A double helix type hydrogen production device using electrolysis of water for abandoned oil well

Abstract

The application relates to a double-spiral electrolytic water hydrogen production device for a waste oil well, which comprises a cover body, spiral structure anode electrode sheets and cathode electrode sheets which are arranged in an interval and coaxially overlap on the cover body, the surfaces of the anode electrode sheets and the cathode electrode sheets are loaded with electrolytic catalysts, a partition plate for separating the anode electrode sheets and the cathode electrode sheets is arranged on the cover body, and an electricity passing hole and an exhaust hole which respectively communicate with the anode electrode sheets and the cathode electrode sheets are arranged on the cover body. The application is a novel electrolytic water hydrogen production device with an open structure, wherein the anode electrode sheets and the cathode electrode sheets are exposed and directly contact with waste well water, the problem of flow field flow channel blockage is directly avoided from the structure, the problem of strict dependence of an existing electrolytic tank on water quality is solved, and the open structure design can improve flexible adaptability to different pressures, so that the device can stably operate in different downhole environments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water electrolysis for hydrogen production technology, specifically a double-helix water electrolysis hydrogen production device for abandoned oil wells. Background Technology

[0002] With the long-term development of the energy extraction industry, a large number of abandoned oil wells have been left idle and abandoned due to resource depletion or limited extraction conditions, resulting not only in resource waste but also environmental governance pressure. Meanwhile, water electrolysis for hydrogen production, as a clean and efficient method of green hydrogen preparation, has become one of the core technologies for energy transformation. If natural water bodies within idle or abandoned well sites can be used for hydrogen electrolysis, the dual resource utilization of "idle space + water resources" can be achieved, possessing significant resource value, economic benefits, and environmental benefits.

[0003] However, existing commercial electrolyzers are difficult to operate normally in complex downhole environments. This is because current electrolyzers have stringent water quality requirements, relying on high-purity water. Furthermore, to improve electrolysis efficiency, the electrolyte flow field and channels are mostly designed as straight or point-like structures. Downhole water generally contains impurities such as silt, minerals, organic matter, drilling fluid residue, or fracturing fluid residue. If commercial electrolyzers are directly applied to abandoned wells containing impurities, these impurities will quickly deposit and clog the flow field and channels as the water flows through them, severely affecting electrolysis efficiency. In addition, the pressure fluctuations in downhole spaces vary greatly depending on the type and depth of the well. Current electrolyzers are mostly relatively closed structures with high requirements for the working environment, making them unsuitable for various downhole environments and unable to meet their stable operation needs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a double-helix water electrolysis hydrogen production device for abandoned oil wells, which addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies. It can adapt to various complex downhole environments, requires no pure water pretreatment, can operate stably within a wide pressure range, and can produce qualified purity hydrogen. This solves the problems of traditional commercial electrolyzers, which rely on high-purity water, cannot be used in abandoned wells containing impurities, have poor hydrogen production stability, and cannot meet the requirements for stable operation.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A double-helix water electrolysis hydrogen production device for abandoned oil wells includes a cover, on which a helical anode electrode and a cathode electrode are spaced apart and coaxially overlapped. The surfaces of the anode electrode and the cathode electrode are loaded with an electrolysis catalyst. The cover is provided with a double-helix partition for separating the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. The cover is provided with an energizing hole and an exhaust hole that are respectively connected to the anode electrode and the cathode electrode.

[0006] Furthermore, the cover is connected to a spiral-structured anode connector and a cathode connector, and the anode electrode sheet and the cathode electrode sheet are detachably connected to the anode connector and the cathode connector, respectively.

[0007] Furthermore, the partition, anode connector, and cathode connector are detachably connected to the cover.

[0008] Furthermore, the cover is provided with an anode connection groove for inserting an anode connector, a cathode connection groove for inserting a cathode connector, and a plate connection groove for inserting a partition. The cover is provided with a cover connection hole in the circumferential direction. A first anode connection hole, a first cathode connection hole, and a plate connection hole are respectively provided on the anode connector, the cathode connector, and the partition. The cover is relatively fixed to the partition, the anode connector, and the cathode connector by fasteners inserted into the cover connection hole, the plate connection hole, the first anode connection hole, and the first cathode connection hole.

