An electrolytic hydrogen production and purification device

Abstract

This utility model discloses a staged purification device for electrolytic hydrogen production, including a purification tank. The purification tank contains a first cylinder and a second cylinder. Several dehydration units are arranged sequentially from bottom to top within the internal region of the first cylinder. A catalytic deoxygenation unit is arranged between two adjacent dehydration units in the region between the first and second cylinders. A heating device is arranged in the region between the second cylinder and the purification tank. An air inlet is located at the bottom of the purification tank. Several first connecting ports and several second connecting ports are provided on the wall of the first cylinder. The first connecting ports connect the catalytic deoxygenation unit to the dehydration unit below it, and the second connecting ports connect the catalytic deoxygenation unit to the dehydration unit above it. A dual-outlet air pipe is located at the top of the purification tank. This utility model can perform multi-stage continuous deoxygenation and dehydration treatment on hydrogen, effectively removing oxygen and water vapor mixed in with the hydrogen, thereby ensuring the purity of the final output hydrogen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of hydrogen purification, specifically relating to an electrolytic hydrogen production and purification device. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen production via water electrolysis involves introducing a prepared electrolyte into an electrolytic cell, where it undergoes electrolysis to produce oxygen at the anode and hydrogen at the cathode. In traditional electrolytic hydrogen production, the hydrogen produced at the cathode often contains a large amount of water and trace amounts of oxygen. To ensure the purity of the hydrogen and reduce its water content, purification treatment is necessary.

[0003] Existing hydrogen purification equipment typically collects hydrogen generated at the cathode of an electrolyzer and passes it through a catalytic deoxygenation layer and a drying layer. The catalytic deoxygenation layer removes trace amounts of oxygen from the hydrogen, and the drying layer absorbs moisture from the hydrogen. However, existing hydrogen purification equipment can only perform single-stage deoxygenation and dehydration treatment. Furthermore, when the flow rate of hydrogen entering the purification tank is large, if the temperature control inside the purification tank is not precise enough, the catalytic deoxygenation layer may not be able to completely deoxygenate the large amount of hydrogen in time, resulting in the final output hydrogen still containing trace amounts of oxygen, affecting the purity of the hydrogen.

[0004] Therefore, in view of the problem that the degree of deoxygenation and dehydration is difficult to control in the existing hydrogen purification equipment in the process of electrolytic hydrogen production, this utility model discloses an electrolytic hydrogen production staged purification device. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model discloses an electrolytic hydrogen production stage purification device, which can perform multi-stage continuous deoxygenation and dehydration treatment on hydrogen, effectively removing oxygen and water vapor mixed in the hydrogen, thereby ensuring the purity of the final output hydrogen.

[0006] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] An electrolytic hydrogen production and purification device includes a purification tank. A first cylinder and a second cylinder are coaxially arranged inside the purification tank. Several mutually isolated dehydration units are arranged sequentially from bottom to top within the internal region of the first cylinder. A catalytic deoxygenation unit is arranged in the region between the first and second cylinders, between two adjacent dehydration units. A heating device is arranged in the region between the second cylinder and the purification tank. An air inlet communicating with the internal region of the first cylinder is provided at the bottom of the purification tank. Several first connecting ports and several second connecting ports are provided on the cylinder wall of the first cylinder. The first connecting ports connect the catalytic deoxygenation unit to the dehydration unit below it, and the second connecting ports connect the catalytic deoxygenation unit to the dehydration unit above it. A dual-outlet air vent is provided at the top of the purification tank, communicating with the top of the first cylinder.

[0008] The principle of this utility model is as follows:

[0009] Hydrogen gas containing water and trace amounts of oxygen enters the interior of the first cylinder through the inlet at the bottom of the purification tank. It then passes through a dehydration unit from bottom to top, where water is removed. After dehydration, the hydrogen gas enters a catalytic deoxygenation unit through a first connector. Heated by a heating device, the catalytic deoxygenation unit efficiently removes oxygen from the hydrogen. Water is then produced again after the catalytic reaction, and the hydrogen gas re-enters the next stage of dehydration through a second connector. This process of dehydration-deoxygenation-dehydration is repeated, effectively removing both water and oxygen from the hydrogen gas.

