the cation exchange membrane 51. As Figure 3 shown, the electrolytic cell 4 is composed of a plurality of electrolytic cell structures 50 connected in series via the cation exchange membrane 51. That is, the electrolytic cell 4 is a bipolar electrolytic cell having a plurality of electrolytic cell structures 50 arranged in series and a cation exchange membrane 51 disposed between adjacent electrolytic cell structures 50. As Figure 4 shown, the electrolytic cell 4 is assembled by arranging a plurality of electrolytic cell structures 50 in series with the cation exchange membrane 51 interposed therebetween and connecting them using a pressurizer 5.

[0058] The electrolytic cell 4 has an anode terminal 7 and a cathode terminal 6 connected to a power source. The anode 11 of the electrolytic cell structure 50 located at the end of the multiple electrolytic cell structures 50 connected in series in the electrolytic cell 4 is electrically connected to the anode terminal 7. The cathode 21 of the electrolytic cell located at the end opposite to the anode terminal 7 in the multiple electrolytic cells 2 connected in series in the electrolytic cell 4 is electrically connected to the cathode terminal 6. The current during electrolysis flows from the anode terminal 7 side to the cathode terminal 6 via the anode and cathode of each electrolytic cell structure 50. In addition, an electrolytic cell (anode terminal cell) having only an anode chamber and an electrolytic cell (cathode terminal cell) having only a cathode chamber can also be configured at both ends of the connected electrolytic cell structure 50. In this case, the anode terminal cell configured at one end is connected to the anode terminal 7, and the cathode terminal cell configured at the other end is connected to the cathode terminal 6.

[0059] When the electrolysis of salt water is performed, salt water is supplied to each anode chamber 60, and pure water or a low-concentration sodium hydroxide aqueous solution is supplied to the cathode chamber 70. Each liquid is supplied to each electrolytic cell structure 50 from an electrolyte supply pipe (omitted in the figure) via an electrolyte supply hose (omitted in the figure). In addition, the electrolyte and the electrolysis product are recovered from an electrolyte recovery pipe (omitted in the figure). During electrolysis, the sodium ions in the salt water move from the anode chamber 60 of one electrolytic cell structure 50 to the cathode chamber 70 of the adjacent electrolytic cell structure 50 through the cation exchange membrane 51. Therefore, the current in the electrolysis flows in the direction in which the electrolytic cell structures 50 are connected in series. That is, the current flows from the anode chamber 60 to the cathode chamber 70 via the cation exchange membrane 51. Along with the electrolysis of the salt water, chlorine gas is generated on the anode 11 side, and sodium hydroxide (solute) and hydrogen gas are generated on the cathode 21 side.

[0060] (Anode chamber)

[0061] The following description will be given by taking as an example a case where the electrode E1 included in the electrolytic cell structure of the present embodiment is a member on the anode chamber 60 side, that is, corresponds to the anode 11 . Figure 5 is viewed from the front in the direction α (i.e., the anode 11 side) Figure 1 FIG. 50 is a diagram of an electrolytic cell structure 50. Figure 5 As shown, the anode 11 (corresponding to the above-mentioned "electrode E1") is arranged in a manner surrounded by a frame 101 (corresponding to the above-mentioned "frame F1") and has a substantially rectangular shape of short side L1(m) x long side L2(m). The anode chamber 60 is divided by the frame 101 and the anode 11. Figure 5In [the structure], a baffle 103 (corresponding to the above-described "baffle B1") having a substantially rectangular shape with a short side L3 (m) × a long side L4 (m) is disposed on the back side (partition wall 80 side) of the paper surface of the anode 11. Further, an anode-side gas-liquid separation unit 104 that separates gas from the electrolyte mixed with gas is disposed above the anode 11, the baffle 103, and the frame body 101. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, "above" refers to Figure 1 the upward direction in the electrolytic cell structure 50 of Figure 1 and Figure 5 the downward direction in the electrolytic cell structure 50 of Figures 6 - 8 is further described below with reference to Figure 5 the structure shown.

[0062] Figure 6 Figure (A) of Figure 5 is a view of the x-x' cross section of the electrolytic cell structure 50 shown as viewed from the direction β. As shown in Figure 6 Figure (A) of Figure 6 , the frame body 101 has a bottom surface 101a and an opening 101b located above the bottom surface 101a ( Figure 6 above Figure (A) of Figure 6 ). As shown in Figure (A) of , the frame body 101 can be configured such that the side wall portion erected from the bottom surface 101a defines the opening 101b. The anode 11 is disposed on the opening 101b side of the frame body 101. The size of the opening 101b can be set based on the long side L2 of the anode 11. Further, ribs 102 (corresponding to the above-described "ribs R1") are provided on the bottom surface 101a of the frame body 101. The ribs 102 support the anode 11. The baffle 103 is fixed by the ribs 102. In

[0064] the example of Figure (A) of Figure 6 , the baffle 103 is fixed between the two ribs 102 by a method such as welding. The distance between the two ribs 102 can be set based on the short side L3. The ribs 102 can be conductive members, which can be metal plates or metal plates having voids. A sealing surface 101c is formed on the frame body 101 so as to extend from the aforementioned side wall portion. When ensuring airtightness when the two electrolytic cell structures 50 are pressed against each other to ensure the airtightness of the electrolyte flow, the sealing surface 101c is pressed. In the present embodiment, when ensuring airtightness, the anode 11 can also be disposed in a manner that it is pressed.

