Electrode liquid tank protection system for an electrodialysis system

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of electrodialysis system technology, specifically to an electrode liquid tank protection system for an electrodialysis system. The system includes an anode and a cathode. The anode is connected to a separate anode electrode liquid tank, and the cathode is connected to a separate cathode electrode liquid tank. The anode electrode liquid tank is connected to a first gas supply component, which supplies gas to the anode electrode liquid tank and dilutes the oxygen. The cathode electrode liquid tank is connected to a second gas supply component, which supplies gas to the cathode electrode liquid tank and discharges hydrogen. The first and second gas supply components are connected to a controller, which controls the start and stop operation of both components. By treating the discharged liquids from the anode and cathode separately, and using the anode and cathode electrode liquid tanks to receive the anode and cathode electrode liquids respectively, the oxygen generated at the anode and the hydrogen generated at the cathode are separated and their concentrations controlled, thus avoiding the safety hazards caused by the mixing of oxygen and hydrogen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of electrodialysis systems, specifically to an electrodialysis system's electrode water tank protection system. Background Technology

[0002] Electrodialysis and bipolar membrane electrodialysis are electrodialysis processes that play a crucial role in numerous fields, particularly in pharmaceuticals, chemical engineering, industrial wastewater treatment, and resource recycling. Their core principle lies in the fact that when an electric current passes through the electrodialysis device, the water in the electrode solution undergoes a redox reaction on the electrode plates, producing hydrogen and oxygen. In traditional designs, the electrode solutions produced at the anode and cathode are combined into a single electrode solution tank. During this process, the hydrogen and oxygen produced by electrolysis inevitably enter this tank along with the electrode solution. To mitigate the potential risks associated with the mixing of hydrogen and oxygen, a blower is typically used to pump a large amount of air into the electrode solution tank to dilute the concentration of the hydrogen and oxygen mixture.

[0003] This traditional method of treatment has many hidden dangers. On the one hand, the mixture of hydrogen and oxygen is a potential hazard. Once it reaches a certain concentration range, it could trigger an explosion or other serious safety accidents if it encounters an ignition source, posing a high-risk safety hazard in industrial production sites. On the other hand, relying solely on blowing in air to dilute the mixed gas concentration is often difficult to control precisely, and it has poor adaptability to different operating conditions. In actual operation, it is difficult to ensure that the hydrogen and oxygen concentrations remain below the safe threshold, making it impossible to guarantee the safe operation of the electrodialysis unit.

[0004] It is evident that existing electrodialysis systems still have room for improvement. The electrodialysis process should be optimized to enhance its safety and avoid the safety hazards caused by the mixing of hydrogen and oxygen. Therefore, more reasonable technical solutions are needed to address the technical problems existing in the current technology. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome at least one of the aforementioned defects, this invention proposes an electrode liquid tank protection system for an electrodialysis system. Aimed at improving the safety of the electrodialysis device, it employs two electrode liquid tanks to separate the anode and cathode electrode liquids. The anode electrode liquid enters the anode tank, and the cathode electrode liquid enters the cathode tank, thus preventing the mixing of oxygen generated at the anode and hydrogen generated at the cathode. Simultaneously, hydrogen is expelled by continuously introducing nitrogen gas into the cathode electrode liquid tank. A hydrogen concentration detector is installed in the cathode electrode liquid tank, and the nitrogen supply is automatically adjusted based on the detected concentration value. High concentrations of oxygen are diluted and expelled by blowing air into the anode electrode liquid tank, thereby reducing safety risks.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the protection system disclosed in this utility model can adopt the following technical solution:

[0007] An electrode liquid tank protection system for an electrodialysis system includes an anode and a cathode. The anode is connected to a separate anode electrode liquid tank, and the cathode is connected to a separate cathode electrode liquid tank. The anode electrode liquid tank is connected to a first gas supply component, which supplies gas to the anode electrode liquid tank and dilutes the oxygen therein. The cathode electrode liquid tank is connected to a second gas supply component, which supplies gas to the cathode electrode liquid tank and discharges hydrogen therein. The first and second gas supply components are connected to a controller, which controls the start and stop operation of the first and second gas supply components.

