Electrolysis apparatus

Abstract

To provide an electrolysis device that can suppress leakage of current based on liquids such as electrolyte and polar solvent while reducing the use of equipment, piping, etc., made of non-conductor.SOLUTION: An electrolysis device 1 according to an embodiment comprises: an electrolysis cell 4 comprising a first electrode chamber 2, a second electrode chamber 3, and a barrier membrane 15; a gas supply part 5; an electrolyte supply part 8; an electrolyte and product gas discharge piping 10; a gas-liquid separator 11; an electrolyte tank 12; a high concentration electrolyte tank 16; a high concentration electrolyte supply device 17; a polar solvent supply device 19; and an electrolyte supply piping 9, 14. The electrolyte and product gas discharge piping 10, the gas-liquid separator 11, the liquid discharge piping 13, the electrolyte tank 12, the electrolyte supply device 8, and the electrolyte supply piping 9 and 14 are configured with a nonconductor, the high concentration electrolyte supply device 17 and the polar solvent supply device 19 is configured to supply high-concentration electrolyte and polar solvent from a gas phase part of the electrolyte tank 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electrolysis apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrolysis (hereinafter also referred to as electrolysis) is a method of chemically decomposing a compound by applying a voltage or potential to it, causing a reduction reaction at the cathode and an oxidation reaction at the anode. Generally, when an electrolysis cell stack is energized, current leaks through the electrolyte to equipment far from the electrodes. If the wetted parts of the equipment are good conductors, the equipment will deteriorate and will not be able to maintain its durability over a long period of time. For this reason, conventional electrolysis cell stacks require maintenance work in short periods of less than one year, and metal ions and other impurities leach from the equipment, supplying these metal ions and other impurities to the electrolysis cell stack along with the electrolyte, which degrades the performance of the electrolysis cell stack.

[0003] To reduce maintenance frequency and the contamination of electrolysis cell stacks with impurities, the use of non-conductive materials such as resins and ceramics in the wetted parts of equipment and in the piping that carries the electrolyte is being considered. However, since resins and ceramics, especially resins, cannot be used in high-temperature and high-pressure environments, equipment using non-conductive materials in the wetted parts is not common and is costly. To reduce the cost of electrolysis equipment and increase its durability under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, there is a need to reduce the use of equipment that uses non-conductive materials in the wetted parts.

[0004] For example, when ionic substances and polar solvents constituting the electrolyte are consumed by electrolysis, it is necessary to replenish them with a high-concentration electrolyte or polar solvent that has a high proportion of ionic substances. Even if ionic substances are not actively consumed by electrochemical reactions in the electrolysis cell stack, they are gradually consumed by precipitation and other means. Furthermore, disposing of electrolytes containing ionic substances is not only costly but also environmentally harmful. For these reasons, an electrolyte tank is installed in the electrolyte circulation system to contain the electrolyte, and the electrolyte tank is replenished with a high-concentration electrolyte or polar solvent that has a high proportion of ionic substances. In this case, since the electrolyte circulation system becomes a current leakage path, it is necessary to reduce the use of non-conductive equipment and suppress current leakage due to liquids such as electrolytes and polar solvents. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6818711 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an electrolysis apparatus that reduces the use of non-conductive equipment and piping, while suppressing current leakage caused by liquids such as electrolytes and polar solvents. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The electrolysis apparatus of the embodiment comprises an electrolysis cell for electrolyzing the gas and the electrolyte, and a first electrode chamber in which a first electrode is arranged and gas is supplied, a second electrode chamber in which a second electrode is arranged and electrolyte is supplied, and a diaphragm arranged to separate the first electrode chamber and the second electrode chamber, and The aforementioned supplying gas Device And into the second electrode chamber The aforementioned Electrolyte supply Device And, 1 train A product gas discharge pipe for discharging the product gas generated in the anode chamber, and the first 2 electric An electrolytic solution and product gas discharge pipe for discharging the electrolytic solution containing the product gas generated in the anode chamber, a gas-liquid separator connected to the electrolytic solution and product gas discharge pipe, a liquid discharge pipe for discharging the liquid containing the electrolytic solution from the gas-liquid separator, an electrolytic solution tank connected to the liquid discharge pipe for storing the electrolytic solution, a high-concentration electrolytic solution tank for storing a high-concentration electrolytic solution having a higher electrolyte concentration than the electrolytic solution, a high-concentration electrolytic solution supply device for supplying the high-concentration electrolytic solution from the high-concentration electrolytic solution tank to the electrolytic solution tank, a polar solvent supply device for supplying a polar solvent to the electrolytic solution tank, and an electrolytic solution supply pipe for supplying the electrolytic solution from the electrolytic solution tank to the second electrode chamber by the electrolytic solution supply device. In the electrolysis apparatus of the embodiment, the electrolytic solution and product gas discharge pipe, the gas-liquid separator, the liquid discharge pipe, the electrolytic solution tank, the electrolytic solution supply device, and the electrolytic solution supply pipe are made of a non-conductor, and the high-concentration electrolytic solution supply device and the polar solvent supply device are configured to supply the high-concentration electrolytic solution and the polar solvent from the gas phase part of the electrolytic solution tank.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] [Figure 1] It is a figure which shows the electrolysis apparatus of 1st Embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a figure which shows the ladle part as a liquid supply part of the electrolytic solution tank in the electrolysis apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a figure which shows the ladle part of the electrolytic solution tank in 3rd Embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a figure which shows the ladle part of the electrolytic solution tank in 4th Embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a figure which shows the ladle part of the electrolytic solution tank in 5th Embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a figure which shows the ladle part of the electrolytic solution tank in 6th Embodiment. [Figure 7]This figure shows a first example of a gas-liquid separator and a watering can section provided inside it in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing an electrolysis apparatus according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows a second example of a gas-liquid separator and a watering can section provided inside it in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an electrolysis apparatus according to the eighth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The electrolytic apparatus of the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment shown below, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions may be partially omitted. The drawings are schematic, and the relationship between thickness and planar dimensions, the ratio of the thickness of each part, etc., may differ from those in reality.

