Hydrogen purification device

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of hydrogen deoxidation, and discloses a hydrogen purification device. The hydrogen purification device comprises a reaction container, a heat exchange structure and a catalyst bed. The reaction container is provided with a reaction cavity, an inlet and an outlet which are communicated with the reaction cavity. The heat exchange structure is arranged in the reaction cavity and is provided with a channel, one end of the channel is communicated with the inlet, the other end of the channel is provided with an opening, and a heating piece is arranged in the channel. The catalyst bed is arranged in the reaction cavity and is located on the side of the heat exchange structure far away from the channel, the bottom of the catalyst bed is communicated with the opening, the top of the catalyst bed is communicated with the outlet, the catalyst bed is provided with a catalyst, and the catalyst is used for deoxidation reaction. The hydrogen purification device provided by the application can reduce the energy consumption during hydrogen purification.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of hydrogen deoxygenation technology, and in particular to a hydrogen purification device. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of hydrogen energy in recent years, the demand for hydrogen production is also constantly increasing. Water electrolysis for hydrogen production offers high convenience and has become the preferred method. In the process of water electrolysis, a direct current is applied to an electrolytic cell containing electrolytes, triggering an electrochemical reaction that decomposes water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen at the electrodes. The gas produced by electrolysis and the recycled electrolyte are then introduced into a hydrogen-oxygen separator for gas-liquid separation, washing, and cooling. Finally, the hydrogen is purified through a deoxygenation tower and a drying tower.

[0003] In the gas purification process, removing specific impurities such as oxygen from the hydrogen gas stream typically requires operation at relatively high temperatures to heat the gas and catalyst to the required reaction temperature, which results in high energy consumption during hydrogen purification. Therefore, reducing energy consumption during hydrogen purification is an important issue. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a hydrogen purification device that can help reduce energy consumption during hydrogen purification.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a hydrogen purification apparatus. The hydrogen purification apparatus includes a reaction vessel, a heat exchange structure, and a catalyst bed. The reaction vessel has a reaction chamber, an inlet, and an outlet communicating with the reaction chamber. The heat exchange structure is disposed within the reaction chamber and has a channel. One end of the channel communicates with the inlet, and the other end of the channel has an opening. A heating element is disposed within the channel. The catalyst bed is disposed within the reaction chamber and located on the side of the heat exchange structure away from the channel. The bottom of the catalyst bed communicates with the opening, and the top of the catalyst bed communicates with the outlet. The catalyst bed contains a catalyst used for a deoxygenation reaction.

[0006] The hydrogen purification apparatus provided in this application includes a heat exchange structure within a reaction chamber. This heat exchange structure has a channel, one end of which is connected to an inlet. A heating element within the channel heats the hydrogen entering the reaction chamber. After being heated, the hydrogen reaches the catalyst bed and undergoes a catalytic reaction to achieve deoxygenation. The heat exchange structure transfers the heat generated by the catalytic reaction to the channel, thereby heating the hydrogen about to undergo the catalytic reaction, thus reducing energy consumption during hydrogen purification.

[0007] In some embodiments, the heat exchange structure includes a central tube with channels and fins protruding from the surface of the central tube, the fins being adjacent to the catalyst bed.

[0008] In some implementations, the catalyst bed is arranged around the central tube.

[0009] In some implementations, fins are arranged around the central tube.

[0010] In some implementations, the fins are arched, strip-shaped, wedge-shaped, or trapezoidal.

[0011] In some embodiments, the heating element extends axially along the central tube, and one end of the heating element is at a distance from the opening.

[0012] In some embodiments, the hydrogen purification apparatus also includes an electrical control box for supplying power to the heating element so that the heating element heats the hydrogen in the channel.

[0013] In some embodiments, the hydrogen purification device also includes a controller connected to a power distribution box, which controls the operation of the power distribution box based on the temperature inside the reaction chamber or the temperature difference at different locations.

[0014] In some embodiments, the reaction vessel is equipped with a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor, with the first temperature sensor located near the outlet and the second temperature sensor located near the opening, and both the first and second temperature sensors are connected to a controller.

[0015] In some embodiments, the hydrogen purification apparatus also includes a filter element located at the outlet. Attached Figure Description

[0016] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hydrogen purification device provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hydrogen purification device provided in other embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the various embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that many technical details have been presented in the various embodiments of this application to enable readers to better understand this application. However, even without these technical details and various changes and modifications based on the following embodiments, the technical solutions claimed in this application can be implemented. The division of the various embodiments below is for the convenience of description and should not constitute any limitation on the specific implementation of this application. The various embodiments can be combined with and referenced by each other without contradiction.