[0063] In the present embodiment, the short side L1 of the anode 11 is 1.3 m or more and 1.6 m or less. By making L1 1.3 m or more, the unit power consumption and the sodium hydroxide production amount can be improved. Further, by making L1 1.6 m or less, the operability as an electrolytic cell can be ensured. From the above viewpoints, the short side L1 is preferably 1.35 m or more and 1.55 m or less, and more preferably 1.4 m or more and 1.5 m or less.

[0064] As the anode 11, a metal electrode such as a so-called DSA (registered trademark) can be used. DSA refers to an electrode of a titanium substrate whose surface is covered with an oxide composed of ruthenium, iridium, and titanium. As for the shape, as long as it has a substantially rectangular shape with a short side L1 (m) × long side L2 (m), there is no particular limitation, and any one of punched metal, non-woven fabric, foamed metal, porous metal, a metal porous foil formed by electroforming, a so-called woven mesh made of woven metal wires, etc. can be used.

[0065] The long side L2 of the anode 11 is not particularly limited, and can be 2.0 m or more and 2.8 m or less, can be 2.1 m or more and 2.6 m or less, and can be 2.2 m or more and 2.5 m or less.

[0066] An electrolyte is supplied to the anode chamber 60 from an anode-side electrolyte supply unit (not shown). The anode-side electrolyte supply unit is preferably disposed below the anode chamber 60 ( Figure 1 below). As the anode-side electrolyte supply unit, for example, a tube (dispersion tube) having an opening formed on its surface can be used. This tube is more preferably disposed parallel to the lower part 19 of the electrolytic cell along the surface of the anode 11. This tube is connected to an electrolyte supply tube (liquid supply nozzle) that supplies the electrolyte into the electrolytic cell structure 50. The electrolyte supplied from the liquid supply nozzle is transported into the electrolytic cell structure 50 through the tube and supplied into the interior of the anode chamber 60 from the opening formed on the surface of the tube. By disposing the tube parallel to the lower part 19 of the electrolytic cell along the surface of the anode 11, the electrolyte can be uniformly supplied into the interior of the anode chamber 60, which is therefore preferable.

[0067] The baffle 103 has no particular limitation as long as it has a substantially rectangular shape with a short side L3 (m) × long side L4 (m), and functions as a partition for controlling the flow of the electrolyte in the anode chamber 60. The baffle 103 can be a conductive member or a metal flat plate. By providing the baffle 103, the electrolyte (such as brine) can be internally circulated in the anode chamber 60 to make its concentration uniform. In order to cause internal circulation, the baffle 103 is preferably disposed in such a way as to separate the space near the anode 11 and the space near the partition wall 80. From the above viewpoints, the baffle 103 is preferably provided so as to face each surface of the anode 11 and the partition wall 80. In the space near the anode 11 separated by the baffle 103, the concentration of the electrolyte (brine concentration) decreases due to the progress of electrolysis, and in addition, generated gases such as chlorine gas are generated. As a result, a specific gravity difference between gas and liquid is generated between the space near the anode 11 and the space near the partition wall 80 separated by the baffle 103. Utilizing this, the internal circulation of the electrolyte in the anode chamber 60 can be promoted, and the concentration distribution of the electrolyte in the anode chamber 60 can be made more uniform. To illustrate the function of such a baffle 103, the case of observing the y-y' cross-section of the electrolytic cell structure 50 shown from the direction γ is shown in Figure 5 the following figure.Figure 7 In addition, y-y’ is a line drawn in such a way as to pass between two ribs 102 in Figure 5 , and the cross-section of the y-y’ profile corresponds to the cross-sectional view of the baffle 103 located between the two ribs 102. That is, Figure 7 The baffle 103 shown is fixed between two ribs 102 not shown in Figure 7 . As shown in Figure 7 , the electrolyte is supplied upward from the lower part 19 of the electrolytic cell, but due to the presence of the baffle 103, the electrolyte flows upward (direction F1) on the anode 11 side of the baffle 103, then, the flow reverses (direction F2) in the upper part (above the baffle 103) in the anode chamber 60, and after that, the electrolyte flows downward (direction F3) on the frame 101 side of the baffle 103. Thus, due to the baffle 103, there is a tendency to improve the circulation of the electrolyte in the anode chamber 60. In the present embodiment, by making L1 of the anode 11 1.3 m or more, it is possible to improve the power consumption per unit and the production amount of sodium hydroxide. On the other hand, there is a tendency that the larger L1 is, the lower the circulation of the electrolyte becomes. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the ratio (L4 / L1) of the long side L4 of the baffle 103 to the short side L1 of the anode 11 is set to 0.35 or more and 0.97 or less. By making L4 / L1 within this range, the circulation of the electrolyte is improved. Thus, in the present embodiment, by making the short side L1 of the anode 11 1.3 m or more and 1.6 m or less, and setting the ratio (L4 / L1) of the long side L4 of the baffle 103 to the short side L1 of the anode 11 to 0.35 or more and 0.97 or less, it is possible to improve the power consumption per unit and the production amount of sodium hydroxide while ensuring the circulation of the electrolyte. From the above viewpoints, L4 / L1 is preferably 0.40 or more and 0.9 or less, more preferably 0.50 or more and 0.88 or less.

