A turbulent flow plate assembly for an oil removal tank for sulfate solutions

Abstract

The utility model discloses a turbulent flow plate subassembly for sulphate solution oil removal groove belongs to the hydrometallurgy equipment technical field. The component includes at least one horizontal arrangement's cross board, first half pipe array, it is composed of many parallel half round pipe, and is fixedly arranged in one side of cross board, second half pipe array, it is composed of many parallel half round pipe, and is fixedly arranged in the other side of cross board, first half pipe array and second half pipe array staggered arrangement on horizontal projection, make the opening of half round pipe in first half pipe array directly face the gap between adjacent half round pipe in second half pipe array, thereby jointly constitute an S shape turbulent flow channel for fluid turning back and detour, the utility model effectively solved the problem that traditional multistage overflow oil removal groove occupies large area, and the separation efficiency is low, has the advantages such as compact structure, high efficiency, easy to install and maintain, especially suitable for the depth oil removal purification of electrolyte in nickel, cobalt hydrometallurgy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an overflow degreasing tank, specifically to a turbulence plate assembly for a sulfate solution degreasing tank. Background Technology

[0002] Extraction and separation technology is a key process for achieving deep removal of impurities during the electrowinning nickel bath preparation. In nickel and cobalt hydrometallurgy, acidic organophosphorus extractants such as 2-ethylhexyl phosphate mono-2-ethylhexyl ester (P204), di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (P507), and di(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphate (Cyanex 272) are widely used due to their excellent selective extraction capabilities for impurity ions such as cobalt, copper, zinc, and manganese. However, these extractants inevitably get trapped or remain during operation and enter the subsequent electrowinning process with the aqueous phase. Residual extractants easily form micron or submicron-sized organic droplets in the electrowinning solution, which have a significant adverse effect on the electrowinning process: on the one hand, their adsorption on the cathode surface may cause local current density fluctuations, interfering with the uniform formation and growth of metal nuclei; on the other hand, organic phase retention in the deposited layer can cause defects such as pores and inclusions on the surface of the electrowinning nickel product, seriously affecting the appearance quality and mechanical properties of the finished product.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, existing production typically employs multi-stage overflow degreasing tanks to purify the extracted nickel electrodeposited solution. This device removes the oil phase by slowing the fluid flow rate and extending the residence time, promoting the flotation and separation of organic phase droplets. However, achieving sufficient degreasing efficiency often requires the installation of continuous multi-stage overflow units, resulting in a large overall system size and significant land occupation, increasing plant construction and operating costs. Furthermore, its application and modification within limited site conditions are also constrained.

[0004] Therefore, given the current limitations of oil removal processes, such as large equipment size and limited separation efficiency, there is an urgent need to develop a new, efficient, and compact oil removal technology and equipment. By introducing structural designs that optimize fluid dynamics within the oil removal tank, such as turbulence plate assemblies, it is possible to effectively reduce the liquid flow velocity and enhance phase separation within a limited space. This would significantly reduce the equipment footprint while maintaining oil removal efficiency, adapting to the intensive and efficient production needs of modern metallurgical plants. Against this backdrop, this application proposes a turbulence plate assembly for the oil removal process of nickel sulfate electrowinning solution, aiming to improve the overall performance and economy of existing oil removal technologies. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model provides an internal component of an oil-removing tank that is simple in structure, easy to install, and can effectively promote oil-water separation, aiming to solve the following technical problems: 1) The problem of traditional multi-stage overflow oil removal tanks being bulky and occupying a large area in order to achieve the desired oil removal effect; 2) The existing oil removal device has a relatively high fluid flow rate, short residence time of organic phase droplets, and the phase separation efficiency needs to be improved.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A turbulence plate assembly includes a horizontally arranged cross plate, a first half-tube array, and a second half-tube array.

[0007] The first semi-tube array consists of multiple semi-circular tubes arranged parallel to each other along the length of the horizontal plate, and is fixedly installed on one side of the upper surface of the horizontal plate.

[0008] The second semi-circular array consists of multiple semi-circular tubes arranged parallel to each other along the length of the horizontal plate, and is fixedly installed on the other side of the upper surface of the horizontal plate.