[0019] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0020] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0021] Hydrogen is a widely used raw material with a wide range of applications. In chemical production, raw hydrogen often contains oxygen. The high oxygen content fails to meet purity and safety requirements, necessitating purification methods to remove impurities such as oxygen. Typically, hydrogen produced through water electrolysis requires deoxygenation equipment for purification. During purification, the raw hydrogen is passed into the deoxygenation equipment, where it reacts with a deoxygenation catalyst at a specific temperature to obtain deoxygenated hydrogen.

[0022] Currently, deoxygenation equipment uses external heaters, which are installed independently outside the purification unit. While this configuration provides uniform heat distribution and reaction conditions, it typically results in lower thermal efficiency and higher energy consumption.

[0023] To reduce energy consumption, simplify the process, and lower equipment investment during hydrogen purification, some embodiments of this application provide a hydrogen purification apparatus. The hydrogen purification apparatus employs a heat exchange structure including an electric heating rod, so that while the feed hydrogen is heated by the heating rod, the heat released from the deoxygenation catalytic reaction is also used to heat the feed hydrogen, thereby minimizing energy consumption and utilizing the waste heat to improve the efficiency of the deoxygenation reaction and reduce equipment investment.

[0024] The following is combined Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of the hydrogen purification apparatus provided in some embodiments of this application is described.

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, some embodiments of this application provide a hydrogen purification apparatus including a reaction vessel 11, a heat exchange structure 12, and a catalyst bed 14. The reaction vessel 11 has a reaction chamber 110, and an inlet 111 and an outlet 112 communicating with the reaction chamber 110. The heat exchange structure 12 is disposed within the reaction chamber 110 and has a channel 120. One end of the channel 120 communicates with the inlet 111, and the other end of the channel 120 has an opening 1201. A heating element 13 is disposed within the channel 120. The catalyst bed 14 is disposed within the reaction chamber 110 and located on the side of the heat exchange structure 12 away from the channel 120. The bottom of the catalyst bed 14 communicates with the opening 1201, and the top of the catalyst bed 14 communicates with the outlet 112. The catalyst bed 14 contains a catalyst used for a deoxygenation reaction.

[0026] The reaction vessel 11 is the main body for hydrogen purification. It contains a catalyst bed 14 for deoxygenating the hydrogen. The reaction vessel 11 can be configured as a cylindrical tank, with a reaction chamber 110 formed inside. The reaction vessel 11 is also equipped with an inlet 111 for introducing raw hydrogen into the reaction chamber 110 and an outlet 112 for discharging purified hydrogen. A manhole 113 can also be provided on the reaction vessel 11 to allow observation of the reaction chamber 110 for inspection, maintenance, and catalyst loading. A discharge port 114 is located at the bottom of the reaction vessel 11 for wastewater discharge.

[0027] The heat exchange structure 12 is located inside the reaction chamber 110. The heat exchange structure 12 has a channel 120 through which incoming hydrogen gas from the inlet 111 of the reaction vessel 11 can flow. A heating element 13 is installed inside the channel 120, which heats the hydrogen gas flowing through the channel 120 using its own emitted heat. The other end of the channel 120 has an opening 1201, which allows the heated hydrogen gas to continue flowing within the reaction chamber 110 to reach the catalyst bed 14 for catalytic reaction. The heat exchange structure 12 has good thermal conductivity, enabling heat transfer. Because the catalytic reaction temperature is high, the heat generated by the catalytic reaction can be transferred to the channel 120 through the heat exchange structure 12, thereby heating the hydrogen gas flowing through the channel 120 and saving energy consumption in the hydrogen purification device. In practice, the heat exchange structure 12 can be set as a regular tubular, cylindrical or columnar shape, or it can be set as an irregular shape. Fins are set around the components forming the channel 120. The fins can be arched, strip-shaped, wedge-shaped or trapezoidal, etc.

[0028] The catalyst bed 14 is located on the outer layer of the heat exchange structure 12. One side of the catalyst bed 14 corresponds to the side of the hydrogen gas in the reaction chamber 110 that has been heated by the heating element 13 in the channel 120, and the other side of the catalyst bed 14 corresponds to the side of the hydrogen gas in the reaction chamber 110 that will flow out from the outlet 112. The catalyst bed 14 contains a catalyst, which may include a noble metal catalyst and a non-noble metal catalyst. The noble metal catalyst may be a platinum-based catalyst, a palladium-based catalyst, or a mixed noble metal catalyst; the non-noble metal catalyst may be a copper-based catalyst, a zinc-based catalyst, etc.

