Vibrator on alkali liquor filter

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lye filtration unit (10) capable of filtering ferrous residues and iron deposits, as well as any other impurities, in an electrolyte solution from an electrolysis unit, the lye filtration unit (10) comprising: a tank (12) comprising a side wall (14); and at least one wave-generating element (16) placed against the side wall (14).

Description

Technical Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an alkaline filtration unit capable of filtering ferrous residues and iron precipitates, as well as any other substances, present in the electrolyte solution of an electrolysis unit, for example, for the production of hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2).

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to an alkaline filtration unit designed to facilitate maintenance, and a method for maintaining such an alkaline filtration unit. Technical Background

[0003] The alkali filter (also known as an alkali filtration unit) is used primarily to filter ferrous residues and ferric precipitates, while also filtering other substances of different properties to a lesser extent. The alkali filter consists of two main parts:

[0004] i) at least one magnetized rod, which is used to recover magnetic particles (regardless of size), and

[0005] ii) A basket supporting an inner screen made of a dense metal mesh specifically designed to capture non-magnetic particles (regardless of size). Following this particle-capturing process, these iron agglomerates and trace elements must be repeatedly cleaned from the alkaline filter to maintain system effectiveness. Iron agglomerates, trace elements, and filter molecules are all considered impurities.

[0006] Currently, considering the mass and spatial steric hindrance associated with the alkali filter and the magnetizing rod and basket within it, this maintenance operation is quite cumbersome and difficult.

[0007] The following factors make maintenance operations difficult:

[0008] i) A basket comprising a screen formed of a dense metal mesh, the basket being very heavy, fastened to wedges on the sidewall of an alkaline filter by means of screws, and characterized in that its bottom is located near the lower end of the alkaline filter, and

[0009] ii) A magnetizing rod that is directly fastened to the cover of the alkaline filter, the cover having at least one handle that is necessary for lifting the assembly consisting of the cover and the magnetizing rod.

[0010] Therefore, when dealing with the alkaline filter, several substantial obstacles related to points i) and ii) above can be listed, including:

[0011] Disassembling the basket is quite complicated for the following reasons:

[0012] i) The basket is difficult to reach because it is located at a certain depth relative to the inlet of the alkali filter.

[0013] ii) The basket to be retrieved is relatively large, and

[0014] iii) Removing the screws requires manual intervention, which is difficult due to the narrowness of the alkaline filter.

[0015] Handling the cap with at least one handle when opening the alkali filter by manual intervention is particularly difficult because the cap itself has a considerable mass. It is also important to consider the mass and volume of the magnetizing rod directly attached to the cap to be lifted during this process. In other words, the accumulated mass is very high, and the handling is extremely complex due to the considerable length of the magnetizing rod to be lifted and removed.

[0016] Therefore, there are the following benefits: i) reducing the treatment frequency of the alkali filter, and ultimately ii) helping to maintain the operation of the alkali filter. Summary of the Invention

[0017] This invention relates to an alkaline solution filtration unit capable of filtering ferrous residues and iron precipitates, as well as any other impurities, from the electrolyte solution of an electrolysis unit. The alkaline solution filtration unit comprises:

[0018] - The tank body, including the side walls,

[0019] The alkaline solution filtration unit further includes:

[0020] - At least one wave generating element, which is placed against the sidewall.

[0021] Other features according to the invention:

[0022] - The tank extends in a vertical main extension direction, or in a horizontal main extension direction, or in any main extension direction including between a horizontal plane and a vertical plane defined by reference systems V, L, T, and includes a sidewall against which the wave generating element is placed.

[0023] - The tank body further includes an alkali inlet orifice and an alkali outlet orifice, and the wave generating element is placed against the side wall at any height, more particularly at the middle height between the height of the inlet orifice and the height of the outlet orifice, and preferably at the exact middle position between the height of the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice.

[0024] - The alkaline filtration unit includes at least one wave generating element, preferably at least two wave generating elements, which are placed symmetrically with respect to a vertical axis or a horizontal axis or with respect to any principal extension direction between a horizontal plane and a vertical plane defined by a reference system V, L, T according to the tank body;

[0025] - The wave generating element is an air gun that can generate mechanical waves by means of a pressurized air jet;

[0026] - The alkaline solution filtration unit includes a pressurized air supply pipe, which is shared by all wave generating elements;

[0027] - A wave generating element is a vibrator capable of generating mechanical waves;

[0028] - Wave generating elements can generate electromagnetic waves;

[0029] - The alkaline solution filtration unit includes a control unit for controlling the wave generating element.

