Electrolysis system for eliminating concentration polarization and cathode frame thereof

Abstract

The utility model discloses a cathode frame for eliminating concentration polarization and an electrolysis system, which are particularly suitable for metal electrolytic refining in the electrochemical industry. The cathode frame comprises a frame main body and a cathode chamber, a cathode liquid distribution device is arranged on the frame main body, and cathode liquid is injected into the cathode chamber from the lower part of the cathode plate through a liquid outlet, so that the concentration polarization phenomenon is effectively eliminated. The liquid outlet can be provided with a long gap or a plurality of holes which are flexibly arranged on the liquid outlet component so as to adapt to different electrolysis processes. The liquid inlet pipe extends to the bottom cross beam along the lateral stand columns, so that stable supply of cathode liquid is ensured. The electrolysis system comprises an electrolytic bath and a detachable cathode frame, efficient and uniform electrolyte circulation is achieved, and the electrolysis efficiency and the cathode product quality are improved. The device is simple in structure and easy to install and maintain, the production cost and the energy consumption are remarkably reduced, the purity and the crystallization quality of electrolyzed products are improved, and the high-standard production requirement is met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of metal electrolytic refining technology in the electrochemical industry, specifically to an electrolytic system and its cathode frame for eliminating concentration polarization. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of metal electrolytic refining in the electrochemical industry, traditional electrolysis technology has always faced the severe challenge of concentration polarization. This problem is particularly prominent in the electrolysis of metals such as nickel, seriously affecting the purity, crystal quality, and production efficiency of the electrolytic products.

[0003] Traditional nickel electrolysis technology typically involves placing the anode and cathode in a slowly flowing electrolyte bath. Under the influence of an electric field, anions migrate towards the anode, while cations migrate towards the cathode. By precisely controlling the electrolysis conditions, the target metal cations are electrolytically deposited on the cathode surface, resulting in high-purity electrolytic nickel. However, because the electrode reaction rate is often much faster than the ion diffusion rate, a concentration polarization phenomenon occurs near the cathode.

[0004] Concentration polarization not only leads to a significant reduction in the concentration of metal ions on the cathode surface but also triggers a series of negative effects. First, due to insufficient metal ion supply, small amounts of impurity ions or hydrogen ions may deposit on the cathode along with the target metal ions, severely reducing the purity of the electrolytic nickel product. Second, concentration polarization also significantly reduces cathode current efficiency, resulting in a substantial increase in energy consumption per unit product. To address these issues, traditional electrolysis technologies must control the current density within a low range to ensure the quality and current efficiency of the cathode product. However, this approach brings a series of problems, including a large electrolysis system, high equipment investment costs, and low production efficiency.

[0005] In the electrolytic nickel deposition process, the traditional method of electrolyte feeding involves dripping the electrolyte through an inlet pipe located at the top of the tank. This inlet pipe has small holes through which the cathode electrolyte drips into the cathode diaphragm bag. However, this method has significant limitations. First, due to the high position of the inlet pipe and the limited dripping volume through the holes, the circulation rate of the cathode electrolyte is relatively small. This not only fails to meet the demands of high-current-density electrolytic production but also further exacerbates concentration polarization. Second, due to the inefficient feeding method, the electrolyte distribution within the cathode diaphragm bag is often uneven, resulting in a more uneven concentration of metal ions on the cathode surface. This uneven distribution not only affects the crystallization quality of the electrolytic nickel product but also reduces the stability of the electrolysis process.