[0029] The hydrogen purification apparatus provided in some embodiments of this application includes a heat exchange structure 12 within a reaction chamber 110. The heat exchange structure 12 has a channel 120, one end of which is connected to an inlet 111. A heating element 13 within the channel 120 heats the hydrogen entering the reaction chamber 110. After heating, the hydrogen in the channel 120 reaches the catalyst bed 14, where it undergoes a catalytic reaction to achieve deoxygenation. The heat exchange structure 12 transfers the heat generated by the catalytic reaction to the channel 120, thereby using this heat to heat the hydrogen about to undergo the catalytic reaction, thus reducing energy consumption during hydrogen purification.

[0030] In some embodiments, the heat exchange structure 12 may include a central tube 121 having a channel 120 and fins 122 protruding from the surface of the central tube 121, the fins 122 being adjacent to the catalyst bed 14.

[0031] In other words, the heat exchange structure 12 can be a combination of a base tube and fins 122. The interior of the central tube 121 can serve as a channel 120 for hydrogen flow, and the heating element 13 can be disposed inside the central tube 121 to heat the hydrogen entering the reaction chamber 110. The fins 122, as protruding portions on the surface of the central tube 121, can increase the surface area of ​​the central tube 121, thereby improving the heat transfer effect.

[0032] The reaction vessel 11 is equipped with an inlet pipe at the top, which has an inlet 111. After the incoming hydrogen gas enters the reaction chamber 110 through the inlet pipe, it first flows downwards along a cylindrical finned base tube with fins 122, simultaneously exchanging heat with the deoxygenated gas after the catalytic reaction through the fins 122 on the base tube. Then, it reaches the catalyst bed 14, where it moves upwards and undergoes a deoxygenation catalytic reaction. The heat exchange between the high-temperature hydrogen gas generated by the deoxygenation reaction and the incoming hydrogen gas increases the reaction temperature and improves the deoxygenation efficiency.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the catalyst bed 14 can be arranged around the central tube 121.

[0034] In other words, the catalyst bed 14 is arranged around the outside of the central tube 121. The catalyst bed 14 contains a catalyst. After the heated hydrogen gas reaches the catalyst bed 14, it can undergo a catalytic reaction under the action of the catalyst to complete the deoxygenation. The heat generated by the catalytic reaction can radiate to the surface of the central tube 121 in the central region, thereby effectively transferring the heat into the central tube 121 to heat the hydrogen gas that is about to undergo a catalytic reaction. In practice, considering the convenience of unloading, the bottom of the catalyst bed 14 can also be filled with catalyst.

[0035] In some embodiments, fins 122 may be arranged around the central tube 121.

[0036] The fins 122 are arranged in annular or spiral shapes, with a single fin 122 surrounding the central tube 121. Alternatively, the fins 122 can be arranged in a long strip shape, with multiple fins 122 surrounding the central tube 121. By arranging the fins 122 around the central tube 121, heat transfer is achieved through fins 122 around the periphery of the central tube 121, increasing the effective range of the fins 122 and thus improving the heat transfer capacity of the central tube 121.

[0037] In addition, there can be multiple fins 122, and multiple fins 122 are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the central tube 121.

[0038] By sequentially arranging a large number of fins 122 along the axial direction of the central tube 121, the surface area of ​​the central tube 121 can be effectively increased, thereby improving the heat transfer capacity of the central tube 121.

[0039] In practice, the columnar base tube and multiple sets of fins 122 can be integrated into a heat exchange structure 12, with the fins 122 spaced apart around the columnar base tube. To efficiently increase the heat exchange area and improve deoxidation efficiency, the columnar base tube can be a corrugated tube, a grooved tube with internal and external threads, or other tubular components with uneven surfaces.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the heating element 13 can extend along the axial direction of the central tube 121, and one end of the heating element 13 is at a distance from the opening 1201.

[0041] The heating element 13 is rod-shaped and can be coaxially arranged with the central tube 121. There can be one or more heating elements 13. The end of the heating element 13 is spaced from the opening 1201 at the end of the central tube 121; that is, the end of the heating element 13 extends into the central tube 121 to a position close to but not protruding from the opening 1201. By controlling the length of the heating element 13, the heating range can be reduced, thereby decreasing energy consumption during hydrogen purification.

[0042] In some embodiments, the hydrogen purification apparatus may further include a power distribution box 15 for supplying power to the heating element 151 so that the heating element 13 heats the hydrogen in the channel 120.

[0043] The heating element 13 is heated via the electrical control box 15. Using electric heating simplifies the heating structure and improves the heating response speed. Compared to oil heating, it reduces complex piping and avoids safety issues caused by pipe leaks. The electrical control box 15 is located outside the reaction vessel 11, allowing for external heating and heat transfer to the interior of the reaction vessel 11 via the heating element 13.