[0030] The present invention also relates to a method for maintaining an alkaline filtration unit according to the invention, the method comprising the step of generating a wave by means of at least one wave generating element.

[0031] Other features according to the invention:

[0032] - The frequency of wave generation is regular;

[0033] - The frequency of wave generation increases;

[0034] - The frequency of wave generation is proportional to the flow rate of alkali solution passing through the alkali solution filtration unit.

[0035] - The intensity of the generated wave is constant;

[0036] - The intensity of the generated wave increases;

[0037] - The intensity of the generated wave is proportional to the flow rate of the alkali solution passing through the alkali filtration unit. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which will be more clearly understood by reading the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] [ Figure 1 [I] is a perspective view of an alkaline filtration unit according to the present invention, which is equipped with a wave generating assembly consisting of six wave generating elements;

[0040] [ Figure 2 ] is shown Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of a wave-generating assembly consisting of six wave-generating elements, as depicted in the image;

[0041] [ Figure 3 [Illustrated cross-sectional view of an alkaline filtration unit according to the present invention, showing the fouling of the magnetized rod and basket before the generation of waves in the alkaline filtration unit.]

[0042] [ Figure 4 ]yes Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the alkaline filtration unit shows the removal of scale from the magnetized rod and basket after waves are generated in the alkaline filtration unit and impurities are deposited at the bottom of the basket. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Based on the description of the invention and the understanding of the claims, vertical, longitudinal, and lateral orientations will be used non-limitingly, according to the reference frames V, L, and T indicated in the drawings, and are not limited to reference to the Earth's gravitational field, wherein the longitudinal axis L and the lateral axis T extend in a horizontal plane. Conventionally, the vertical axis V is oriented upwards from the bottom, and the longitudinal axis L is oriented forwards from the rear.

[0044] In the following description, the same, similar or analogous elements will be represented by the same reference numerals.

[0045] This invention relates to an alkaline solution filtration unit 10, which is capable of filtering ferrous residues and iron precipitates, as well as any other impurities, from the electrolyte solution from an electrolysis unit. This innovation is based on the fact that at least one wave generator is placed around the periphery of the alkaline solution filtration unit 10, which can eliminate blockages and condensation within the alkaline solution filtration unit 10.

[0046] Figure 1 An alkaline filtration unit 10 according to the present invention is depicted. The alkaline filtration unit 10 includes a tank 12 extending between a lower surface 28 and an upper surface 30 along a vertical main extending direction A. The alkaline filtration unit 10 includes sidewalls 14.

[0047] The tank body 12 has a cylindrical overall shape having an axis A and a circular cross-section. The sidewall 14 is curved and extends around the circumference of the cylinder formed by the tank body. The sidewall 14 is parallel to axis A. Given that the technical features associated with the sidewall 14 are independent of the geometric configuration, any other geometric configuration defining the sidewall falls within the scope of the description of this invention.

[0048] To allow access to the interior of the tank 12, the upper surface 30 includes an opening 32. The alkali filtration unit 10 includes a cover 34 that engages with the upper surface 30 of the tank 12 to close the opening 32 and allow the tank 12 to be airtightly sealed.

[0049] According to one feature of the invention, the alkaline filtration unit 10 includes at least one wave generating element 16, which is disposed against a sidewall 14. The wave generating element 16 is disposed against the outer surface of the sidewall 14, the outer surface being... Figure 1 It is visible in the middle.

[0050] The wave generating element 16 is fastened to the sidewall 14 by means of bolts, threads, stop assemblies, welding, adhesive bonding or any other fastening means.

[0051] As a variant, the wave generating element 16 can be placed on the outer surface against another wall of the alkaline filter unit 10 (e.g., against the lower surface 28 or against the upper surface 30).

[0052] The wave generating element 16 can also be fastened to the inner wall of the alkaline solution filter unit 10.

[0053] It should be noted that the term "wall" is used in a broad sense, such that the term "wall" includes any surface of the alkaline filtration unit 10, including the cover 34.

[0054] The tank body 12 includes an alkali inlet port 18 and an alkali outlet port 20. The wave generating element 16 is placed at the midpoint between the height of the alkali inlet port 18 and the height of the alkali outlet port 20, preferably at the exact midpoint between the heights of the alkali inlet port 18 and the alkali outlet port 20.

