Apparatus and method for removing air bubbles from an ion exchange column

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of ion exchange equipment and specifically discloses a device and method for removing air bubbles in an ion exchange column, which comprises a shell, multiple groups of ion exchange components and multiple gas-liquid separation pieces, the multiple groups of ion exchange components are arranged in the shell and are spaced apart along the axial direction of the shell, the gas-liquid separation pieces correspond to the ion exchange components one by one, each gas-liquid separation piece is arranged on the side of the ion exchange component close to a discharge port, the gas-liquid separation piece is umbrella-shaped, a separation cavity is formed between the gas-liquid separation piece and the ion exchange component, the top of the gas-liquid separation piece is connected with an exhaust pipe, the exhaust pipe extends to the outside of the shell, the gas-liquid separation piece comprises a body and a flow blocking part, the body is connected with the flow blocking part, a flow hole is formed in the body and is used for passing fluid, the normal projection of the flow blocking part on the body covers the flow hole, so that the gas phase can rise along the flow blocking part to the exhaust pipe and be discharged. The application can efficiently remove the air bubbles generated in the ion exchange process.

Description

An apparatus and method for removing air bubbles from an ion exchange column Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of ion exchange equipment, and in particular to an apparatus and method for removing air bubbles from an ion exchange column. Background Technology

[0002] Ion exchange columns are mainly used in chemical, petroleum, pharmaceutical, and food production fields. They can be used for reactions such as synthesis, separation, and purification. An ion exchange column is a cylindrical pressure vessel used for ion exchange reactions; it is the exchange equipment for tubular ion exchange. Using a cylindrical exchange column, the solution is introduced from one end of the column, making full contact with the dense, fixed ion exchange resin layer or the flowing ion exchange resin bed inside the column to carry out ion exchange. During the ion exchange process, bubbles are often generated inside the column due to fluid properties, temperature changes, or chemical reactions. If these bubbles remain in the resin bed, they can lead to the following problems: reducing the effective contact area of ​​the resin, decreasing ion exchange efficiency and dynamic capacity; causing uneven fluid distribution, leading to short circuits or flow deviations, affecting reaction uniformity; and forming gas resistance after bubble coalescing, increasing pressure drop, and even causing process interruption.

[0003] Traditional degassing methods often rely on shutdown backwashing or the addition of external degassing devices, which are not only cumbersome to operate but also affect production continuity. While existing technologies employ simple sieves or flow-guiding structures to improve fluid distribution, they struggle to achieve continuous and efficient bubble removal. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problem that existing sieve plates or flow guiding structures cannot achieve continuous and efficient bubble removal, this application provides an apparatus and method for removing bubbles from ion exchange columns.

[0005] On the one hand, the device for removing bubbles inside an ion exchange column provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] An apparatus for removing bubbles from an ion exchange column, comprising:

[0007] The housing has a feed inlet at the bottom and a discharge outlet at the top.

[0008] Multiple sets of ion exchange modules are arranged inside the housing at intervals along the axial direction of the housing, with gaps between adjacent sets of ion exchange modules.

[0009] Multiple gas-liquid separators are provided, each corresponding to an ion exchange component. Each gas-liquid separator is located on the side of the ion exchange component near the discharge port. The gas-liquid separator is umbrella-shaped, forming a separation chamber between the gas-liquid separator and the ion exchange component. An air outlet is provided at the top of the gas-liquid separator, which is connected to the separation chamber. An exhaust pipe is connected to the air outlet and extends to the outside of the housing. The gas-liquid separator includes a body and a flow-blocking part, which are connected to each other. A flow hole is provided on the body for fluid to pass through. The flow-blocking part is located inside the separation chamber, and its orthogonal projection on the body covers the flow hole, so that the gas phase can rise along the flow-blocking part to the exhaust pipe for discharge.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, a gas-liquid separator corresponding to the ion exchange component is set up. Through the umbrella-shaped structure and its internal baffle, a high-efficiency separation chamber is formed above the ion exchange component. When the gas-liquid mixture rises, the liquid phase can enter the next stage through the flow holes on the body, while the gas phase is blocked and guided by the baffle, causing it to converge and rise along the surface of the baffle and finally be discharged outside the shell through the exhaust pipe at the top. This achieves real-time, in-situ, and passive removal of bubbles during the ion exchange process without the need for external power or interruption of the production process, thereby significantly improving the efficiency and stability of ion exchange and avoiding problems such as gas resistance and flow deviation caused by bubble accumulation.