[0008] The aforementioned protection system, by separately collecting and treating the effluent from the anode and cathode, and separating any mixed oxygen and hydrogen, avoids the safety hazards of combustion and explosion posed by the presence of oxygen and hydrogen mixtures in the effluent from the anode and cathode. By controlling the first and second gas supply components through a controller, the gas supply can be flexibly adjusted, thereby controlling the oxygen concentration in the anode electrolyte tank and the hydrogen concentration in the cathode electrolyte tank.

[0009] Furthermore, when receiving gas, the anolyte and cathode electrolyte tanks simultaneously maintain internal pressure balance, keeping the internal gas concentration within a reasonable range through gas replacement. This can be achieved through various methods and is not limited to a single approach. Here, we optimize and propose one feasible option: both the anolyte and / or cathode electrolyte tanks are equipped with an exhaust structure. This exhaust structure includes an upward-extending exhaust pipe, with the highest point of the pipe forming an exhaust port. In this approach, the exhaust structure is located at the top of both the anolyte and cathode electrolyte tanks, guiding the gas to a higher position before discharging it outwards, thus preventing gas accumulation near the tanks. Simultaneously, to prevent external impurities from entering through the exhaust pipe, a bend can be added to the exhaust port structure to prevent water and other impurities from dripping or falling in.

[0010] Furthermore, the hydrogen concentration in the cathode electrolyte tank affects the possibility of combustion and explosion, and should be monitored and controlled in real time. Various solutions can be adopted, and there is no single limitation. Here, we optimize and propose one feasible option: a gas concentration detection device is installed at the cathode electrolyte tank to detect the hydrogen concentration. When adopting this solution, the concentration detection device includes a sensor. The concentration value detected by the sensor is transmitted to the controller in real time. The controller then controls the operation of the first and second gas supply components, thereby controlling the hydrogen concentration in the cathode electrolyte tank.

[0011] Furthermore, the first air supply component can adopt multiple schemes, and its structure is not limited to one. Here, we optimize and propose one feasible option: the first air supply component includes a blower, and the air supply port of the blower is connected to the anode electrolyte tank through the first air supply pipe and blows air into it.

[0012] Furthermore, the second gas supply component can adopt various schemes, and its structure is not limited to a single one. Here, we optimize and propose one feasible option: the second gas supply component includes a protective gas source, which is connected to the cathode electrolyte tank through a second gas supply pipeline. The second gas supply pipeline is equipped with a control valve group and a detection component. When adopting the above scheme, the protective gas source includes a gas source device, through which gas is supplied to the cathode electrolyte tank.

[0013] Furthermore, the protective gas source can be any chemically inert gas; one feasible option is nitrogen. Using this method, nitrogen can displace the hydrogen gas in the cathode electrolyte tank.

[0014] Furthermore, the control valve assembly is used to regulate the transmission of control protective gas to the cathode electrolyte tank. Various configuration schemes can be adopted; here, we optimize and propose one feasible option: the control valve assembly includes a first shut-off valve, a second shut-off valve, a first pressure switch, and a second pressure switch, all installed on the second gas supply pipeline. A pressure regulating valve is installed between the first and second shut-off valves, and a pneumatic regulating valve and a pneumatic switching valve are installed between the first and second pressure switches. In this scheme, the first and second pressure switches output control signals, which are then used by the solenoid valve to control the opening and closing of the pneumatic switching valve. The pneumatic regulating valve is connected to a pneumatic actuator and a positioner. Based on the hydrogen concentration in the cathode electrolyte tank, the controller accordingly controls the pneumatic actuator and positioner, thereby controlling the opening degree of the pneumatic regulating valve.

[0015] In some designs, the first and second shut-off valves are manually operated shut-off valves.

[0016] Preferably, the pressure regulating valve is used to regulate the pressure of the protective gas in the second gas supply pipeline, ensuring that the pressure of the protective gas sent to the cathode electrolyte tank is appropriate. Furthermore, the detection component can adopt various schemes and is not limited to one; here, optimization is performed and one feasible option is proposed: the detection component includes a local pressure gauge and a flow meter installed on the second gas supply pipeline. When adopting the above scheme, the local pressure gauge and flow meter are used to detect the pressure and flow rate of the protective gas in the second gas supply pipeline, respectively.

[0017] Furthermore, the anolyte tank and the cathode tank each have their internal liquids delivered to the anode and cathode respectively via separate pipelines.