[0009] Furthermore, the anode connector has an anode slot on the side opposite to the first anode connection hole for inserting the anode electrode sheet. The anode connector has a second anode connection hole in the anode slot in the circumferential direction, and an anode insertion hole is provided on the corresponding anode electrode sheet. The anode connector and the anode electrode sheet are relatively fixed by fasteners inserted into the second anode connection hole and the anode insertion hole.

[0010] Furthermore, the cathode connector has a cathode slot on the side opposite to the first cathode connection hole for inserting the cathode electrode sheet. The cathode connector has a second cathode connection hole in the cathode slot in the circumferential direction, and a cathode insertion hole is provided on the corresponding cathode electrode sheet. The cathode connector and the cathode electrode sheet are relatively fixed by fasteners inserted into the second cathode connection hole and the cathode insertion hole.

[0011] Furthermore, the cover has an annular groove in the circumferential direction, and a sealing ring is provided in the groove.

[0012] Furthermore, the partition has through holes on its arc-shaped sidewalls, and a diaphragm covers the arc-shaped sidewalls of the partition.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: This invention discloses a novel open-structure water electrolysis hydrogen production device. Both the anode and cathode electrodes are exposed and in direct contact with the waste well water, structurally avoiding flow channel blockage and resolving the stringent water quality requirements of existing electrolyzers. The open structure also enhances adaptability to different pressures, enabling stable operation in various downhole environments. Furthermore, both the anode and cathode electrodes are helical in design, coaxially mounted and spaced apart by a cover. A double-helix partition and diaphragm separate the helical anode and cathode chambers, forming a double-helix gas collection chamber for reliable separation of hydrogen and oxygen during electrolysis. The coaxial overlapping double-helix structure of the anode and cathode electrodes maximizes the contact area between the electrodes and the water while ensuring effective separation by the partition. This adaptable design accommodates various downhole space sizes and, combined with highly efficient electrolysis catalysts, significantly improves electrolysis efficiency. Furthermore, the entire unit features a detachable, segmented structure, allowing for flexible assembly according to well depth and adjustment of the electrolysis scale as needed. When a component reaches the end of its service life, it can be easily disassembled and replaced individually. The versatile materials and structural design ensure the stability and durability of the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit during long-term downhole operation.

[0014] This invention transforms various idle underground spaces into green hydrogen production sites, while utilizing natural underground water resources to achieve dual resource utilization of "idle space + water body". This reduces the site and water resource costs for green hydrogen production, and has significant economic, environmental, and industrial promotion value. It becomes the key to realizing the resource-based hydrogen production of various underground spaces, and is of great significance to promoting the utilization of idle resources and the development of the green hydrogen industry. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the upper part of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the lower part of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure from a low angle of view of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the exhaust port in this invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the energized hole in this invention; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the cover connection hole, plate connection hole, first anode connection hole, and first cathode connection hole in the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the upper part of the inner cover in this invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lower part of the inner cover in this invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the upper part of the partition plate in this invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the lower part of the partition in this invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the anode connector in this invention; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the cathode connector in this invention; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the cathode electrode and the anode electrode in this invention.