[0006] To address these issues, the industry has been actively exploring new electrolysis technologies and equipment. Among these, enhancing electrolyte circulation, increasing the migration rate of metal ions, and reducing concentration polarization have become key research focuses. To achieve these goals, various methods have been tried, such as increasing the electrolyte circulation rate, optimizing the electrolytic cell structure, and improving cathode design. However, despite these methods achieving some success, many shortcomings and limitations remain. Utility Model Content

[0007] This invention proposes an innovative cathode frame structure and an electrolysis system incorporating the cathode frame. By optimizing the distribution method of the catholyte, this invention aims to achieve efficient and uniform injection of the electrolyte, thereby significantly improving the electrolysis mass transfer efficiency, reducing concentration polarization, and improving the purity and crystal quality of the electrolysis products.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0009] A cathode frame for eliminating concentration polarization includes a frame body and a cathode chamber formed within the frame body, the cathode chamber being adapted to accommodate a cathode plate. A catholyte distribution device is disposed on the frame body, through which catholyte obtained from the outside is injected into the cathode chamber. The catholyte distribution device includes an outlet located below the cathode chamber, the outlet being adapted to inject catholyte from below the cathode plate into the cathode chamber, thereby eliminating concentration polarization near the cathode plate. This bottom-injection method allows the catholyte to be uniformly distributed near the cathode plate, effectively eliminating concentration polarization on the cathode plate surface, thus improving the uniformity and efficiency of the electrolysis reaction.

[0010] Furthermore, the main frame includes lateral columns and a bottom crossbeam, with a liquid outlet component on the bottom crossbeam and a liquid outlet formed on the liquid outlet component. This structural design makes the cathodic liquid distribution device more stable and easier to install and maintain.

[0011] In addition, the catholyte distribution device includes an inlet pipe for obtaining catholyte from the outside. The inlet pipe extends from top to bottom along the lateral column to the bottom crossbeam and is fixed to the lateral column, ensuring a stable supply of catholyte. The design of the inlet pipe also allows the cathode frame to be easily connected to an external catholyte supply system, improving the flexibility and operability of the entire electrolysis system.

[0012] In the specific design of the liquid outlet component, it can extend along the bottom crossbeam at the bottom of the cathode chamber, and the liquid outlet can be configured at the top or side of the component. The shape and distribution of the liquid outlet can also be adjusted as needed, for example, configured as an elongated slit or multiple evenly distributed holes. These designs can further optimize the distribution of catholyte and improve electrolysis efficiency.

[0013] Furthermore, the bottom crossbeam can have an inlet channel facing the cathode chamber, with the outlet component located within the inlet channel. The inlet channel design guides the catholyte more smoothly into the cathode chamber, while also helping to reduce catholyte waste and leakage. A pair of spaced-apart guide walls can also be installed within the inlet channel to further optimize the catholyte flow path.

[0014] The shape of the liquid outlet component can also be selected as needed, such as being configured as a circular or square tube. This flexibility allows the cathode frame to adapt to different electrolysis processes and equipment requirements.

[0015] This invention also provides an electrolysis system for eliminating concentration polarization, comprising an electrolytic cell and the aforementioned cathode frame detachably placed within the electrolytic cell. By employing the cathode frame of this invention, the electrolysis system can achieve efficient and uniform electrolyte circulation, significantly reduce concentration polarization, and improve electrolysis efficiency and cathode product quality.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the cathode frame and electrolysis system of this utility model have the following significant advantages:

[0017] By placing an outlet below the cathode chamber, the catholyte is injected from below the cathode plate, effectively eliminating concentration polarization near the cathode plate. This bottom-injection method ensures that the catholyte is evenly distributed around the cathode plate, thereby improving the uniformity and efficiency of the electrolysis reaction. The optimized catholyte distribution device allows the catholyte to reach the cathode surface more quickly, ensuring sufficient contact and reaction with metal ions. This not only improves the electrolysis mass transfer efficiency but also shortens the electrolysis cycle, enhancing overall production efficiency. Due to the reduction in concentration polarization, the concentration of metal ions on the cathode surface remains relatively stable, reducing the precipitation of impurity ions or hydrogen ions. This helps improve the purity of the electrolysis products, enhances their crystallization quality, and meets higher production standards.

