Valuable material recovery device

Abstract

To provide a device for recovering a valuable material, capable of easily achieving efficient recovery of a valuable material from an electrochemical cell block.SOLUTION: In a device for recovering a valuable material according to an embodiment of the present invention, a reaction container is provided with a storage space formed therein to store an electrochemical cell block. A solution supply pipe is provided in the reaction container to supply the storage space with a solution. A solution discharge pipe is provided in the reaction container to discharge the solution from the storage space. A pair of conductive units are electrically connected to the electrochemical cell block stored in the storage space. The device for recovering the valuable material, applies a voltage via the pair of conductive units to the electrochemical cellblock submerged in the solution in the storage space to carry out electrolytic treatment to dissolve the valuable material into the solution from the electrolytic cell block.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a valuable material recovery device. [Background technology]

[0002] An electrochemical cell block has multiple electrochemical cells, each configured such that a hydrogen electrode and an oxygen electrode are sandwiched between an electrolyte membrane, and these multiple electrochemical cells are stacked on top of each other.

[0003] Electrochemical cells can be used as fuel cell cells and electrolytic cells. When an electrochemical cell is used as a fuel cell, under high-temperature conditions, for example, hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen electrode and oxygen supplied to the oxygen electrode react through an electrolyte membrane to produce electrical energy. In contrast, when an electrochemical cell is used as an electrolytic cell, for example, under high-temperature conditions, hydrogen is produced at the hydrogen electrode and oxygen is produced at the oxygen electrode by electrolysis of water (water vapor).

[0004] In electrochemical cells, the hydrogen and oxygen electrodes contain valuable materials such as platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru), and cobalt (Co) as catalysts. Therefore, various techniques have been proposed to recover these valuable materials from electrochemical cells. For example, it has been proposed to separate and recover valuable components contained in incinerator ash by dissolving them in a strongly oxidizing solution. Furthermore, it has been proposed to recover valuable components through electrolysis. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 1626036 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6652518 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6652454 [Patent Document 4] Patent No. 6109769 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] There is a need to efficiently recover valuable materials from electrochemical cell blocks, including the electrochemical cells described above.

[0007] Therefore, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a valuable material recovery device that can easily and efficiently recover valuable materials from electrochemical cell blocks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The valuable material recovery device of the embodiment is configured such that the fuel electrode and the air electrode are stacked in a stacking direction with an electrolyte membrane in between. multiple Having an electrochemical cell Furthermore, multiple electrochemical cells are stacked on top of each other. A valuable material recovery apparatus for recovering valuable metals from an electrochemical cell block, comprising a reaction vessel, a dissolving solution supply pipe, a dissolving solution discharge pipe, and a pair of conductive parts. The reaction vessel is The electrochemical apparatus, including the electrochemical cell block, is separated by dismantling. A containment space for housing an electrochemical cell block is formed inside. A dissolving solution supply pipe is provided in the reaction vessel to supply the dissolving solution to the containment space. A dissolving solution discharge pipe is provided in the reaction vessel to discharge the dissolving solution from the containment space. A pair of conductive parts are electrically connected to the electrochemical cell block housed in the containment space. In the valuable material recovery apparatus of this embodiment, an electrolytic treatment is performed by applying a voltage to the electrochemical cell block, which is immersed in the dissolving solution in the containment space, via the pair of conductive parts, thereby dissolving the valuable material from the electrochemical cell block into the dissolving solution. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the electrochemical cell block 1 in which a valuable material recovery device according to the first embodiment recovers valuable metals. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a valuable material recovery device 2 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the valuable material recovery device 2 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method for recovering valuable metal materials from the electrochemical cell block 1 in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the valuable material recovery device 2 according to a modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the valuable material recovery device 2 according to the second embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] <First Embodiment> [A] Configuration of Electrochemical Cell Block 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a part of the electrochemical cell block 1 in which the valuable material recovery device according to the first embodiment recovers valuable metal materials.