[0068] There is no particular limitation on the long side L4 of the baffle 103, and it can be 0.5 m or more and 1.35 m or less, it can be 0.8 m or more and 1.3 m or less, it can be 0.9 m or more and 1.25 m or less. In addition, there is no particular limitation on the short side L3 of the baffle 103, and it can be 0.05 m or more and 0.15 m or less, it can be 0.07 m or more and 0.12 m or less, and it can also be 0.09 m or more and 0.11 m or less.

[0069] In Figure 7 , an example is shown in which the baffle 103 is arranged parallel to the anode 11 and the frame 101 (partition 80), but it is not limited thereto. That is, the baffle 103 can also be arranged obliquely with respect to the anode 11 and the frame 101 (partition 80). Figure 8 is a view showing an example in which the baffle 103 is arranged at an inclined angle θ with respect to the anode 11. Figure 8The baffle 103 shown is fixed between two ribs (not shown). In the present embodiment, from the viewpoint of the circulation of the electrolytic solution, the angle (i.e., angle θ) formed by the anode 11 and the baffle 103 is preferably 0.5° or more and 2.4° or less, more preferably 0.6° or more and 2.0° or less, and further preferably 0.7° or more and 1.5° or less.

[0070] As Figure 5 shown, it is preferable to provide an anode-side gas-liquid separation part 104 for separating gas and liquid in the electrolytic cell structure 50 in the present embodiment. The anode-side gas-liquid separation part 104 may include, for example, an electrolytic solution inlet, a gas outlet, and an electrolytic solution outlet (all not shown). During electrolysis, if the generated gas such as chlorine gas generated in the electrolytic cell structure 50 and the electrolytic solution become a mixed phase (gas-liquid mixed phase) and are discharged to the outside of the system, there is a tendency to generate vibration due to the pressure change inside the electrolytic cell structure 50. In the case where the anode-side gas-liquid separation part 104 is provided, there is a tendency to be able to suppress the physical damage of the ion exchange membrane caused by this vibration. From the above viewpoints, it is preferable to provide an antifoaming plate for eliminating bubbles in the anode-side gas-liquid separation part. By cracking the bubbles when the gas-liquid mixed-phase fluid passes through the antifoaming plate, it is possible to separate into the electrolytic solution and gas. As a result, vibration during electrolysis can be prevented. As Figure 5 shown, the anode-side gas-liquid separation part 104 may have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. When looking down at the energized surface in the electrolytic cell structure, that is, as Figure 5 shown, when observing the electrolytic cell structure 50 from the anode 11 side, the shape of the anode-side gas-liquid separation part 104 preferably has a substantially rectangular shape of short side L5 (m) × long side L6 (m). At this time, the ratio (L5 / L1) of the short side L5 to the short side L1 is preferably 0.03 or more and 0.08 or less.

[0071] As Figure 6 etc. shown, the frame 101 may be formed in a sectional U shape, or a plate made of nickel or titanium may be formed into a desired shape. As the frame 101 on the anode chamber side, it may be a frame in which a plate made of titanium is formed in a sectional U shape. The electrode chamber volume V1 of the anode chamber 60 can be obtained as the volume of the region divided by the imaginary plane 101d defined by the sealing surface 101c in the frame 101 and the frame 101 (refer to Figure 6 (B)). In addition, in the example of Figure 6 , the anode 11 (energized surface) is arranged on the imaginary plane 101d. Here, the ratio (V1 / V2) of the electrode chamber volume V1 of the anode chamber 60 to the volume V2 of the anode-side gas-liquid separation part 104 is preferably 15 or more and 20 or less, more preferably 15.5 or more and 19.5 or less, and further preferably 16 or more and 18.5 or less.

[0072] In addition, although in Figure 1Although not shown in the figures etc., a current collector may also be additionally provided inside the anode chamber 60. As this current collector, the same material and structure as the current collector of the cathode chamber described later may be used. Additionally, in the anode chamber 60, the anode 11 itself can also function as a current collector.

