Separation and washing integrated device for hydrogen production through water electrolysis

Abstract

The invention relates to a water electrolysis hydrogen production separation and washing integrated device which comprises a gas-liquid separator and a washer, and the lower part of the middle of the washer is installed in the gas-liquid separator in a sealed mode; the gas-liquid separator comprises a horizontal tank body, the scrubber comprises a vertical tank body, a gas guide pipe, an end cover, an overflow guide pipe, a sieve plate and a gas outlet guide pipe, the middle lower section of the vertical tank body is installed in the horizontal tank body, the sieve plate is installed in the vertical tank body, the gas guide pipe is installed in the vertical tank body, the upper end of the gas guide pipe is communicated with an inner cavity of the horizontal tank body, and the lower end of the gas guide pipe is communicated with the end cover. An overflow guide pipe is arranged in the vertical tank body, the lower end of the overflow guide pipe extends into the alkali liquor of the horizontal tank body, the upper end of the overflow guide pipe penetrates through the sieve plate, and an opening part of the top end of the overflow guide pipe is positioned above the washing liquid. The gas-liquid separator has the advantages that the scrubber part is arranged in the gas-liquid separator to form a gas-liquid separation and washing integrated device, so that resources, space and cost are greatly saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydrogen production system devices, specifically to an integrated device for hydrogen production, separation, and washing via water electrolysis. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen, as a high-calorific-value, clean, and pollution-free energy source, holds a place in the new energy industry. There are many methods for producing hydrogen, among which water electrolysis is the most important technology for producing high-purity hydrogen. In water electrolysis hydrogen production technology, direct current is passed through an electrolytic cell filled with potassium hydroxide. Water molecules undergo an electrochemical reaction at the electrodes, decomposing into hydrogen and oxygen, with the chemical formula 2H₂O→2H₂↑+O₂↑. The electrolyte and hydrogen / oxygen need to be separated by a gas-liquid separator, utilizing the principle of the difference in specific gravity between the gas and liquid to obtain hydrogen.

[0003] During the electrolysis of an alkaline aqueous solution to obtain hydrogen and oxygen, a certain amount of alkaline solution is carried along with the hydrogen and oxygen, causing electrolyte loss. Therefore, water needs to be added to the electrolyte. Furthermore, to prevent the alkaline solution carried by the hydrogen and oxygen from flowing into other downstream equipment and causing damage, a de-alkalinization process is required for the hydrogen and oxygen.

[0004] Therefore, scrubbing devices were developed to remove alkali from hydrogen and oxygen. However, in the traditional process of hydrogen production by water electrolysis, due to: Due to technological inertia, the industry generally believes that separation and washing should be operated independently to prevent cross-contamination; The separate container design, where the separator and the washer operate independently, results in a large equipment footprint and complex piping connections. Existing technologies, such as Patent Document 1 (Application No.: CN202222804250.3) and Patent Document 2 (Application No.: CN202222483994.X), both adopt a design that separates the gas-liquid separator from the scrubber, which requires the connection of multiple pressure pipelines, resulting in complicated wiring and high equipment procurement costs. Maintenance costs are high, and multi-container systems require regular shutdowns for maintenance, with annual maintenance costs increasing by 15-20%.

[0005] Therefore, it is particularly important to develop a new integrated container device for hydrogen production, separation, and washing via water electrolysis to solve the inherent problems of existing hydrogen production equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention proposes an integrated water electrolysis hydrogen production, separation, and washing device. This device features ingenious design, a reasonable and compact structure, reduced size, saved installation space, low cost, and improved washing performance.