[0016] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 1. Outer cover; 11. Groove; 12. External power port; 13. External oxygen vent; 14. External hydrogen vent; 2. Inner cover; 21. Anode connection groove; 22. Cathode connection groove; 23. Plate connection groove; 24. Internal power port; 25. Internal oxygen vent; 26. Internal hydrogen vent; 27. Cover connection hole; 3. Anode connector; 31. First anode connection hole; 32. Anode slot; 33. Second anode connection hole; 4. Cathode connector; 41. First cathode connection hole; 42. Cathode slot; 43. Second cathode connection hole; 5. Partition; 51. Through hole; 52. Plate connection hole; 6. Anode electrode plate; 61. Anode insertion hole; 7. Cathode electrode plate; 71. Cathode insertion hole; 8. Sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0018] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0019] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0020] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0021] For easier understanding, please refer to Figures 1 to 13This embodiment provides a double-helix water electrolysis hydrogen production device for abandoned oil wells, including a cover body comprising an outer cover 1 and an inner cover 2. Specifically, the upper part of the inner cover 2 is detachably connected to the lower part of the outer cover 1 by fasteners (such as screws). The outer cover 1 has an annular groove 11 in the circumferential direction, and a fluororubber sealing ring 8 is fixedly sleeved in the groove 11, achieving a sealed fit between the entire device and the downhole space through the sealing ring 8. Preferably, the outer cover 1 and the inner cover 2 are made of high-pressure corrosion resistant materials, such as titanium alloy, stainless steel, corrosion-resistant alloy, or polymer composite materials, to withstand the high-pressure environment downhole. The lower part of the inner cover 2 has a helical and coaxially arranged anode connection groove 21, cathode connection groove 22, and plate connection groove 23. A helical anode connector 3 is detachably connected in the anode connection groove 21, a helical cathode connector 4 is detachably connected in the cathode connection groove 22, and a double-helix (mosquito coil) partition 5 is detachably connected in the plate connection groove 23. The lower part of the anode connector 3 has an anode slot 32, and a spiral-structured anode electrode plate 6 is detachably connected inside the anode slot 32. The lower part of the cathode connector 4 has a cathode slot 42, and a spiral-structured cathode electrode plate 7 is detachably connected inside the cathode slot 42. The anode electrode plate 6, the cathode electrode plate 7, and the partition plate 5 are coaxially arranged, with the anode electrode plate 6 and the cathode electrode plate 7 intertwined and overlapping, and separated by the partition plate 5. The axial length of the partition 5 is greater than the axial length of the anode electrode 6 and the cathode electrode 7. The lower parts of both the anode electrode 6 and the cathode electrode 7 extend axially to contact the downhole water. Electrolytic catalysts are loaded on the surfaces of both the anode electrode 6 and the cathode electrode 7. Preferably, the spiral diameter of both the anode electrode 6 and the cathode electrode 7 is 1.5 mm, and the spiral spacing is 1.8 mm, to enhance the strength of the electrode structure and adapt to high-pressure conditions in deep wells. The electrolytic catalyst is at least one of the following: Raney nickel, platinum-based catalyst, nickel-based composite catalyst, cobalt-based composite catalyst, iron-based composite catalyst, molybdenum-based composite catalyst, copper-based composite catalyst, and chromium-based composite catalyst. It possesses good corrosion resistance and electrolytic catalytic activity, and can adapt to long-term electrolysis operations in complex downhole water conditions. More preferably, a graphene-doped nickel-based catalyst (NiS) is selected as the electrolytic catalyst to improve electron transport efficiency under high-pressure conditions. Furthermore, the surfaces of the anode electrode 6 and the cathode electrode 7 may be provided with recessed or uneven structures to support the electrolytic catalytic material, thereby enhancing the stability of the catalytic material loading and the contact area with the water.

[0022] Multiple through holes 51 are provided on the arc-shaped sidewalls of the partition 5. These through holes 51 serve as ion exchange channels to ensure ion transport during electrolysis. The arc-shaped sidewalls of the partition 5 are covered with a fouling-resistant membrane (not shown in the figure). The size of the membrane matches the spiral unfolded area of ​​the electrode plates. By covering the through holes 51 on the partition 5 with the membrane, the anode electrode plate 6 and the cathode electrode plate 7 are separated by the partition 5 and the membrane, thus creating a spiral anode cavity and a spiral cathode cavity. This isolates the hydrogen and oxygen generated during electrolysis, preventing gas mixing and potential safety hazards. Preferably, the separator 5 is made of salt-resistant PP material, and the pore size of the through hole 51 is 0.8 mm, which is suitable for the ion transport characteristics of high-salt solutions. The separator can be a PPS separator, a Zirfon separator, an asbestos separator, or other acid and alkali resistant and pollution-resistant polymer separators. More preferably, the combination design of the salt-resistant material of the separator 5, the Zirfon-reinforced separator, and the nickel-iron composite catalyst can effectively adapt to the underground formation water environment, avoid the interference of impurities in the groundwater on the electrolysis process, ensure the stable production of hydrogen by electrolysis, and meet the hydrogen production needs of complex underground environments.