[0011] In some embodiments, the apex angle of the gas-liquid separator is θ, satisfying 110°≤θ≤135°.

[0012] In some embodiments, multiple flow holes are provided and are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the body. Multiple flow holes in the same radial direction constitute a liquid inlet group. Multiple liquid inlet groups are provided and are arranged at intervals along the generatrix of the gas-liquid separator. Multiple flow baffles are provided and are arranged at intervals along the generatrix of the gas-liquid separator.

[0013] In some embodiments, an exhaust valve is provided on the exhaust pipe, and a pressure sensor is provided in the separation chamber. The exhaust valve is configured to open automatically when the gas in the separation chamber accumulates to a set pressure.

[0014] In some implementations, the flow-blocking part is arranged parallel to the main body.

[0015] In some implementations, the spacing between two adjacent baffles is 50mm-200mm.

[0016] In some embodiments, the distance between the baffle and the main body is 50mm-300mm.

[0017] In some embodiments, the connector and the flow deflector have an included angle α, satisfying: 90 < α ≤ 120°, and the connector and the body have an included angle β, satisfying: 90 ≤ β ≤ 150°.

[0018] In some embodiments, the ion exchange assembly includes a resin layer, a first guide plate, and a second guide plate. The resin layer is composed of resin particles, and a resin cavity is formed between the first guide plate and the second guide plate. The resin layer fills the resin cavity. Both the first guide plate and the second guide plate have multiple uniformly distributed through holes, which penetrate the first guide plate and the second guide plate axially. Each through hole is provided with a screen, and the pore size of the screen is smaller than the minimum particle size of the resin particles.

[0019] On the other hand, this application provides a method for removing bubbles from an ion exchange column, employing any of the above-mentioned apparatus for removing bubbles from an ion exchange column, comprising the following steps:

[0020] S1: Filled with ion exchange resin;

[0021] S2: After activating the resin by passing the activation solution from top to bottom, wash it with pure water.

[0022] S3: Raw material is introduced from bottom to top, flowing through each ion exchange layer. Above each ion exchange layer, the liquid phase overflows into the collection chamber and enters the next layer through the flow hole, while the gas phase floats up along the baffle to the exhaust pipe and is discharged.

[0023] S4: After the reaction is complete, the product is discharged from the outlet, and the residual gas is exhausted from the exhaust pipe.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0025] 1. By setting up an umbrella-shaped gas-liquid separator, the gas and liquid phases in the ion exchange column are separated by utilizing the difference in gas and liquid flow rates. Under the influence of buoyancy, inertial force, and other forces, the gas cannot pass through the flow holes and can only converge at the exhaust pipe along the baffle, thus realizing the discharge of bubbles in the ion exchange column. This application has a simple and compact structure and stable operation.

[0026] 2. By setting the ion exchange component to multiple layers, the bubbles generated during the reaction are eliminated layer by layer, avoiding problems such as reaction stagnation caused by large bubbles generated by bubble coalescence. This reduces the negative impact of excessive gas phase and reduces the movement range of resin particles, making the reaction more uniform and the entire exchange process more stable, ensuring the continuous and stable operation of the exchange process.

[0027] 3. Through the design of the gas-liquid separator, no external power is required. The ion exchange components are relatively stationary, which helps to reduce the risk of resin particle wear and allows the liquid phase to pass through the resin layer more uniformly, thereby improving the exchange efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 2 is an internal sectional view of an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the gas-liquid separator in an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the gas-liquid separator in an embodiment of this application.

[0032] In the picture:

[0033] 1. Shell; 11. Inlet; 12. Outlet; 13. Activation liquid outlet; 14. Activation liquid inlet; 15. Drain outlet; 16. Resin inlet; 2. Ion exchange assembly; 21. Gap; 22. Resin layer; 23. First guide plate; 24. Second guide plate; 3. Gas-liquid separator; 31. Body; 311. Flow hole; 32. Baffle; 33. Connector; 34. Separation chamber; 35. Gas outlet; 36. Exhaust pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0035] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the term "and / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Furthermore, the character " / " in this document, unless otherwise specified, generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0036] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, this application provides an apparatus for removing bubbles from an ion exchange column, comprising a housing 1. The bottom of the housing 1 is provided with a feed inlet 11 and an activation liquid outlet 13, which are arranged parallel to the axis of the housing 1. The top of the housing 1 is provided with a discharge outlet 12 and an activation liquid inlet 14, which are arranged parallel to the axis of the housing 1. The side wall of the housing 1 is provided with a drain outlet 15 and a resin inlet 16, which are arranged perpendicular to the axis of the housing 1. The drain outlet 15 is located on the bottom side wall of the housing 1, and the resin inlet 16 is located on the top side wall of the housing 1.