[0010] Figure 1 shows an electrolysis apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, a carbon dioxide electrolytic reduction apparatus that produces carbon compounds such as carbon monoxide (CO) by electrolyzing carbon dioxide (CO2) will be described as the electrolysis apparatus. However, the electrolysis apparatus in the embodiment is not limited to this, and may also be an electrolysis apparatus for water (H2O), etc.

[0011] The electrolysis apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises an electrolysis cell 4 having a cathode chamber 2 and an anode chamber 3, a carbon dioxide supply device 5 for supplying carbon dioxide-containing gas, a carbon dioxide supply pipe 6 for supplying carbon dioxide-containing gas to the cathode chamber 2 of the electrolysis cell 4, a first product gas discharge pipe 7 connected to the product gas discharge port of the cathode chamber 2, an electrolyte supply device 8 for supplying electrolyte, an electrolyte supply downstream pipe 9 for supplying electrolyte to the anode chamber 3 of the electrolysis cell 4, an electrolyte and product gas discharge pipe (second product gas discharge pipe) 10 connected to the electrolyte and product discharge port of the anode chamber 3, a gas-liquid separator 11 connected to the electrolyte and product gas discharge pipe 10, an electrolyte tank 12 for containing electrolyte, a liquid discharge pipe 13 for discharging liquid containing electrolyte from the gas-liquid separator 11 to the electrolyte tank 12, and an electrolyte supply upstream pipe 14 for supplying electrolyte from the electrolyte tank 12 to the electrolyte supply device 8.

[0012] The electrolysis cell 4 comprises a cathode chamber (first electrode chamber) 2, an anode chamber (second electrode chamber) 3, and a separator 15 arranged to separate them. The cathode chamber (first electrode chamber) 2 contains a cathode (reduction electrode), which is not shown in the illustration. The anode chamber (second electrode chamber) 2 contains an anode (oxidation electrode), which is not shown in the illustration. The electrolysis cell 4 is commonly used as an electrolysis cell stack by stacking multiple cells. The cathode (reduction electrode) contains a catalyst for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) to produce carbon compounds. The anode (oxidation electrode) contains a catalyst for oxidizing water (H2O) to produce oxygen (O2).

[0013] The cathode and anode are connected to a power source (not shown). The power source supplies power to cause a redox reaction in the electrolytic cell 4 and is electrically connected to the cathode and anode. Using the electrical energy supplied from the power source, a reduction reaction by the cathode and an oxidation reaction by the anode occur. The power source and the cathode, and the power source and the anode are connected, for example, by wiring. Between the electrolytic cell 4 and the power source, electrical devices such as an inverter, a converter, a battery, etc. may be installed as necessary. The driving method of the electrolytic cell 4 may be a constant voltage method or a constant current method.

[0014] The power source may be a normal commercial power source, a battery, etc., or may be a power source that converts renewable energy into electrical energy and supplies it. Examples of such power sources include power sources that convert kinetic energy or potential energy such as wind power, hydraulic power, geothermal energy, tidal force, etc. into electrical energy, power sources such as solar cells having a photoelectric conversion element that converts light energy into electrical energy, power sources such as fuel cells and storage batteries that convert chemical energy into electrical energy, power sources that convert vibration energy such as sound into electrical energy, etc.

[0015] As the electrolytic solution stored in the electrolytic solution tank 12 and supplied to the anode chamber 3, for example, an aqueous solution containing any electrolyte (ionic substance) can be used. Examples of the ionic substances contained in the electrolytic solution as electrolytes include hydroxide ions (OH - ), hydrogen ions (H + ), potassium ions (K + ), sodium ions (Na + ), lithium ions (Li + ), cesium ions (Cs + ), calcium ions (Ca 2+ ), magnesium ions (Mg 2+ ), chloride ions (Cl-), nitrate ions (NO3 - ), phosphate ions (PO4 2- ), borate ions (BO3 3- ), hydrogen carbonate ions (HCO3 - ), carbonate ions (CO3 2-Examples include:

[0016] The ionic substances in the electrolyte are hydroxide ions (OH - ), hydrogen ions (H + ), potassium ions (K + ), lithium ion (Li + ), bicarbonate ions (HCO3) - In this case, even with good conductive stainless steel such as SUS304, SUS316, and SUS316L, it does not corrode and does not leach impurities. The ionic substance of the electrolyte is hydroxide ions (OH - ), hydrogen ions (H + ), potassium ions (K + ), sodium ions (Na + ), chloride ions (Cl - ), nitrate ion (NO3 - ), phosphate ion (PO4 3- ), borate ions (BO3 3- ), bicarbonate ions (HCO3) - In this case, even titanium or titanium alloys, which are good conductors, will not corrode and will not leach impurities.

[0017] Around the electrolyte tank 12 are a high-concentration electrolyte tank 16 containing a high-concentration electrolyte with a higher concentration of ionic substances than the electrolyte supplied to the anode chamber 3, a high-concentration electrolyte supply device 17 that supplies the high-concentration electrolyte from the high-concentration electrolyte tank 16 to the electrolyte tank 12, a high-concentration electrolyte supply pipe 18 connected to the electrolyte tank 12 through which the high-concentration electrolyte flows from the high-concentration electrolyte tank 16 to the electrolyte tank 12, a polar solvent supply device 19 that supplies a polar solvent such as water to the electrolyte tank 12, and a polar solvent supply pipe 20 connected to the electrolyte tank 12 through which the polar solvent flows from the polar solvent supply device 19 to the electrolyte tank 12.

[0018] The electrolyte tank 12 stores the electrolyte and is supplied with a polar solvent and a high-concentration electrolyte. The electrolyte tank 12 is designed so that even if the polar solvent and the high-concentration electrolyte are mixed, a large change in the electrolyte concentration does not affect the downstream electrolysis cell 2. The electrolyte tank 12 and the gas-liquid separator 11 are reached by leakage current from the electrolysis cell 4, so by constructing them with insulators, the performance degradation of the electrolysis cell 4 is suppressed. If they are not constructed with insulators, the leakage current will cause an electrochemical reaction to occur in the conductor, metal ions etc. will dissolve into the electrolyte, and these metal ions etc. will adhere to the catalysts of the cathode and anode of the electrolysis cell, causing the electrolysis cell to deteriorate. In other words, the electrolyte supply device 8, the downstream electrolyte supply piping 9, the gas-liquid separator 11, the electrolyte and product gas discharge piping 10, the electrolyte tank 12, the liquid discharge piping 13, and the upstream electrolyte supply piping 14 are all constructed with insulators. The circulation system that circulates the electrolyte through the electrolysis cell 4, the gas-liquid separator 11, and the electrolyte tank 12 is made of insulators. This suppresses current leakage to equipment far from electrodes 2 and 3 through the electrolyte via the electrolyte circulation system when the electrolysis cell 4 is energized.

