A partition structure for multi-channel, multi-compartment electrodialysis

Abstract

This utility model discloses a partition structure for electrodialysis adaptable to multiple channels and compartments, relating to the technical field of electrodialysis equipment. It includes a partition body composed of a partition frame and a grid installed inside it. Of the four sides of the partition frame, two opposite sides are flow sides, and the other two opposite sides are water distribution sides. The number of water distribution ports is even, symmetrically distributed circumferentially along the partition frame, with the same number of ports on opposite water distribution sides. Through innovative design of the water distribution port layout, this partition can form multiple different compartments through different rotation and orientation methods. It effectively solves the problems of requiring multiple partition sizes for multiple compartments, uneven fluid distribution in multiple channels, and the potential for dead zones, greatly improving the flexibility and adaptability of electrodialysis devices and providing a more expandable core component for applications in water treatment, chemical separation, and other fields.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrodialysis equipment technology, and in particular to an electrodialysis partition structure adapted to multiple channels and multiple compartments. Background Technology

[0002] Electrodialysis is a highly efficient membrane separation technology widely used in seawater desalination, wastewater treatment, and other fields. Its core component is the membrane stack, and one of the key components of the membrane stack is the separator. The separator separates the anion and cation membranes while simultaneously forming fluid channels. Traditional separator structures typically create compartments at the top and bottom of the separator through the distribution of water inlets and flow channels, facilitating fluid distribution and flow. For dual-compartment structures used in concentration and desalination, fluid distribution can be achieved by alternating the arrangement of single separators. Currently, for multi-compartment structures, the function of multiple compartments is often achieved through the distribution of the position and number of upper and lower flow channels. The flow channel construction of traditional separators often results in uneven fluid distribution within the compartments and easily creates severe dead zones, reducing the effective membrane area. This not only affects the treatment efficiency and effect of electrodialysis but may also lead to excessive ion consumption, low conductivity, high resistance, heat generation, and ultimately scaling problems due to localized fluid retention, reducing the stability and lifespan of the equipment. For multi-compartment structures such as three or four rooms, different specifications of partitions are required to meet the circulation needs of each compartment, which increases the variety of equipment accessories and costs.

[0003] In summary, existing partition structures have significant limitations, failing to meet the needs of multiple compartments and hindering the modular and low-cost development of electrodialysis technology. Developing partitions that are adaptable to multiple compartments, require no customization, and provide uniform fluid distribution is an urgent problem to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a separator structure for electrodialysis that is adaptable to multiple channels and compartments, thereby solving the problems of multiple compartments requiring separators of different specifications, uneven fluid distribution in multiple channels, and the easy generation of dead zones in the aforementioned existing technologies.

[0005] The technical solution of this utility model to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: An electrodialysis partition structure adapted to multiple channels and multiple compartments includes a square partition body, the partition body including a partition frame, a water distribution port, a flow channel port and a grid. The grid is fixedly installed on the inner side of the partition frame; Of the four sides of the partition frame, two opposite sides are designated as water distribution sides, on which the water distribution port and the flow channel are provided; the other two opposite sides are designated as flow sides, on which the flow channel is provided; the flow channel and the water distribution port are spaced apart. The flow channel is used to guide the fluid to flow longitudinally between different functional compartments, forming a main channel; The water distribution port is used to evenly distribute the fluid from the future autonomous channel to the internal flow channel of the current compartment, or to collect the fluid in the internal flow channel to the main channel; The number of water outlets is even, and they are evenly and symmetrically distributed along the water distribution side where they are located, and the number of water outlets on two opposite water distribution sides is the same. The partition structure can change its placement orientation by rotating 90° around the center or flipping it in either direction to adapt and form compartments with different functions.

[0006] Furthermore, the water inlets are evenly distributed along the side of the partition frame, and the spacing between adjacent water inlets is equal.

[0007] Furthermore, the number of water distribution outlets is 2n, where n is an even number and n≥2, and the number of water distribution outlets on each water distribution side is n.

[0008] Furthermore, the thickness of the partition body is 0.5-2.0 mm.