[0037] This application also includes multiple sets of ion exchange components 2 and multiple gas-liquid separators 3 disposed within the housing 1. The ion exchange components 2 are disposed within the housing 1 and arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the housing 1. A gap 21 is provided between adjacent sets of ion exchange components 2. Each gas-liquid separator 3 corresponds to one ion exchange component 2, and each gas-liquid separator 3 is disposed on the side of the ion exchange component 2 near the outlet 12. The exchange resin enters through the resin inlet 16 and is added layer by layer. After the resin is added, the height of the resin layer 22 is checked. When the resin is replaced, the exchange resin and cleaning liquid are discharged through the drain port 15. During activation, the activation liquid is pumped into the ion exchange component 2 from the activation liquid inlet 14 at the top of the housing 1 to activate the resin particles in the ion exchange component 2. After washing with pure water, it is discharged from the activation liquid outlet 13 at the bottom of the housing 1. During ion exchange, the raw material is heated and pumped into the ion exchange component 2 through the feed inlet 11 at the bottom of the housing 1. After the ion exchange is completed, it is discharged from the outlet 12 at the top of the housing 1.

[0038] Specifically, in this embodiment, the ion exchange assembly 2 includes a resin layer 22, a first guide plate 23, and a second guide plate 24. The resin layer 22 is composed of resin particles, and a resin cavity is formed between the first guide plate 23 and the second guide plate 24. The resin layer 22 fills the resin cavity between the first guide plate 23 and the second guide plate 24. Both the first guide plate 23 and the second guide plate 24 serve as supports and guides. The first guide plate 23 and the second guide plate 24 have the same structure. Both the first guide plate 23 and the second guide plate 24 have multiple uniformly distributed through holes, which axially penetrate the first guide plate 23 and the second guide plate 24. Each through hole is equipped with a screen, and the pore size of the screen is smaller than the minimum particle size of the resin particles. The resin cavity formed by the first guide plate 23 and the second guide plate 24 is used to accommodate and fix the resin layer 22, providing structural support and fluid guidance functions, ensuring uniform distribution of resin particles, and promoting sufficient contact between the liquid and the resin, thereby enhancing the stability and effect of bubble removal. The screen effectively prevents resin particles from leaking out through the holes while allowing the liquid to flow smoothly, maintaining the integrity of the resin layer 22 and the continuity of the ion exchange process, thereby improving the reliability and service life of the device.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the gas-liquid separator 3 is fixedly installed inside the housing 1. The gas-liquid separator 3 is umbrella-shaped, and a separation chamber 34 is formed between the gas-liquid separator 3 and the ion exchange assembly 2. An outlet 35 is provided at the top of the gas-liquid separator 3, and the outlet 35 is connected to the separation chamber 34. An exhaust pipe 36 is connected to the outlet 35 and extends to the outside of the housing 1. The gas-liquid separator 3 includes a body 31 and a flow-blocking part 32. The body 31 and the flow-blocking part 32 are connected by a connector 33. A flow hole 311 is provided on the body 31 for fluid to pass through. The flow-blocking part 32 is disposed inside the separation chamber 34. The flow-blocking part 32 and the body 31 together form a liquid collection chamber. The orthogonal projection of the flow-blocking part 32 on the body 31 covers the flow hole 311, so that the gas phase can rise along the flow-blocking part 32 to the exhaust pipe 36 for discharge. Due to the difference in flowability between gas and liquid, gas cannot pass through the channel between the main body 31 and the baffle 32. Under the influence of buoyancy and other forces, the gas converges along the baffle 32 to the top of the main body 31, while the liquid can flow through the channel between the main body 31 and the baffle 32 into the next layer of ion exchange component 2, thereby achieving gas-liquid separation, removing bubbles from the ion exchange component 2, and improving ion exchange efficiency. The layered design avoids problems such as reaction stagnation caused by large bubbles generated by bubble coalescence, reduces the negative impact of excessive gas, and reduces the movement range of resin particles, making the reaction more uniform and the entire exchange process more stable, ensuring the continuous and stable operation of the exchange process.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flow-blocking part 32 is arranged parallel to the main body 31, an exhaust valve (not shown in the figure) is provided on the exhaust pipe 36, and a pressure sensor (not shown in the figure) is provided in the separation chamber 34. The exhaust valve of the flow-blocking part 32 is configured to automatically open when the gas in the separation chamber 34 accumulates to a set pressure. Specifically, the system presets a critical opening pressure P1. The pressure sensor monitors the pressure P2 in the separation chamber 34 in real time and transmits the pressure signal to the controller (such as a PLC). The controller compares the real-time pressure P2 with the preset pressure value P1. When P2 > P1, the controller controls the exhaust valve to open. As the gas is discharged, the pressure in the separation chamber 34 begins to drop. When the monitored pressure drops to a preset closing pressure P3, the controller sends a closing command to the exhaust valve, and the exhaust valve is de-energized and closed. After the exhaust valve closes, the system returns to the normally closed state, waiting for the next bubble accumulation cycle.

