Vertical gas-liquid separator for producing hydrogen through water electrolysis

Abstract

The utility model relates to a vertical gas-liquid separator for hydrogen production by water electrolysis, which comprises a tank body and a separation component, an exhaust port is arranged at the top of the tank body, a liquid inlet is arranged on the side wall of the tank body close to the top, and a liquid outlet is arranged at the bottom of the tank body; the separation assembly comprises a plurality of first partition plates, second partition plates and an elastic net, the multiple first partition plates are arranged in the axial direction of the length of the tank body, and any two adjacent first partition plates are oppositely arranged; a plurality of protrusions are arranged on the surfaces of the first partition plates, the lowest point of any first partition plate is located over the distribution area of the protrusions of the adjacent first partition plate, the second partition plate is arranged on the side wall, close to the bottom, of the tank body, and the lowest point of the second partition plate is located in the liquid level; the first partition plate and the second partition plate are obliquely arranged in the horizontal direction of the tank body; the elastic net is arranged between the first partition plate and the second partition plate close to one side of the bottom of the tank body. According to the gas-liquid separator, the number of small bubbles can be reduced, so that the separation effect of the gas-liquid separator can be improved, and the low gas content of alkali liquor is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water electrolysis hydrogen production technology, and in particular to a vertical gas-liquid separator for water electrolysis hydrogen production. Background Technology

[0002] During operation, the water electrolysis hydrogen production system delivers a mixture of hydrogen and alkali solution, and another mixture of oxygen and alkali solution, from the outlet of the alkaline electrolyzer, which then enter the hydrogen separator and oxygen separator, respectively. Horizontal gas-liquid separators are commonly used in the industry. In the horizontal separator, the alkali solution undergoes a certain residence time, causing bubbles in the liquid phase to continuously diffuse and rise, thus achieving the separation of the gas and liquid phases.

[0003] In the application of horizontal gas-liquid separators, the required residence time of the alkaline solution is crucial for achieving gas-liquid separation, resulting in a relatively large tank size. Furthermore, during the diffusion and rising of bubbles in the alkaline solution, buoyancy must overcome viscous resistance and gravity. Smaller bubbles, due to buoyancy being less than the combined forces of viscous resistance and gravity, cannot detach from the liquid phase, thus reducing the gas-liquid separation efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the defects of existing gas-liquid separators, which are large in size and have poor separation effect.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a vertical gas-liquid separator for hydrogen production by water electrolysis, comprising:

[0006] The tank body has an exhaust port at the top, an inlet on the side wall near the top, and an outlet at the bottom.

[0007] The separation assembly includes multiple first partitions, second partitions, and an elastic mesh. The multiple first partitions are arranged along the axial length of the tank body, with any two adjacent first partitions positioned opposite each other. The surface of each first partition has several protrusions, and the lowest point of any first partition is directly above the distribution area of ​​the protrusions of the adjacent first partition. The second partitions are disposed on the side wall of the tank body near the bottom, and the lowest point of the second partitions is inside the liquid surface. Both the first and second partitions are inclined relative to the horizontal direction of the tank body. The elastic mesh is disposed between the first and second partitions on the side near the bottom of the tank body.

[0008] In one embodiment of this utility model, a first partition plate near the top is disposed on the side opposite to the liquid inlet, and the height of the center of the liquid inlet is higher than the highest point of the first partition plate.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the surfaces of the first partition and the second partition are both provided with fan-shaped notches, and the surfaces of the first partition and the second partition are both provided with fan-shaped guide protrusions along the fan-shaped notches.

[0010] In one embodiment of this utility model, the first partition plate near the side of the elastic net is disposed opposite to the second partition plate.

[0011] In one embodiment of this utility model, the protrusions on the surface of the first partition are cylindrical.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, a first detection port and a second detection port are provided on the side wall near the bottom of the tank. The first detection port is located on top of the second detection port. A first level gauge is inserted into the first detection port, and a second level gauge is inserted into the second detection port.

[0013] In one embodiment of this utility model, the height of the liquid level inside the tank is between the first liquid level gauge and the second liquid level gauge.

