Process and plant for producing one or more electrolysis products

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a process and a plant for producing one or more electrolysis products, in particular hydrogen and / or oxygen, using one or more electrolysis cells, in particular one or more electrolysis cells with a proton exchange membrane. Background of the invention

[0002] The production of hydrogen using electrolysis cells with proton exchange membranes (PEMs) is well known. In such electrolysis cells, the proton exchange membrane, which serves to conduct protons, separate the product gases, and electrically insulate the anode and cathode sides, is formed by a solid polymer electrolyte. The use of electrolysis cells with proton exchange membranes can overcome some of the problems associated with partial load operation and the low potential current densities that occur with conventional alkaline electrolysis.

[0003] Due to the comparatively high pressure of the hydrogen produced when using electrolysis cells with proton exchange membranes, consumers can be supplied directly. The high current densities that can be used lead to comparatively low operating costs, particularly in cases where dynamic electrical energy sources such as wind and solar are used, whose power peaks cannot otherwise be utilized. The polymer electrolyte enables the use of thin membranes, for example, approximately 100 to 200 µm, at high pressures. This leads to low ohmic losses, which are primarily caused by the conduction of protons through the membrane and the formation of pressurized hydrogen.

[0004] Due to its rigid structure, the polymer electrolyte membrane exhibits a low gas transfer rate, which can lead to very high product gas purity. This can be particularly advantageous for storage safety and for direct use, for example, in a fuel cell.

[0005] Voltage losses in a corresponding electrolysis cell can occur in particular due to internal electrical resistances, proton conductivity, mass transport through the cell and catalyst utilization.

[0006] The anode reaction in a proton exchange membrane electrolysis cell is commonly referred to as the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). At the anode, the liquid reactant water is fed to the catalyst and oxidized to oxygen, protons, and electrons: 2 H 2 O (I) → O 2 (g) + 4 H +< (aq) + 4 e -<

[0007] The cathode reaction is commonly referred to as the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this reaction, the supplied electrons combine with the protons passing through the membrane, producing gaseous hydrogen: 4 H +< (aq) + 4 e -< → 2 H 2 (g)

[0008] In addition to hydrogen from the cathode side, the oxygen produced on the anode side in corresponding electrolysis cells can also be utilized. The present invention can relate to the production of hydrogen on the cathode side and oxygen on the anode side of a corresponding electrolysis.

[0009] The present invention aims to improve the production of hydrogen and / or oxygen, particularly using electrolysis cells with proton exchange membranes, and in particular to make it safer and more reliable. Typical prior art documents include WO01 / 06038, JPH08144078, and JP2019178357. Disclosure of the invention

[0010] Against this background, the present invention proposes a method and a plant for producing one or more electrolysis products, in particular hydrogen and / or oxygen, and in particular using an electrolysis cell with a proton exchange membrane, having the features of the independent patent claims. Further embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0011] Although the present invention is described below primarily with reference to electrolysis using a proton exchange membrane, embodiments of the present invention can in principle also be used using other electrolysis techniques, particularly if problems addressed in the present invention occur in the same or comparable manner. Reference to electrolysis using a proton exchange membrane is made merely for simplicity and is not intended to limit the present invention thereto.

[0012] When referring here to "one" electrolysis cell, in particular with "one" proton exchange membrane (each in the singular), it is understood that embodiments of the present invention are typically realized with several such cells, whereby corresponding cells can in particular be part of a cell stack of a known type in which such cells are present in plurality. In such a stack, in an electrolysis using proton exchange membranes, a plurality of arrangements each comprising an anode, proton exchange membrane, and cathode are provided, each of which is separated from one another by separating devices and means for water feed or gas extraction. The latter can be connected to feed or collecting lines that supply the entire stack. For other types of electrolysis, a comparable stack structure can be provided, and corresponding feed and collecting lines can also be used here.