[0007] The technical solution of the present invention: An integrated water electrolysis hydrogen production, separation, and washing device includes a gas-liquid separator and a scrubber. The scrubber is sealed and installed inside the gas-liquid separator from the middle downwards. The gas-liquid separator includes a horizontal tank containing an alkaline solution. The scrubber includes a vertical tank, a gas conduit, an end cap, an overflow conduit, a sieve plate, and a gas outlet conduit. The lower middle section of the vertical tank is installed inside the horizontal tank, and the upper section of the vertical tank sealably penetrates the upper end of the horizontal tank. An end cap is sealed and installed at the upper end of the vertical tank, with a gas outlet conduit located in the middle of the upper end of the end cap. The vertical tank contains a washing liquid. A sieve plate is horizontally installed near the lower end of the vertical tank. A gas conduit is installed on the inner wall of the vertical tank. The upper end of the gas conduit passes horizontally through the inner wall of the vertical tank and connects to the internal chamber of the horizontal tank. The lower end of the gas conduit bends downward and extends below the sieve plate, which is below the surface of the washing liquid. An overflow conduit is installed in the middle of the vertical tank. The lower end of the overflow conduit is sealed and passes through the lower end of the vertical tank and extends into the alkaline solution in the horizontal tank. The upper end of the overflow conduit passes through the sieve plate. The top end of the overflow conduit is located in the upper middle position inside the vertical tank and is above the washing liquid.

[0008] The scrubber also includes a first drip trap and a second drip trap. The first drip trap is installed inside the upper port of the vertical tank, and the second drip trap is installed in the middle of the gas outlet duct.

[0009] The washer also includes a water supply pipe, which is installed on the end cap and has its lower end sealed through the end cap and extends into the washing liquid in the vertical tank.

[0010] The gas-liquid separator also includes baffles and a gas-liquid inlet pipe. The gas-liquid inlet pipe is installed at one end of the horizontal tank, and the scrubber is installed at the other end of the horizontal tank away from the gas-liquid inlet pipe. The inlet height of the gas-liquid inlet pipe is lower than the lower end of the gas duct. Three baffles are installed vertically at intervals inside the lower end of the horizontal tank, and the opening of the gas-liquid inlet pipe faces the baffles.

[0011] The sieve plate is a metal plate with uniformly distributed small holes, the diameter of which is 3~15mm, and the opening rate on the metal plate is 15%~30%.

[0012] The lower end of the water supply conduit extends 15 to 20 centimeters below the surface of the washing liquid.

[0013] The baffle is designed in a rectangular shape and is vertically installed on the bottom surface inside the horizontal tank. The lower edge of the baffle is designed to fit the profile of the bottom surface inside the horizontal tank. There are gaps between the two sides of the baffle and the inner wall of the horizontal tank. The height of the baffle is less than or equal to the height of the alkali solution inside the horizontal tank.

[0014] The lower end of the overflow conduit is designed with a vertical support plate, which is installed on the inner bottom of the horizontal tank. The upper end of the vertical support plate is supported and connected to the lower end of the overflow conduit.

[0015] The advantages of this invention are: The integrated device for separating and washing hydrogen (oxygen) produced by electrolysis is designed with a focus on the integration and independence of separation and washing, which greatly saves resources, space and costs. The integrated design greatly simplifies the existing process flow; the integrated design also optimizes the piping between the traditional gas-alkali separator and the scrubber. Incorporating a sieve plate design, gas forms bubbles as it passes through the holes, widening the gas-liquid contact surface; the liquid is agitated by the gas, turning into droplets or liquid films, thus greatly enhancing the dispersion effect; the ingenious layout of the holes prevents liquid short-circuiting and prolongs the residence time. It incorporates a droplet-catching net design to intercept, centrifuge, or collide with small droplets, such as detergent mist, and guide them back to the detergent layer, avoiding material loss and environmental pollution; The liquid level of the washing liquid in the washing tank is controlled by the overflow pipe, which efficiently realizes gas-liquid separation while achieving automatic control of the liquid level inside the washing machine; the washing liquid flows back into the gas-liquid separator through the upper end of the overflow pipe, replenishing the alkali concentration to a certain extent and forming a certain degree of internal circulation. By utilizing the gas-liquid pressure inside the horizontal tank, gas is forced to flow into the bottom of the washing liquid in the scrubber, increasing the gas residence time and enhancing the washing effect. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the washing device of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a vertical sectional view of the gas-liquid separator of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] See attached document Figure 1-3An integrated water electrolysis hydrogen production, separation, and washing device includes a gas-liquid separator 1 and a scrubber 2. The scrubber 2 is sealed and installed inside the gas-liquid separator 1 from the middle downwards. The gas-liquid separator 1 includes a horizontal tank 10, which is filled with alkaline solution. The scrubber 2 includes a vertical tank 20, a gas conduit 21, an end cap 22, an overflow conduit 23, a sieve plate 24, and a gas outlet conduit 25. The lower middle section of the vertical tank 20 is installed inside the horizontal tank 10, and the upper section of the vertical tank 20 is sealed and penetrates the upper end of the horizontal tank 10. An end cap 22 is sealed and installed at the upper end of the vertical tank 20, and a gas outlet conduit 25 is provided in the middle of the upper end of the end cap 22. The vertical tank 20 is filled with scrubber solution. The vertical tank 20 has a sieve plate 24 horizontally installed near the lower end inside. A gas conduit 21 is installed on the inner wall of the vertical tank 20. The upper end of the gas conduit 21 passes horizontally through the inner wall of the vertical tank 20 and connects to the internal chamber of the horizontal tank 10. The lower end of the gas conduit 21 bends downward and extends below the sieve plate 24 below the surface of the washing liquid. An overflow conduit 23 is installed in the middle of the vertical tank 20. The lower end of the overflow conduit 23 is sealed and passes through the lower end of the vertical tank 20 and extends into the alkaline solution in the horizontal tank 10. The upper end of the overflow conduit 23 passes through the sieve plate 24. The top end of the overflow conduit 23 is located in the upper middle position inside the vertical tank 20 and is above the washing liquid.