[0041] In some embodiments, multiple flow holes 311 are provided and arranged at intervals along the circumference of the body 31. Multiple flow holes 311 on the same radial direction form a liquid inlet group, and multiple liquid inlet groups are provided. The liquid inlet groups are arranged at intervals along the generatrix of the gas-liquid separator 3. Multiple flow baffles 32 are provided and arranged at intervals along the circumference of the body 31. The flow baffles 32 are arranged at intervals along the generatrix of the gas-liquid separator 3, and each flow baffle 32 corresponds to a liquid inlet group. Specifically, in this embodiment, two liquid inlet groups are provided, and the flow baffles 32 are annular, with two flow baffles 32.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the apex angle of the gas-liquid separator is θ, satisfying 110°≤θ≤135°. By controlling the apex angle of the gas-liquid separator 3 between 110° and 135°, the convergence path of the airflow and the guiding performance of the liquid are optimized. This specific angle range can ensure sufficient gas phase convergence space while maintaining smooth liquid flow, avoiding the problems of increased flow resistance due to an excessively small angle or decreased bubble capture efficiency due to an excessively large angle, thereby achieving a balance between gas-liquid separation efficiency and fluid flowability.

[0043] In some embodiments, the spacing between two adjacent baffles 32 is determined based on the average Sotter diameter of bubbles within the ion exchange layer, and is preferably 50 mm to 200 mm; the spacing between the baffle 32 and the body 31 is determined based on the liquid flow rate and the average Sotter diameter of bubbles, and is preferably 50 mm to 300 mm. In this embodiment, the average Sotter diameter of bubbles is a core parameter characterizing the average particle size of the spray droplets, defined as six times the ratio of droplet volume to surface area.

[0044] By precisely controlling the physical distance between key components, the fluid dynamics environment within the separation chamber 34 was optimized. The appropriate spacing provides sufficient space for bubble coalescence and rise while avoiding excessive resistance to the mainstream liquid, ensuring efficient and stable separation of the gas and liquid phases with low energy consumption.

[0045] In some embodiments, the connector 33 and the baffle 32 have an included angle α, satisfying: 90 < α ≤ 120°, and the connector 33 and the body 31 have an included angle β, satisfying: 90 ≤ β ≤ 150°. By optimizing the angle of the gas-liquid separator 3, the gas-liquid separator 3 is ensured to have optimal mechanical strength and flow guiding characteristics. The specific angle range makes the gas-liquid separator 3 more stable when subjected to fluid pressure, while guiding the gas phase and liquid phase to separate efficiently along a preset path, enhancing the durability and separation reliability of the device.

[0046] This application also provides a method for removing air bubbles inside an ion exchange column, comprising the following steps:

[0047] S1: Loading ion exchange resin; the exchange resin enters through the feed inlet 11, and the resin is added layer by layer. After the resin is added, check the height of the resin layer 22.

[0048] S2: The resin layer 22 is activated by the activation liquid introduced from top to bottom and then washed with pure water; the activation liquid is pumped into the ion exchange component 2 from the activation liquid inlet 14 to activate the resin particles in the ion exchange component 2, and then washed with pure water and discharged from the activation liquid outlet 13.

[0049] S3: Raw material is introduced from bottom to top, flowing through each ion exchange component 2. Above each ion exchange component 2, the liquid phase overflows into the collection chamber and enters the next layer through the flow hole 311, while the gas phase floats up along the baffle 32 to the exhaust pipe 36 for discharge.

[0050] S4: After the reaction is complete, the product is discharged from the outlet 12, and the residual gas is discharged from the exhaust pipe 36.