[0018] Furthermore, the aforementioned delivery pipeline is equipped with an anode water pump and a cathode water pump respectively.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, some of the beneficial effects of the technical solution disclosed in this utility model include:

[0020] This invention separates the effluent from the anode and cathode by using separate anode and cathode electrolyte tanks to receive the anode and cathode electrolytes, thereby separating the oxygen generated at the anode and the hydrogen generated at the cathode and controlling their concentrations separately, thus avoiding the safety hazards caused by the mixing of oxygen and hydrogen. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the components of this utility model.

[0023] In the above attached figures, the meanings of each label are as follows:

[0024] 1. First shut-off valve; 2. Pressure regulating valve; 3. Local pressure gauge; 4. Second shut-off valve; 5. First pressure switch; 6. Flow meter; 7. Pneumatic regulating valve; 8. Pneumatic switching valve; 9. Second pressure switch; 10. Anode electrolyte tank; 11. Cathode electrolyte tank; 12. Exhaust structure; 13. Gas concentration detection device; 14. Anode; 15. Cathode; 16. Blower; 17. Cathode water pump; 18. Anode water pump. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, further illustrates this embodiment.

[0026] In existing electrodialysis systems, the simultaneous mixing of oxygen and hydrogen in the electrolyte tank poses a safety hazard of combustion and explosion. The following embodiments propose a corresponding protection system to overcome the deficiencies in the prior art.

[0027] Example 1

[0028] like Figure 1As shown, this embodiment provides an electrode liquid tank protection system for an electrodialysis system, including an anode 14 and a cathode 15. The anode 14 is connected to a separate anode electrode liquid tank 10, and the cathode 15 is connected to a separate cathode electrode liquid tank 11. The anode electrode liquid tank 10 is connected to a first gas supply component, which supplies gas to the anode electrode liquid tank 10 and dilutes the oxygen therein. The cathode electrode liquid tank 11 is connected to a second gas supply component, which supplies gas to the cathode electrode liquid tank 11 and discharges hydrogen therein. The first and second gas supply components are connected to a controller, which controls the start and stop operation of the first and second gas supply components.

[0029] The protection system disclosed in this embodiment collects and processes the effluent from the anode 14 and cathode 15 separately, and separates any oxygen and hydrogen mixed in, thus avoiding the safety hazards of combustion and explosion posed by the presence of oxygen and hydrogen mixtures in the anode and cathode effluents. By controlling the first and second gas supply components through a controller, the gas supply can be flexibly adjusted, thereby controlling the oxygen concentration in the anode electrode liquid tank 10 and the hydrogen concentration in the cathode electrode liquid tank 11.

[0030] When receiving gas, the anolyte tank 10 and the cathode liquid tank 11 simultaneously maintain internal pressure balance. The internal gas concentration is maintained within a reasonable range through gas replacement. This can be achieved through various methods and is not limited to a single approach. This embodiment optimizes and adopts one feasible option: both the anolyte tank 10 and / or the cathode liquid tank 11 are equipped with an exhaust structure 12. The exhaust structure 12 includes an upwardly extending exhaust pipe, with the highest point of the exhaust pipe forming an exhaust port structure. With this approach, the exhaust structure 12 is located at the top of the anolyte tank 10 and the cathode liquid tank 11. The gas is guided to a higher position through the exhaust pipe before being discharged outwards, preventing gas accumulation near the tanks. Furthermore, to prevent external impurities from entering through the exhaust pipe, a bending structure can be provided at the exhaust port structure to prevent water and other impurities from dripping or falling in.

[0031] The hydrogen concentration in the cathode electrolyte tank 11 affects the possibility of combustion and explosion, and should be monitored and controlled in real time. Various methods can be used to achieve this, and there is no single, limited approach. This embodiment optimizes and adopts one feasible option: a gas concentration detection device 13 for detecting hydrogen concentration is installed at the cathode electrolyte tank 11. When using the above method, the concentration detection device includes a sensor. The concentration value detected by the sensor is transmitted to the controller in real time. The controller controls the operation of the first and second gas supply components, thereby controlling the hydrogen concentration in the cathode electrolyte tank 11.

