Gas cooling and defoaming assembly

Abstract

According to the novel technical scheme of the gas cooling and defoaming assembly, efficient and deep drying of electrolyzed gas is achieved through optimal combination of the gas-liquid separator, the cooler and the gas demister, so that the increasingly stringent gas purity requirement is met, and the overall performance and economic benefits of a system are improved. The gas cooling and defoaming assembly comprises a gas-liquid separator and a cooler which are communicated with each other, a heat exchange area and a defoaming area are arranged in the cooler, the heat exchange area is used for exchanging heat with gas flowing through the heat exchange area, the defoaming area is used for performing gas-liquid separation on the gas flowing through the defoaming area, and in the gas circulation direction, the defoaming area is communicated with the gas-liquid separator. The defoaming area is positioned at the downstream of the heat exchange area; on one hand, liquid drops in the gas can be further removed, the water content of the gas is remarkably reduced, and the product purity and the system efficiency are improved; and on the other hand, the integration level of the cooler is increased, the structure of the gas cooling and defoaming assembly is simplified, and the cost is saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of water electrolysis hydrogen production systems, and more specifically, to a gas cooling and defoaming assembly. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing global demand for clean energy, proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis for hydrogen production has gradually become one of the mainstream technologies for hydrogen production due to its high efficiency and environmental friendliness. In a PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production system, the gas-liquid separator is a key component responsible for effectively separating the gas produced after the electrolysis reaction from the water vapor and liquid water, ensuring the smooth progress of subsequent processing steps and the purity of the final product.

[0003] In traditional PEM (Polymer Electrolysis) water electrolysis hydrogen production systems, a gas-liquid separator is an indispensable component. It uses physical methods (such as gravity sedimentation and centrifugal separation) to initially separate gas from liquid water. The separated gas often carries a certain amount of fine water particles. If these water particles are discharged directly without treatment or enter subsequent processes, they will seriously affect the purity of hydrogen and oxygen, and may even cause corrosion to the equipment, reducing the overall performance and service life of the system.

[0004] To address these issues, the industry commonly employs a solution of adding a cooler after the gas-liquid separator. The cooler lowers the gas temperature, causing entrained fine water particles to condense into droplets, which are then returned to the gas-liquid separator for further processing via a dedicated condensate pipe, effectively reducing the water content in the gas. However, despite this significant improvement in gas dryness, practical applications have revealed that a small amount of droplets inevitably remains in the gas after cooling, particularly under high humidity or high flow conditions. Utility Model Content

[0005] One objective of this application is to provide a new technical solution for a gas cooling and demisting assembly, which achieves efficient and deep drying of the gas after electrolysis by combining an optimized combination of a gas-liquid separator, a cooler and a gas demister, in order to meet increasingly stringent gas purity requirements and improve the overall performance and economic benefits of the system.

[0006] One aspect of this application provides a gas cooling demisting assembly, including a gas-liquid separator and a cooler connected in communication. The cooler is provided with a heat exchange zone and a demisting zone. The heat exchange zone is used to exchange heat with the gas flowing through it, and the demisting zone is used to separate the gas from the liquid in the gas. In the gas flow direction, the demisting zone is located downstream of the heat exchange zone.

[0007] In the technical solution of this application, by integrating a demisting zone into the cooler, on the one hand, liquid droplets in the gas can be further removed, significantly reducing the water content of the gas, improving product purity and system efficiency; on the other hand, the integration of the cooler is increased, the structure of the gas cooling demisting component is simplified, and costs are saved.

[0008] Optionally, the cooler has an oval shape in its vertical cross-section, and when the cooler is in communication with the gas-liquid separator, the long axis of the cooler is perpendicular to the horizontal direction.

[0009] In traditional technical solutions, the long axis of the cooler extends horizontally. If the cooler is integrated with the defoaming area, the structure of the cooler will be more complex. This embodiment changes the way the cooler is set up, making its long axis perpendicular to the horizontal direction. In other words, the cooler extends vertically. This allows the defoaming area to be integrated into the cooler while improving the space utilization of the cooler.