[0018] The inlet pipe design in the cathode liquid distribution device allows for easy connection of the cathode frame to an external cathode liquid supply system, improving the flexibility and operability of the entire electrolysis system. Simultaneously, the design of the outlet component and inlet tank facilitates installation, maintenance, and adjustment to adapt to different electrolysis processes and equipment requirements. By improving electrolysis efficiency and cathode product quality, this invention helps reduce production costs and energy consumption. Furthermore, by reducing the impact of concentration polarization on the electrolysis process, the current density can be appropriately increased, further reducing energy consumption and production costs per unit product. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below only involve some embodiments of this utility model, and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a structural view of the electrolytic cell in Example 1.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a front view of the cathode frame in Embodiment 1.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the cathode frame in Embodiment 1.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a structural view of the liquid outlet component in Example 1.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a structural view of the liquid outlet component in Example 2.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a structural view of the liquid outlet component in Example 3.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a structural view of the liquid outlet component in Example 4.

[0027] Figure label:

[0028] 1. Electrolytic cell; 2. Cathode frame; 201. Lateral column; 202. Bottom crossbeam; 203. Inlet pipe; 204. Outlet; 205. Guide plate; 206. Outlet component; 3. Cathode plate. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0030] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this patent document shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this utility model patent specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms "an," "a," or "the" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising" or "including" indicate that the element or object preceding "comprising" encompasses the element or object listed following "comprising" or its equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. Terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0032] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, outlines some embodiments of the present invention. The purpose of this invention is to provide a novel method for arranging electrolytic cells to improve production efficiency and capacity while minimizing the impact on operational efficiency and capacity. Unless otherwise specified, features in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] Please see Figures 1 to 4 This embodiment provides a cathode frame for eliminating concentration polarization. This cathode frame is particularly suitable for metal electrolytic refining processes in the electrochemical industry, especially for electrolytic processes of metals such as electrowinning nickel, so as to effectively solve the problems of low purity of electrolytic products, poor crystal quality and low production efficiency caused by concentration polarization in traditional electrolysis technology.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the cathode frame 2 mainly includes a frame body and a cathode chamber formed inside the frame body (not explicitly marked in the figure, but its approximate size can be inferred from the position of the cathode plate 3). The cathode chamber is used to house the cathode plate 3 and is the main area where the electrolysis reaction occurs. The frame body serves to support and fix the cathode plate 3, as well as guide the flow of the catholyte.

[0037] The main frame structure includes lateral columns 201 and bottom beams 202, with intersecting reinforcing bars between them, such as... Figure 2 As shown. The lateral columns 201 are vertically arranged to support the entire structure of the cathode frame 2. The bottom crossbeam 202 is horizontally arranged and connected to the lower end of the lateral columns 201, forming a stable frame structure. The cathode chamber is located inside this frame structure and is defined by the space enclosed by the lateral columns 201 and the bottom crossbeam 202.

[0038] The core innovation of the cathode frame 2 lies in its catholyte distribution device. This device is used to uniformly and efficiently inject catholyte obtained from the outside into the cathode chamber, ensuring that there is enough catholyte around the cathode plate 3 for the electrolysis reaction and effectively eliminating concentration polarization.

[0039] The catholyte distribution device mainly includes an inlet pipe 203 and an outlet component 206. One end of the inlet pipe 203 is connected to an external catholyte supply device (not shown in the figure), and the other end extends from top to bottom along the side column 201 to the bottom crossbeam 202, and is fixed to the side column 201. This design ensures a stable supply of catholyte and allows the cathode frame 2 to be easily connected to an external catholyte supply system, improving the flexibility and operability of the entire electrolysis system.

[0040] The cathodic discharge component 206 is mounted on the bottom crossbeam 202 and located below the cathode chamber. The cathodic discharge component 206 has an outlet 204. After entering the cathodic discharge component 206 from the inlet pipe 203, the cathodic discharge is injected into the cathode chamber through the outlet 204. Because the outlet 204 is located below the cathode plate, the cathodic discharge can be injected into the cathode chamber from below the cathode plate. This bottom-injection method ensures that the cathodic discharge is evenly distributed around the cathode plate, thereby effectively eliminating concentration polarization phenomena occurring near the cathode plate.