[0013] Therefore, when referring to an "anode side" or "cathode side" of an electrolysis cell of any type, these terms can also refer to the cathode sides or anode sides of the cells of corresponding cell stacks as a whole. Gas extracted from this / these cathode side(s) (as a whole) is hereinafter also referred to as "cathode extraction gas." The same applies to the anode side, i.e., an "anode extraction gas."

[0014] The cathode bleed gas is hydrogen-rich, while the anode bleed gas is oxygen-rich. However, the anode bleed gas typically contains more hydrogen than the cathode bleed gas contains more oxygen, since hydrogen typically transfers more easily to the anode side than oxygen to the cathode side. As mentioned, the use of proton exchange membranes can achieve high product purities, so that the cathode bleed gas contains very little oxygen. However, other electrolysis techniques can also produce hydrogen-rich or oxygen-rich cathode or anode bleed gases, each containing a smaller proportion of the other gas. The term "rich" can specifically refer to a content of more than 90%, 95%, 99%, or 99.5% by volume, mass, or molar.

[0015] The anode extraction gas, particularly in electrolysis with proton exchange membranes, is extracted together with water at the anode side, i.e., a two-phase flow is initially conducted from the anode side. After separation into gas and liquid phases, the former can be fed, for example, to oxygen production or released into the atmosphere.

[0016] A major problem with the two-phase flow, which contains oxygen and water, arises from its potential hydrogen content. Driven, for example, by the pressure gradient across the proton exchange membrane, hydrogen can pass through it through permeation, but this permeation is amplified when defects or cracks occur. For example, in low-load scenarios, during standby, or in the event of defects, this hydrogen content can potentially reach the lower explosive limit (LEL) of approximately 4% hydrogen in oxygen. A corresponding hydrogen transfer can, in principle, also occur in other electrolysis technologies.

[0017] The (lower) explosion limit of a gas indicates the concentration in a gas mixture above which ignition or explosion is possible while maintaining sufficient oxygen content. The latter is always the case with the oxygen-rich anode bleed gas or the aforementioned two-phase flow.

[0018] An explosion is the uncontrolled combustion of an ignitable gas mixture with a laminar flame front. An explosion differs from a detonation primarily in the speed of propagation.

[0019] In an explosion, this speed is below the speed of sound, while in a detonation it is typically well above it. Explosions and detonations of gas mixtures in containers and pipelines result in a massive increase in pressure, which can lead to the containers bursting and corresponding consequential damage. Typically, an explosion can cause a pressure increase by a factor of ten. The effects of a detonation are considerably more severe. In this case, the pressure increase factor can be 50 or more. After a certain run-up time and a minimum concentration of fuel and oxygen, an explosion can turn into a detonation.

[0020] An ignition source in the area inside and downstream of an electrolysis cell, for example, with a proton exchange membrane or a corresponding stack, cannot be completely ruled out. Therefore, the potential ignition of the potentially explosive gas mixture must be considered when designing a corresponding system.

[0021] The oxyhydrogen reaction occurs very rapidly, resulting in rapidly propagating flame speeds exceeding the speed of sound. Therefore, an explosion can develop into a detonation even in small spaces and pipelines. For a detonation scenario, very high explosion pressure conditions must be considered in the design.

[0022] Even if an explosion or detonation occurs "only" in a separator for separating the two-phase flow, damage can occur in other areas, in particular downstream equipment such as pumps or heat exchangers or an electrolysis cell or a stack itself, since the explosion pressure is transferred to them via the incompressible fluid (water).

[0023] The present invention enables safe solutions for such cases and overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. Conventionally, a corresponding explosion- or detonation-proof design is very expensive at best and technically impossible at worst. Protecting downstream equipment with pressure relief valves or rupture discs can also be problematic, as the pressure wave of the explosion or detonation propagates very rapidly, i.e., at approximately 3,000 m / s.