[0014] In one embodiment of this utility model, the angle between the first partition and the horizontal direction of the tank is 15°-45°; the angle between the second partition and the horizontal direction of the tank is 30°-60°.

[0015] In one embodiment of this utility model, the top of the tank is further provided with a pressure detection port and a safety port, the detection port is provided with a pressure gauge, and the safety port is provided with a safety valve.

[0016] In one embodiment of this utility model, a separation tank connection port is provided at the bottom of the tank body.

[0017] The above-mentioned technical solution of this utility model has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0018] The present invention discloses a vertical gas-liquid separator for hydrogen production by water electrolysis. Under gravity, the alkaline solution continuously flows from top to bottom and turbulently on the surface of multiple opposing first baffles. During the flow deflection process, the liquid phase layer becomes thinner, accelerating the escape of small bubbles. During the turbulent flow, the collision of small bubbles increases, turning them into large bubbles and reducing the number of small bubbles. This improves the separation effect of the gas-liquid separator and achieves a lower gas content in the alkaline solution. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To make the content of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first partition plate;

[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the second partition plate;

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the accompanying drawings: 1. Tank body; 2. Separation assembly; 11. Exhaust port; 12. Liquid inlet; 13. Liquid outlet; 14. First detection port; 15. Second detection port; 16. Pressure detection port; 17. Safety port; 18. Separation tank connection port; 21. First baffle; 22. Second baffle; 23. Elastic mesh; 141. First level gauge; 151. Second level gauge; 161. Pressure gauge; 171. Safety valve; 211. Protrusion; 212. Fan-shaped notch; 213. Fan-shaped guide protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0025] Reference Figures 1-3 As shown, this utility model discloses a vertical gas-liquid separator for hydrogen production by water electrolysis, comprising:

[0026] Tank 1, the top of the tank 1 is provided with an exhaust port 11, the side wall of the tank 1 near the top is provided with an inlet port 12, and the bottom of the tank 1 is provided with an outlet port 13;

[0027] The separation component 2 includes multiple first partitions 21, second partitions 22, and an elastic mesh 23. The multiple first partitions 21 are arranged along the length axis of the tank body 1, and any two adjacent first partitions 21 are arranged opposite each other. The surface of the first partition 21 is provided with a number of protrusions 211, and the lowest point of any first partition 21 is directly above the distribution area of ​​the protrusions 211 of the adjacent first partitions 21. The second partitions 22 are arranged on the side wall of the tank body 1 near the bottom, and the lowest point of the second partition 22 is inside the liquid surface. Both the first partitions 21 and the second partitions 22 are inclined to the horizontal direction of the tank body 1. The elastic mesh 23 is arranged between the first partitions 21 and the second partitions 22 on the side near the bottom of the tank body 1.

[0028] In this invention, the exhaust port 11 at the top of the tank 1 is connected to a hydrogen collection device for collecting the escaped hydrogen. The liquid inlet 12 located on the top side wall of the tank 1 is used to introduce alkaline solution, while the liquid outlet 13 located at the bottom is used to discharge alkaline solution with a low gas content.

[0029] In this invention, multiple first baffles 21 are distributed along the axial direction of the tank body 1, with any two adjacent first baffles 21 positioned opposite each other. After the alkali solution is input from the inlet 12, it impacts the first baffles 21. Due to the raised structures 211 on the surface of the first baffles 21, the impact of the alkali solution on these structures increases the turbulence of the solution, causing smaller bubbles in the solution to collide and coalesce into larger bubbles, thereby enhancing the gas-liquid separation effect. In actual installation, the first baffles 21 can be distributed equidistantly or non-equidistantly along the axial direction of the tank body 1. The specific parameters of the spacing are adjusted according to the actual process conditions. For example, under non-equidistant distribution conditions, the distance between two first baffles 21 gradually decreases from top to bottom. Due to the larger distance at the top, the vector velocity of the alkali solution continuously increases under gravity, resulting in greater momentum. This allows it to impact the next first baffle 21 with greater force, thus achieving excellent separation of the gas and liquid phases.