[0010] To better realize this utility model, the dehydration unit further includes an air distribution plate, a dehydration section, and an electric heating rod. The air distribution plate is detachably installed in the internal area of ​​the first cylinder. The dehydration section is provided below and above the air distribution plate. The electric heating rod is inserted through the center of the dehydration section. The air distribution plate is densely provided with a plurality of air distribution holes. The interior of the air distribution holes is provided with a unidirectional membrane flap that restricts the unidirectional flow of air.

[0011] To better realize this utility model, the dehydration section further includes a molecular sieve and an activated alumina filling layer. The activated alumina filling layer is disposed at the bottom and top of the gas distribution plate, and at least one molecular sieve is disposed between the activated alumina filling layer at the top of the gas distribution plate and the catalytic deoxygenation unit.

[0012] To better realize this utility model, furthermore, the bottom and top of the air distribution plate are coaxially connected with an isolation cylinder, an electric heating rod is provided inside the isolation cylinder, the outer wall of the isolation cylinder is in contact with the active alumina filling layer, and a heat-conducting sheet extending into the active alumina filling layer is provided on the outer wall of the isolation cylinder.

[0013] To better realize this utility model, the catalytic deoxygenation unit further includes a carrier network and a catalyst packing. The carrier network is hung in the area between the first cylinder and the second cylinder, and the carrier network is located between two adjacent dehydration units. The catalyst packing is disposed inside the carrier network.

[0014] To better realize this utility model, the heating device further includes an electric heating tube and a heat-conducting plate. The heat-conducting plate is disposed in the area between the first cylinder and the second cylinder. A catalytic deoxygenation unit is mounted on the top of the heat-conducting plate. One side of the heat-conducting plate extends into the area between the second cylinder and the purification tank and is provided with an opening. The electric heating tube extends into the interior of the heat-conducting plate through the opening.

[0015] To better realize this utility model, the top of the purification tank is detachably provided with a sealing cover, and the sealing cover is provided with a dual-outlet gas pipe.

[0016] To better realize this utility model, the dual-outlet pipe further includes an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The inlet is connected to the top of the first cylinder, the first outlet is connected to the hydrogen storage tank, and the second outlet is connected to the condenser.

[0017] To better realize this utility model, a solenoid valve is further provided at both the first and second connecting ports.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0019] (1) This utility model sets several dehydration units from bottom to top in the inner region of the first cylinder, and sets a catalytic deoxygenation unit from bottom to top between the first cylinder and the second cylinder and located between two adjacent dehydration units. This allows the hydrogen gas entering the tank from the bottom of the purification tank to pass through the dehydration unit and the catalytic deoxygenation unit in multiple stages from bottom to top, thereby realizing multi-stage continuous deoxygenation and dehydration treatment of hydrogen gas, effectively removing a large amount of water and trace oxygen mixed in the hydrogen gas, thereby ensuring the purity of the final output hydrogen gas.

[0020] (2) This utility model provides a heating device in the area between the second cylinder and the purification tank. The heating device heats the inside of the tank so that the inside of the tank maintains a suitable temperature to ensure the activity of the catalyst in the catalytic deoxygenation device, thereby ensuring that the catalytic deoxygenation device can efficiently and thoroughly remove trace amounts of oxygen from hydrogen.

[0021] (3) After long-term use, this utility model can heat and dehydrate the dehydration unit through the heating device and the electric heating rod in the dehydration unit, so as to realize the reuse of the dehydration unit and extend the service life of the dehydration unit. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an electrolytic hydrogen production and purification unit.