[0009] Furthermore, both the partition frame and the grid are made of corrosion-resistant polymer plastic sheet material.

[0010] Furthermore, the surface of the partition frame is a smooth plane.

[0011] Furthermore, the surface of the partition frame has a structure formed by intersecting fine stripes.

[0012] Furthermore, the pattern formed by the fine stripes is a rhombus, trapezoid, rectangle, or square.

[0013] In summary, compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the above technical solution are: (1) This utility model, through the innovative design of the water distribution port layout, sets the partition body as a square symmetrical structure, with an even number of water distribution ports of the same number on both opposite sides, so that a single partition can be installed in different rotation and forward and reverse placement methods. It can be arranged alternately in the up and down direction, or rotated 90 degrees around the center and then flipped horizontally, thus adapting to a three- to four-channel multi-compartment electrodialysis device. It does not require the use of partitions of various specifications, effectively reducing the cost of accessories and the complexity of replacement, and greatly improving the flexibility and adaptability of the electrodialysis device.

[0014] (2) The symmetrically distributed even number of water outlets, combined with the innovative layout, can ensure that the multi-channel fluid is evenly distributed in the flow channel, effectively avoiding the problem of uneven fluid distribution; at the same time, the symmetrical flow channel layout eliminates the fluid stagnation area in the traditional structure, greatly reduces the generation of dead corners, improves the treatment efficiency and equipment stability of electrodialysis, and provides a more expandable core component for its application in water treatment, chemical separation and other fields. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the partitions being alternately arranged in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0016] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Baffle frame; 2. Water inlet; 3. Flow channel inlet; 4. Grid; 5. First flow side; 6. Second flow side; 7. First water distribution side; 8. Second water distribution side. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The principles and features of this utility model are described below with reference to all the accompanying drawings. The examples given are only for explaining this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0018] This utility model discloses a separator structure for electrodialysis that is adaptable to multiple channels and multiple compartments.

[0019] Example 1 Reference Figures 1-2 An electrodialysis partition structure adaptable to multiple channels and multiple compartments includes a partition body, which includes a partition frame 1, water inlets 2, flow channels 3, and a grid 4. The partition frame 1 is square and has two flow sides and two water distribution sides. Each of the two opposite water distribution sides is provided with a water inlet 2. There are multiple water inlets 2, and they are arranged in an even number. The even number of water inlets 2 are evenly arranged along the circumference of the partition frame 1 and are symmetrically distributed.

[0020] The flow channel opening 3 is located on the water distribution side and the flow side, such as... Figure 1 As shown, two flow sides and two water distribution sides are arranged opposite each other. The number of flow channels 3 on the water distribution sides is half the number of flow channels 3 on the flow sides, and the flow channels 3 on the water distribution sides are spaced apart from the water distribution ports 2. The flow channels are used to guide the fluid to flow longitudinally between adjacent functional compartments to form a main channel. The water distribution ports 2 are used to evenly distribute the fluid from the autonomous channel to the internal flow channels of the current compartment, or to collect the fluid in the internal flow channels to the main channel.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the number of water outlets 2 is 2n, where n is an even number and n≥2. The number of water outlets 2 on each water distribution side is n. Taking twelve water outlets as an example, there are six water outlets on one water distribution side, and a total of twenty-four flow channels on the flow side. There are twelve flow channels on one flow side, and a total of twelve flow channels on two water distribution sides. That is, there are six flow channels on one water distribution side.

[0022] The separator frame 1 is integrally injection-molded from corrosion-resistant homopolypropylene (PPH) plastic, and has a square overall shape with a side length of 250 mm; the internal grid 4 has a length and width of 180 mm, and is ultrasonically welded inside the separator frame 1. The thickness of the separator body is 0.5 mm. The selection of this thickness and material not only meets the structural strength requirements of the 3-4 channel membrane stack, but also can withstand the high-salt corrosion in the concentrated water chamber and the acid-base environment (pH 1-14) of the electrode water chamber during the electrodialysis process. At the same time, compared with the traditional separator with a thickness of 7-10 mm for the electrode water chamber, the overall resistance of the membrane stack is effectively reduced.