[0023] The cover has energizing holes and venting holes respectively connected to the anode electrode 6 and the cathode electrode 7. The energizing holes are connected to the power supply system, and the venting holes are connected to the gas collection system. The energizing holes are used to connect wires to supply power to the electrode plates, and the venting holes are used to collect the hydrogen and oxygen generated by electrolysis. The power supply system provides a working voltage range of 1.0V to 5.0V, enabling efficient electrolysis without a high-voltage environment. The power supply system can be equipped with a photovoltaic power supply unit, a downhole cable power supply unit, or an energy storage power supply unit, and has a voltage stabilization function (voltage fluctuation range not exceeding ±0.1V), which can adapt to various unstable downhole power supply environments. The gas collection system includes a gas outlet channel connected to the cathode cavity, a drying component, and a filter component, used to collect the hydrogen generated by electrolysis, and can remove water vapor and trace impurities from the hydrogen, ensuring that the purity of the collected hydrogen is not less than 95%. It also includes an oxygen collection module connected to the anode cavity to achieve hydrogen and oxygen co-recovery. Specifically, the outer cover 1 has an external power supply hole 12, an external oxygen vent hole 13, and an external hydrogen vent hole 14 in the axial direction. Correspondingly, the inner cover 2 has an internal power supply hole 24, an internal oxygen vent hole 25, and an internal hydrogen vent hole 26 in the axial direction. The external power supply hole 12 and the internal power supply hole 24 are coaxial, the external oxygen vent hole 13 and the internal oxygen vent hole 25 are coaxial, and the external hydrogen vent hole 14 and the internal hydrogen vent hole 26 are coaxial. Wires (not shown in the figure) are connected to the anode electrode plate 6 and the cathode electrode plate 7, respectively. The wires are connected to an external power source through the corresponding internal power supply hole 24 and external power supply hole 12.

[0024] The inner cover 2 has multiple cover connection holes 27 spaced apart in the circumferential direction in the middle. Correspondingly, the upper part of the anode connector 3, the upper part of the cathode connector 4, and the upper part of the partition 5 are respectively provided with a first anode connection hole 31, a first cathode connection hole 41, and a plate connection hole 52. After inserting the upper part of the anode connector 3, the upper part of the cathode connector 4, and the upper part of the partition 5 into the anode connection groove 21, the cathode connection groove 22, and the plate connection groove 23 below the inner cover 2, respectively, fasteners (such as screws) are driven into the cover connection holes 27, the plate connection holes 52, the first anode connection holes 31, and the first cathode connection holes 41 to fix the partition 5, the anode connector 3, and the cathode connector 4 together on the inner cover 2. This achieves coaxial and spaced installation of the partition 5, the anode connector 3, and the cathode connector 4, while also separating the anode cavity and the cathode cavity by the partition 5. The anode slot 32 at the lower part of the anode connector 3 has multiple second anode connection holes 33 in the circumferential direction. Correspondingly, the upper part of the anode electrode plate 6 has an anode insertion hole 61 in the circumferential direction. Fasteners (such as bolts and nuts) are inserted into the second anode connection holes 33 and the anode insertion hole 61 to fix the anode electrode plate 6 to the lower part of the anode connector 3. The cathode slot 42 at the lower part of the cathode connector 4 has multiple second cathode connection holes 43 in the circumferential direction. Correspondingly, the upper part of the cathode electrode plate 7 has a cathode insertion hole 71 in the circumferential direction. Fasteners (such as bolts and nuts) are inserted into the second cathode connection holes 43 and the cathode insertion hole 71 to fix the cathode electrode plate 7 to the lower part of the cathode connector 4.