[0009] Its core lies in the fact that the first half-tube array and the second half-tube array are arranged alternately on the horizontal projection, so that the opening of the semi-circular tube in the first half-tube array is directly opposite the gap between the adjacent semi-circular tubes in the second half-tube array, thus forming an S-shaped turbulent flow channel for the fluid to detour and pass through.

[0010] Preferably, the distance between the first and second half-tube arrays is approximately half the diameter of a single semi-circular tube, which is the preferred solution to achieve the best flow deflection effect.

[0011] Preferably, the horizontal plate and the semi-circular tube are integrally molded or assembled from corrosion-resistant non-metallic materials (such as rigid polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene or high-density polyethylene) to adapt to acidic electrolyte environments.

[0012] This invention also provides an oil removal tank, in which at least one of the aforementioned turbulence plate assemblies is arranged inside along the fluid flow direction. This assembly can be detachably installed within the tank, or multiple assemblies can be arranged at intervals along the flow channel to achieve multi-stage series-connected progressive flow reduction and separation effects.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the turbulence plate assembly and oil removal tank provided by this utility model have the following significant advantages: 1. High-efficiency speed reduction and improved separation effect: When the fluid passes through the components of this utility model, it is forced to flow back and forth multiple times between the staggered semi-circular tubes, which significantly increases the flow path and changes the flow direction. This can greatly dissipate the fluid kinetic energy and effectively reduce the flow velocity. This provides sufficient time for the dispersed organic phase droplets to coalesce and float, which greatly improves the oil-water separation efficiency.

[0014] 2. Compact structure and reduced footprint: By adding this component to the main oil removal tank, a single-stage oil removal tank can achieve the oil removal effect of a traditional multi-stage overflow tank; therefore, it can significantly reduce the equipment volume and footprint required to achieve the same oil removal efficiency, save factory space, and reduce construction costs.

[0015] 3. Simplified process and easy to apply and promote: The component has a simple structure and can be easily installed as a modular unit in new or existing degreasing tanks. It is easy to modify, has low investment cost, and is very conducive to promotion and application in existing production processes.

[0016] 4. Corrosion resistant and long service life: Made of corrosion resistant non-metallic materials, it can work stably in the corrosive hydrometallurgical electrolyte environment for a long time with low maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is the main view of the structure of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a top view of the structure of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0020] In the diagram, 1 is a horizontal plate and 2 is a semi-circular tube. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0022] See Figure 1-3 The present invention provides a turbulence plate assembly for improving phase separation efficiency, which mainly includes a horizontal plate 1 and two sets of half-tube arrays.

[0023] The horizontal plate 1 is a rectangular flat plate, serving as the basic support structure for the entire assembly. In this embodiment, the horizontal plate 1 is preferably made of rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet, with dimensions of approximately 2930 mm in length, 150 mm in width, and 30 mm in thickness. This material exhibits good resistance to corrosion from nickel sulfate electrolyte.

[0024] The two sets of semi-tube arrays are the first semi-tube array and the second semi-tube array, respectively. Each array consists of multiple parallel semi-circular tubes 2. The semi-circular tubes 2 are preferably made of rigid PVC material, with an outer diameter of 110 mm, a wall thickness of 8.1 mm, and a single tube length of approximately 1350 mm. The axes of all semi-circular tubes 2 are perpendicular to the length direction of the horizontal plate 1.

[0025] The key installation methods are as follows: The first half-pipe array is fixed to one side of the upper surface of the horizontal plate 1 (e.g., the side near the inlet) by adhesive bonding or welding. The second half-pipe array is fixed to the other side of the upper surface of the horizontal plate 1 (e.g., the side near the outlet) in the same manner.

[0026] Most importantly, the two rows of semi-circular tubes are staggered in horizontal projection. Specifically, the centerline of each semi-circular tube 2 in the second semi-circular tube array is exactly midway between the centerlines of two adjacent semi-circular tubes 2 in the first semi-circular tube array, i.e., the stagger distance is approximately half (55 mm) of the outer diameter (110 mm) of the semi-circular tube 2. This ensures that the arc-shaped opening of the semi-circular tube 2 in the first semi-circular tube array is precisely aligned with the gap (approximately 40 mm wide) between two adjacent semi-circular tubes 2 in the second semi-circular tube array, and vice versa. This structure together defines a continuous, S-shaped tortuous flow channel.