[0019] The high-concentration electrolyte supply device 17 supplies high-concentration electrolyte to the electrolyte tank 12 via the high-concentration electrolyte supply piping 18. The high-concentration electrolyte supply piping 18 is positioned to supply high-concentration electrolyte to the electrolyte tank 12 from the gas phase L of the electrolyte tank 12. That is, the high-concentration electrolyte supply piping 18 does not come into contact with the liquid phase L of the electrolyte tank 12. The polar solvent supply device 19 supplies polar solvent to the electrolyte tank 12 via the polar solvent supply piping 20. The polar solvent supply piping 20 is configured to supply polar solvent to the electrolyte tank 12 from the gas phase L of the electrolyte tank 12. That is, the polar solvent supply piping 20 does not come into contact with the liquid phase L of the electrolyte tank 12. Therefore, the high-concentration electrolyte tank 16, the high-concentration electrolyte supply device 17, the high-concentration electrolyte supply piping 18, the polar solvent supply device 19, and the polar solvent supply piping 20 are not made of insulators, and leakage current from electrodes 2 and 3 is suppressed. In other words, when supplying liquids such as high-concentration electrolytes or polar solvents at a sufficiently low flow rate, the liquid is supplied as droplets from the gas phase G of the electrolyte tank 12. When supplied as droplets, if the electrolyte tank 12 is made of an insulator, there is no path for electricity to pass through, thus insulating the upstream side of the electrolyte tank 12 from the electrolyte (liquid) stored inside the electrolyte tank 12. In this case, it is preferable that the surface of the gas phase G inside the electrolyte tank 12 is made of a material that repels electrolyte and is not covered with electrolyte.

[0020] The gas-liquid separator 11 is supplied with the electrolyte and generated gas, such as oxygen (O2), produced in the anode chamber 3, via the electrolyte and generated gas discharge pipe 10. The electrolyte and generated gas supplied to the gas-liquid separator 11 are separated into generated gas and liquid by gravity (gas-liquid separation). The separated electrolyte is sent to the electrolyte tank 12 via the liquid discharge pipe 13. The separated generated gas, such as oxygen (O2), is released to the outside via the generated gas discharge pipe 21, or stored in a tank or the like if the generated gas, such as oxygen (O2), is to be used.

[0021] Next, the electrolytic reduction of carbon dioxide using the electrolysis apparatus 1 of the first embodiment will be described. A voltage is applied from a power supply (not shown) between the anode and cathode of the electrolysis cell 4. By supplying electricity to the electrolysis cell 4 with the power supply, the carbon dioxide (CO2) supplied to the cathode chamber 2 is reduced to produce gases such as carbon monoxide (CO). The carbon dioxide (CO2) is reduced to hydroxide ions (OH) - The reaction process for generating ) is as follows: When current is supplied from a power supply between the anode and cathode, water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are reduced near the cathode as shown in equation (1) below, resulting in carbon monoxide (CO) and hydroxide ions (OH) - ) is generated. hydroxide ions (OH - ) diffuses towards the anode via the diaphragm 15, and as shown in equation (2) below, hydroxide ions (OH - ) is oxidized to produce oxygen (O2). 2CO2 + 2H2O + 4e - → 2CO + 4OH - …(1) 4OH - → 2H2O + O2 + 4e - …(2)

[0022] The electrolyte is a mixed solution of an ionic substance and a polar solvent. The electrolysis cell 4 shown in Figure 1 is configured to flow gas through the cathode chamber 2 and the electrolyte through the anode chamber 3. The electrolysis cell 2 may also be configured to flow gas through the anode chamber 3 and the electrolyte through the cathode chamber 2, with a gas-liquid separator 11 connected to the cathode chamber 3. Examples of ionic substances in the electrolyte include hydroxide ions (OH). - ), hydrogen ions (H + ), potassium ions (K + ), lithium ion (Li + Preferably, it is at least one selected from the group consisting of ), and bicarbonate ions (HCO3).

[0023] Ionic substances and polar solvents in the electrolyte are consumed by the operation of the electrolysis cell 4, or gradually consumed by precipitation, etc., even if they are not actively consumed by electrochemical reactions. Therefore, in order to measure the concentration of ionic substances in the electrolyte, it is preferable to install an electromagnetic induction type electrical conductivity meter that can measure even if the wetted parts are made of resin. An electromagnetic induction type electrical conductivity meter has a coil covered with resin, and the electrical conductivity can be measured by measuring the voltage of the detection coil, which is proportional to the induced current flowing between the excitation coil and the detection coil. Although the electrical conductivity meter is not shown in the figure, it is preferable to install it in either the upstream electrolyte supply piping 14 or the downstream electrolyte supply piping 9. It is desirable to measure the concentration of ionic substances in the electrolyte upstream of the electrolysis cell 4. Measuring in the upstream electrolyte supply piping 20, which is upstream of the electrolysis cell 4, allows for faster measurement of the concentration of ionic substances, thereby improving the control responsiveness of the polar solvent supply device 19 and the high-concentration electrolyte supply device 17.

[0024] The polar solvent supply device 19 is configured to supply pure water, for example, by providing piping containing tap water and ion exchange resin, and by filtering tap water through the ion exchange resin at tap water pressure. Alternatively, the polar solvent supply device 19 may have a configuration that stores pure water or distilled water filtered through the ion exchange resin with an electrical conductivity of 1.0 μS / cm or less in a tank, and then supplies the pure water or distilled water from there using a pump or the like. To prevent deterioration of the cathode and anode, it is preferable that the electrical conductivity of the pure water be 1.0 μS / cm or less.