[0011] In FIG. 1, the vertical direction is along the vertical direction z, the horizontal direction is along the first horizontal direction x, and the direction orthogonal to the paper surface is along the second horizontal direction y. FIG. 1 shows a cross-section of the vertical plane (xz plane) defined by the first horizontal direction x and the vertical direction z.

[0012] The electrochemical cell block 1 includes an electrochemical cell 11 and a separator 12. The electrochemical cell block 1 is a cell stack in which a plurality of electrochemical cells 11 are electrically connected in series via the separator 12, and the electrochemical cells 11 and the separator 12 are laminated so as to alternate with each other.

[0013] Each part constituting the electrochemical cell block 1 will be described.

[0014] [A-1] Electrochemical Cell 11 The electrochemical cell 11 has an electrolyte membrane 110, a fuel electrode 111, and an air electrode 112. In the electrochemical cell 11, the fuel electrode 111 and the air electrode 112 are stacked with the electrolyte membrane 110 in between. Here, the stacking direction of the electrolyte membrane 110, fuel electrode 111, and air electrode 112 is, for example, along the vertical direction z. The electrochemical cell 11 is, for example, a polymer electrolyte type.

[0015] In the electrochemical cell 11, the electrolyte membrane 110 is made of, for example, a fluorine-based polymer material having sulfonic acid groups. The fuel electrode 111 and the air electrode 112 are made of, for example, a diffusion layer (not shown) on which a catalyst (not shown) is supported. The diffusion layer is made of a carbon-based material such as carbon paper or carbon cloth. The catalyst is, for example, a substance (element or compound) containing at least one metallic element from among Pt (platinum), Ru (ruthenium), and Co (cobalt).

[0016] [A-2] Separator 12 The separator 12 is composed of a porous body made of a conductive material. The separator 12 has a fuel electrode gas flow path F121 and an air electrode gas flow path F122.

[0017] The fuel electrode gas flow path F121 is formed on the side of the separator 12 facing the fuel electrode 111, and fuel electrode gas flows through it. The fuel electrode gas flow path F121 is in communication with the fuel electrode 111, and is configured so that the gas supplied to the fuel electrode 111 and the gas generated in the fuel electrode 111 flow as fuel electrode gas. Here, the fuel electrode gas flow path F121 extends, and the fuel electrode flow path extending direction D121 to which the fuel electrode gas flow path F121 extends is, for example, a second horizontal direction y that is perpendicular to the stacking direction in which the electrolyte membrane 110, fuel electrode 111, and air electrode 112 are stacked. There are multiple fuel electrode gas flow paths F121, and multiple fuel electrode gas flow paths F121 are provided spaced apart in the first horizontal direction x.

[0018] The air electrode gas channel F122 is formed on the air electrode 112 side of the separator 12, and the air electrode gas flows through it. The air electrode gas channel F122 is in communication with the air electrode 112, and is configured so that the gas supplied to the air electrode 112 and the gas generated in the air electrode 112 flow as the air electrode gas. Here, the air electrode gas channel F122 extends, and the air electrode channel extension direction D122 to which the air electrode gas channel F122 extends is, for example, the stacking direction in which the electrolyte membrane 110, fuel electrode 111, and air electrode 112 are stacked, and the first horizontal direction x is perpendicular to the fuel electrode channel extension direction D121. Although not shown in the figure, there are multiple air electrode gas channels F122, and multiple air electrode gas channels F122 are provided separated from each other in the second horizontal direction y.

[0019] [B] Configuration of the valuable materials recovery device 2 Figures 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams showing the valuable material recovery device 2 according to the first embodiment.

[0020] In Figure 2, the vertical direction is along the vertical direction z, the horizontal direction is along the first horizontal direction x, and the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper is along the second horizontal direction y. Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the BB portion of the vertical plane (xz plane) defined by the first horizontal direction x and the vertical direction z in Figure 3.