[0024] In the presently proposed method for producing one or more electrolysis products, in particular hydrogen and / or oxygen, one or more electrolysis cells, in particular with a proton exchange membrane, are used, wherein a hydrogen-rich cathode extraction gas is extracted from the cathode side of one or more electrolysis cells, wherein an anode extraction gas is extracted from the anode side of one or more electrolysis cells, wherein the anode extraction gas is extracted from the one or more electrolysis cells as part of a two-phase stream, wherein the two-phase stream comprises the anode extraction gas and a water phase, and wherein the two-phase stream or a part thereof is separated in a separator arrangement into the anode extraction gas and the water phase. The anode extraction gas is oxygen-rich and, due to the effects explained, has a certain hydrogen content.a certain hydrogen content cannot be completely prevented.

[0025] It is provided that a separator arrangement with a first section having a first gas space and a first liquid space, and with a second section having a second gas space and a second liquid space, is used as the separator arrangement, wherein the separator arrangement is designed such that when the first liquid space and the second liquid space are filled, a liquid seal is formed which interrupts gas contact between the first gas space and the second gas space. The liquid seal can be realized, for example, by a weir and a baffle submerged into the first liquid space, by an overflow pipe, or by a riser pipe, as explained further below with reference to corresponding exemplary embodiments.

[0026] In embodiments of the invention, a plurality of corresponding first sections, each having a first gas space and a first liquid space, can be provided, and two or more first sections can be assigned to a common second section with a second gas space and a second liquid space. In this case, the gas spaces of the plurality of first sections are each separated from the common second gas space by a liquid seal. The plurality of first sections can also be formed on two sides of a common second section and be constructed essentially mirror-inverted, as in Figure 4 and 6 illustrated in examples. For simplicity, the first section will be referred to in the singular.

[0027] In the event of an explosion or detonation, liquid can be forced from the first liquid chamber of the first section into the second section. The second section can act as a buffer due to the second gas chamber there, preventing the pressure wave from being directly transmitted through the liquid phase. This way, damage to downstream equipment can be avoided.

[0028] In principle, different designs of separator arrangements and liquid seals can be used. In designs of the invention, a separator arrangement is particularly designed such that the water phase in the first section accumulates at a weir or a second dividing wall up to a damming height and flows via the second dividing wall into the second section. The first and second gas spaces are separated from one another by a first dividing wall that descends below the liquid level in the first section, and the first dividing wall and the second dividing wall form the liquid seal. In particular, such a separator arrangement can therefore have a first dividing wall and a second dividing wall, the liquid seal being formed by the first dividing wall and the second dividing wall.In this way, a separator arrangement that is particularly simple, stable and cost-effective to manufacture can be formed using only a pressure-resistant outer wall and two partition walls.

[0029] In a corresponding embodiment of the present invention, the separator arrangement can thus have an interior space enclosed by a wall, wherein the first partition wall divides only an upper part of the interior space in a fluid-tight manner, wherein the second partition wall divides only a lower part of the interior space in a fluid-tight manner, and wherein the regions divided in a fluid-tight manner by the first partition wall and the second partition wall overlap each other. The overlap can be achieved solely by designing the partition walls so that they end at different heights.

[0030] The second partition wall can divide the lower part of the interior in a fluid-tight manner up to a storage height and the first partition wall can divide the upper part of the interior in a fluid-tight manner up to a submergence height, wherein the submergence height is arranged geodetically below the storage height.

[0031] During operation, the water phase in the first section can be accumulated by the second partition wall up to the accumulation height, so that the first partition wall submerges into a liquid level of the water phase that forms at the accumulation height. Advantageously, the water phase remains accumulated by ensuring a corresponding inflow, thus ensuring that the liquid seal remains permanently closed.

[0032] In embodiments of the invention, the second section can be at least partially filled by an overflow of the water phase from the first section via the second partition wall. An additional water feed can also be provided, for example, to compensate for shortfalls and to prevent cavitation of the downstream pump.

[0033] In particular, a liquid level of the water phase is formed in the second section, which is below the liquid level of the water phase in the first section, in particular to prevent backflow and ensure a sufficient buffer volume. This can be ensured by setting a withdrawal amount.

[0034] In other embodiments, the separator arrangement may have an overflow pipe which forms the liquid seal, for example by being immersed in the liquid accumulated in the second liquid space.