[0030] After passing through multiple inclined first baffles 21, the alkali solution flows into the elastic mesh 23. The elastic mesh 23 acts as a buffer, preventing the alkali solution from splashing directly onto the second baffle 22. Furthermore, excessively small air bubbles can adhere to the surface of the elastic mesh 23, further reducing the gas content of the liquid phase. The alkali solution continuously drips or falls vertically through the elastic mesh 23 onto the surface of the second baffle 22, converging along the surface of the second baffle 22 to form the alkali liquid phase. This prevents the dripping or vertical falling alkali solution from impacting the alkali liquid phase interface and causing fluctuations in the interface liquid level.

[0031] In this invention, the alkaline solution flows continuously from top to bottom under gravity and turbulently on the surfaces of multiple opposing first baffles 21. During the flow-deflection process, the liquid phase layer becomes thinner, accelerating the escape of small bubbles. During the turbulent flow, the collision of small bubbles increases, turning them into large bubbles and reducing the number of small bubbles. This improves the separation effect of the gas-liquid separator and achieves a lower gas content in the alkaline solution.

[0032] Furthermore, a first partition 21 near the top is disposed on the side opposite to the liquid inlet 12, and the height of the center of the liquid inlet 12 is higher than the highest point of the first partition 21.

[0033] Specifically, in order to improve the contact efficiency between the alkali solution and the first partition 21, the height difference between the first partition 21 and the inlet 12 is designed according to the actual flow rate of the inlet 12 during the actual installation process, so that the contact point between the alkali solution and the first partition 21 is located in the middle or above of the partition.

[0034] Furthermore, the surfaces of the first partition 21 and the second partition 22 are both provided with fan-shaped notches 212, and the surfaces of the first partition 21 and the second partition 22 are both provided with fan-shaped guide protrusions 213 along the fan-shaped notches 212.

[0035] Specifically, the main purpose of the fan-shaped notch 212 is to provide a gas passage and prevent the gas released from the lower part from being unable to rise and escape due to the continuous flow of the alkali solution. Secondly, the fan-shaped guide protrusion 213 guides the alkali solution, preventing it from flowing directly away from the fan-shaped notch 212 and affecting the escape of the gas. As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the shape of the fan-shaped notch 212 can also be designed as a rectangle, a hole, a serrated notch, or other notch shapes.

[0036] Furthermore, the first partition 21 near the side of the elastic net 23 is disposed opposite to the second partition 22.

[0037] Specifically, the bottom of the first partition 21 at the bottom is an elastic mesh 23. Under the guidance of the first partition 21 at the bottom, the alkali solution is guided to one side of the elastic mesh 23. In order to better contact the second partition 22 with the alkali solution and avoid the alkali solution dripping or falling vertically and impacting the alkali solution liquid phase interface, causing the interface liquid level to fluctuate, it is necessary to ensure that the second partition 22 is set opposite to the first partition 21 at the bottom.

[0038] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the protrusions 211 on the surface of the first partition 21 are cylindrical. They can also be designed as grooves, rhombuses, or other flow field structures, the main purpose of which is to increase the turbulence of the alkaline solution, thereby causing smaller bubbles in the alkaline solution to collide and aggregate into larger bubbles, thus enhancing the gas-liquid separation effect.

[0039] Furthermore, a first detection port 14 and a second detection port 15 are provided on the side wall near the bottom of the tank body 1. The first detection port 14 is located on top of the second detection port 15. A first level gauge 141 is installed inside the first detection port 14, and a second level gauge 151 is installed inside the second detection port 15.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, the height of the liquid level inside the tank 1 is between the first level gauge 141 and the second level gauge 151.

[0041] Specifically, the liquid interface position of the alkali solution is accurately displayed by using the material information from the first level gauge 141 and the second level gauge 151. The liquid level inside the tank 1 is always maintained between the first level gauge 141 and the second level gauge 151, and the lowest end of the second baffle 22 extends below the liquid surface.