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of the local structure at point A;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the dehydration unit.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the catalytic deoxygenation unit.

[0026] Wherein: 1-Purification tank; 2-Dehydration unit; 3-Catalytic deoxygenation unit; 4-Heating device; 5-Air inlet; 6-Dual-way air outlet; 7-Sealing cover; 21-Gas distribution plate; 22-Dehydration section; 23-Electric heating rod; 24-One-way membrane flap; 25-Isolation cylinder; 26-Heat-conducting plate; 221-Molecular sieve; 222-Activated alumina filling layer; 31-Carrier mesh; 32-Catalyst packing; 41-Electric heating tube; 42-Heat-conducting plate; 100-First cylinder; 200-Second cylinder. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Example 1:

[0028] This embodiment provides an electrolytic hydrogen production and purification stage, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the purification tank includes a purification tank 1. Inside the purification tank 1, a first cylinder 100 and a second cylinder 200 are coaxially arranged. In the internal region of the first cylinder 100, several mutually isolated dehydration units 2 are arranged sequentially from bottom to top. In the region between the first cylinder 100 and the second cylinder 200, a catalytic deoxygenation unit 3 is arranged between two adjacent dehydration units 2. In the region between the second cylinder 200 and the purification tank 1, a heating device 4 is arranged. The bottom of the purification tank 1 is provided with an air inlet 5 that communicates with the internal region of the first cylinder 100. The cylinder wall of the first cylinder 100 is provided with several first connecting ports and several second connecting ports. The first connecting ports are used to connect the catalytic deoxygenation unit 3 with the dehydration unit 2 below it, and the second connecting ports are used to connect the catalytic deoxygenation unit 3 with the dehydration unit 2 above it. The top of the purification tank 1 is provided with a double-outlet air pipe 6 that communicates with the top of the first cylinder 100.

[0029] The bottom inner side of the purification tank 1 is provided with a first mounting ring groove and a second mounting ring groove. The bottom of the first cylinder 100 is fitted into the first mounting ring groove, and the bottom of the second cylinder 200 is fitted into the second mounting ring groove. Several limiting protrusions are arranged sequentially from bottom to top inside the first cylinder 100. The dehydration unit 2 has corresponding limiting grooves on the limiting protrusions. The quick installation of the dehydration unit 2 inside the first cylinder 100 is achieved through the cooperation of the limiting protrusions and limiting grooves. Isolation plates are provided between adjacent dehydration units 2 for isolation. A catalytic deoxygenation unit 3 is installed in the area between the first cylinder 100 and the second cylinder 200 via a limiting spacer. The catalytic deoxygenation unit 3 is positioned based on the distance between two adjacent dehydration units 2.

[0030] The specific purification process is as follows:

[0031] Hydrogen gas containing water and trace amounts of oxygen enters the interior of the first cylinder 100 through the inlet at the bottom of the purification tank 1, and flows from bottom to top through the lowest dehydration unit 2. The dehydration unit 2 removes moisture from the hydrogen gas beforehand, reducing its water content to prevent excessive moisture from affecting the subsequent catalytic deoxygenation efficiency. The dehydrated hydrogen gas then enters the catalytic deoxygenation unit 3 through the first connecting port, where it is heated by the heating device 4 to maintain the catalytic deoxygenation unit 3 at a suitable temperature range, ensuring the activity of the catalyst. Under the catalytic action of the catalytic deoxygenation unit 3, the hydrogen gas reacts with the trace amounts of oxygen to produce H2O, introducing moisture back into the hydrogen gas. The hydrogen then flows through the second connecting port to the next-level dehydration unit 2, where it undergoes further dehydration. Hydrogen flows sequentially from bottom to top between the dehydration unit 2 and the catalytic deoxygenation unit 3, achieving step-by-step dehydration and deoxygenation of hydrogen. This avoids the reduction in deoxygenation and dehydration rates caused by a large influx of hydrogen into the deoxygenation and dehydration sections over a long period of time, as is the case in existing technologies.