[0010] Optionally, the cooler includes a cylindrical portion, a top cover, and a bottom cover, wherein the top cover is connected to the top end of the cylindrical portion and the bottom cover is connected to the bottom end of the cylindrical portion in the long axis direction;

[0011] The cylindrical section is provided with a plurality of heat exchange channels, which are connected to the top cover, and the defoaming zone is located in the top cover.

[0012] By setting the cooler in a three-section configuration, the processing, assembly, disassembly, and maintenance of the cooler are facilitated. At the same time, placing the demister zone on the top cover facilitates the assembly of the demister screen or baffle plate with the top cover, and also ensures that the demister zone is located downstream of the heat exchange zone in the gas flow direction, thereby dehydrating the gas again.

[0013] Optionally, the size of the top cover is larger than the size of the bottom cover in the long axis direction; thereby, the space of the demisting zone can be increased, and the demisting effect of the gas can be improved.

[0014] Optionally, the cylindrical section includes a cylindrical body, two cylindrical end plates, and several tubes. The cylindrical end plates are sealed to both ends of the cylindrical body, and both ends of the tubes are sealed to the cylindrical end plates on the corresponding sides. The cylindrical body, the cylindrical end plates, and the tubes enclose and define a refrigerant cavity for containing refrigerant. The interior of the tubes serves as the heat exchange channel, which penetrates the cylindrical end plates on the corresponding sides and communicates with the top cover and the bottom cover on the corresponding sides.

[0015] This method changes the traditional way of using the top and bottom covers for refrigerant circulation, turning the space between the top and bottom covers into a space for gas circulation, thereby increasing the usable space inside the cooler.

[0016] Optionally, the top cover is provided with a gas outlet, which is vertically located above the defoaming zone. In this way, the defoamed gas can be discharged from the cooler through the gas outlet.

[0017] Optionally, the cylinder has a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet that communicate with the refrigerant cavity, with the refrigerant inlet located below the refrigerant outlet in the vertical direction.

[0018] By placing the refrigerant inlet closer to the bottom cover, the high-temperature gas entering the heat exchange channel can be cooled rapidly, thus improving the gas cooling efficiency.

[0019] Optionally, the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet are distributed radially opposite to each other along the cylinder; thereby, the refrigerant circulation can be accelerated, and the gas cooling efficiency can be further improved.

[0020] Optionally, a first connecting pipe is provided on the bottom cover, and a second connecting pipe is provided on the top of the gas-liquid separator. The first connecting pipe is vertically pressed against the second connecting pipe and connected to the second connecting pipe. The first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe form a gas-liquid channel. The condensate formed in the cooler can enter the gas-liquid separator through the gas-liquid channel, and the gas in the gas-liquid separator can enter the cooler through the gas-liquid channel.

[0021] By adopting this method, the piping layout of traditional gas cooling defoaming components can be simplified, replacing one of the original condensate pipes and gas pipes, so that both gas and condensate can enter the corresponding chambers through the gas-liquid channels.

[0022] Optionally, the first connecting pipe includes a first pipe body and a first flange formed by radially outward turning of the first pipe body, and the second connecting pipe includes a second pipe body and a second flange formed by radially outward turning of the second pipe body. The first flange and the second flange abut against each other in the vertical direction and form a sealed connection. By setting the first flange and the second flange, the second connecting pipe can provide vertical support for the cooler, further simplifying the structure of the gas cooling defoaming assembly.

[0023] Other features and advantages of this specification will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of this specification and, together with their description, serve to explain the principles of this specification.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the gas cooling and defogging assembly in the embodiments of this application.

[0026] Figure 1 middle:

[0027] 1-Gas-liquid separator; 11-Cylinder body; 12-Second connecting pipe; 121-Second pipe body; 122-Second flange;

[0028] 2-Cooler; 21-Cylinder section; 211-Cylinder body; 213a-Refrigerant inlet; 213b-Refrigerant outlet; 212-Pipe section; 213-Refrigerant chamber; 214-Heat exchange passage;

[0029] 22-Top Cover;

[0030] 23-Bottom Cover;

[0031] 24-Gas-liquid channel;

[0032] 25 - Defoaming area;

[0033] 26-First connecting pipe; 261-First pipe body; 262-First flange. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the gas cooling and defogging assembly in the embodiments of this application.