[0073] (Cathode chamber)

[0074] In the cathode chamber 70, a support 24, a current collector 23, a metal elastic body 22, and a cathode 21 can be sequentially arranged. Additionally, these components can be electrically connected. The cathode chamber 70 can also have a cathode-side electrolyte supply section and a cathode-side gas-liquid separation section in the same manner as the anode chamber 60. For example, in the case where the electrode E2 included in the electrolytic cell structure of the present embodiment is a component on the cathode chamber 70 side, that is, corresponding to the cathode 21, the ratio (V1' / V2') of the electrode chamber volume V1' of the cathode chamber 70 to the volume V2' of the cathode-side gas-liquid separation section is also preferably 15 or more and 20 or less, more preferably 15.5 or more and 19.5 or less, and further preferably 16 or more and 18.5 or less. In addition, descriptions of the parts in the cathode chamber 70 that are the same as the parts in the anode chamber 60 are omitted.

[0075] The cathode 21 preferably has a nickel substrate and a catalyst layer covering the nickel substrate. Examples of the components of the catalyst layer on the nickel substrate include metals such as Ru, C, Si, P, S, Al, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, Hg, Pb, Bi, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and oxides or hydroxides of these metals. Examples of the method for forming the catalyst layer include plating, alloy plating, dispersion / composite plating, CVD, PVD, thermal decomposition, and spraying. These methods can also be combined. The catalyst layer can have multiple layers and multiple elements as needed. Additionally, the cathode 21 can be subjected to a reduction treatment as needed. In addition, as the substrate of the cathode 21, a material obtained by plating nickel on nickel, a nickel alloy, iron, or stainless steel can also be used. As the shape of the cathode 21, any of punched metal, non-woven fabric, foamed metal, expanded metal, a metal porous foil formed by electroforming, a so-called woven mesh made of woven metal wire, etc. can be used.

[0076] The current collector 23 has the function of improving the current collection effect. The current collector 23 can be a porous plate and can be arranged substantially parallel to the surface of the cathode 21. As the current collector 23, for example, it is preferably made of a conductive metal such as nickel, iron, copper, silver, or titanium. The current collector 23 can be a mixture, alloy, or composite oxide of these metals. In addition, as long as the shape of the current collector 23 is a shape that functions as a current collector, it can be any shape, and can also be plate-shaped or mesh-shaped.

[0077] By providing a metal elastic body 22 between the current collector 23 and the cathode 21, each cathode 21 of the plurality of electrolytic cell structures 50 connected in series is pressed against the cation exchange membrane 51, the distance between each anode 11 and each cathode 21 becomes shorter, and the voltage applied to the entire plurality of electrolytic cell structures 50 connected in series can be reduced. By the voltage drop, the power consumption can be reduced. In addition, by providing the metal elastic body 22, when the laminate including the electrolytic electrode in the present embodiment is provided in the electrolytic cell, the electrolytic electrode can be stably maintained in a fixed position by the pressing pressure of the metal elastic body 22. As the metal elastic body 22, spring members such as disc springs and coils, and cushioning cushions (conductive cushioning cushions) with cushioning properties can be used. As the metal elastic body 22, appropriate materials can be appropriately selected in consideration of the stress for pressing the ion exchange membrane. The metal elastic body 22 can be provided on the surface of the current collector 23 on the cathode chamber 70 side, or can also be provided on the surface of the partition wall on the anode chamber 60 side. Usually, the two chambers are partitioned such that the cathode chamber 70 is smaller than the anode chamber 60. Therefore, from the viewpoint of the strength of the frame, etc., it is preferable to provide the metal elastic body 22 between the current collector 23 and the cathode 21 in the cathode chamber 70. In addition, the metal elastic body 23 is preferably made of a conductive metal such as nickel, iron, copper, silver, or titanium. In the electrolytic cell structure of the present embodiment, as a component on the cathode chamber side, it is preferable to include a conductive cushioning cushion that presses the energized surface of the cathode 21 toward the ion exchange membrane side.

[0078] The cathode chamber 70 preferably includes a support 24 that electrically connects the current collector 23 and the partition wall 80. Thereby, current can flow efficiently. The support 24 is preferably made of a conductive metal such as nickel, iron, copper, silver, or titanium. In addition, as the shape of the support 24, as long as it is a shape that can support the current collector 23, it can be any shape, and can be rod-shaped, plate-shaped, or mesh-shaped. The support 24 is, for example, plate-shaped. A plurality of supports 24 are arranged between the partition wall 80 and the current collector 23. The plurality of supports 24 are arranged such that their respective surfaces are parallel to each other. The support 24 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the partition wall 80 and the current collector 23.