[0032] The first air supply component can adopt multiple schemes, and its structure is not limited to one. This embodiment optimizes and adopts one of the feasible options: the first air supply component includes a blower 16, and the air supply port of the blower 16 is connected to the anode electrolyte tank 10 through the first air supply pipe and blows air into it.

[0033] The second gas supply component can adopt various schemes, and its structure is not limited to a single one. This embodiment optimizes and adopts one feasible option: the second gas supply component includes a protective gas source, which is connected to the cathode electrolyte tank 11 through a second gas supply pipeline. The second gas supply pipeline is equipped with a control valve group and a detection component. When adopting the above scheme, the protective gas source includes a gas source device, through which gas is supplied to the cathode electrolyte tank 11.

[0034] The protective gas source can be any chemically inert gas; this embodiment employs one feasible option: nitrogen. Using the above method, nitrogen can displace the hydrogen gas in the cathode electrolyte tank 11.

[0035] The control valve assembly is used to regulate the transmission of control protective gas to the cathode electrolyte tank 11. Various configuration schemes are possible; this embodiment optimizes and adopts one feasible option: the control valve assembly includes a first shut-off valve, a second shut-off valve 4, a first pressure switch 5, and a second pressure switch 9, all installed on the second gas supply pipeline. A pressure regulating valve 2 is installed between the first shut-off valve and the second shut-off valve 4. A pneumatic regulating valve 7 and a pneumatic switching valve 8 are installed between the first pressure switch 5 and the second pressure switch 9. In this configuration, the first pressure switch 5 and the second pressure switch 9 output control signals, which are then used by a solenoid valve to control the opening and closing of the pneumatic switching valve 8. The pneumatic regulating valve 7 is connected to a pneumatic actuator and a positioner. Based on the hydrogen concentration in the cathode electrolyte tank 11, the controller accordingly controls the pneumatic actuator and the positioner, thereby controlling the opening degree of the pneumatic regulating valve 7.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first and second shut-off valves 4 are manually operated shut-off valves.

[0037] Preferably, the pressure regulating valve 2 is used to regulate the pressure of the protective gas in the second gas supply pipeline, so that the pressure of the protective gas sent to the cathode electrolyte tank 11 is appropriate. The detection component can adopt various schemes and is not limited to one. This embodiment optimizes and adopts one feasible option: the detection component includes a local pressure gauge 3 and a flow meter 6 installed on the second gas supply pipeline. When the above scheme is adopted, the local pressure gauge 3 and the flow meter 6 are used to detect the pressure and flow rate of the protective gas in the second gas supply pipeline, respectively.

[0038] The anolyte tank 10 and the cathode tank 11 respectively send their internal liquids to the anode 14 and the cathode 15 through separate pipelines.

[0039] The aforementioned delivery pipeline is equipped with an anode water pump 18 and a cathode water pump 17 respectively.

[0040] Example 2

[0041] According to the scheme disclosed in Example 1, Example 2 provides a nitrogen sealing protection system for the polar liquid tank of an electrodialysis system.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, an electrodialysis system has an electrohydraulic tank nitrogen sealing protection system. Inert nitrogen gas is generated by a nitrogen generator and delivered to the electrodialysis equipment through a second gas supply pipeline. The nitrogen pressure is reduced by a pressure regulating valve group 2. The pressure of the reduced nitrogen gas is detected by a first pressure switch 5 and a second pressure switch 9. A glass rotor flow meter is installed in the second gas supply pipeline to detect the nitrogen flow rate.

[0043] The second gas supply line is connected to the cathode electrolyte tank 11. A pneumatic regulating valve 7 is installed on the line to control the nitrogen flow rate. Nitrogen enters the cathode electrolyte tank 11 to replace the hydrogen in the cathode electrolyte tank 11. The first gas supply line is connected to the anode electrolyte tank 10. A blower 16 blows in a large amount of air to dilute and remove the oxygen in the anode electrolyte tank 10.

[0044] Blower 16 is continuously operated under interlock control of the electrodialysis system.

[0045] Before starting the electrodialysis system, the two electrode water pumps are started first, and at the same time, the pneumatic switch valve 8 is opened to introduce nitrogen gas; the blower 16 is also started at the same time. Only after the hydrogen gas detector detects a value lower than the set value can the electrodialysis membrane stack be powered on and started to operate.