[0055] exist Figure 2 In the depicted example, the alkali filtration unit 10 includes an assembly 36 for generating waves 16, which consists of six wave-generating elements 16 symmetrically positioned relative to axis A of the tank body 12. The tank body 12 has a cylindrical overall shape having axis A and a circular cross-section. The six wave-generating elements 16 are arranged along a circle C having axis A and radius R, which is substantially equal to the outer radius of the tank body 12, with tolerances within the assembly clearance. The angular spacing α between the positions of the six wave-generating elements 16 along circle C is π / 3. Given that the technical features associated with the sidewall 14 are independent of the geometry, any other geometry defining the sidewall falls within the scope of the description of the invention; in other words, the assembly 36 for generating waves 16 will have the same technical purpose regardless of its position.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wave generating element 16 is an air gun capable of generating mechanical waves by means of a pressurized air jet. Thus, the air gun generates an air blast when it comes into contact with the sidewall 14, thereby generating mechanical waves that propagate from the sidewall 14 to all the elements of the alkali filtration unit 10.

[0057] An air gun (also known as a pneumatic drain cleaner) consists of two main components: a compressed air tank and a triggering mechanism that allows compressed air to be released at high speed. The triggering mechanism typically includes a solenoid valve with a position for closing the tank and a position for purging the air tank.

[0058] The air gun is pneumatically connected to a compressed-air network, for example, at a pressure of about 4 bar, or even 5 to 6 bar.26

[0059] During the firing of the air gun, a solenoid valve on the air circuit instantaneously empties the air network, creating a sudden vacuum. The piston is then violently pushed by the vacuum, generating a sudden blast of air released from the pressurized tank. This phase is measured in milliseconds. The compressed air contained in the pressurized tank is released instantaneously, and the resulting blast of air expels material adhering to the elements of the alkali filter unit 10 through the resulting shock wave.

[0060] The alkaline solution filtration unit 10 includes a pressurized air supply pipe 22, which is shared by all wave generating elements 16. The supply pipe 22 is pneumatically connected to a compressed air network 26. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example, the supply tube 22 includes a portion that forms a circular shape around the periphery of the wave generating element 16 and is pneumatically connected to each wave generating element 16 at a pneumatic connection placed on the peripheral portion of the wave generating element 16.

[0061] As a variant, wave generating element 16 is a vibrator capable of generating mechanical waves.

[0062] According to another variant, wave generating element 16 is capable of generating electromagnetic waves.

[0063] The alkaline filtration unit 10 includes a control unit 24 for controlling a wave generating element 16. The control unit 24 may include a wired electrical connection to the component 36 for generating the wave 16 or a wireless connection for remote control. The control unit 24 can control the wave generating element 16 synchronously or independently. In particular, the control unit 24 enables control over the generation of waves within the alkaline filtration unit 10.

[0064] The present invention also relates to a method for maintaining an alkaline filtration unit 10, the method comprising the step of generating a wave by means of a wave generating element 16.

[0065] Figure 3 The interior of the alkaline filtration unit 10 before the generation of waves is shown. Figure 4 This shows the effect after a wave is generated by the wave generating element 16 within the alkaline solution filtration unit 10. Figure 3 Inside the alkaline solution filtration unit 10.

[0066] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The alkaline filtration unit 10 depicted includes a tank 12 and a cover 34 that engages with the upper surface 30 of the tank 12 to close the opening 32.

[0067] The alkaline solution filtration unit 10 also includes at least one magnetizing rod 38. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the given example, the alkali filtration unit 10 has two magnetized rods 38, which are fastened to the cover 34 and extend vertically towards the bottom from the lower surface of the cover 34. The magnetized rods 38 allow magnetic particles 42 contained in the alkali to be trapped by magnetization.

[0068] The alkali filtration unit 10 further includes a basket 40 defining a cavity 44 extending in a vertical direction A. The basket 40 includes an upper surface 46 and a peripheral edge 50. The upper surface includes a central aperture 48 capable of receiving a magnetizing rod 38. The peripheral edge rests on a wedge 52 positioned on the inner surface 54 of the tank 12, below the level of the alkali inlet aperture 18 and above the level of the alkali outlet aperture 20. The basket 40 supports a sieve formed of a dense metal mesh for trapping non-magnetic molecules 56 that are larger than the mesh openings and not magnetized by the magnetizing rod 38.