[0021] In Figure 3, the vertical direction is aligned with the second horizontal direction y, the horizontal direction is aligned with the first horizontal direction x, and the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper is aligned with the vertical direction z. Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the AA portion of the vertical plane (xz plane) defined by the first horizontal direction x and the vertical direction z in Figure 2.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the valuable material recovery device 2 of this embodiment comprises a reaction vessel 21, a dissolution supply pipe 22, a dissolution discharge pipe 23, and a pair of conductive parts 241 and 242, and is configured to recover valuable metals from the electrochemical cell block 1.

[0023] The components of the valuable materials recovery device 2 will now be described.

[0024] [B-1] Reaction vessel 21 The reaction vessel 21 is, for example, rectangular in shape, and has an internal containment space SP21 for housing the electrochemical cell block 1. The reaction vessel 21 is made of an insulating material such as polyvinyl chloride resin or fluororesin.

[0025] [B-2] Solution supply pipe 22 / solution discharge pipe 23 The dissolving solution supply pipe 22 is provided in the reaction vessel 21 to supply the dissolving solution SL to the containment space SP21 of the reaction vessel 21.

[0026] The dissolving solution discharge pipe 23 is provided in the reaction vessel 21 to discharge the dissolving solution SL from the containment space SP21 of the reaction vessel 21.

[0027] In this embodiment, the dissolving solution supply pipe 22 and the dissolving solution discharge pipe 23 are installed in the reaction vessel 21 such that, when the electrochemical cell block 1 is housed in the containment space SP21, they sandwich the electrochemical cell block 1 in the direction D122 in which the air electrode flow path of the electrochemical cell block 1 extends.

[0028] [B-3] Pair of conductive parts 241, 242 The pair of conductive parts 241 and 242 are electrically connected to the electrochemical cell block 1 housed in the containment space SP21 of the reaction vessel 21.

[0029] Here, a pair of conductive parts 241 and 242 are installed in the reaction vessel 21 so as to seal the containment space SP21 of the reaction vessel 21.

[0030] Specifically, of the pair of conductive parts 241 and 242, one conductive part 241 is installed as a bottom plate on the lower surface of the reaction vessel 21. The conductive part 241 is a rectangular plate-like body made of a conductive material, such as a graphite plate or a titanium plate. The conductive part 241 is electrically connected in close contact with, for example, the terminal on the fuel electrode 111 side (see Figure 1) in the electrochemical cell block 1.

[0031] The other conductive part 242 is installed on the upper surface of the reaction vessel 21 as a top lid. The other conductive part 242 is a rectangular plate-like body made of a conductive material, such as a graphite plate or a titanium plate. The other conductive part 242 is electrically connected to the terminal on the side of the electrochemical cell block 1, for example, the air electrode 112 (see Figure 1), in close contact with it.

[0032] [C] Methods for recovering valuable materials A method for recovering valuable metals from an electrochemical cell block 1 using the valuable material recovery device 2 of this embodiment will be described.

[0033] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a method for recovering valuable metals from the electrochemical cell block 1 in the first embodiment.

[0034] [C-1] Demolition (ST10) When recovering valuable metals, the electrochemical apparatus (not shown), including the electrochemical cell block 1, is first dismantled (ST10), as shown in Figure 4.

[0035] This separates the electrochemical apparatus (not shown) into the electrochemical cell block 1 and the other components (e.g., a plastic casing, stainless steel fixing brackets, copper wiring).

[0036] [C-2] Setting (ST20) Next, as shown in Figure 4, the electrochemical cell block 1 is set in the valuable material recovery device 2 (ST20).

[0037] Here, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the electrochemical cell block 1 is housed in the containment space SP21 of the reaction vessel 21.

[0038] Specifically, the electrochemical cell block 1 is inserted from above into the containment space SP21 of the reaction vessel 21, with the conductive part 241 installed on its lower surface. This causes the conductive part 241 to be in close contact with, for example, the terminal on the fuel electrode 111 side (see Figure 1) of the electrochemical cell block 1, making an electrical connection. Then, the conductive part 242 is installed on the upper surface of the reaction vessel 21. This causes the conductive part 242 to be in close contact with, for example, the terminal on the air electrode 112 side (see Figure 1) of the electrochemical cell block 1, making an electrical connection. Furthermore, the installation of the pair of conductive parts 241 and 242 seals the containment space SP21 of the reaction vessel 21.