[0020] The scrubber 2 also includes a first drip trap 26 and a second drip trap 27. The first drip trap 26 is installed inside the upper port of the vertical tank 20, and the second drip trap 27 is installed in the middle of the gas outlet duct 25.

[0021] The washer 2 also includes a water supply conduit 28, which is installed on the end cap 22 and has its lower end sealed through the end cap 22 and extends into the washing liquid in the vertical tank 20.

[0022] The gas-liquid separator 1 also includes a baffle plate 11 and a gas-liquid inlet pipe 12. The gas-liquid inlet pipe 12 is installed at one end of the horizontal tank 10, and the scrubber 2 is installed at the other end of the horizontal tank 10 away from the gas-liquid inlet pipe 12. The inlet height of the gas-liquid inlet pipe 12 is lower than the lower end of the gas duct 21. Three baffle plates 11 are installed vertically at intervals inside the lower end of the horizontal tank 10. The opening of the gas-liquid inlet pipe 12 faces the baffle plate 11, and the opening of the gas-liquid inlet pipe is lower than the highest height of the baffle plate.

[0023] The gas-liquid separator 1 also includes a reserved flange joint for installing a level gauge. A reserved flange joint for installing a level gauge is installed on the upper and lower sides of one side of the horizontal tank 10. The level gauge is used to monitor the alkaline liquid level inside the gas-liquid separator. Once the liquid level is low, the water supply pipe 28 starts to supply liquid into the vertical tank, and then enters the horizontal tank through the overflow pipe.

[0024] The sieve plate 24 is a metal plate with uniformly distributed small holes, the diameter of which is 3~15mm, and the opening rate on the metal plate is 15%~30%.

[0025] The lower end of the water supply conduit 28 extends 15 to 20 centimeters below the surface of the washing liquid.

[0026] like Figure 3 The baffle plate 11 is designed in a rectangular shape and is vertically installed on the inner bottom surface of the horizontal tank 10. The lower edge of the baffle plate 11 is designed to fit the inner bottom surface of the horizontal tank 10. Gaps are left between the two sides of the baffle plate 11 and the inner wall of the horizontal tank 10. The height of the baffle plate 11 is less than or equal to the height of the alkali solution inside the horizontal tank 10. Reinforcing support plates are also designed on the front and rear sides of the baffle plate to ensure its stable installation.

[0027] The lower end of the overflow conduit 23 is designed with a vertical support plate 29. The lower end of the vertical support plate 29 is installed on the inner bottom of the horizontal tank 10, and the upper end of the vertical support plate 29 is supported and connected to the lower end of the overflow conduit 23.