[0025] The installation method of this invention is as follows: The anode electrode plate 6 is inserted into the anode slot 32 at the lower part of the anode connector 3, and the anode electrode plate 6 and the anode connector 3 are relatively fixed using fasteners; the cathode electrode plate 7 is inserted into the cathode slot 42 at the lower part of the cathode connector 4, and the cathode electrode plate 7 and the cathode connector 4 are relatively fixed using fasteners; then, the anode connector 3 with the anode electrode plate 6 fixed is inserted into the anode connection groove 21 at the lower part of the inner cover 2, and the cathode connector 4 with the cathode electrode plate 7 fixed is inserted into the cathode connection groove 22 at the lower part of the inner cover 2. Insert the diaphragm-attached partition plate 5 into the plate connecting groove 23 at the bottom of the inner cover 2, and fix the anode connector 3, cathode connector 4, and partition plate 5 relative to each other with fasteners; then install the inner cover 2, which has the anode connector 3, cathode connector 4, and partition plate 5 fixed thereon, into the lower cavity of the outer cover 1, so that the external power hole 12 is coaxial with the internal power hole 24, the external oxygen discharge hole 13 is coaxial with the internal oxygen discharge hole 25, and the external hydrogen discharge hole 14 is coaxial with the internal hydrogen discharge hole 26. Fix the inner cover 2 and the outer cover 1 relative to each other with fasteners, and a complete water electrolysis hydrogen production device can be formed.

[0026] Although the present invention has been described using the above preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any changes and modifications made by those skilled in the art to the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A double-helix water electrolysis hydrogen production device for abandoned oil wells, characterized in that, The device includes a cover, on which a helical anode electrode (6) and a cathode electrode (7) are spaced apart and coaxially overlapped. The surfaces of the anode electrode (6) and the cathode electrode (7) are loaded with an electrolytic catalyst. The cover is provided with a double helical partition (5) for separating the anode electrode (6) and the cathode electrode (7). The cover is provided with an energizing hole and an exhaust hole that are respectively connected to the anode electrode (6) and the cathode electrode (7).

2. The double-helix water electrolysis hydrogen production device for abandoned oil wells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover is connected to a spiral-structured anode connector (3) and cathode connector (4), and the anode electrode plate (6) and cathode electrode plate (7) are detachably connected to the anode connector (3) and cathode connector (4), respectively.

3. The double-helix water electrolysis hydrogen production device for abandoned oil wells according to claim 2, characterized in that, The partition (5), anode connector (3) and cathode connector (4) are detachably connected to the cover.

4. The double-helix water electrolysis hydrogen production device for abandoned oil wells according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cover is provided with an anode connection groove (21) for inserting an anode connector (3), a cathode connection groove (22) for inserting a cathode connector (4), and a plate connection groove (23) for inserting a partition (5). The cover is provided with a cover connection hole (27) in the circumferential direction. The anode connector (3), cathode connector (4), and partition (5) are respectively provided with a first anode connection hole (31), a first cathode connection hole (41), and a plate connection hole (52). The cover is fixed relative to the partition (5), anode connector (3), and cathode connector (4) by fasteners inserted into the cover connection hole (27), plate connection hole (52), first anode connection hole (31), and first cathode connection hole (41).

5. The double-helix water electrolysis hydrogen production device for abandoned oil wells according to claim 2, characterized in that, The anode connector (3) has an anode slot (32) on the side opposite to the first anode connection hole (31) for inserting the anode electrode plate (6). The anode connector (3) has a second anode connection hole (33) in the circumferential direction in the anode slot (32), and an anode insertion hole (61) is provided on the corresponding anode electrode plate (6). The anode connector (3) and the anode electrode plate (6) are relatively fixed by fasteners inserted into the second anode connection hole (33) and the anode insertion hole (61).

6. The double-helix water electrolysis hydrogen production device for abandoned oil wells according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cathode connector (4) has a cathode slot (42) on the side opposite to the first cathode connection hole (41) for inserting the cathode electrode plate (7). The cathode connector (4) has a second cathode connection hole (43) in the cathode slot (42) in the circumferential direction, and a cathode insertion hole (71) is provided on the corresponding cathode electrode plate (7). The cathode connector (4) and the cathode electrode plate (7) are relatively fixed by fasteners inserted into the second cathode connection hole (43) and the cathode insertion hole (71).

7. The double-helix water electrolysis hydrogen production device for abandoned oil wells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover has an annular groove (11) in the circumferential direction, and a sealing ring (8) is provided in the groove (11).

8. The double-helix water electrolysis hydrogen production device for abandoned oil wells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The partition (5) has through holes (51) on its arc-shaped sidewall, and a diaphragm is provided on the arc-shaped sidewall of the partition (5).

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