[0046] When the system is running normally, the pneumatic switch valve 8 is in the open state, at which time inert gas nitrogen is introduced into the cathode electrode water tank 11 to dilute and carry hydrogen. At this time, the hydrogen concentration detector detects the hydrogen concentration in the cathode electrode water tank 11 and controls the opening of the pneumatic regulating valve 7 to automatically control the nitrogen flow rate.

[0047] After the electrodialysis system is shut down, the nitrogen regulating valve and the on / off valve close with a delay until the hydrogen concentration detector detects a value lower than the set value. The blower 16 then shuts off after a delay, continuously blowing air into the anolyte tank 10 to dilute the oxygen.

[0048] To ensure system safety, nitrogen gas is detected by two pressure switches, one before and one after the pneumatic switch valve 8. When either pressure switch detects that the nitrogen pressure is lower than the set value, it indicates that nitrogen gas supply has stopped, and the pressure switch outputs a control signal to the control system to shut down the electrodialysis system. Similarly, when the hydrogen concentration detector on the cathode electrolyte tank 11 detects that the hydrogen concentration is higher than the set upper alarm value, it also outputs a signal to shut down the electrodialysis system to ensure system safety in case of emergencies.

[0049] The above are the embodiments listed in this example. However, this example is not limited to the optional embodiments described above. Those skilled in the art can arbitrarily combine the above methods to obtain other various embodiments. Anyone can derive other various forms of embodiments under the guidance of this example. The above specific embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this example. The scope of protection of this example should be defined in the claims.

Claims

1. An electrode liquid tank protection system for an electrodialysis system, characterized in that: It includes an anode (14) and a cathode (15). The anode (14) is connected to a separate anode electrolyte tank (10), and the cathode (15) is connected to a separate cathode electrolyte tank (11). The anode electrolyte tank (10) is connected to a first gas supply assembly, which supplies gas to the anode electrolyte tank (10) and dilutes the oxygen therein. The cathode electrolyte tank (11) is connected to a second gas supply assembly, which supplies gas to the cathode electrolyte tank (11) and discharges the hydrogen therein. The first gas supply assembly and the second gas supply assembly are connected to a controller, which controls the start and stop operation of the first gas supply assembly and the second gas supply assembly.

2. The electrode liquid tank protection system of the electrodialysis system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anode electrolyte tank (10) and / or cathode electrolyte tank (11) are each provided with an exhaust structure (12), the exhaust structure (12) includes an upwardly extending exhaust pipe, and the highest point of the exhaust pipe forms an exhaust port structure.

3. The electrode liquid tank protection system of the electrodialysis system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A gas concentration detection device (13) for detecting hydrogen concentration is installed at the cathode electrolyte tank (11).

4. The electrode liquid tank protection system of the electrodialysis system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first air supply assembly includes a blower (16), the air supply port of which is connected to the anode electrolyte tank (10) through the first air supply pipe and blows air into it.

5. The electrode liquid tank protection system of the electrodialysis system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second gas supply component includes a protective gas source, which is connected to the cathode electrolyte tank (11) through a second gas supply pipeline. The second gas supply pipeline is equipped with a control valve group and a detection component.

6. The electrode liquid tank protection system of the electrodialysis system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The protective gas source includes nitrogen.

7. The electrode liquid tank protection system of the electrodialysis system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The control valve group includes a first shut-off valve, a second shut-off valve (4), a first pressure switch (5), and a second pressure switch (9) installed on the second gas supply pipeline; a pressure regulating valve (2) is installed between the first shut-off valve and the second shut-off valve (4), and a pneumatic regulating valve (7) and a pneumatic switch valve (8) are installed between the first pressure switch (5) and the second pressure switch (9).

8. The electrode liquid tank protection system of the electrodialysis system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The detection components include a local pressure gauge (3) and a flow meter (6) installed on the second gas supply pipeline.

9. The electrode liquid tank protection system of the electrodialysis system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anode electrolyte tank (10) and cathode electrolyte tank (11) respectively send their internal liquids to the anode (14) and cathode (15) through separate pipelines.

10. The electrode liquid tank protection system of the electrodialysis system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The conveying pipeline is respectively equipped with an anode water pump (18) and a cathode water pump (17).

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