[0036] As shown in the figure, this application provides a gas cooling and demisting assembly, including a gas-liquid separator 1 and a cooler 2 connected to each other. The cooler 2 is provided with a heat exchange zone and a demisting zone 25. The heat exchange zone is used to exchange heat with the gas flowing through it, and the demisting zone 25 is used to separate the gas from the liquid. In the gas flow direction, the demisting zone 25 is located downstream of the heat exchange zone. The heat exchange zone is provided with several heat exchange channels 214 and a refrigerant channel, which are isolated from each other. When gas enters the cooler 2 from the gas-liquid separator 1, it passes through the heat exchange channels 214 and exchanges heat with the refrigerant. After the gas cools down, liquid droplets in the gas precipitate and adhere to the wall of the heat exchange channels 214 to form condensate. The condensate can drip from the heat exchange zone into the gas-liquid separator 1 for collection. The gas that has passed through the heat exchange channels 214 then enters the demisting zone 25 for gas-liquid separation and is subsequently discharged from the cooler 2.

[0037] Specifically, the demisting zone 25 is equipped with several demisting screens or baffles. The extension direction of the demisting screens is perpendicular to the gas flow direction inside the cooler 2, thereby demisting the gas. The demisting process is achieved through physical processes such as inertial collision, diffusion and gravitational settling, capillary action and surface tension between the water-containing gas and the demisting screens or baffles in the direction of water-containing gas flow, thereby effectively separating the liquid droplets in the gas.

[0038] In the technical solution of this application, by integrating the demisting zone 25 into the cooler 2, on the one hand, it is possible to further remove liquid droplets in the gas, significantly reduce the water content of the gas, and improve product purity and system efficiency; on the other hand, it increases the integration of the cooler 2, simplifies the structure of the gas cooling demisting component, and saves costs.

[0039] In one optional embodiment, the cooler 2 has an oval-shaped cross-section in the vertical direction, that is, an approximately capsule-shaped structure. The cooler 2 specifically includes a cylindrical portion 21, a top cover 22, and a bottom cover 23. In the long axis direction, the top cover 22 is connected to the top end of the cylindrical portion 21, and the bottom cover 23 is connected to the bottom end of the cylindrical portion 21. The top cover 22 is provided with an exhaust port, which is located vertically above the defoaming zone 25. In this way, the defoamed gas can be discharged from the cooler 2 through the gas outlet.

[0040] With the cooler 2 connected to the gas-liquid separator 1, the long axis of the cooler 2 is perpendicular to the horizontal direction; that is, the cooler 2 is vertically arranged, with its long axis extending vertically and its short axis extending horizontally. In conventional technical solutions, the long axis of the cooler 2 extends horizontally, which, even when integrating the cooler 2 with the demisting zone 25, results in a relatively complex structure for the cooler 2. This embodiment changes the arrangement of the cooler 2, making it vertically arranged so that its long axis is perpendicular to the horizontal direction, i.e., the cooler 2 extends vertically. This allows the demisting zone 25 to be integrated into the cooler 2 while improving the space utilization of the cooler 2.

[0041] As an optional solution, the top cover 22 is larger than the bottom cover 23 in the long axis direction. The top cover 22 and the bottom cover 23 have connected equal-diameter sections and arc sections. The equal-diameter sections are connected to the cylinder 211, and the arc sections serve as the two ends of the cooler 2, which are arranged opposite each other in the long axis direction of the cooler 2. The long axis direction of the cooler 2 is also the extension direction of the line connecting the centers of the two arc sections. In this embodiment, the dimensions of the arc sections are kept consistent. The length of the equal-diameter section of the top cover 22 in the long axis direction is greater than the length of the equal-diameter section of the bottom cover 23 in the long axis direction. The equal-diameter section of the top cover 22 forms a demisting zone 25, thereby increasing the space of the demisting zone 25 and improving the demisting effect of the gas. The specific dimensions of the equal-diameter section of the top cover 22 can be selected by those skilled in the art as needed.