[0044] In practice, the cylindrical finned tube is installed in the middle inside the reaction vessel 11 as a heat exchanger between the original hydrogen and the hydrogen after the deoxygenation reaction in the catalyst bed 14. The cylindrical tube structure in the middle is equipped with heating rods, which are connected to the heating element 151 of the distribution box 15. The number of heating rods can be set according to the temperature rise required for the deoxygenation reaction.

[0045] In addition, the hydrogen purification device may also include a controller 16, which is connected to the power distribution box 15. The controller 16 controls the operation of the power distribution box 15 according to the temperature inside the reaction chamber 110 or the temperature difference at different locations.

[0046] The controller 16 can control the heating process, regulate its progress, and control the heating power. Furthermore, the heater can control the distribution box 15 based on the detected temperature within the reaction chamber 110 or the temperature difference at different locations. The controller 16 enables closed-loop control of the heating process, thereby controlling energy consumption.

[0047] In some embodiments, the controller 16 can control the operation of the distribution box 15 based on the temperature difference at different locations within the reaction zone. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the reaction vessel 11 is equipped with a first temperature sensor 17 and a second temperature sensor 18. The first temperature sensor 17 is located near the outlet 112, and the second temperature sensor 18 is located near the opening 1201. Both the first temperature sensor 17 and the second temperature sensor 18 are connected to the controller 16.

[0048] The temperature difference indicator 19 operates by measuring the temperature difference between a first temperature sensor 17 installed at the outlet of the cylindrical finned tube and a second temperature sensor 18 located near the gas outlet 112, and feeds the temperature back to the controller 16 so that the controller 16 can control the operation of the distribution box 15. By adopting a dynamic control strategy, it can adapt to the fluctuating operating conditions of the hydrogen purification unit and improve operability, making it suitable for dynamic hydrogen purification through water electrolysis.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the hydrogen purification device may also include a filter element 115, which is located at the outlet 112. The purified hydrogen can be filtered through the filter element 115 to remove impurities contained in the hydrogen.

[0050] In practice, the air outlet 112 is equipped with a filter screen, which can be used to remove any solid particles that may be present in the airflow.

[0051] Additionally, a pressure sensor 20 can be installed on the reaction vessel 11. The pressure sensor 20 is mounted on the vessel body and extends through the vessel body into the reaction chamber 110. The pressure sensor 20 can be installed on the top of the vessel body near the gas outlet 112. Since the gas in the reaction chamber 110 circulates upwards, generating higher pressure at the top, placing the pressure sensor 20 near the gas outlet 112 can effectively monitor pressure changes within the reaction chamber 110, thereby ensuring operational safety.

[0052] The hydrogen purification unit can be used for hydrogen purification in water electrolysis hydrogen production systems. It combines a hydrogen purification tower with an electric heater. The hydrogen purification tower includes a container body with a central cylindrical base tube, which is equipped with heating elements. The base tube extends vertically, allowing the exothermic reaction to be utilized by the incoming feed gas, helping to reach the optimal temperature required for the catalytic reaction. This effectively reduces the operating and installation costs of the electric heater and related instrumentation costs, and optimizes the purification process by utilizing waste heat recovery.

[0053] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are specific implementations of this application, and in practical applications, various changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of this application.

Claims

1. A hydrogen purification device, characterized in that, include: A reaction vessel having a reaction chamber, and an inlet and an outlet communicating with the reaction chamber; A heat exchange structure is disposed within the reaction chamber. The heat exchange structure has a channel, one end of which is connected to the inlet, and the other end of which has an opening. A heating element is disposed within the channel. A catalyst bed is disposed within the reaction chamber and located on the side of the heat exchange structure away from the channel. The bottom of the catalyst bed is connected to the opening, and the top of the catalyst bed is connected to the outlet. The catalyst bed contains a catalyst for carrying out a catalytic reaction.

2. The hydrogen purification apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange structure includes a central tube having the channel and fins protruding from the surface of the central tube, the fins being adjacent to the catalyst bed.

3. The hydrogen purification apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The catalyst bed is arranged around the central tube.

4. The hydrogen purification apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fins are arranged around the central tube.

5. The hydrogen purification apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fins are arched, strip-shaped, wedge-shaped, or trapezoidal.

6. The hydrogen purification apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heating element extends axially along the central tube, and one end of the heating element is at a distance from the opening.

7. The hydrogen purification apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a power distribution box for supplying power to the heating element so that the heating element heats the hydrogen in the channel.

8. The hydrogen purification apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a controller, which is connected to the distribution box, and the controller controls the operation of the distribution box according to the temperature inside the reaction chamber or the temperature difference at different locations.

9. The hydrogen purification apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The reaction vessel is equipped with a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor is located near the outlet, and the second temperature sensor is located near the opening. Both the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are connected to the controller.

10. The hydrogen purification apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a filter element disposed at the outlet.

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