[0032] After deoxygenation and dehydration, the hydrogen gas is transported to the hydrogen storage tank through the hydrogen outlet end of the dual-port outlet pipe 6. After the purification device has been used for a long time, in order to avoid the dehydration effect from being reduced due to excessive water in the dehydration unit 2, the purification tank 1 can be opened and the dehydration unit 2 can be replaced.

[0033] Furthermore, a detachable sealing cap 7 is provided on the top of the purification tank 1. A dual-outlet gas pipe 6 is provided on the sealing cap 7. A sealing ring is provided between the sealing cap 7 and the top of the purification tank 1. When the sealing cap 7 is closed, it ensures the airtightness of the entire purification tank 1 and prevents gas leakage. The dual-outlet gas pipe 6 includes an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The inlet is connected to the top of the first cylinder 100, the first outlet is connected to a hydrogen storage tank, and the second outlet is connected to a condenser.

[0034] During normal purification, the first outlet is open and the second outlet is closed. The purified hydrogen is then transported to the hydrogen storage tank through the first outlet. When the purification unit reaches its predetermined maintenance cycle, the first outlet is closed and the second outlet is opened. Inlet 5 is closed to prevent further hydrogen intake. The dehydration unit 2 is then heated, causing the water remaining in it to evaporate. The water vapor is transported to the condenser through the second outlet for condensation and reuse. When the purification unit reaches its predetermined replacement cycle, the sealing cover 7 is opened to replace the dehydration unit 2 and the catalytic deoxygenation unit 3.

[0035] Furthermore, both the first and second connecting ports are equipped with solenoid valves, which control the opening and closing of the first and second connecting ports.

[0036] Example 2:

[0037] This embodiment discloses an electrolytic hydrogen production and purification stage, which is an improvement on Embodiment 1, such as... Figures 1-3 As shown, the dehydration unit 2 includes an air distribution plate 21, a dehydration section 22, and an electric heating rod 23. The air distribution plate 21 is detachably installed in the internal area of ​​the first cylinder 100. The dehydration section 22 is provided below and above the air distribution plate 21. The electric heating rod 23 is provided through the center of the dehydration section 22. The air distribution plate 21 is densely provided with a plurality of air distribution holes. The interior of the air distribution holes is provided with a one-way membrane flap 24 that restricts the one-way flow of air.

[0038] When hydrogen flows from below to the gas distribution plate 21, it is first dehydrated by the dehydration section 22 at the bottom of the gas distribution plate 21. The hydrogen then passes through the gas distribution holes on the gas distribution plate 21, ensuring uniform gas distribution and allowing it to flow more evenly through the dehydration section 22 at the top of the gas distribution plate 21, thereby improving the dehydration effect. Simultaneously, a flexible one-way membrane flap 24 is installed inside the gas distribution holes. Under pressure, the one-way membrane flap 24 can open from bottom to top, allowing hydrogen to flow from bottom to top while preventing backflow. When the purification device reaches its predetermined maintenance cycle, the first outlet is closed and the second outlet is opened. The inlet 5 is closed, and no more hydrogen is introduced. Then, the dehydration section 22 is heated by the electric heating rod 23, causing the water retained in the dehydration section 22 to evaporate. The water vapor is then transported to the condenser through the second outlet for condensation and reuse.

[0039] Furthermore, the dehydration unit 22 includes a molecular sieve 221 and an activated alumina filling layer 222. The activated alumina filling layer 222 is disposed at the bottom and top of the gas distribution plate 21, and at least one molecular sieve 221 is disposed between the activated alumina filling layer 222 at the top of the gas distribution plate 21 and the catalytic deoxygenation unit 3. First, the activated alumina filling layer 222 adsorbs a large amount of moisture from the hydrogen. The hydrogen then passes through the molecular sieve 221, which further traps residual water molecules in the hydrogen, achieving deep dehydration. When the purification device reaches its predetermined maintenance cycle, the first outlet is closed and the second outlet is opened, the inlet 5 is closed to prevent further hydrogen intake, and the activated alumina filling layer 222 is heated by the electric heating rod 23, causing the moisture retained in the activated alumina filling layer 222 to evaporate. This simultaneously dehydrates and reuses the activated alumina filling layer 222, extending its service life.