[0025] The control device (not shown) functions as a control center for controlling the operation of the electrolysis apparatus 1. The control device is composed of, for example, a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, memory, input / output devices, etc. The control device reads signals from various sensors (not shown) installed in the electrolysis apparatus 1. Based on the various signals read and the control logic (program) that it has built in, it sends commands to each component of the electrolysis apparatus 1, such as the power supply device (not shown), carbon dioxide-containing gas supply device 5, electrolyte supply device 8, high-concentration electrolyte supply device 17, and polar solvent supply device 19. In this way, the control device comprehensively manages and controls all operations necessary for the operation and stopping of the electrolysis apparatus 1.

[0026] Pipes and equipment that do not contain liquid, such as the carbon dioxide-containing gas supply device 5, carbon dioxide supply piping 6, generated gas discharge piping 7, and generated gas discharge piping 21, may be made of conductive stainless steel materials such as SUS304 or SUS316L. Even if the above-mentioned equipment and piping are made of conductive materials, leakage current from the electrolysis cell 4 will not cause corrosion of the stainless steel material due to the electrolyte or the leaching of impurities as a result, and there is no risk of impurities contaminating the electrolysis cell 4 and causing it to deteriorate. On the other hand, the electrolyte supply device 8, electrolyte supply downstream piping 9, electrolyte and generated gas discharge piping 10, gas-liquid separator 11, electrolyte tank 12, liquid discharge piping 13, and electrolyte supply upstream piping 14 contain liquid such as electrolyte, and are therefore made of resin materials such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or ceramic materials such as aluminum oxide sintered bodies and silicon nitride sintered bodies.

[0027] Since flammable gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) flow through the cathode-side generated gas discharge pipe 7, it is preferable to use airtight piping and to connect the piping and equipment using flanges, threaded joints with sealing tape, Swagelok joints, V-lok joints (for example, Fujikin V-lok joints). Furthermore, to prevent the generation of static electricity, it is preferable to connect the piping to earth. Since the sealing material at the connection point, the gaskets and sealing tape of the flanges are not conductive, it is preferable to form a jumper wire between the piping and equipment so that the piping and equipment through which hydrogen flows can be connected to earth. When a narrow pipe is connected to the center of a wide pipe, condensed water accumulates in the wide pipe up to the hole in the narrow pipe, causing the flow of condensed water to become irregular. This can cause irregular gas supply and may lead to rust in the piping due to convection. When connecting a narrow pipe to a wide pipe, it is preferable to use an eccentric reducer so that condensed water generated upstream does not accumulate and flows into the narrow pipe downstream.

[0028] In the electrolysis apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the high-concentration electrolyte is insulated from the electrolyte by the non-conductive electrolyte tank 12 and its gas phase section G. Since the high-concentration electrolyte does not come into contact with the electrolyte in the electrolyte tank 12, it is possible to prevent ionic substances from diffusing into the electrolyte tank 12 due to a concentration gradient from the high-concentration electrolyte piping 18. Similarly, the polar solvent and the electrolyte can be insulated by the non-conductive electrolyte tank 12 and its gas phase section G. The polar solvent does not come into contact with the electrolyte in the electrolyte tank 12.

[0029] Since the high-concentration electrolyte is insulated from the electrolyte, the high-concentration electrolyte tank 16, high-concentration electrolyte supply device 17, and high-concentration electrolyte piping 18 do not need to be made of non-conductors, and deterioration due to leakage current can be avoided, thereby achieving lower costs and higher durability under high temperature and pressure. Diffusion of ionic substances from the high-concentration electrolyte piping 18 to the electrolyte tank 12 due to the concentration gradient can also be suppressed, making it easier to control the electrolyte concentration in the electrolyte tank 12. Since the polar solvent is insulated from the electrolyte, the polar solvent supply device 19 and polar solvent supply piping 20 do not need to be made of non-conductors, and deterioration due to leakage current can be avoided, thereby achieving lower costs and higher durability under high temperature and pressure.

[0030] (Second embodiment) The electrolysis apparatus of the second embodiment is similar in overall configuration to the electrolysis apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1, except that the internal configuration of the electrolyte tank 12 differs from that of the first embodiment. The differences from the first embodiment will be explained here with reference to Figure 2. Except for the difference in the electrolyte tank 12, the overall configuration of the electrolysis apparatus is as shown in Figure 1, and the electrolyte is configured to circulate between the anode chamber 3 of the electrolysis cell 4, the gas-liquid separator 11, and the electrolyte tank 12, and carbon dioxide-containing gas is supplied to the cathode chamber 2 of the electrolysis cell 4 from the carbon dioxide supply device 5. The configuration of each of these parts is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0031] The electrolyte tank 12 of the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, is equipped with a watering can section 22 as a liquid supply section. The watering can section 22 is installed in the gas phase section G of the electrolyte tank 12. The watering can section 22 comprises a liquid reservoir section 24 having a watering can bottom surface 23, and a liquid stopper plate 26 having a microporous aggregate 25 provided at the horizontal end of the liquid reservoir section 24. The microporous aggregate 25 is formed (opened) in the liquid stopper plate 26 with holes of a diameter of several millimeters (for example, holes of about 0.3 mm to 4 mm). The liquid stopper plate 26 having the microporous aggregate 25 is made of, for example, stainless steel perforated metal. For the microporous aggregate 25, a metal plate such as stainless steel, or a perforated plate made by punching a resin plate such as nylon or propylene may be used. The high-concentration electrolyte supply piping 18 and the polar solvent supply piping 20 are configured to supply the high-concentration electrolyte or polar solvent to the electrolyte tank 12 via the watering can section 22. The micropore aggregate 25 is opened at an angle, for example, 45 degrees, that allows the liquid to be discharged diagonally upward with respect to the vertical. In the case of the high-concentration electrolyte supply pipe 18 and polar solvent supply pipe 20 of the second embodiment, since the high-concentration electrolyte supply pipe 18 and polar solvent supply pipe 20 are not electrically connected to the electrolysis cell 4 via the electrolyte, all members constituting the watering can section 22, i.e., all members including the wetted parts, may be made of either conductive or non-conductive materials.