[0079] In the electrolytic cell structure of the present embodiment, in order to seal between the ion exchange membrane and the electrolytic cell, a gasket may be disposed. As a specific example of the gasket, a rubber sheet in a frame shape having an opening formed in the center can be cited. It is required that the gasket has resistance to corrosive electrolytes, generated gases, etc. and can be used for a long time. Therefore, from the viewpoints of chemical resistance and hardness, vulcanized products and peroxide crosslinked products of ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM rubber) and ethylene-propylene rubber (EPM rubber) are generally used as the gasket. In addition, a gasket formed by covering a region in contact with a liquid (liquid contact portion) with a fluororesin such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA) can also be used as needed. These gaskets only need to have openings in a manner that does not hinder the flow of the electrolyte, and their shapes are not particularly limited. For example, a frame-shaped gasket is adhered along the periphery of each opening of the anode chamber frame constituting the anode chamber 60 or the cathode chamber frame constituting the cathode chamber 70 with an adhesive or the like. Moreover, for example, when two electrolytic cell structures 50 are connected via a cation exchange membrane 51 (refer to Figure 2 ), each electrolytic cell structure 50 with the gasket adhered can be fastened via the cation exchange membrane 51. Thereby, leakage of the electrolyte, alkali metal hydroxide, chlorine gas, hydrogen gas, etc. generated by electrolysis to the outside of the electrolytic cell structure 50 can be suppressed. The anode-side gasket 12 is preferably disposed on the surface of the frame body constituting the anode chamber 60. The cathode-side gasket 13 is preferably disposed on the surface of the frame body constituting the cathode chamber 70. The electrolytic cells are connected to each other in such a manner that the anode-side gasket 12 of one electrolytic cell and the cathode-side gasket 13 of the adjacent electrolytic cell sandwich the cation exchange membrane 51 (refer to Figure 2 ). Through these gaskets, when a plurality of electrolytic cell structures 50 are connected in series via the cation exchange membrane 51, airtightness can be imparted to the connection portion.

[0080] 〔Electrolytic cell〕

[0081] The electrolytic cell of the present embodiment includes an electrolytic cell structure. As a specific example of the electrolytic cell of the present embodiment, an electrolytic cell can be cited, which includes a plurality of electrolytic cell structures, an ion exchange membrane disposed between adjacent electrolytic cell structures, and a connection unit configured to connect the electrolytic cell structure and the ion exchange membrane.

[0082] The ion exchange membrane in the present embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, a publicly known ion exchange membrane such as the ion exchange membrane described in International Publication No. 2018 / 174199 can be adopted.

[0083] The connection unit in the present embodiment is not particularly limited. As an example, Figures 3 - 4The illustrated pressurizer 5. In the example where the pressurizer 5 is used as a connecting unit, during the operation of the electrolytic cell, compared with the portion where the anode-side gas-liquid separation portions 104 of two adjacent electrolytic cell structures 50 face each other, it is preferable to sufficiently press the portions where the frames 101 face each other. By sufficiently pressing the portions where the frames 101 face each other, the airtightness of the portion that forms the flow path of the electrolytic solution can be ensured, and leakage of the electrolytic solution during the operation of the electrolytic cell can be prevented.

[0084] In Figure 9 example (A), it is preferable to press with the central portion SC of the anode 11 (the central portion within the plane of the anode 11; the central portion of the energization surface) as the center, rather than with the central portion of the entire electrolytic cell structure 50 including the anode-side gas-liquid separation portion 104 as the center. In this case, it is easy to uniformly press the anode 11 and the sealing surface 101c.

[0085] Figure 9 Figure (B) is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the pressing position and the central portion SC (the central portion of the energization surface) when the pressurizer 5 presses and connects a plurality of (five in the example of Figure 9 Figure (B)) electrolytic cell structures 50p. An ion exchange membrane is disposed between two adjacent electrolytic cell structures, but in Figure 9 Figure (B), this ion exchange membrane is omitted. In Figure 9 example (B) of Figure, the pressurizer 5 includes a cylinder SD and a loose head LH. A spherical seat SP is formed at the front end of the cylinder SD, and the spherical seat SP can be configured to be inclined in the direction of arrow PV, the front direction of the paper surface, the depth direction of the paper surface, etc. As Figure 9 shown in Figure (B), the cylinder SD is fitted with the loose head LH through the spherical seat SP, whereby the orientation (pressing direction) of the loose head LH can be appropriately adjusted, and thus it is easy to control the pressing direction. Here, as Figure 9 shown in Figure (B), it is preferable that the spherical seat SP is disposed so as to overlap with the central portion SC (the central portion of the energization surface). In the case of such a configuration, it is easy to selectively press the portion R2 where a plurality of electrolytic cell structures 50p are arranged with respect to the portion R1 where the anode-side gas-liquid separation portions 104 are arranged.

[0086] Hereinafter, a method that can be adopted when applying the electrolytic cell structure of the present embodiment to an existing electrolytic cell (for example, an electrolytic cell designed on the premise of accommodating an electrolytic cell including an electrode with a short side L1 less than 1.3 m) will be described.