[0035] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, a first section can be formed in particular by a cylindrical container with one or two dome- or spherical segment-like terminal caps, the first section being aligned horizontally with its cylinder axis. The first section can have a first diameter perpendicular to the cylinder axis. Adjoining the first section, the second section can in particular also be provided in a cylindrical shape, wherein a cylinder axis of the second section can in particular also be aligned horizontally. The second section can have a second diameter perpendicular to the cylinder axis, which is in particular larger than the first diameter.From a region lying below a plane defined by the cylinder axis of the first section, a riser pipe can extend from the first section, in particular from a terminal cap, which further curves upwards and opens into the second section. The arrangement is operated in particular such that liquid is fed into the first section in a quantity and that liquid is withdrawn from the second section in a quantity that is dimensioned in each case such that a liquid level is formed that lies below the opening of the riser pipe in the second section.

[0036] The configuration just explained can, in particular, comprise providing two essentially identical and mirror-inverted first sections and a central second section located therebetween, so that the riser pipes from the first sections flow into the central second section. The explanations also apply mutatis mutandis to more than two first sections, which can then be arranged, for example, in a triangular, cross-shaped, star-shaped, or in series around a second section.

[0037] The two-phase stream, or its portion fed into the separator assembly, is fed into the first section, the anode extraction gas is extracted from the first gas space, and the water phase is extracted from the second section. The gas space of the second section can be connected to the surrounding atmosphere via a line, whereby a corresponding line can release gas to the outside, particularly in the event of an explosion or detonation.

[0038] As mentioned, the present invention is suitable for preventing explosion or detonation consequences even when the cathode extraction gas has, at least temporarily, a hydrogen content of more than 4% and the remainder contains oxygen.

[0039] A plant for producing one or more electrolysis products, in particular hydrogen or hydrogen and oxygen, which plant has one or more electrolysis cells, in particular with a proton exchange membrane, is also the subject of the invention, wherein the plant has means which are designed to remove a hydrogen-rich cathode extraction gas from the one or more electrolysis cells on the cathode side and to remove an anode extraction gas from the one or more electrolysis cells on the anode side, wherein the anode extraction gas is part of a two-phase stream which comprises the anode extraction gas and a water phase, and wherein the plant has a separator arrangement which is designed to separate the two-phase stream or a part thereof into the anode extraction gas and the water phase.

[0040] The separator arrangement is designed with a first section having a first gas space and a first liquid space, and with a second section having a second gas space and a second liquid space, wherein the separator arrangement is designed such that when the first liquid space and the second liquid space are filled, a liquid seal is formed which interrupts gas contact between the first gas space and the second gas space.

[0041] For further features and advantages of a corresponding system and embodiments thereof, reference is expressly made to the above explanations concerning the method proposed according to the invention and its embodiments, since these apply equally to this.

[0042] The same applies to a system which, according to an embodiment of the invention, is designed to carry out a method according to any embodiment of the present invention. Short description of the drawing

[0043] Embodiments of the invention are described below purely by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 illustrates the background of the present invention, Figure 2 illustrates a system according to an embodiment of the invention, and Figures 3 to 6 possible details of the system according to Figure 2 illustrate. Embodiments of the invention

[0044] The embodiments described below are provided solely for the purpose of assisting the reader in understanding the claimed and previously discussed features. They are merely representative examples and are not intended to be exhaustive and / or limiting with respect to the features of the invention. It is to be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described above and below are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined in the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.

[0045] Different embodiments of the invention may include, comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of other useful combinations of the described elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., even if such combinations are not specifically described herein. Furthermore, the disclosure may encompass other inventions that are not currently claimed but that may be claimed in the future, particularly if they are encompassed within the scope of the independent claims.

[0046] Explanations relating to devices, apparatuses, arrangements, systems, etc. according to embodiments of the present invention may also apply to methods, processes, methods, etc. according to the embodiments of the present invention, and vice versa. Elements, method steps, etc. that are identical, act in the same way, function correspondingly, are structurally identical, or have comparable constructions may be identified with identical reference numerals.