[0027] In the same array, the center-to-center distance between adjacent semicircular tubes 2 is 150mm to ensure structural strength and provide a uniform flow channel.

[0028] Installation and operation process of this utility model: The turbulence plate assembly, as a single module, can be rested or fixed to the inner wall of the oil removal tank via its two ends (1), located below the liquid level, and is removable for easy maintenance. It is typically placed near the inlet of the oil removal tank.

[0029] Nickel sulfate electrolyte (fluid) containing trace amounts of extractant organic phase flows in from one side of the degreasing tank and first impacts the first semi-circular tube array. The fluid is forced out at high speed from the narrow gap between two adjacent semi-circular tubes 2 in the first semi-circular tube array, forming a jet.

[0030] Because the second half-tube array is staggered with the first half-tube array, the fluid ejected from the gaps in the first array is directed towards the center of the arc-shaped concave surface of a single semi-circular tube 2 in the second half-tube array. Under the influence of inertia, the fluid enters the internal space of the semi-circular tube 2 and its flow direction is deflected along its arc-shaped inner wall.

[0031] After the fluid changes direction inside a single semicircular tube 2 of the second half-tube array, it splits into two streams at its open ends, flowing back into the other two semicircular tubes 2 of the first half-tube array directly in front, and then flowing out through the gaps in the second half-tube array opposite them, thus repeating the cycle. This creates a repetitive, meandering S-shaped network flow throughout the entire assembly. This flow path significantly increases the flow path length and local resistance, allowing for efficient dissipation of fluid kinetic energy and a significant reduction in flow velocity.

[0032] The reduced flow rate creates favorable conditions for the aggregation of small organic droplets suspended in the solution and provides ample time for them to rise. The small droplets collide and aggregate into larger droplets, which then rapidly rise to the surface due to their density difference with the aqueous phase, thus achieving efficient separation. The liquid, after being rectified and decelerated by this component, flows smoothly to the outlet of the oil removal tank and enters the next process.

[0033] In addition, for scenarios with large processing volumes or requiring higher oil removal standards, multiple (e.g., 2-3) turbulence plate components described in this utility model can be installed at intervals along the fluid direction in an oil removal tank for multi-stage series processing to achieve a step-by-step purification effect.

[0034] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model in any way. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this utility model shall still fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A turbulence plate assembly for a sulfate solution degreasing tank, characterized in that, include: At least one horizontally arranged horizontal plate (1); a first semi-tube array, which consists of multiple parallel semi-circular tubes (2), is fixedly arranged on one side of the horizontal plate (1); a second semi-tube array, which consists of multiple parallel semi-circular tubes (2), is fixedly arranged on the other side of the horizontal plate (1); the first semi-tube array and the second semi-tube array are staggered in the horizontal projection, such that the opening of the semi-circular tube (2) in the first semi-tube array is directly opposite the gap between adjacent semi-circular tubes (2) in the second semi-tube array, thereby jointly forming an S-shaped turbulent flow channel for fluid to detour and pass through.

2. The turbulence plate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the semicircular tubes (2) in the first and second half-tube arrays is the same or different in the vertical direction.

3. The turbulence plate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the first half-tube array and the second half-tube array is approximately half the diameter of a single semicircular tube (2).

4. The turbulence plate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axis of the semicircular tube (2) is parallel to the horizontal plane.

5. The turbulence plate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The horizontal plate (1) and the semi-circular tube (2) are integrally formed or assembled from corrosion-resistant non-metallic materials.

6. The turbulence plate assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The corrosion-resistant non-metallic material is one of rigid polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, or high-density polyethylene.

7. An oil removal tank, characterized in that, The interior of the oil removal tank is provided with at least one turbulence plate assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 6 along the fluid flow direction.

8. The degreasing tank according to claim 7, characterized in that, The turbulence plate assembly is detachably installed inside the degreasing tank.

9. The degreasing tank according to claim 7, characterized in that, The oil removal tank is equipped with multiple turbulence plate assemblies, which are arranged at intervals along the fluid flow direction.

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