[0042] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the angle between the first partition 21 and the horizontal direction of the tank 1 is 15°-45°; the angle between the second partition 22 and the horizontal direction of the tank 1 is 30°-60°.

[0043] Furthermore, the top of the tank body 1 is also provided with a pressure detection port 16 and a safety port 17. The pressure detection port 16 is provided with a pressure gauge 161, and the safety port 17 is provided with a safety valve 171.

[0044] Furthermore, the pressure gauge 161 installed at the pressure detection port 16 can provide feedback on the real-time pressure value inside the tank 1, and the safety valve 171 at the safety port 17 can prevent the pressure inside the tank 1 from becoming too high.

[0045] Furthermore, the bottom of the tank body 1 is provided with a separator tank connection port 18, which is mainly used to connect another vertical gas-liquid separator. The two vertical gas-liquid separators have the same structure and are connected through the separator tank connection port 18, thus being regarded as a communicating vessel, so that the internal pressure of the two vertical gas-liquid separators remains the same.

[0046] In summary, this utility model introduces a vertical gas-liquid separator for hydrogen production by water electrolysis. In this utility model, the alkaline solution continuously flows downward under gravity and undergoes turbulent flow on the surfaces of multiple opposing first baffles 21. During the flow deflection process, the liquid phase layer thins, accelerating the escape of small bubbles. During the turbulent flow process, the collision of small bubbles increases, turning them into large bubbles and reducing the number of small bubbles. This improves the separation effect of the gas-liquid separator and achieves a lower gas content in the alkaline solution.

[0047] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A vertical gas-liquid separator for hydrogen production by water electrolysis, characterized in that, include: The tank body has an exhaust port at the top, an inlet on the side wall near the top, and an outlet at the bottom. The separation assembly includes multiple first partitions, second partitions, and an elastic mesh. The multiple first partitions are arranged along the axial length of the tank body, with any two adjacent first partitions positioned opposite each other. The surface of each first partition has several protrusions, and the lowest point of any first partition is directly above the distribution area of ​​the protrusions of the adjacent first partition. The second partitions are disposed on the side wall of the tank body near the bottom, and the lowest point of the second partitions is inside the liquid surface. Both the first and second partitions are inclined relative to the horizontal direction of the tank body. The elastic mesh is disposed between the first and second partitions on the side near the bottom of the tank body.

2. The vertical gas-liquid separator for hydrogen production by water electrolysis according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first baffle plate is located near the top on the side opposite the liquid inlet, and the center of the liquid inlet is higher than the highest point of the first baffle plate.

3. The vertical gas-liquid separator for hydrogen production by water electrolysis according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first and second partitions have fan-shaped notches on their surfaces, and both the first and second partitions have fan-shaped guide protrusions along the fan-shaped notches on their surfaces.

4. The vertical gas-liquid separator for hydrogen production by water electrolysis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first partition plate near the side of the elastic net is disposed opposite to the second partition plate.

5. The vertical gas-liquid separator for hydrogen production by water electrolysis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protrusions on the surface of the first partition are cylindrical.

6. The vertical gas-liquid separator for hydrogen production by water electrolysis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tank has a first detection port and a second detection port on its side wall near the bottom. The first detection port is located on top of the second detection port. A first level gauge is installed inside the first detection port, and a second level gauge is installed inside the second detection port.

7. The vertical gas-liquid separator for hydrogen production by water electrolysis according to claim 6, characterized in that: The height of the liquid level inside the tank is between the first level gauge and the second level gauge.

8. The vertical gas-liquid separator for hydrogen production by water electrolysis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The angle between the first partition and the horizontal direction of the tank body is 15°-45°; the angle between the second partition and the horizontal direction of the tank body is 30°-60°.

9. The vertical gas-liquid separator for hydrogen production by water electrolysis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the tank is also equipped with a pressure detection port and a safety port. The detection port is equipped with a pressure gauge, and the safety port is equipped with a safety valve.

10. The vertical gas-liquid separator for hydrogen production by water electrolysis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the tank is provided with a separation tank connection port.

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