[0032] The high-concentration electrolyte or polar solvent liquid supplied to the electrolyte tank 12 is supplied to the watering can section 22, stored in the liquid reservoir section 24, and then discharged diagonally upward from the micropore assembly 25 by liquid pressure. At this time, the discharge rate is a function of gravity, water pressure, or the discharge pressure of the high-concentration electrolyte supply device 17, depending on the liquid level (height difference) in the watering can section 22 and the piping above it. Water pressure is affected by pressure loss due to water flow through the ion exchange resin, and considering the case where the pressure in the polar solvent supply piping 20 is zero kPa, the same as atmospheric pressure, and the minimum velocity is zero, it is the same as when water is stored in a water tank. In this case, the velocity V1 of the water discharged from the micropore assembly 25 is expressed by the following equation (3) from Bernoulli's equation. V1 = (2gH) 1 / 2 …(3) (In the formula, g is the acceleration due to gravity, 9.81 m / s²) 2 H is the height difference from the upper end of the micropore assembly 25 to the top of the high-concentration electrolyte supply pipe 18 or polar solvent supply pipe 20, which is filled with liquid.

[0033] In reality, since the pressure in the high-concentration electrolyte supply pipe 18 or the polar solvent supply pipe 20 is greater than atmospheric pressure, V1 becomes faster than the value in equation (3). When liquid is discharged diagonally upward from the micropore assembly 25, the vertical velocity decreases due to gravity, and the liquid becomes droplets D due to surface tension, falling as droplets D into the liquid phase L of the electrolyte tank 12. Therefore, the high-concentration electrolyte or polar solvent can be insulated from the liquid phase L in the gas phase G. By not constructing the high-concentration electrolyte supply device 17 and the high-concentration electrolyte pipe 18, as well as the polar solvent supply device 19 and the polar solvent supply pipe 20 from insulators, deterioration due to leakage current through the electrolyte is avoided, and cost reduction and high durability under high temperature and high pressure can be achieved.

[0034] By releasing the liquid diagonally upward from the aforementioned micropore aggregate 25 and forming the liquid into droplets D, the effect of insulating the gas phase G can be obtained not only for the polar solvent supply device 19 and polar solvent supply piping 20, but also for the high-concentration electrolyte supply device 17 and high-concentration electrolyte piping 18. For both the high-concentration electrolyte supply device 17 and high-concentration electrolyte piping 18 and the polar solvent supply device 19 and polar solvent supply piping 20, forming the liquid into droplets D allows for cost reduction and increased durability under high temperature and pressure without having to construct them with insulators. In other words, insulation can be achieved between the high-concentration electrolyte and polar solvent and the electrolyte. When applied to the liquid discharge piping 13, insulation can be achieved between the electrolytes themselves.

[0035] (Third embodiment) The electrolysis apparatus of the third embodiment has the same configuration as the second embodiment, except that the configuration of the watering can section 22 provided in the electrolyte tank 12 is different from that of the second embodiment. Therefore, the overall configuration of the electrolysis apparatus is the same as that of the electrolysis apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1. In the watering can section 22 of the third embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the upper end 25a and lower end 25b of the micropore assembly 25 are closed. Furthermore, below the micropore assembly 25, there is an overhang section 27 that extends horizontally along the bottom surface 23 of the watering can, and a wall section 28 provided at a position beyond the micropore assembly 25 on the tip side of the overhang section 27. The space between the overhang section 27 and the wall section 28 is sealed, and there is no gap.

[0036] The wall 28 cannot be crossed unless it is formed into a droplet D. For example, when ejecting a point mass diagonally upward, a 45-degree angle allows for the furthest ejection. The maximum height reached is 2V when the initial velocity V. 2 / (4×g) (g is the acceleration due to gravity, 9.81 m / s²) 2 It is known that... The water velocity V1 (=(2gH)) is derived from Bernoulli's equation described in Embodiment 2. 1 / 2 Since using this method, the highest point reached will be H / 2, so the vertical height of the wall section 28 should be H / 2 or greater.

[0037] In Embodiment 3, when the supply of liquid to the watering can section 22 is stopped, the rate of liquid discharge from the micropore aggregate 25 continues to slow down until the liquid discharge stops, and eventually it stops forming droplets and drips down from the lower end of the micropore aggregate 25. The insulating properties decrease while it is dripping. However, since there is a wall section 28 that cannot be crossed unless the liquid is in droplet form D, the overhang section 27 and the wall section 28 can hold liquid that cannot cross the wall section 28.

[0038] Because there are wall sections 28 and overhang sections 27 that can only be crossed by forming droplets D, these can hold liquid that cannot cross the wall section 28. Even if the supply of liquid to the watering can section 22 stops and the liquid drips from the lower end of the micropore assembly 25, the overhang section 27 and wall section 28 can still hold the liquid. Therefore, the insulating properties of the gas phase section G can be enhanced. Degradation due to leakage current can be suppressed even without constructing the high-concentration electrolyte piping 18 and the polar solvent supply piping 20 from insulators. Therefore, cost reduction and high durability under high temperature and high pressure can be achieved.

[0039] (Fourth embodiment) The electrolysis apparatus of the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the third embodiment, except that the configuration of the watering can section 22 provided in the electrolyte tank 12 differs from that of the third embodiment. Therefore, the overall configuration of the electrolysis apparatus is the same as that of the electrolysis apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1. In the watering can section 22 of the fourth embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the awning section 27 is provided with micropores similar to those of the micropore aggregate 25. The awning section 27 shown in Figure 4 is a micropore aggregate awning section 27A. For the micropore aggregate awning section 27A, a metal plate such as stainless steel, or a perforated plate made by punching a resin plate such as nylon or propylene can be used. The micropore aggregate awning section 27A may also utilize a membrane or mesh material having many fine pores, such as Japanese paper or sintered metal.