[0087] Figure 10(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the electrolytic cell 4a designed on the premise of accommodating the electrolytic cell structure 50a. The electrolytic cell structure 50a includes an electrode having a substantially rectangular shape with a short side less than 1.3 m × a long side L2 (m). In the electrolytic cell 4a, a plurality of electrolytic cell structures 50a are pressed by the pressurizer 5 against the fixed head 8, whereby each electrolytic cell is connected and becomes an operable state. When the electrolytic cell structure 50 having the electrolytic cell structure in the present embodiment is applied to such an electrolytic cell 4a, that is, when the electrolytic cell structure 50 including an electrode having a substantially rectangular shape with a short side of 1.3 m or more and 1.6 m or less × a long side L2 (m) is applied, the entire surface of the electrolytic cell structure 50 cannot be sufficiently pressed by the pressurizer 5, which affects the electrolytic performance. Therefore, as Figure 10 shown in (B), an electrolytic cell 4 having a pressurizer 5a designed to be larger than the pressurizer 5 and a fixed head 8a designed to be larger than the fixed head 8 can be adopted. By designing the pressurizer 5a and the fixed head 8a according to the size of the electrode having a substantially rectangular shape with a short side of 1.3 m or more and 1.6 m or less × a long side L2 (m), each electrolytic cell can be connected in a state where the entire surface of the electrolytic cell structure 50 is sufficiently pressed.

[0088] In addition, as Figure 10 shown in (C), dummy cells 9a can also be provided adjacent to the existing pressurizer 5 and the existing fixed head 8, respectively. By designing the dummy cells 9a according to the size of the electrode having a substantially rectangular shape with a short side of 1.3 m or more and 1.6 m or less, each electrolytic cell can be connected in a state where the entire surface of the electrolytic cell structure 50 is sufficiently pressed. The dummy cells 9a do not necessarily have the function of an electrolytic cell. For example, a unit having the same shape, size, weight, and strength as the electrolytic cell structure 50 can be used. As an example, the dummy cells 9a do not have electrolytic performance. That the dummy cells 9a do not have electrolytic performance can be confirmed by the fact that no electrolytic reaction occurs when the electrolytic single cell structure of the embodiment is replaced with the dummy cells 9a in the electrolytic operation described in the following embodiments. In addition, the case where the dummy cells 9a do not have electrolytic performance can also be determined based on the fact that the electrode does not use the available catalyst metal and the catalyst metal is not arranged at a position where it can function as a catalyst.

[0089] In the present embodiment, from the viewpoint of uniform pressing, the dummy cell 9a is preferably made of a rigid material. In the electrolytic operation described in the embodiments below, when the dummy cell 9a is disposed adjacent to the existing pressure applicator 5 and the existing fixed head 8 respectively, it can be confirmed that the dummy cell 9a is made of a rigid material based on the fact that no leakage of the electrolytic solution occurs and no deformation of the dummy cell 9a caused by pressing is observed. In addition, it is also possible to determine that the dummy cell 9a is made of a rigid material by considering the material (Young's modulus) and thickness of the dummy cell 9a. For example, for a dummy cell with Young's modulus Y1 and thickness T1 and a dummy cell with Young's modulus Y2 and thickness T2, the values of Y1×T1 and Y2×T2 are calculated, and it can be evaluated that the one with the larger value has higher rigidity. In one embodiment, the rigidity of the dummy cell is the same as or greater than the rigidity of the electrolytic cell structure.

[0090] The material of the dummy cell 9a is not particularly limited. For example, it can be made of metal, or SS material (rolled steel for general structure) can be used.

[0091] The thickness of the dummy cell 9a is not particularly limited. For example, it can be 20 mm or more, 30 mm or more, or 60 mm or more. Additionally, the thickness of the dummy cell 9a can be 150 mm or less, or 130 mm or less, for example.

[0092] As Figure 10 shown in (D) of [], the dummy cell 9a can be configured in a lattice shape. That is, the dummy cell 9a can have a plurality of lattices LP formed in the main body portion DB. There is a tendency that as the size and number of the lattices LP increase, the weight of the dummy cell 9a decreases, and as a result, maintainability can be improved. On the other hand, there is a tendency that as the size and number of the lattices LP decrease, the rigidity of the dummy cell 9a increases, and as a result, more uniform pressing can be facilitated. In the present embodiment, when the dummy cell 9a is configured in a lattice shape, from the viewpoint of ensuring rigidity, it is preferably 60 mm or more, and from the viewpoints of ensuring the number of electrolytic cell structures provided and ensuring electrolytic performance, it is preferably 130 mm or less.

[0093] And, as Figure 10As shown in (E), the attachment member 9b can also be disposed adjacent to the existing pressure applicator 5 and the existing fixing head 8, respectively. By designing the attachment member 9b according to the size of the electrode having a substantially rectangular shape with a short side of 1.3 m or more and 1.6 m or less × long side L2 (m), each electrolytic cell can be connected in a state where the entire surface of the electrolytic cell structure 50 is sufficiently pressed. The attachment member 9b, for example, has the same shape, size, and strength as the electrolytic cell structure 50, and an attachment member having a shape that fits with the existing pressure applicator 5 / existing fixing head 8 on the surface in contact with the existing pressure applicator 5 / existing fixing head 8 can be used. In the present embodiment, from the viewpoint of uniform pressing, the attachment member 9b is preferably a rigid material. The evaluation of the attachment member 9b being a rigid material and the evaluation of the magnitude relationship of the rigidity can be performed in the same manner as the dummy cell 9a. In one embodiment, the rigidity of the attachment member 9b is the same as or greater than the rigidity of the electrolytic cell structure.