[0023] The surface of the separator frame 1 may be smooth, but is preferably a structure formed by intersecting crisscross fine stripes to ensure the sealing effect, and the pattern formed by the intersecting crisscross fine stripes is not limited to rhombus, trapezoid, rectangle or square and the like.

[0024] For ease of description, in this embodiment, the two flow side edges are respectively set as the first flow side edge 5 and the second flow side edge 6, and the two water distribution side edges are respectively set as the first water distribution side edge 7 and the second water distribution side edge 8, as shown in Figure 2 the figure.

[0025] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, taking chamber A in Figure 2 as an example, chamfers are provided at the connections between the first water distribution side edge 7 and the first flow side edge 5, and between the first flow side edge 5 and the second water distribution side edge 8, so as to facilitate smoother transition of the fluid.

[0026] This embodiment provides an electrodialysis separator structure. Through diversified installation methods of a single-specification separator, it can flexibly adapt to the multi-chamber functional requirements of a four-chamber (chamber A - chamber B - chamber C - chamber D) membrane stack. The specific installation methods are as follows: (1) Forward installation (adapted to chamber A): The separator is arranged in the forward direction, with the water distribution ports 2 on the upper and lower water distribution side edges as the main flow channels, which adapts to the requirements of narrow flow channels and high uniform water distribution of chamber A.

[0027] (2) Reverse installation (adapted to chamber B): The separator is turned over and arranged, and the symmetrical structure of the water distribution ports 2 is utilized to meet the strong scouring water distribution requirement of chamber B (concentrated water chamber), so as to reduce membrane surface scaling.

[0028] (3) 90° rotation + forward installation (adapted to chamber C): The separator is rotated 90° clockwise around its center and then arranged in the forward direction. At this time, the water distribution ports 2 on the transverse water distribution side edges are turned into the main flow channels, forming a flow channel structure with a short process and a large cross section, which is an installation method adapted to the flow demand of chamber C.

[0029] (4) 90° rotation + reverse installation (adapted to chamber D): The separator is arranged in the reverse direction again to further optimize the flow channel distribution and adapt to the fluid distribution demand of chamber D.

[0030] Therefore, in this embodiment, only one type of baffle is needed. By using different installation methods, such as alternating forward and reverse arrangements or alternating forward and reverse arrangements after a 90-degree rotation, it can flexibly adapt to the various compartment requirements of single-channel to four-channel (A-B-C-D) membrane stacks. This design not only simplifies the assembly process of the electrodialysis unit and reduces downtime and operating costs caused by replacing baffles of different specifications, but also significantly improves the overall operating efficiency and stability of the unit. Specifically, the alternating forward and reverse arrangement ensures highly uniform water distribution in the narrow flow channel between A and B chambers, effectively preventing local concentrations from being too high or too low, thereby improving the separation effect of electrodialysis. At the same time, the reverse-installed baffle meets the requirements of the concentrate chamber (B chamber) for strong flushing water distribution, which helps to reduce membrane fouling and extend the membrane's service life. The alternating forward and reverse arrangement after a 90-degree rotation further optimizes the fluid distribution in high-flow-rate compartments such as C chamber by forming a short-flow, large-section flow channel structure, thereby improving the overall processing capacity.

[0031] The partition structure and installation method of this embodiment have the following advantages: 1. Simplified assembly and reduced costs: Only one type of partition is required, and it can be adapted to four compartments through diversified installation. There is no need to customize multiple types of partitions, which reduces downtime and operating costs caused by changing different types of partitions during membrane stack assembly.

[0032] 2. Improve operational efficiency and stability: The combination of forward and reverse installations ensures highly uniform water distribution in chamber A and strong flushing water distribution in chamber B, avoiding localized excessively high or low concentrations. At the same time, it reduces the scaling rate in the concentrate chamber by 60% compared to traditional baffles. The 90° rotation and reverse installation method creates a short-flow, large-section flow channel that optimizes the high-flow-rate fluid distribution in chambers C and D, thereby improving the overall processing capacity of the membrane stack.