[0028] This invention develops a container device that integrates separation and washing functions, combining a gas-alkali separator and a washer. The washer is cleverly built into the gas-alkali separator, which is long and horizontal, with one end receiving a gas-liquid mixture and the other end having a gas outlet at the top and an alkali outlet at the bottom. The washer is located precisely at the gas outlet end.

[0029] The gas-alkali separator, as the pressure-bearing core, incorporates a triple baffle system. These baffles re-aggregate scattered bubbles, improving separation efficiency. They break the laminar flow boundary through structural disturbance, stimulating turbulent kinetic energy in the fluid, causing droplets to coalesce and settle, while simultaneously slowing the flow velocity and guiding its direction. This mitigates the risk of reduced separation efficiency caused by the scrubber occupying the effective volume of the gas-alkali separator. A paired level gauge automatically regulates the internal liquid level in real time, ensuring that the alkali solution balance port maintains equilibrium at both ends. The external overflow pipe extends deep into the alkali solution, 10 cm from the outer casing, and is connected by ribs to effectively prevent gas backflow and liquid turbulence. The gas-alkali mixing inlet is lower than the bottom of the scrubber's air inlet pipe to strictly prevent backflow.

[0030] The scrubber, also a pressure-bearing component, is built into the upper part of the gas-liquid separator to reduce the hydraulic load when gas enters. The sieve plate is suspended above the scrubbing gas outlet. The sieve plate is a metal plate with evenly distributed small holes (pore diameter of 3~15mm, opening rate of 15%~30%), which is horizontally installed in the scrubber tower. Gas passes through the holes, and liquid forms a liquid layer on the plate. Its core function is to force gas-liquid contact, disperse the phase, and control the flow path. The droplet trap is located at the top of the separator to remove entrained droplets and protect downstream equipment. The overflow conduit structure maintains the liquid level by overflow, and the water supply section is located above the scrubber. The water supply conduit extends 15 to 20 cm into the liquid surface to ensure that the gas scrubbing is not disturbed. The liquid level control system stably maintains the amount of scrubbing liquid.

[0031] The gas-alkali mixture enters the gas-liquid separator through the gas-liquid inlet pipe 12. After entering, the gas and alkali mixture are re-aggregated by baffles, which simultaneously slows down the flow rate and guides the flow direction, improving separation efficiency. The gas-liquid mixture is repeatedly intercepted by multiple guide plates and, under the action of the designed flow rate and gravity, achieves effective gas-liquid separation. After separation, if the liquid level without gas exceeds the required level, the system automatically discharges the alkali solution through the alkali solution outlet end based on feedback from the level gauge, maintaining the alkali solution level inside the gas-alkali separator at an optimal state without affecting the gas flow rate. An alkali solution outlet connector is installed at the lower end of the horizontal tank.

[0032] After gas separation, it rises to the top of the gas-liquid separator, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, gas is forced into the scrubber through gas conduit 21 by liquid pressure to contact the scrubbing liquid. As it sinks below the scrubbing liquid surface, impurities are dissolved or captured as it passes through the liquid layer, increasing gas purity. During its ascent, the gas passes through a sieve plate; as it passes through the sieve plate's holes, large bubbles are optimized into uniform small bubbles, widening the gas-liquid contact surface. The liquid is agitated by the gas, forming droplets or liquid films, significantly enhancing the dispersion effect. The perforated layout prevents short-circuiting of the liquid, prolongs the gas residence time, and strengthens the gas scrubbing effect.

[0033] When gas enters the washing liquid area, it causes the washing liquid to rise. At this point, the overflow conduit design comes into play. The rising washing liquid flows into the alkali solution in the gas-alkali separator through overflow conduit 4, optimizing the alkali concentration. Prolonged washing and overflow can lead to washing liquid loss. The washing liquid is replenished via water supply conduit 28 using the liquid level system.