[0040] In the fourth embodiment, unlike the completely sealed awning portion 27 of the third embodiment, a microporous aggregate awning portion 27A with micropores of a few millimeters in size is used, so that the liquid accumulated in the microporous aggregate awning portion 27A can be dropped out as droplets by gravity. In this way, when liquid accumulates up to the microporous aggregate 25, the liquid is dropped out as droplets from the microporous aggregate awning portion 27A by gravity, so the liquid can be drained without accumulating. Once drained, if liquid is poured again from above the microporous aggregate 25, the liquid can be forcefully discharged from the microporous aggregate 25, and the liquid becomes droplets and is insulated by the gas phase portion G. Therefore, deterioration due to leakage current can be suppressed even if the high-concentration electrolyte piping 18 and the polar solvent supply piping 20 are not made of insulators. Thus, cost reduction and high durability under high temperature and high pressure can be achieved.

[0041] (Fifth embodiment) The electrolysis apparatus of the fifth embodiment has the same configuration as the fourth embodiment, except that the configuration of the watering can section 22 provided in the electrolyte tank 12 is different from that of the fourth embodiment. Therefore, the overall configuration of the electrolysis apparatus is the same as that of the electrolysis apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 5, the watering can section 22 of the fifth embodiment consists of a straight pipe 29 extending vertically, a 90-degree elbow joint 30 connected to the end of the pipe 29, and a 45-degree elbow joint 31 connected to the end of the 90-degree elbow joint 30. A micropore aggregate 25 is provided at the end of the 45-degree elbow joint 31, and a micropore aggregate wall 32 is wrapped around it and fixed. The micropore aggregate wall 32 is wrapped so that the diameter of the sides converges and narrows. The micropore aggregate wall 32 is adjusted so that it does not become thinner than the thickness of the 45-degree elbow joint 31. It is preferable to install the lower vertical part so that the opening of the micropore aggregate wall 32 is wider. The space between the microporous aggregate wall 32 and the 45-degree elbow joint 31 is sealed, allowing liquid to be stored. Note that any joint that discharges diagonally upward in the vertical direction is acceptable; therefore, the 90-degree elbow joint 30 may be omitted, and a 30-degree elbow joint or the like may be used instead of the 45-degree elbow joint 31. The microporous aggregate wall 32 may not be installed. The watering can section 22 of the fifth embodiment may consist of a vertically extending straight pipe 29, a 90-degree elbow joint 30 connected to the end of the pipe 29, and a 45-degree elbow joint 31 connected to the end of the 90-degree elbow joint 30, with a microporous aggregate 25 provided at its end.

[0042] In the fifth embodiment, the functions of the microporous aggregate eaves portion 27A and the wall portion 28 are replaced by the microporous aggregate wall 32. The microporous aggregate wall 32 can hold liquid that cannot be exceeded, and from that state, the liquid can be released as droplets by gravity. Instead of the watering can portion 22 being composed of the watering can bottom surface 23 and the microporous aggregate 25, it is composed of a vertically extending pipe 29, a 90-degree elbow joint 30, a 45-degree elbow joint 31, and the microporous aggregate wall 32, so that the high-concentration electrolyte or polar solvent supplied to the electrolyte tank 12 can be held in the watering can portion 22 and released from the microporous aggregate wall 32. While it is costly to fix the watering can bottom 23 and the microporous assembly 25 to the wall of the electrolyte tank 12 by welding or grooving, and to create a tight seal that allows liquid to accumulate, the pipe 29, 90-degree elbow fitting 30, and 45-degree elbow fitting 31 themselves are not only inexpensive, but fixing and creating a tight seal that allows liquid to accumulate can be done inexpensively.

[0043] (Sixth embodiment) The electrolysis apparatus of the sixth embodiment has the same configuration as the fifth embodiment, except that the configuration of the watering can section 22 provided in the electrolyte tank 12 is different from that of the fifth embodiment. Therefore, the overall configuration of the electrolysis apparatus is the same as that of the electrolysis apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1. In the watering can section 22 of the sixth embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the pipe diameter D1 of the pipe 29 is smaller than the pipe diameter D2 of the 45-degree elbow fitting 31, and the volume M that can be accumulated by the micropore collection wall 30 is greater than the volume N of the pipe 29 with a length of half the horizontal length where the liquid is accumulated. The 90-degree elbow fitting 30 is a different diameter elbow, and the diameter of the pipe connected to the 45-degree elbow fitting 31 may be larger.

[0044] The liquid is released due to gravity caused by the height difference in pipe 29, but since the liquid can only be released up to a length twice the height difference, the liquid accumulates on the micropore aggregate wall 31. As in the sixth embodiment, the longest distance can be achieved when the point mass is released at a 45-degree angle. The maximum reach is 2V when the initial velocity is V. 2 / (4×g) (g is the acceleration due to gravity, 9.81 m / s²) 2It is known that... The water velocity V1 (=(2gH)) is derived from Bernoulli's equation described in Embodiment 2. 1 / 2 Using this method, the highest point reached is H / 2. In other words, only liquid in the pipe 27 that is at least half the horizontal length of the micropore aggregate wall 32 can overflow the micropore aggregate wall 32. Since the volume M that the micropore aggregate wall 32 can hold is greater than the volume N of the pipe 29, which is half the horizontal length of the pipe where the liquid is stored, all the liquid that cannot overflow the micropore aggregate wall 32 can be stored in the micropore aggregate wall 32 and will not overflow from the micropore aggregate wall 32 and fall as a continuum. The stored liquid is then dripped down from the micropore aggregate wall 32 as droplets.

[0045] Even if the supply of liquid to pipe 29 stops and it drips from the lower end of the micropore aggregate wall 32, insulation can be maintained by the gas phase G. Degradation due to leakage current can be suppressed even without constructing the high-concentration electrolyte piping 18 and the polar solvent supply piping 20 from insulators. Therefore, cost reduction and high durability under high temperature and high pressure can be achieved.

[0046] (Seventh Embodiment) The electrolysis apparatus of the seventh embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the sixth embodiment, except that the configuration of the watering can section 22 provided in the electrolyte tank 12 and the configuration from the gas-liquid separator 11 to the electrolyte tank 12 are different, and that it does not have a micropore aggregate wall 32. Figure 7 shows the gas-liquid separator 11 having a watering can structure. The gas-liquid separator 11 in the seventh embodiment comprises a liquid storage section 33 provided inside it and a watering can section 22 provided on the bottom surface of the liquid storage section 33. The watering can section 22 has a configuration similar to that of the fifth embodiment, except that it does not have, for example, a micropore aggregate wall 32. Above the liquid storage section 33 is a gas phase section G1, to which the electrolyte and generated gas discharge pipe 10 is connected. The electrolyte and generated gas supplied from the electrolyte and generated gas discharge pipe 10 are separated into gas-liquid and gas-liquid in the gas phase section G1. The separated electrolyte is stored in the liquid storage section 33.