[0047] The present invention and embodiments thereof are explained below with reference to electrolysis with a proton exchange membrane. However, as mentioned several times, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0048] In Figure 1 is a highly simplified flow chart illustrating the background of the present invention

[0049] In Figure 1The water and oxygen cycles on the anode side of an electrolysis cell with a proton exchange membrane are illustrated. The electrolysis cell, or a corresponding stack of multiple electrolysis cells, is indicated by 10. Details and the cathode extraction gas extracted from the cathode side, which is essentially pure hydrogen, are not illustrated.

[0050] As previously explained, a two-phase stream 1 with a water and a gas component from the electrolysis cell or stack 10 is initially conducted on the anode side. In addition to oxygen, the gas component also contains hydrogen due to permeation through the proton exchange membrane, and to an increased extent in the case of defects in the proton exchange membrane.

[0051] The two-phase stream is fed into a separator 200, in the lower region of which the water portion of two-phase stream 1 separates, allowing it to be withdrawn as water stream 2 (with certain residual amounts of dissolved gases). Water stream 2 can be circulated by a pump 30 and tempered by a heat exchanger 40.

[0052] The gas portion can be in the form of a gas stream 3 and, depending on the design of the process, can be used to form an oxygen product or discarded by blowing it off to the atmosphere.

[0053] As illustrated by a jagged arrow, an explosion or detonation can occur in a gas space within separator 200, but also in the corresponding lines, if the hydrogen content in gas stream 3 is high enough. As mentioned, even if an explosion or detonation occurs "only" in separator 200, damage can occur in other areas, particularly downstream devices such as pump 30, heat exchanger 40, or electrolysis cell or stack 10, since the explosion pressure is transferred to them via the incompressible fluid (water).

[0054] In Figure 2 A system according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated and designated overall by 100. The already Figure 1 explained and designated there, ie the electrolysis cell or stack 10, the pump 30 and the heat exchanger 40, will not be explained again.

[0055] As in Figure 2 As illustrated, the system 100 comprises a separator arrangement 20 formed from a first section 21 and a second section 22, each having a gas space and a liquid space. A liquid seal 23 is formed between the sections 21 and 22. Alternatively, the separator arrangement 20 is designed such that upon filling during operation of the system 100, a liquid seal 23 is formed, which interrupts gas contact between the gas spaces in the first and second sections 21 and 22. Details of a possible embodiment are given in the following Figures 3 to 6 In this way, the area downstream of the first section 21 can be kept free of explosive or detonation-capable gas mixtures.

[0056] In the Figure 2In the system illustrated, therefore, only the area of ​​the two-phase flow 1 and the first section 21 with the elements directly connected thereto must be designed to be explosion- or detonation-proof, and in particular in the event of an explosion or detonation in the first section 21, the pressure wave cannot penetrate, or can only penetrate to a reduced extent, the downstream elements such as the pump 30 and the heat exchanger 40. This is achieved by creating a gaseous buffer volume in the second section 22 and interrupting the direct connection between the two liquid spaces.

[0057] In Figure 3 is one, for example, in an Annex 100 according to Figure 2 The separator arrangement 20 can be used, the integration of which is identical to that in Figure 2 designated streams 1, 2 and 3. Another gas stream is in Figure 3 designated 4.

[0058] The separator assembly 20 has a wall 26 in which two chambers are formed, forming the first section 21 and the second section 22. The liquid seal 23 is formed by two partition walls, with a first partition wall 24 separating a gas space 21a of the first section 21 from a gas space 22a of the second section 22. The second partition wall 25, in contrast, separates a liquid space 21b of the first section 21 from a liquid space 22b of the second section 22.

[0059] The liquid levels in the first section 21 and the second section 22 are each shown in dashed lines and additionally marked with triangles. If an explosion or detonation occurs in the first section 21, liquid spills from the liquid space 21b of the first section 21 into the liquid space 22b of the second section 22, but the explosion pressure wave cannot penetrate the downstream devices. Gas from the gas space 22a of the second section 22 can escape in the form of the gas stream 4.