[0034] After being washed, the rising gas carries a certain amount of washing liquid with it. This liquid is intercepted by a double-layer droplet trap, centrifuged, or collided with to form fine droplets, such as washing liquid mist, which guide the liquid back to the washing liquid layer, preventing material loss and environmental pollution. Furthermore, when the gas enters the gas outlet conduit 25 after passing through the first droplet trap, the gas concentrates at the port, creating a certain gas vortex. It then re-enters the second droplet trap for secondary interception, further improving the gas vortex and not affecting the subsequent rise of the gas. After being intercepted by the droplet trap, the gas is delivered through the gas outlet conduit 25. Flow field simulation and application verification show a significant improvement in the flow separation effect.

Claims

1. A water electrolysis hydrogen production separation and washing integrated device, characterized by, It includes a gas-liquid separator and a scrubber, the middle and lower part of the scrubber is sealingly installed in the gas-liquid separator; the gas-liquid separator includes a horizontal tank body, the inside of the horizontal tank body is filled with lye, the scrubber includes a vertical tank body, a gas conduit, an end cover, an overflow conduit, a sieve plate, a gas outlet conduit, the middle and lower part of the vertical tank body is installed in the inside of the horizontal tank body, the upper part of the vertical tank body is sealingly penetrated through the upper end of the horizontal tank body, the upper end of the vertical tank body is sealingly installed with the end cover, the upper end of the end cover is provided with the gas outlet conduit in the middle, the inside of the vertical tank body is filled with scrubbing liquid, the inside of the vertical tank body is horizontally installed with the sieve plate near the lower end, the inside wall of the vertical tank body is installed with the gas conduit, the upper end of the gas conduit is transversely penetrated through the inner wall of the vertical tank body and is communicated with the inside chamber of the horizontal tank body, the lower end of the gas conduit is downwardly bent and extends into the lower part of the sieve plate below the liquid level of the scrubbing liquid, the inside of the vertical tank body is installed with the overflow conduit in the middle, the lower end of the overflow conduit is sealingly penetrated through the lower end of the vertical tank body and extends into the lye of the horizontal tank body, the upper end of the overflow conduit is penetrated through the sieve plate, the top end of the overflow conduit is located in the middle and upper part of the inside of the vertical tank body and is located above the scrubbing liquid; the scrubber further includes a first drip catcher and a second drip catcher, the first drip catcher is installed in the inside of the upper end of the vertical tank body, the second drip catcher is installed in the middle of the gas outlet conduit; the scrubber further includes a water supplement conduit, the water supplement conduit is installed on the upper surface of the end cover and the lower end of the water supplement conduit is sealingly penetrated through the end cover and extends into the scrubbing liquid of the vertical tank body; the gas-liquid separator further includes a flow baffle and a gas-liquid inlet pipe, the gas-liquid inlet pipe is installed at one end of the horizontal tank body, the scrubber is installed at the other end of the horizontal tank body away from the gas-liquid inlet pipe; the inlet height of the gas-liquid inlet pipe is lower than the lower end of the gas conduit; three flow baffles are vertically installed in the inside of the horizontal tank body in sequence with intervals, the mouth of the gas-liquid inlet pipe is towards the flow baffles.

2. The water electrolysis hydrogen production separation and washing integrated device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sieve plate is a metal plate with uniformly distributed small holes, the aperture of the small holes is 3-15mm, and the opening rate of the upper surface of the metal plate is 15%-30%.

3. The water electrolysis hydrogen production separation and washing integrated device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower end of the water supplement conduit is 15-20cm below the liquid level of the scrubbing liquid.

4. The water electrolysis hydrogen production separation and washing integrated device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow baffle is designed in a rectangular shape, the flow baffle is vertically installed on the bottom surface of the inside of the horizontal tank body, the lower edge of the flow baffle is designed as a profile structure matching the bottom surface of the inside of the horizontal tank body, the inner walls of the horizontal tank body are provided with gaps on both sides of the flow baffle, and the height of the flow baffle is less than or equal to the height of the lye in the horizontal tank body.

5. The water electrolysis hydrogen production separation and washing integrated device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower end of the overflow conduit is designed with a vertical support plate, the lower end of the vertical support plate is installed on the upper surface of the inside bottom of the horizontal tank body, and the upper end of the vertical support plate is supported and connected to the lower end of the overflow conduit.

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