[0042] In another embodiment, the cylindrical section 21 is provided with several heat exchange channels 214, which are connected to the top cover 22 and the bottom cover 23. The demisting zone 25 is located in the top cover 22, and the bottom cover 23 is connected to the gas-liquid separator 1. After entering the bottom cover 23, the gas passes through the bottom cover 23 and enters the several heat exchange channels 214, and then enters the top cover 22. After secondary gas-liquid separation with the demisting zone 25 located in the top cover 22, the gas is discharged from the top cover 22. By setting the cooler 2 in a three-section form, it is convenient for the processing, assembly, disassembly and maintenance of the cooler 2. At the same time, setting the demisting zone 25 in the top cover 22 facilitates the assembly of the demisting screen or baffle with the top cover 22, and also ensures that in the gas flow direction, the demisting zone 25 is located downstream of the heat exchange zone, thereby dehydrating the gas again.

[0043] The cylindrical section 21 specifically includes a cylindrical body 211, two cylindrical end plates, and several tube sections 212. The cylindrical end plates are sealed to both ends of the cylindrical body 211, for example, the cylindrical end plates are welded to both ends of the cylindrical body 211 in the axial direction (both ends in the long axis direction of the cooler 2). The two ends of the tube sections 212 are sealed to the cylindrical end plates on the corresponding sides, such as the tube sections 212 being welded to the cylindrical end plates. The cylindrical body 211, the cylindrical end plates, and the tube sections 212 enclose and define a refrigerant cavity 213 for containing refrigerant. The interior of the tube sections 212 serves as a heat exchange channel 214. The heat exchange channel 214 penetrates the cylindrical end plates on the corresponding sides, forming a gas inlet and a gas outlet of the heat exchange channel 214. The heat exchange channel 214 is connected to the top cover 22 and the bottom cover 23 on the corresponding sides through the gas inlet and the gas outlet. During manufacturing, several through holes are pre-drilled on the two cylindrical end plates as gas inlets and outlets. First, the two ends of the tube 212 are welded to the corresponding cylindrical end plates. During welding, the through holes on the cylindrical end plates are aligned with the openings of the tube 212 to ensure communication between the through holes and the openings. Then, the end plates with the tube 212 welded to them are welded to the cylinder 211. After welding, a liquid seal is formed between the refrigerant chamber 213 and the top cover 22 and bottom cover 23. The heat exchange channel 214 defined inside the tube 212 is connected to the top cover 22 and bottom cover 23. This method changes the traditional use of the top cover 22 and bottom cover 23 for refrigerant flow, using the space between the top cover 22 and bottom cover 23 as a gas flow space, thereby increasing the usable space inside the cooler 2.

[0044] The cylinder 211 has a refrigerant inlet 213a and a refrigerant outlet 213b connected to the refrigerant chamber 213. Two connecting pipes can extend from the cylinder 211, one serving as the refrigerant inlet 213a and the other as the refrigerant outlet 213b. Vertically, the refrigerant inlet 213a is located below the refrigerant outlet 213b. By placing the refrigerant inlet 213a closer to the bottom cover 23, the high-temperature gas entering the heat exchange channel 214 can be rapidly cooled, improving the gas cooling efficiency. Alternatively, the refrigerant inlet 213a and refrigerant outlet 213b can be radially opposite each other along the cylinder 211; this accelerates refrigerant circulation and further improves gas cooling efficiency.

[0045] In the aforementioned embodiments, a first connecting pipe 26 is provided on the bottom cover 23. The central axis of the first connecting pipe 26 is coaxial with the long axis of the cooler 2. The gas-liquid separator 1 includes a cylinder 11. A second connecting pipe 12 is provided on the top of the cylinder 11. The first connecting pipe 26 is pressed vertically against the second connecting pipe 12 and is connected to the second connecting pipe 12. The first connecting pipe 26 and the second connecting pipe 12 form a gas-liquid channel 24. The condensate formed in the cooler 2 can enter the gas-liquid separator 1 through the gas-liquid channel 24, and the gas in the gas-liquid separator 1 can enter the cooler 2 through the gas-liquid channel 24. Specifically, to avoid gas blockage in the condensate when the gas passes through the gas-liquid channel 24, the pipe diameter of the gas-liquid channel 24 is adjusted so that the gas velocity in the gas-liquid channel 24 is less than or equal to 1 m / s. This ensures that the condensate is not affected by the upward flow of gas when passing through the gas-liquid channel 24, thus eliminating the need for a dedicated condensate pipeline. At the same time, the second connecting pipe 12 can serve as a structural support for the cooler 2. In other words, by adopting the method in this embodiment, the piping layout of the traditional gas cooling defoaming assembly can be simplified, replacing the original condensate pipeline, so that both gas and condensate can enter the corresponding chamber through the gas-liquid channel 24.