[0041] The specific design of the liquid outlet component 206 is also an important innovation of this embodiment. For example... Figure 4As shown, the liquid outlet component 206 can be configured as a square tube extending along the bottom crossbeam 202 at the bottom of the cathode chamber. The liquid outlet 204 can be located on both sides of the liquid outlet component 206, meaning that both the front and rear sides of the liquid outlet component 206 have a narrow slit for use as the liquid outlet 204. In this embodiment, it is preferable to position the liquid outlet 204 at the top of the liquid outlet component 206 so that the cathodic liquid can flow into the cathode chamber from above and fully contact the cathode plate 3.

[0042] Furthermore, to optimize the distribution of the catholyte and improve electrolysis efficiency, the shape and distribution of the outlet 204 can be adjusted as needed. For example, in this embodiment, the outlet 204 is preferably configured as an elongated slit extending along the length of the outlet component 206. This design allows the catholyte to be more evenly distributed throughout the entire bottom area of ​​the cathode chamber, further improving the uniformity and efficiency of the electrolysis reaction.

[0043] In addition, the bottom crossbeam 202 may also have an inlet channel facing the cathode chamber (not explicitly shown in the figure, but its approximate location can be inferred from the position of the outlet component 206). The outlet component 206 is located within the inlet channel to facilitate smoother injection of cathodic liquid into the cathode chamber. The design of the inlet channel also guides the cathodic liquid to flow more smoothly into the cathode chamber, while also helping to reduce cathodic liquid waste and leakage.

[0044] To further optimize the flow path of the catholyte and improve electrolysis efficiency, a pair of spaced-apart guide walls 205 can be installed in the inlet tank. The guide walls 205 can guide the catholyte to flow along a predetermined path, avoiding turbulence in the cathode chamber, thereby further improving the stability and efficiency of the electrolysis reaction.

[0045] In summary, the cathode frame provided in this embodiment achieves efficient and uniform electrolyte injection by optimizing the catholyte distribution method, effectively eliminating concentration polarization and improving the uniformity and efficiency of the electrolysis reaction. Furthermore, this cathode frame also has advantages such as simple structure, ease of installation and maintenance, and is suitable for metal electrolytic refining processes in various electrochemical industries.

[0046] Example 2

[0047] Please see Figure 5 This embodiment provides another variant design of the liquid outlet component 206, which mainly adjusts the position of the liquid outlet 204 on the liquid outlet component 206 to adapt to different electrolysis processes and equipment requirements.

[0048] Unlike Embodiment 1, the location of the liquid outlet 204 on the liquid outlet component 206 in this embodiment has been adjusted; specifically, the liquid outlet 204 is located on the top wall of the liquid outlet component 206. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the liquid outlet 204 can be configured as multiple elongated slits to meet different electrolysis requirements.

[0049] The design of other parts is the same as in Embodiment 1, including the frame body, the liquid inlet pipe 203, and the liquid outlet component 206 on the bottom crossbeam 202. Therefore, this embodiment also has the advantages and effects described in Embodiments 1 and 2, and can effectively eliminate concentration polarization, improve electrolysis efficiency and cathode product quality.

[0050] Example 3

[0051] Please see Figure 6 This embodiment provides a variant design of the liquid outlet component 206, which mainly adjusts the distribution of the liquid outlet 204 to further optimize the distribution effect of the cathodic liquid.

[0052] Unlike Embodiment 1, the outlet 204 in this embodiment is not configured as an elongated slit, but rather as multiple holes. These holes are evenly distributed along the length of the outlet component 206 to allow for more uniform injection of cathodic liquid into the cathode chamber.