[0047] The liquid reservoir 33 is composed of a lower liquid reservoir bottom surface 33a and a liquid reservoir wall 33b, both of which are sealed to prevent spillage. The watering can section 22 is located on the liquid reservoir bottom surface 33a, and the electrolyte released from the watering can section 22 is received by a liquid receiving section 34 located on the bottom surface of the gas-liquid separator 11. All wetted parts of the components constituting the watering can section 22 located inside the gas-liquid separator 11 are insulated. As shown in Figure 8, the liquid receiving section 34 of the gas-liquid separator 11 is connected to a heat exchanger 35. The heat exchanger 35 is installed in the electrolyte flow path to cool the electrolyte using an air-cooled radiator or a latent heat air-cooled radiator.

[0048] If the heat exchanger 35 is simply connected to the gas-liquid separator, leakage current from the electrolysis cell 4 will reach the gas-liquid separator. Therefore, to prevent the elution of impurities due to leakage current, it is necessary to use a heat exchanger made of a non-conducting material to suppress the performance degradation of the electrolysis cell 4. However, non-conducting materials generally have low thermal conductivity and poor heat exchange performance, making them much larger and more expensive than heat exchangers made of good conductors such as SUS. Also, if the wetted parts are non-conducting, there are usage limits for pressure and temperature, and equipment with wetted parts made of non-conducting materials is often expensive. In contrast to these points, in the case of the gas-liquid separator 11 in which a watering can section 22 is provided in the liquid storage section 33 described above, the watering can section 22 discharges liquid diagonally upward in the vertical direction. When the velocity in the vertical direction is reduced, the liquid is formed into droplets by surface tension, and the liquid inside the watering can section 22 can be insulated from the liquid received in the liquid receiving section 34. By utilizing this phenomenon, droplets can be formed within the gas-liquid separator 11, and the leakage current from the electrolysis cell 4 can be insulated within the gas-liquid separator 11, thereby allowing the heat exchanger 35 to be constructed of conductors.

[0049] The electrolysis apparatus 1 of the seventh embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, has a gas-liquid separator equipped with a watering can section 22 inside. 11 and heat exchanger 35The electrolyte tank 12 is connected to the electrolysis apparatus by pipes 13 and 36. A watering can section (not shown in Figure 8) is provided at the connection point of pipe 36 to the electrolyte tank 12. The watering can section provided at the connection point of pipe 36 to the electrolyte tank 12 can be the same as the watering can section described in the second to sixth embodiments. In the electrolysis apparatus 1 of the seventh embodiment, by using two watering can sections, the heat exchanger 35 placed between the watering can sections can be insulated from the electrolyte before and after it, and the heat exchanger 35 can be made of a conductor. Therefore, it becomes possible to use a general-purpose small and inexpensive metal heat exchanger 35, and under high temperature and high pressure... high Durability can be achieved. The heat exchanger 35 and piping 13, 36 are made of conductors. Gas-liquid separator 11 The watering can portion provided in the electrolyte tank 12 may be made of either a conductor or an insulator.

[0050] As described above, by using a gas-liquid separator 11 equipped with a watering can section 22 and an electrolyte tank 12 equipped with a watering can section, the electrolyte can be insulated before and after the separator by the gas phase section and the generated droplets. Therefore, the heat exchanger 35 placed between the gas-liquid separator 11 equipped with the watering can section 22 and the electrolyte tank 12 equipped with the watering can section can be made of a conductor. Consequently, it becomes possible to use a general-purpose, small, and inexpensive metal heat exchanger 35, and high durability under high temperature and high pressure conditions can be achieved.

[0051] In the seventh embodiment, a flow control valve 37 and a liquid level gauge 38 may be further provided between the heat exchanger 35 and the gas-liquid separator 11, as shown in Figure 9. The liquid level gauge 38 is installed to measure the liquid level in the liquid receiving section 34, and a breakwater wall 39 is provided around it. The liquid level gauge 38 confirms that the liquid receiving section 34 has an electrolyte at a predetermined liquid level. If the electrolyte level is low, the opening of the flow control valve 37 is reduced, and if the electrolyte level is high, the opening of the flow control valve 37 is increased. The opening of the flow control valve 37 may also be adjusted according to the flow rate supplied by the electrolyte supply device 8. As a result, the piping 13 between the watering can section of the electrolyte tank 12 and the liquid receiving section 34 is filled with electrolyte, and the difference in height between the watering can section of the electrolyte tank 12 and the liquid receiving section 34 allows the electrolyte to be released from the watering can section of the electrolyte tank 12, forming droplets. Therefore, insulation can be provided between the electrolysis cell 4 and the watering can portion of the electrolyte tank 12.

[0052] Furthermore, a tray equipped with a microporous assembly may be placed adjacent to the liquid storage section 33. This allows the water level gauge 38 to detect an abnormality where the liquid level is higher than the liquid receiving section 34 if foreign matter clogs the microporous assembly 25 and the electrolyte does not flow sufficiently, thus enabling the detection of the need for maintenance of the microporous assembly 25.

[0053] Furthermore, even without control by the flow control valve 37 or the water level gauge 38, if the water level of the electrolyte accumulating in the piping decreases, the gravitational force acting on the electrolyte in the watering can section of the electrolyte tank 12 decreases, reducing the amount of fluid discharged from the watering can section of the electrolyte tank 12, and making it easier for water to accumulate in the piping. As a result, the condition of liquid accumulating in the piping can be maintained, and by adjusting the pressure loss in the watering can section and piping, the flow control valve 37 may become unnecessary.