[0051] In step S2, the gas phase, due to its low density and high buoyancy, rises naturally along the baffle 32 and does not enter the collection chamber. It continues to move upward along the inner wall of the umbrella plate and is eventually discharged from the exhaust pipe 36 at the top. The activation solution entering the ion exchange assembly 2 in step S2 has a flow rate of 500 ml / min, an operating pressure of 0.2 MPaG, an operating temperature of 25°C, a density of 1.1 kg / m³, and an activation solution concentration of 10%. The conductivity after washing is ≤100 μS / cm. In step S3, the raw material flow rate is 500 ml / min, the operating pressure is 0.2 MPaG, the operating temperature is 80°C, the density is 1.05 kg / m³, and the prepared concentration is 5%.

[0052] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A device for removing air bubbles from an ion exchange column, characterized in that, include: A housing (1) has an inlet (11) at its bottom and an outlet (12) at its top; multiple ion exchange components (2) are arranged inside the housing (1) at intervals along the axial direction of the housing (1), with a gap (21) between adjacent ion exchange components (2); multiple gas-liquid separators (3) correspond one-to-one with each ion exchange component (2), and each gas-liquid separator (3) is located near the ion exchange component (2). On one side of the discharge port (12), the gas-liquid separator (3) is umbrella-shaped, and a separation chamber (34) is formed between the gas-liquid separator (3) and the ion exchange assembly (2). An air outlet (35) is provided at the top of the gas-liquid separator (3), and the air outlet (35) is connected to the separation chamber (34). An exhaust pipe (36) is connected to the air outlet (35), and the exhaust pipe (36) extends to the outside of the housing (1). The gas-liquid separator (3) includes a body (31) and a baffle (32). (31) Connected to the baffle (32) via a connector (33), the body (31) has a flow hole (311) for fluid to pass through, the baffle (32) is disposed inside the separation chamber (34), and the orthographic projection of the baffle (32) on the body (31) covers the flow hole (311) so that the gas phase can rise along the baffle (32) to the exhaust pipe (36) for discharge; multiple flow holes (311) are provided, and along the body (31) 1) The flow holes (311) are arranged in a circumferentially spaced manner, and multiple flow holes (311) on the same radial direction form a liquid inlet group. Multiple liquid inlet groups are provided and are arranged at intervals along the generatrix of the gas-liquid separator (3). Multiple flow baffles (32) are provided and are arranged at intervals along the generatrix of the gas-liquid separator (3). The connecting member (33) and the flow baffle (32) have an included angle α, satisfying: 90 < α ≤ 120°. The connecting member (33) and the body (31) have an included angle β, satisfying: 90 ≤ β ≤ 150°.

2. The apparatus for removing bubbles from an ion exchange column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The apex angle of the gas-liquid separator (3) is θ, which satisfies 110°≤θ≤135°.

3. The apparatus for removing bubbles from an ion exchange column according to claim 1, characterized in that, An exhaust valve is provided on the exhaust pipe (36), and a pressure sensor is provided in the separation chamber (34). The exhaust valve is configured to automatically open when the gas in the separation chamber (34) accumulates to a set pressure.

4. The apparatus for removing bubbles from an ion exchange column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow-blocking part (32) is arranged parallel to the main body (31).

5. The apparatus for removing bubbles from an ion exchange column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between two adjacent flow-blocking parts (32) is 50mm-200mm.

6. The apparatus for removing bubbles from an ion exchange column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the flow-blocking part (32) and the body (31) is 50mm-300mm.

7. The apparatus for removing bubbles from an ion exchange column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ion exchange assembly includes a resin layer, a first guide plate, and a second guide plate. The resin layer is composed of resin particles. A resin cavity is formed between the first guide plate and the second guide plate, and the resin layer fills the resin cavity. Multiple uniformly distributed through holes are provided on both the first and second guide plates. The through holes penetrate the first and second guide plates axially. A screen is provided in each through hole, and the pore size of the screen is smaller than the minimum particle size of the resin particles.

8. A method for removing air bubbles from an ion exchange column, characterized in that, The apparatus for removing air bubbles in an ion exchange column as described in any one of claims 1-7 includes the following steps: S1: filling with ion exchange resin; S2: activating the resin by introducing an activation liquid from top to bottom and then washing it with pure water; S3: introducing raw material from bottom to top, allowing it to flow through each ion exchange component (2), with the liquid phase overflowing into the collection chamber above each ion exchange component (2) and entering the next layer through the flow hole (311), while the gas phase floats up along the baffle (32) to the exhaust pipe (36) and is discharged; S4: after the reaction is completed, the product is discharged from the outlet (12), and the residual gas is discharged from the exhaust pipe (36).

Images