[0069] Figure 3 The image shows a magnetized rod 38 covered with magnetic particles 42, and a sieve blocked by non-magnetic molecules 56. Figure 4 As shown, under the action of wave propagation in the alkaline filtration unit 10, magnetic particles 42 and non-magnetic molecules 56 have been removed from the magnetized rod 38 and the screen respectively and have fallen to the bottom of the basket 40.

[0070] The frequency of wave generation can be discontinuous or continuous in time. Continuous wave generation in time should be understood as implying that the frequency of wave generation is regular.

[0071] At the start of operation of the alkali filtration unit 10, given the very low accumulation of agglomerates, it is not necessary to continuously generate and apply waves within the alkali filtration unit 10. In contrast, over time, the accumulation of agglomerates tends to increase; therefore, it is necessary to increase the frequency of the waves to prevent significant impurity growth and ultimately to prevent impurities from agglomerating on the magnetized rod 38 and the dense metal mesh of the screen located in the basket 40, thereby severely inhibiting the proper operation of the alkali filtration unit 10. In other words, these waves are generated gradually over time and are characterized by a frequency that varies depending on the blockage of agglomerates.

[0072] Therefore, the wave generation frequency can be increased. Specifically, over time, the basket 40 and magnetized rod 38 become increasingly fouled with magnetic particles 42 and non-magnetic molecules 56. Therefore, when the alkaline filtration unit 10 is turned on, the basket 40 and magnetized rod 38 have less fouling, and a lower wave generation frequency is sufficient. As the alkaline filtration unit 10 continues to operate, the basket 40 and magnetized rod 38 become increasingly fouled, and the wave generation frequency increases.

[0073] According to a specific embodiment, the wave generation frequency is proportional to the flow rate of the alkali solution flowing through the alkali filter unit 10. Therefore, when the alkali flow rate is minimum, scaling on the basket 40 and the magnetizing rod 38 is slower, and a lower wave generation frequency is sufficient. When the alkali flow rate is higher, scaling on the basket 40 and the magnetizing rod 38 is faster, and the wave generation frequency is higher.

[0074] Regarding the intensity of the generated wave, the conclusions are similar to those concerning the generation and frequency of wave use. Specifically, the intensity of the wave sent into the alkali filtration unit 10 is proportional to the amount of impurities present in the alkali filtration unit 10. In other words, the larger and more regular the amount of alkali entering the alkali filtration unit 10, the greater the risk of impurity aggregation; therefore, the intensity of the applied wave must be suitable for ensuring the system remains effective for the passage of alkali.

[0075] According to the main embodiment, the intensity of the generated wave is constant.

[0076] According to an improved scheme, the intensity of wave generation is increased in order to address the increased scaling of the alkaline filtration unit 10 as described above.

[0077] According to a specific embodiment, the intensity of the generated wave is proportional to the flow rate of the alkali solution through the alkali filter unit 10. The method employed, for aspects related to the frequency of these waves and for those specifically concerning the intensity of the waves, will not cause any structural damage to the sidewall 14 of the alkali filter unit 10 or to the internal components of the alkali filter unit 10 (magnetizing rod 38, basket 40, etc.) under any circumstances or at any time.

[0078] The present invention enables the elimination of all substances captured by the alkali filtration unit 10 by allowing all substances to fall to the bottom of the alkali filtration unit 10, i.e., at the height of the bottom of the basket 40; in other words, the present invention enables the reduction of clogging of the alkali filtration unit 10, while taking into account the configuration of the alkali filtration unit 10.

[0079] With the aid of this invention, agglomerates on the magnetizing rod 38 and on the dense metal mesh of the screen located in the basket 40 are more easily detached, thus allowing the alkali filtration unit 10 to operate under optimal conditions without steric hindrance caused by the agglomerates gradually forming within the alkali filtration unit 10. Under these conditions, after the agglomerates are detached, they are gathered and collected at the bottom of the dense metal mesh of the screen located in the basket 40. After the gradual accumulation at the bottom of the basket 40 caused by the use of waves, all components of the alkali filtration unit 10 are easier to clean during maintenance because these components are partially or even completely free of agglomerates.