[0053] The advantage of this design is that injecting cathodic liquid through multiple evenly distributed holes allows for a more uniform distribution of the cathodic liquid within the cathode chamber, avoiding the problem of uneven cathodic liquid distribution caused by a single outlet. At the same time, the multiple holes also increase the contact area between the cathodic liquid and the cathode plate 3, improving the efficiency and uniformity of the electrolysis reaction.

[0054] The design of other parts is the same as in Embodiment 1, including the frame body, the liquid inlet pipe 203, and the liquid outlet component 206 on the bottom crossbeam 202. Therefore, this embodiment also has the advantages and effects described in Embodiment 1, which can effectively eliminate concentration polarization and improve electrolysis efficiency and cathode product quality.

[0055] Example 4

[0056] Please see Figure 7 This embodiment provides a variant design of the liquid outlet component 206, which mainly adjusts the distribution of the liquid outlet 204 to further optimize the distribution effect of the cathodic liquid.

[0057] Unlike Embodiment 3, the outlets 204 in this embodiment are configured in two rows. These holes are evenly distributed along the length of the outlet member 206 to allow for more uniform injection of cathodic liquid into the cathode chamber. In other embodiments, the outlets 204 may be configured in multiple rows, such as three or four rows.

[0058] The advantage of this design is that injecting cathodic liquid through multiple evenly distributed holes allows for a more uniform distribution of the cathodic liquid within the cathode chamber, avoiding the problem of uneven cathodic liquid distribution caused by a single outlet. At the same time, the multiple holes also increase the contact area between the cathodic liquid and the cathode plate 3, improving the efficiency and uniformity of the electrolysis reaction.

[0059] The design of other parts is the same as in Embodiment 1, including the frame body, the liquid inlet pipe 203, and the liquid outlet component 206 on the bottom crossbeam 202. Therefore, this embodiment also has the advantages and effects described in Embodiment 1, which can effectively eliminate concentration polarization and improve electrolysis efficiency and cathode product quality.

[0060] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A cathode frame for eliminating concentration polarization, comprising a frame body and a cathode chamber formed within the frame body, the cathode chamber being adapted to accommodate a cathode plate; characterized in that: The main frame is equipped with a cathodic liquid distribution device, through which cathodic liquid obtained from the outside is injected into the cathode chamber; The cathode liquid distribution device includes a liquid outlet disposed below the cathode chamber, which is adapted to inject cathode liquid from below the cathode plate into the cathode chamber to eliminate concentration polarization near the cathode plate.

2. The cathode frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main frame includes lateral columns and a bottom crossbeam, with a liquid outlet component on the bottom crossbeam and a liquid outlet formed on the liquid outlet component.

3. The cathode frame according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cathode liquid distribution device also includes an inlet pipe that connects to the outside to obtain cathode liquid, and the inlet pipe extends from top to bottom along the lateral column to the bottom crossbeam.

4. The cathode frame according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inlet pipe is fixed to the side column.

5. The cathode frame according to claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid outlet component extends along the bottom crossbeam at the bottom of the cathode chamber, and the liquid outlet is located at the top or side of the liquid outlet component.

6. The cathode frame according to claim 5, characterized in that, The liquid outlet is configured with an elongated slit, which extends along the length of the liquid outlet component.

7. The cathode frame according to claim 5, characterized in that, The liquid outlet is configured as multiple holes, which are evenly distributed along the length of the liquid outlet component.

8. The cathode frame according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom crossbeam has an inlet groove facing the cathode chamber, and the outlet component is disposed in the inlet groove.

9. The cathode frame according to claim 8, characterized in that, The bottom crossbeam has a pair of guide walls spaced apart in its width direction, with an inlet groove formed between the pair of guide walls.

10. The cathode frame according to claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid outlet component is configured as a circular tube or a square tube.

11. An electrolysis system for eliminating concentration polarization, comprising an electrolytic cell and a cathode frame removably disposed within the electrolytic cell, characterized in that, The cathode frame is the cathode frame as described in any one of claims 1-10.

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