[0060] If required, additional water can be fed into the second section 22 or its liquid space 22b via a line 27 or a valve arranged therein, not separately designated, for example to replace water split in the electrolysis process.

[0061] In other words, an interior space 26a is enclosed by the wall 26. The first partition wall 24 divides only an upper part of the interior space 26a in a fluid-tight manner, and the second partition wall 25 divides only a lower part of the interior space 26a in a fluid-tight manner, wherein the regions divided in a fluid-tight manner by the first partition wall 24 and the second partition wall 25 overlap one another in a horizontal view.

[0062] More precisely, the second partition wall 25 divides the lower part of the interior space 26a up to a damming height 26c, and the first partition wall 24 divides the upper part of the interior space 26a up to a submergence height 26b. The submergence height 26b is arranged geodetically below the damming height 26c, so that the water phase 2 in the first section 21 can be dammed up to the damming height 26c by means of the second partition wall 25, and the first partition wall 24 submerges into a liquid level of the water phase 2 forming at the damming height 26c.

[0063] The second section 22 is at least partially filled by an overflow stream of the water phase 2 from the first section 21 via the second partition 25. Water can also be fed in via line 27. In any case, a liquid level of the water phase is formed in the second section 22 that lies below the liquid level of the water phase in the first section 21.

[0064] The two-phase stream 1 is fed into the first section 21, and the anode extraction gas 3 is extracted from the first gas chamber 21a. The water phase 2 is discharged from the second section 22, in particular to a pump 30. The liquid level in the second liquid chamber 22b depends on the amount of stream 2 extracted.

[0065] In Figure 4 is another, for example in an Annex 100 according to Figure 2, which is designated here, however, with 20'. This has a symmetrical structure, wherein a further first section is provided, which is designated overall with 21' and whose components are each provided with corresponding, primed reference numerals. The integration results from the identical as in Figure 2 designated streams 1, 2 and 3, or correspondingly designated streams 1' and 3'. The separator arrangement 20' according to Figure 4 is particularly suitable for connecting several electrolysis cells or stacks 10 to a common pump 30.

[0066] In Figure 5 is another, for example in an Annex 100 according to Figure 2 usable separator arrangement, which is Figure 5but is not separately designated. This comprises an overflow pipe 29, wherein liquid is accumulated in the first liquid chamber 21b up to the accumulation height, also designated here by 26c, and wherein the overflow pipe 29 dips into the liquid chamber 22b in the second section 22 and thus forms the liquid seal 23.

[0067] In Figure 6 is another, for example in an Annex 100 according to Figure 2 usable separator arrangement, which is Figure 6 is also not specifically designated.

[0068] In the specific embodiment of the present invention illustrated here, a first section 21 (a corresponding, mirror-inverted further second section 21' may be present, but is not explained separately) may be formed in particular by a cylindrical container with one or two dome- or spherical segment-like terminal caps, which with its cylinder axis, which in Figure 6 shown in dash-dotted lines, is horizontally aligned. The first section 21 can have a first diameter perpendicular to the cylinder axis.

[0069] Adjacent to the first section, a second section 22 can be provided, in particular also cylindrical, but also in any desired configuration, wherein a cylinder axis of the second section can in particular also be aligned horizontally and, for example, coincide with the cylinder axis of the first section. The second section 22 can have a second diameter perpendicular to the cylinder axis, which is in particular larger than the first diameter.

[0070] From a region lying below a plane defined by the cylinder axis of the first section 21, a riser pipe 31 can be led out of the first section, in particular from a terminal cap, which riser pipe is curved upwards in its further course and opens into the second section 22. The arrangement is operated in particular in such a way that liquid is fed into the first section in an amount and that liquid is withdrawn from the second section in an amount which is in each case dimensioned such that a liquid level is formed, shown here in dashed lines, which lies below the opening of the riser pipe in the second section.