[0094] In Figure 10 an ion exchange membrane is disposed between two adjacent electrolytic cell structures, but this ion exchange membrane is omitted in these figures.

[0095] In Figures 9 - 10 an example of a method of connecting the electrolytic cell structure by one pressure applicator 5 is illustrated, but in the present embodiment, the electrolytic cell structure can also be connected by a plurality of pressing units. For example, a plurality of bolt-shaped pressing members (the area of the pressing surface is smaller than that of the pressure applicator 5 in Figures 9 - 10 such as a pressure bolt) can be disposed at one end of the electrolytic cell, and these members can press the electrolytic cell structure in the same manner as the pressure applicator 5.

[0096] The connecting unit in the present embodiment, in addition to the foregoing structure, can also be a tie rod. The tie rod, for example, can be fixed by fixing one end of the tie rod to the pressure applicator 5 or the like, and fixed by fixing the other end of the tie rod to the fixing head 8 or the like. It can be configured to adjust the distance between the two fixing portions so that one end of the tie rod and the other end of the tie rod approach each other, and connect all the electrolytic cell structures disposed therebetween.

[0097] The connecting mechanism in the present embodiment, in addition to the above, for example, can also use the through hole formed in the electrolytic cell structure as a part of the connecting mechanism. As Figure 6As shown in (A) etc. of , the casing 101 in the electrolytic cell structure 50 may have a sealing surface 101c not covered by the anode 11, or one or more through-holes may be provided in the sealing surface 101c. A plurality of electrolytic cell structures configured in this way (electrolytic cell structures having through-holes at the same positions) can be prepared, arranged in the electrolytic cell, and fixed using the pull rod as described above. For example, the pull rod can pass through all the through-holes of the plurality of electrolytic cell structures, and both ends of the pull rod are fixed by being clamped through the through-holes of the electrolytic cell structures at both ends etc. It can be configured such that the distance between these two fixing portions is adjusted to bring one end of the pull rod closer to the other end of the pull rod, and all the electrolytic cell structures arranged between them are connected.

[0098] [Embodiment]

[0099] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in more detail based on the embodiments. This embodiment is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0100] [Embodiment 1]

[0101] Prepare a zero-gap type electrolytic cell structure as follows. That is, prepare a cross-sectional structure similar to Figure 1 and Figure 1 a zero-gap type electrolytic cell structure configured in the same way as the anode chamber 60 in Figure 6 . That is, this electrolytic cell structure has an anode chamber, a cathode chamber, and a gas-liquid separation chamber, and the anode chamber and the cathode chamber are arranged back to back. In addition, a baffle is provided only in the anode chamber. Specifically, as the baffle, a titanium plate with a long side of 866 mm and a short side of 95 mm is used, and as shown in Figure 8 , it is arranged obliquely with respect to the anode (so that the angle θ formed by the baffle and the anode is 1.27°).

[0102] A dispersion tube with a diameter of 25.4 mm is provided in parallel with the lower part of the anode chamber (the mounting surface of the electrolytic cell structure). Holes with a diameter of about 1.5 mm are opened at equal intervals on the dispersion tube. Similarly, a dispersion tube with a diameter of 12 mm is also provided in the cathode chamber.

[0103] As the anode, use the following anode: a 1 mm thick titanium plate is subjected to expansion processing, rolled to 1 mm by roll pressing, and coated with a coating mainly composed of ruthenium oxide, iridium oxide, and titanium oxide. This anode is installed on the rib.

[0104] As the cathode, use a cathode obtained by coating a nickel metal mesh with a wire diameter of 0.15 mm and 40 meshes with a coating mainly composed of ruthenium oxide.

[0105] As the current collector, a current collector obtained by expanding a nickel plate and applying nickel / nickel oxide coating by a spraying method is used. A buffer pad woven with nickel wires having a wire diameter of 0.15 mm is provided as a metal elastic body on the current collector. Further, the above-mentioned cathode is provided thereon. The cathode is arranged in contact with the ion exchange membrane.

[0106] The above-mentioned electrolytic cell structure is arranged in series as Figure 3 described, and a cation exchange membrane ACIPLEX (registered trademark) F7001 is clamped between adjacent electrolytic cell structures with a spacer to assemble an electrolytic cell. That is, an anode terminal cell with a current lead plate installed at one end and a cathode terminal cell with a current lead plate installed at the other end are arranged, and the electrolytic cell structure and the cation exchange membrane are pressed and connected with a press to assemble the electrolytic cell.

[0107] In addition, the short side length of the electrode is 1500 mm, and the long side length is 2400 mm.

[0108] Using the above-mentioned electrolytic cell, electrolysis operation is carried out under the following conditions. Brine with a concentration of 300 g / L is supplied as the anolyte to the anode chamber side of the electrolytic cell so that the outlet brine concentration becomes 205 g / L, and dilute caustic soda is supplied to the cathode chamber side so that the outlet caustic soda concentration becomes 32% by weight. Electrolysis is carried out at an electrolysis temperature of 85 °C, a gauge pressure of 40 kPa during electrolysis, and a current density of 6 kA / m 2 for electrolysis.