[0033] 3. Optimized fluid distribution: The symmetrically distributed water inlets 2 allow the fluid to enter the flow channel evenly from all sides of the baffle, with the flow velocity deviation controlled within ±5%, effectively avoiding the "flow deviation" problem caused by traditional single-sided water distribution; at the same time, the symmetrical flow channel design without single-sided obstruction completely eliminates fluid stagnation dead zones.

[0034] Example 2 The core difference between Example 2 and Example 1 lies in the adjustment of the number of water inlets 2 and the size of the baffle plate, in order to adapt to miniaturized electrodialysis equipment.

[0035] The side length of the baffle body is set to 100mm, the side with the water distribution port 2 has a length of 72mm and a thickness of 2mm. It is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite material that is resistant to extreme acids and alkalis and is suitable for industrial wastewater treatment scenarios with high salinity (TDS>10000mg / L).

[0036] The total number of water inlets 2 is set to 8, with 4 distributed on each of the two flow sides. The distance between adjacent water inlets 2 is 18mm, maintaining circumferential symmetry and uniform spacing.

[0037] During assembly, the combination of "rotation + flipping" installation method can be used to adapt to four-channel (freshwater chamber-concentrate chamber-freshwater chamber-electrode chamber) membrane stacks. A single partition can meet the flow channel requirements of different compartments without additional customization, reducing the cost of spare parts inventory by 50%.

[0038] This utility model achieves the adaptation of a single-specification partition to multiple channels and multiple compartments through a symmetrical and standardized structural design, while solving the problems of uneven fluid distribution and dead zones. It has good applicability in electrodialysis equipment of different scales and operating conditions.

[0039] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A multi-pass multi-compartment electrodialysis spacer structure comprising a square spacer body, characterized in that: The partition body includes a partition frame (1), a water distribution port (2), a flow channel (3), and a grid (4); The grid (4) is fixedly installed on the inner side of the partition frame (1); Of the four sides of the partition frame (1), two opposite sides are set as water distribution sides, on which the water distribution port (2) and the flow channel port (3) are opened; the other two opposite sides are set as flow sides, on which the flow channel port (3) is opened; the flow channel port (3) and the water distribution port (2) are spaced apart. The flow port (3) is used to guide the fluid to flow longitudinally between compartments with different functions to form a main channel; The water inlet (2) is used to evenly distribute the fluid of the future autonomous channel to the internal flow channel of the current compartment, or to collect the fluid in the internal flow channel to the main channel; The number of water outlets (2) is even, and they are evenly and symmetrically distributed along the water distribution side where they are located, and the number of water outlets (2) on two opposite water distribution sides is the same. The partition structure can change its placement orientation by rotating 90° around the center or flipping it in either direction to adapt and form compartments with different functions.

2. The electrodialysis partition structure adaptable to multiple channels and multiple compartments according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water inlets (2) are evenly arranged along the side of the partition frame (1), and the spacing between adjacent water inlets (2) is equal.

3. A multi-pass multi-compartment electrodialysis cell structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The number of water outlets (2) is 2n, where n is an even number and n≥2, and the number of water outlets (2) on each side of the water distribution is n.

4. A multi-pass multi-compartment electrodialysis cell structure according to claim 1, wherein: The thickness of the partition body is 0.5-2.0 mm.

5. A multi-pass multi-compartment electrodialysis cell structure according to claim 1, wherein: The partition frame (1) and the grid (4) are both made of corrosion-resistant polymer plastic sheet material.

6. A multi-pass multi-compartment electrodialysis cell structure according to claim 1, wherein: The surface of the partition frame (1) is a smooth plane.

7. A multi-pass multi-compartment electrodialysis cell structure according to claim 1, wherein: The surface of the partition frame (1) is a structure formed by the intersection of fine stripes.

8. A multi-pass multi-compartment electrodialysis stack structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The pattern formed by the fine stripes is a rhombus, trapezoid, rectangle, or square.

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