[0040] The rest of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1, so it will not be described again.

[0041] Example 3:

[0042] This embodiment discloses an electrolytic hydrogen production and purification stage device, which is optimized based on Embodiment 1 or 2, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the bottom and top of the air distribution plate 21 are coaxially connected to an isolation cylinder 25. An electric heating rod 23 is installed inside the isolation cylinder 25. The outer wall of the isolation cylinder 25 is in contact with the activated alumina filling layer 222. A heat-conducting plate 26 extending into the activated alumina filling layer 222 is provided on the outer wall of the isolation cylinder 25. The isolation cylinder 25 protects the electric heating rod 23, preventing it from directly contacting the activated alumina filling layer 222, water vapor, etc. Simultaneously, by providing the heat-conducting plate 26 on the outer wall of the isolation cylinder 25, the heat-conducting contact area is increased, thereby improving the heating and dehydration efficiency of the activated alumina filling layer 222.

[0043] The rest of this embodiment is the same as that of embodiment 1 or 2, so it will not be described again.

[0044] Example 4:

[0045] This embodiment discloses an electrolytic hydrogen production and purification stage device, which is optimized based on any one of Embodiments 1-3, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the catalytic deoxygenation unit 3 includes a carrier mesh 31 and a catalyst packing 32. The carrier mesh 31 is hung in the area between the first cylinder 100 and the second cylinder 200, and the carrier mesh 31 is located between two adjacent dehydration units 2. The catalyst packing 32 is disposed inside the carrier mesh 31.

[0046] The carrier mesh 31 has a loose and porous structure, which helps to fix the catalyst packing 32 and ensures that the catalyst packing 32 is in full contact with hydrogen. Hooks are provided in the area between the first cylinder 100 and the second cylinder 200, allowing the carrier mesh 31 to be easily mounted and fixed. Hydrogen gas, after being dehydrated in the previous stage dehydration unit 2, enters the catalyst packing 32 through the first connecting port. Under the catalytic action of the catalyst packing 32, the hydrogen gas reacts with residual trace oxygen to produce water. The hydrogen gas mixed with water then enters the next stage dehydration unit 2 through the second connecting port for further dehydration.

[0047] The rest of this embodiment is the same as any one of embodiments 1-3, so it will not be described again.

[0048] Example 5:

[0049] This embodiment discloses an electrolytic hydrogen production and purification device, which is optimized based on any one of Embodiments 1-4, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 4As shown, the heating device 4 includes an electric heating tube 41 and a heat-conducting plate 42. The heat-conducting plate 42 is disposed in the area between the first cylinder 100 and the second cylinder 200. The top of the heat-conducting plate 42 supports a catalytic deoxygenation unit 3. One side of the heat-conducting plate 42 extends into the area between the second cylinder 200 and the purification tank 1 and has an opening. The electric heating tube 41 extends into the interior of the heat-conducting plate 42 through the opening.

[0050] The heat-conducting plate 42 is made of copper. By setting the heat-conducting plate 42, the heat generated by the electric heating tube 41 can be uniformly and quickly transferred to the catalyst packing 32, thereby maintaining the temperature of the catalyst packing 32 uniformly within a suitable range to ensure the activity of the catalyst in the catalyst packing 32, and at the same time avoid the uneven temperature distribution of the catalyst packing 32.