[0109] The measurement results of the unit power consumption, sodium hydroxide production amount, and concentration distribution in the anode chamber (as Figure 10 shown, the salt concentration is measured at 9 points in the anode chamber, and the difference between the maximum concentration and the minimum concentration is used as the value of the concentration distribution) are shown in Table 1.

[0110] [Examples 2 to 8 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4]

[0111] Except that the dimensions of the anode, the dimensions of the frame, the dimensions of the baffle, and / or the angle of the baffle setting are changed in the manner described in Table 1 for L1, L2, L4, V1, L4 / L1, L5 / L1, V1 / V2, and / or θ in Example 1, an electrolytic cell is prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, and electrolysis operation is carried out in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0112] The measurement results of the unit power consumption, sodium hydroxide production amount, and concentration distribution in the anode chamber are shown in Table 1.

[0113] [Table 1]

[0114]

[0115] Explanation of reference numerals

[0116] 4... electrolytic cell, 5... pressure booster, 6... negative terminal, 7... positive terminal, 8... fixed head, 9a... dummy cell, 9b... attachment member, 11... anode, 12... anode gasket, 13... cathode gasket, 18... reverse current absorber, 19... lower part of anode chamber, 21... cathode, 22... metal elastic body, 23... current collector, 24... support body, 50... electrolytic cell structure, 60... anode chamber, 51... ion exchange membrane (diaphragm), 70... cathode chamber, 80... partition wall, 101... frame body, 101a... bottom surface, 101b... opening part, 101c... sealing surface, 101d... imaginary surface, 102... rib, 103... baffle plate, 104... gas-liquid separation part (anode side gas-liquid separation part)

Claims

1. An electrolytic cell structure, comprising: A frame (F1) having a bottom surface and an open portion located above the bottom surface; an electrode (E1) disposed on the side of the opening and having a substantially rectangular shape of short side L1(m)×long side L2(m); a rib (R1) disposed on the bottom surface and supporting the electrode (E1); and The baffle (B1) is fixed to the rib and has a substantially rectangular shape with a short side L3(m)×a long side L4(m), The short side L1 is greater than 1.3 m and less than 1.6 m. A ratio of the long side L4 to the short side L1, namely, L4 / L1, is greater than or equal to 0.35 and less than or equal to 0.

97.

2. The electrolytic cell structure according to claim 1, wherein: The electrolytic cell structure further includes a gas-liquid separation unit having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and separating gas from the electrolyte. When the current-carrying surface in the electrolytic cell structure is viewed from above, the gas-liquid separation portion has a substantially rectangular shape of short side L5(m)×long side L6(m). A ratio of the short side L5 to the short side L1, namely, L5 / L1, is greater than or equal to 0.03 and less than or equal to 0.

08.

3. The electrolytic cell structure according to claim 2, wherein: A ratio of a volume V1 of an electrode chamber defined by the frame (F1) and the electrode (E1) to a volume V2 of the gas-liquid separation portion, namely, V1 / V2, is 15 or more and 20 or less.

4. The electrolytic cell structure according to claim 1, wherein: The angle formed by the electrode (E1) and the baffle (B1) is greater than or equal to 0.5° and less than or equal to 2.4°.

5. The electrolytic cell structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The electrolytic cell structure further comprises an electrode (E2) and a conductive cushion for pressing a current-carrying surface of the electrode (E2). The electrode (E1) is an anode, and the electrode (E2) is a cathode.

6. An electrolytic cell, comprising: A plurality of electrolytic cell structures according to claim 1; an ion exchange membrane disposed between adjacent electrolytic cell structures; and A connecting unit is configured to connect the electrolytic cell structure and the ion exchange membrane.

7. The electrolytic cell according to claim 6, wherein: The connecting unit includes a pressurizer and a fixing head connected to the pressurizer. The fixing head is configured to press the entire surface of the electrolytic cell structure that is in contact with the fixing head by driving the pressurizer.

8. The electrolytic cell according to claim 6, wherein: A dummy cell is further provided between the electrolytic cell structure closest to the connecting unit and the connecting unit. The connecting unit includes a pressurizer and a fixing head connected to the pressurizer. The fixed head is configured to press the dummy pool by driving the pressurizer. The dummy cell is configured so that the entire surface of the electrolytic cell structure that is in contact with the dummy cell is pressed by the pressure from the fixing head.

9. The electrolytic cell according to claim 8, wherein: The dummy pool is made of rigid material.

10. The electrolytic cell according to claim 6, wherein: The electrolytic cell further comprises an attachment configured to be engaged with the connection unit. The connecting unit includes a pressurizer and a fixing head connected to the pressurizer. The fixing head is configured to press the attachment by driving the pressurizer. The attachment is configured to press the entire surface of the electrolytic cell structure that is in contact with the attachment under pressure from the fixing head.

11. The electrolytic cell according to claim 10, wherein The attachment is made of rigid material.

Images