[0080] While this embodiment of the invention is considered preferred, it is entirely conceivable that different wave generators 16 could be positioned at any height on the side wall 14 of the alkaline filtration unit 10; in other words, all wave generators could be at the same height, or each of the wave generators could be at a different height. Furthermore, the wave generators 16 need not be specifically placed in pairs symmetrically with respect to the main vertical extension direction A; in other words, the wave generators 16 can be placed symmetrically by having an even number, or mainly concentrated on one side, or placed completely randomly by following either of these methods.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, wave 16 is conceived as being generated by an "air gun" or vibrator. Without limitation, the wave can be generated from other sources, meaning that the invention allows for the same results to be obtained in the case of all mechanical waves and all categories of electromagnetic waves.

[0082] However, the preferred embodiments described above allow for any orientation of the alkali filter unit 10. Thus, the alkali filter unit can be positioned in the horizontal main extension direction B or in any main extension direction including the horizontal and vertical planes defined according to reference frames V, L, T. Regardless of the orientation, all technical features associated with the geometry of the alkali filter unit 10 and the elements constituting the invention (wave generating element 16, magnetizing rod 38, basket 40, etc.) described in the specification remain the same, yielding the same set of results.

Claims

1. An alkaline filtration unit (10) capable of filtering ferrous residues and iron precipitates, as well as any other impurities, from an electrolyte solution from an electrolysis unit, the alkaline filtration unit (10) comprising: - Tank body (12), the tank body includes sidewalls (14) and openings (32). - A cover (34) capable of closing the opening (32) in the tank (12). - At least one magnetizing rod (38), said at least one magnetizing rod being fastened to the cover (34) so ​​as to allow magnetic particles (42) contained in the alkali solution to be trapped by magnetization. - A basket (40) that defines a cavity (44) that includes a central opening (48) capable of receiving the at least one magnetized rod (38). The alkaline solution filtration unit (10) is characterized in that it further comprises: - At least one wave generating element (16) is placed against the outer surface of the sidewall (14).

2. The alkaline filtration unit (10) as described in the preceding claim, characterized in that, The tank (12) extends in a vertical main extension direction (A), or in a horizontal main extension direction (B), or in any main extension direction including between a horizontal plane and a vertical plane defined according to reference systems V, L, T, and includes a sidewall (14) against which the wave generating element (16) is placed.

3. The alkaline filtration unit (10) as described in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The tank (12) further includes an alkali inlet port (18) and an alkali outlet port (20), and the wave generating element (16) is placed against the side wall (14) at any height, more particularly at the midpoint between the height of the alkali inlet port (18) and the height of the alkali outlet port (20), and preferably at the exact midpoint between the height of the alkali inlet port (18) and the alkali outlet port (20).

4. The alkaline filtration unit (10) as described in any of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 2, characterized in that, The alkaline filtration unit (10) includes at least one wave generating element (16), preferably at least two wave generating elements (16), which are placed symmetrically with respect to the vertical axis (A) or the horizontal axis (B) or with respect to any principal extension direction between the horizontal plane and the vertical plane defined by the reference system V, L, T according to the tank (12).

5. The alkaline filtration unit (10) as described in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The wave generating element (16) is an air gun capable of generating mechanical waves by means of a pressurized air jet.

6. The alkaline filtration unit (10) as described in the preceding claim, characterized in that, The alkaline solution filtration unit includes a pressurized air supply pipe (22), and all the wave generating elements (16) share the pressurized air supply pipe.

7. The alkaline filtration unit (10) as described in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The wave generating element (16) is a vibrator capable of generating mechanical waves.

8. The alkaline filtration unit (10) as described in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The wave generating element (16) is capable of generating electromagnetic waves.

9. The alkaline filtration unit (10) as described in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The alkaline filtration unit includes a control unit (24) for controlling the wave generating element (16).

10. A method for maintaining an alkaline filtration unit (10) as described in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: generating a wave by means of the wave generating element (16).

11. The method for maintaining the alkaline filtration unit (10) as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The frequency of wave generation increases.

12. The method for maintaining the alkaline filtration unit (10) as described in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The frequency of wave generation is proportional to the flow rate of alkaline solution flowing through the alkaline solution filtration unit (10).

13. The method for maintaining the alkaline filtration unit (10) as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The intensity of the generated wave increases.

14. The method for maintaining the alkaline filtration unit (10) as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, The intensity of the generated wave is proportional to the flow rate of the alkali solution through the alkali filtration unit (10).

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