[0046] To improve the sealing performance of the second connecting pipe 12 and the first connecting pipe 26, and to enhance the support strength of the second connecting pipe 12 for the cooler 2, the first connecting pipe 26 includes a first pipe body 261 and a first flange 262 formed by radially outward turning of the first pipe body 261, constituting a flange structure. The second connecting pipe 12 includes a second pipe body 121 and a second flange 122 formed by radially outward turning of the second pipe body 121, also constituting a flange structure. The first flange 262 and the second flange 122 abut vertically and form a sealed connection. Specifically, at least one of the first flange 262 and the second flange 122 is provided with a sealing ring, which surrounds the gas-liquid passage 24. After the first flange 262 and the second flange 122 abut vertically, they are fastened together by nuts and bolts. By providing the first flange 262 and the second flange 122, the second connecting pipe 12 can provide vertical support for the cooler 2.

[0047] By adopting the method in this application, the efficiency of the gas cooling demister assembly in removing water content from the gas is improved, the equipment structure is simplified, and costs are saved.

[0048] Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to this application without departing from the principles of this application, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A gas cooling defogging assembly, characterized in that, It includes a gas-liquid separator and a cooler connected together. The cooler has an oval shape in vertical cross-section. When the cooler is connected to the gas-liquid separator, the long axis of the cooler is perpendicular to the horizontal direction, and gas can enter from the bottom of the cooler and exit from the top. The cooler is provided with a heat exchange zone and a defoaming zone. The heat exchange zone is used to exchange heat with the gas flowing through it, and the defoaming zone is used to separate the gas and liquid flowing through it. In the gas flow direction, the defoaming zone is located downstream of the heat exchange zone.

2. The gas cooling demisting assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooler includes a cylindrical section, a top cover, and a bottom cover. Along the long axis, the top cover is connected to the top end of the cylindrical section, and the bottom cover is connected to the bottom end of the cylindrical section. The cylindrical section is provided with a plurality of heat exchange channels, and the heat exchange channels, the top cover, and the bottom cover are connected in communication. The defoaming zone is located in the top cover.

3. The gas cooling demisting assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The top cover has a larger dimension along its long axis than the bottom cover.

4. The gas cooling demisting assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cylindrical section includes a cylindrical body, two cylindrical end plates, and several tube sections. The cylindrical end plates are sealed to both ends of the cylindrical body, and both ends of the tube sections are sealed to the corresponding cylindrical end plates. The cylindrical body, the cylindrical end plates, and the tube sections enclose and define a refrigerant cavity for containing refrigerant. The interior of the tube sections serves as the heat exchange channel, which penetrates the corresponding cylindrical end plates and communicates with the corresponding top cover and bottom cover.

5. The gas cooling demisting assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cylinder has a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet that communicate with the refrigerant cavity. Vertically, the refrigerant inlet is located below the refrigerant outlet.

6. The gas cooling demisting assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet are distributed radially opposite to each other along the cylinder.

7. The gas cooling demisting assembly according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, The bottom cover is provided with a first connecting pipe, and the gas-liquid separator is provided with a second connecting pipe. The first connecting pipe is vertically pressed against the second connecting pipe and connected to the second connecting pipe. The first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe define a gas-liquid channel. The condensate formed in the cooler can enter the gas-liquid separator through the gas-liquid channel, and the gas in the gas-liquid separator can enter the cooler through the gas-liquid channel.

8. The gas cooling demisting assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first connector includes a first tube body and a first flange formed by radially outward turning of the first tube body; the second connector includes a second tube body and a second flange formed by radially outward turning of the second tube body; the first flange and the second flange abut against each other vertically and form a sealed connection.

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