[0054] (Eighth embodiment) As shown in Figure 10, the electrolysis apparatus of the eighth embodiment has a gas-liquid separator 11 equipped with a watering can section 22 inside, an electrical separation tank 40 equipped with a heat exchanger 35 and a watering can section (not shown in Figure 10), and an electrolyte tank 12 connected by pipes 13, 36, and 41. The electrical separation tank 40 has a configuration similar to, for example, the gas-liquid separator 11 shown in Figure 7. Other than these, it has a configuration similar to the seventh embodiment. The watering can section provided in the electrical separation tank 40 can be the watering can section described in the second to seventh embodiments. The heat exchanger 35 and pipes 13 and 36 are made of conductors. The walls of the electrical separation tank 40 are made of insulators, but the watering can section inside may be made of either conductors or insulators.

[0055] As described above, a gas-liquid separator equipped with a watering can section 22 inside. 11 By applying an electrically operated separation tank 40 equipped with a watering can section, the electrolyte can be insulated before and after the separation by the gas phase section and the generated droplets. Therefore, a gas-liquid separator equipped with a watering can section 22 11 The heat exchanger 35, positioned between the electric separation tank 40 equipped with a watering can section, can be made of a conductor. Therefore, it becomes possible to use a general-purpose, small, and inexpensive metal heat exchanger 35, and under high temperature and high pressure... high This can improve durability.

[0056] The configurations of each embodiment described above can be applied in combination, and can also be partially replaced. Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described here, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] 1... Electrolysis apparatus, 2... Cathode chamber, 3... Anode chamber, 4... Electrolysis cell, 5... Carbon dioxide supply device, 6... Carbon dioxide supply piping, 7... First product gas discharge piping, 8... Electrolyte supply device, 9... Electrolyte supply downstream piping, 10... Electrolyte and product gas discharge piping (second product gas discharge piping), 11... Gas-liquid separator, 12... Electrolyte tank, 13... Liquid discharge piping, 14... Electrolyte supply upstream piping, 16... High-concentration electrolyte tank, 17... High-concentration electrolyte supply device, 1 8...High-concentration electrolyte supply piping, 19...Polar solvent supply device, 20...Polar solvent supply piping, 22...Watering can, 23...Watering can bottom, 24...Liquid reservoir section, 25...Micropore assembly, 26...Liquid stopper plate, 27...Eaves section, 27A...Micropore assembly eaves section, 28...Wall section, 29...Straight pipe, 30...90-degree elbow fitting, 31...45-degree elbow fitting, 33...Liquid storage section, 34...Liquid receiving section, 35...Heat exchanger, 37...Flow control valve, 38...Water level gauge, G...Gas phase section, L...Liquid phase section.

Claims

1. An electrolysis cell comprising a first electrode chamber in which a first electrode is placed and gas is supplied, a second electrode chamber in which a second electrode is placed and electrolyte is supplied, and a diaphragm arranged to separate the first electrode chamber and the second electrode chamber, wherein the gas and the electrolyte are electrolyzed, A gas supply device that supplies the gas to the first electrode chamber, An electrolyte supply device that supplies the electrolyte to the second electrode chamber, A generated gas discharge pipe for discharging the generated gas generated in the first electrode chamber, An electrolyte and generated gas discharge pipe for discharging the electrolyte containing the generated gas generated in the second electrode chamber, A gas-liquid separator connected to the aforementioned electrolyte and generated gas discharge piping, A liquid discharge pipe for discharging the liquid containing the electrolyte from the gas-liquid separator, An electrolyte tank connected to the liquid discharge pipe and containing the electrolyte, A high-concentration electrolyte tank containing a high-concentration electrolyte with a higher electrolyte concentration than the aforementioned electrolyte, A high-concentration electrolyte supply device that supplies the high-concentration electrolyte from the high-concentration electrolyte tank to the electrolyte tank, A polar solvent supply device that supplies a polar solvent to the electrolyte tank, The electrolyte supply device provides an electrolyte supply pipe that supplies the electrolyte from the electrolyte tank to the second electrode chamber. An electrolysis apparatus equipped with, The electrolyte and generated gas discharge piping, the gas-liquid separator, the liquid discharge piping, the electrolyte tank, the electrolyte supply device, and the electrolyte supply piping are all made of insulated materials. An electrolysis apparatus in which the high-concentration electrolyte supply device and the polar solvent supply device are configured to supply the high-concentration electrolyte and the polar solvent from the gas phase of the electrolyte tank.

2. The electrolyte tank has a collection of micropores that open diagonally upward with respect to the vertical direction and a watering can bottom surface, and includes a watering can section disposed in the gas phase section. The high-concentration electrolyte supply device and the polar solvent supply device are configured to supply the high-concentration electrolyte and the polar solvent to the watering can section. The electrolysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the high-concentration electrolyte and the polar solvent are discharged diagonally upward through the micropore aggregate of the watering can portion.

3. The electrolysis apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the watering can portion is configured such that the high-concentration electrolyte or polar solvent discharged diagonally upward from the micropore aggregate forms droplets due to surface tension.

4. The electrolysis apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the watering can portion has the lower and upper parts of the micropore aggregate closed, and comprises an overhang portion extending horizontally along the bottom surface of the watering can and a wall portion provided at the tip of the overhang portion.

5. The electrolysis apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the eaves portion is provided with an aggregate of micropores.

6. The electrolysis apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the watering can section comprises a straight pipe extending vertically and an elbow joint angled upward with respect to the vertical direction, and the elbow joint has the micropore assembly.

7. The electrolysis apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the watering can portion further comprises a collection of micropores fixed by being wrapped around the elbow joint.

8. The electrolysis apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the diameter of the straight pipe in the watering can section is smaller than the diameter of the pipe at the tip of the elbow joint, and the volume of liquid that can be stored by the fine-pore aggregate wall is greater than the volume of the straight pipe over half the length of the length over which the liquid is stored.

9. The electrolysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gas-liquid separator comprises a liquid storage section provided in the gas phase section, a second watering can section provided on the bottom surface of the liquid storage section, and a liquid receiving section provided in the gas phase section below the liquid storage section for receiving the liquid discharged from the second watering can section.

10. Furthermore, the gas-liquid separator is equipped with a heat exchanger connected to it via the liquid discharge piping, The electrolysis apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the heat exchanger is connected to the gas phase of the electrolyte tank via a third watering can section provided in a different pipe from the liquid discharge pipe, and is made of a conductor.

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