Claims

1. A method for producing one or more electrolysis products, wherein one or more electrolytic cells (10) are used, wherein a hydrogen-rich cathode extraction gas is extracted on the cathode side of the one or more electrolytic cells (10), wherein an anode extraction gas (3) is extracted on the anode side of the one or more electrolytic cells (10), wherein the anode extraction gas (3) is extracted from the one or more electrolytic cells (10) as part of a two-phase flow (1), wherein the two-phase flow (1) comprises the anode extraction gas (3) and a water phase (2), and wherein the two-phase flow (1) or part thereof is separated into the anode extraction gas (3) and the water phase (2) in a separator arrangement (20), characterized in that the separator arrangement (20) used is a separator arrangement (20) having a first portion (21), which has a first gas chamber (21a) and a first liquid chamber (21b), and having a second portion (22), which has a second gas chamber (22a) and a second liquid chamber (22b), wherein the separator arrangement (20) is designed such that, when the first liquid chamber (21b) and the second liquid chamber (22b) are filled, a liquid seal (23) is formed which interrupts gas contact between the first gas chamber (21a) and the second gas chamber (22a), and in particular liquid contact between the first liquid chamber (21b) and the second liquid chamber (22b) is additionally prevented by the second gas chamber (22a) by means of a correspondingly controlled liquid level in the second portion (22).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein one or more electrolytic cells (10) having a proton exchange membrane are used.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the separator arrangement (20) is designed such that the water phase (2) accumulates in the first portion (21) up to an accumulation height (26c) and flows via a liquid seal (23) into the second portion (22).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the separator arrangement (20) has a first partition wall (24) and a second partition wall (25), wherein the liquid seal (23) is formed by the first partition wall (24) and the second partition wall (25).

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the separator arrangement (20) has an overflow pipe (29) which forms the liquid seal (23).

6. The method according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first portion (21) is formed by a cylindrical container, the cylinder axis of which is oriented horizontally and which has a first diameter perpendicularly to the cylinder axis thereof.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the cylindrical container has one or two dome- or spherical-segment-like terminal caps.

8. The method according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the second portion (22) is formed by a further cylindrical container, in particular wherein a cylinder axis of the second portion (22) is oriented horizontally.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the second portion (22) has a second diameter perpendicularly to the cylinder axis thereof that is greater than the first diameter.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein, from a region which lies below a horizontal plane defined by the cylinder axis of the first portion (21), a riser pipe (31) is led out of the first portion (21), which riser pipe is curved upwards in its further course and opens into the second portion (22).

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two-phase flow (1) or the part thereof fed into the separator arrangement (20) is fed into the first portion (21).

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anode extraction gas (3) is extracted from the first gas chamber (21a).

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water phase (2) is extracted from the second portion (22).

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anode extraction gas (3) has, at least temporarily, a hydrogen content of more than 4% and, in the remainder, oxygen.

15. A plant (100) for producing one or more electrolysis products, comprising one or more electrolytic cells (10), wherein the plant (100) has means which are configured to extract a hydrogen-rich cathode extraction gas on the cathode side of the one or more electrolytic cells (10) and to extract an anode extraction gas (3) on the anode side of the one or more electrolytic cells (10), wherein the anode extraction gas (3) is part of a two-phase flow (1) that comprises the anode extraction gas (3) and a water phase (2), and wherein the plant (100) has a separator arrangement (20) which is configured to separate the two-phase flow (1) or part thereof into the anode extraction gas (3) and the water phase (2), characterized in that the separator arrangement (20) is formed having a first portion (21), which has a first gas chamber (21a) and a first liquid chamber (21b), and having a second portion (22), which has a second gas chamber (22a) and a second liquid chamber (22b), wherein the separator arrangement (20) is designed such that, when the first liquid chamber (21b) and the second liquid chamber (22b) are filled, a liquid seal (23) is formed which interrupts gas contact between the first gas chamber (21a) and the second gas chamber (22a), and in particular liquid contact between the first liquid chamber (21b) and the second liquid chamber (22b) is additionally prevented by the second gas chamber (22a) by means of a correspondingly controlled liquid level in the second portion (22).