[0051] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Any simple modifications or equivalent changes made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model shall fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An electrolytic hydrogen production and purification apparatus, comprising a purification tank (1), characterized in that, The purification tank (1) is coaxially arranged with a first cylinder (100) and a second cylinder (200). In the internal region of the first cylinder (100), a plurality of mutually isolated dehydration units (2) are arranged from bottom to top. In the region between the first cylinder (100) and the second cylinder (200), a catalytic deoxygenation unit (3) is arranged between two adjacent dehydration units (2). In the region between the second cylinder (200) and the purification tank (1), a heating device (4) is arranged. The bottom of the purification tank (1) is provided with an air inlet (5) that communicates with the internal region of the first cylinder (100). The cylinder wall of the first cylinder (100) is provided with a plurality of first connecting ports and a plurality of second connecting ports. The first connecting ports are used to connect the catalytic deoxygenation unit (3) with the dehydration unit (2) below it. The second connecting ports are used to connect the catalytic deoxygenation unit (3) with the dehydration unit (2) above it. The top of the purification tank (1) is provided with a double-outlet air pipe (6) that communicates with the top of the first cylinder (100).

2. The electrolytic hydrogen production and purification apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dehydration unit (2) includes an air distribution plate (21), a dehydration section (22), and an electric heating rod (23). The air distribution plate (21) is detachably installed in the internal area of ​​the first cylinder (100). The dehydration section (22) is provided below and above the air distribution plate (21). The electric heating rod (23) is provided through the center of the dehydration section (22). The air distribution plate (21) is densely provided with a number of air distribution holes. The air distribution holes are provided with a one-way membrane flap (24) that restricts the one-way flow of air.

3. The electrolytic hydrogen production and purification apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The dehydration section (22) includes a molecular sieve (221) and an activated alumina filling layer (222). The activated alumina filling layer (222) is disposed at the bottom and top of the gas distribution plate (21). At least one molecular sieve (221) is disposed between the activated alumina filling layer (222) at the top of the gas distribution plate (21) and the catalytic deoxygenation unit (3).

4. The electrolytic hydrogen production and purification apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom and top of the air distribution plate (21) are coaxially connected with an isolation cylinder (25). An electric heating rod (23) is installed inside the isolation cylinder (25). The outer wall of the isolation cylinder (25) is in contact with the active alumina filling layer (222). A heat-conducting sheet (26) extending into the active alumina filling layer (222) is installed on the outer wall of the isolation cylinder (25).

5. A fractional purification apparatus for electrolytic hydrogen production according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The catalytic deoxygenation unit (3) includes a carrier mesh (31) and a catalyst packing (32). The carrier mesh (31) is mounted in the area between the first cylinder (100) and the second cylinder (200), and the carrier mesh (31) is located between two adjacent dehydration units (2). The catalyst packing (32) is disposed inside the carrier mesh (31).

6. A fractional purification apparatus for electrolytic hydrogen production according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The heating device (4) includes an electric heating tube (41) and a heat-conducting plate (42). The heat-conducting plate (42) is located in the area between the first cylinder (100) and the second cylinder (200). A catalytic deoxygenation unit (3) is mounted on the top of the heat-conducting plate (42). One side of the heat-conducting plate (42) extends into the area between the second cylinder (200) and the purification tank (1) and has an opening. The electric heating tube (41) extends into the interior of the heat-conducting plate (42) through the opening.

7. A fractional purification apparatus for electrolytic hydrogen production according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The top of the purification tank (1) is detachably equipped with a sealing cover (7), and the sealing cover (7) is equipped with a double-outlet gas pipe (6).

8. A fractional purification apparatus for electrolytic hydrogen production according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The dual-outlet pipe (6) includes an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The inlet is connected to the top of the first cylinder (100), the first outlet is connected to the hydrogen storage tank, and the second outlet is connected to the condenser.

9. A fractional purification apparatus for electrolytic hydrogen production according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Solenoid valves are installed at both the first and second connecting ports.

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