[0039] [C-1] Electrolytic treatment (ST30) Next, as shown in Figure 4, electrolytic treatment is performed on the electrochemical cell block 1 (ST30).

[0040] When performing the electrolytic treatment, the power supply 80 is electrically connected to the pair of conductive parts 241 and 242, as shown in Figure 2.

[0041] Then, the dissolving solution SL is supplied from the dissolving solution supply pipe 22 to the containment space SP21.

[0042] The dissolving solution SL used in electrolytic treatment contains halide ions (Cl - It is an acidic aqueous solution containing (etc.). In the dissolving solution SL, the halide ions are appropriately selected according to the type of metal to be dissolved in the dissolving solution SL by electrolysis. In the dissolving solution SL, the concentration of halide ions is preferably 0.01 mol / L or more and 16.0 mol / L or less in order to carry out the electrolysis efficiently. Furthermore, the pH of the dissolving solution SL is preferably 5 or less in order to carry out the electrolysis efficiently. In addition, the dissolving solution SL may also contain dispersed solid anion exchange resin.

[0043] The dissolving solution SL is supplied, for example, using a supply pump (not shown) connected to the dissolving solution supply pipe 22. The supply of dissolving solution SL causes the electrochemical cell block 1 in the containment space SP21 to be immersed in the dissolving solution SL. Specifically, in the electrochemical cell block 1, the dissolving solution SL flows into the fuel electrode gas flow path F121, immersing the fuel electrode 111 (see Figure 1). Simultaneously, in the electrochemical cell block 1, the dissolving solution SL flows into the air electrode gas flow path F122, immersing the air electrode 112 in the dissolving solution SL (see Figure 1).

[0044] Then, electrolytic treatment is performed by applying a voltage to the electrochemical cell block 1, which is immersed in the dissolving solution SL in the containment space SP21, through a pair of conductive parts 241 and 242.

[0045] The voltage applied to the electrochemical cell block 1 during the electrolytic treatment may be either a DC voltage or an AC voltage. The voltage value is set as appropriate. For example, the voltage applied to the single-cell electrochemical cell 11 is preferably between 0.10V and 3.00V in order to efficiently carry out the electrolytic treatment.

[0046] Through electrolytic treatment, valuable substances are dissolved from electrochemical cell block 1 into the dissolving solution SL.

[0047] For example, as shown in (Chemical Formula 1) below, the electrochemical cell block 1 contains a platinum (Pt) catalyst as a valuable material, and the dissolving solution SL contains chloride ions (Cl) as halide ions. - A reaction occurs between ) and the platinum complex ion, tetrachloroplatinate(II) ion ([PtCl4] 2- ) is produced. Furthermore, when a voltage greater than the voltage at which the reaction shown in (Chemical Formula 1) occurs is applied, as shown in (Chemical Formula 2) below, the platinum (Pt) catalyst contained as a valuable substance in the electrochemical cell block 1 and the chloride ions (Cl) contained as halide ions in the dissolution solution SL are produced. - A reaction occurs between ) and the platinum complex ion, hexachloroplatinate(IV) ion ([PtCl6] 2-) is generated.

[0048] Pt + 4Cl - → [PtCl4] 2- + 2e - ···(Chemical formula 1) Pt + 6Cl - → [PtCl6] 2- + 2e - ···(Chemical formula 2)

[0049] In addition, when the dissolution solution SL contains an anion exchange resin, the platinum complex ions in the dissolution solution SL are collected by the anion exchange resin, and thus the valuable platinum dissolves in the dissolution solution SL.

[0050] The dissolution solution SL in which valuable substances are dissolved in the accommodation space SP21 is discharged to the outside from the dissolution solution discharge pipe 23. The discharge of the dissolution solution SL is performed, for example, using a suction pump. The valuable substances dissolved in the dissolution solution SL are appropriately processed for reuse. Thereby, valuable substances are recovered from the electrochemical cell block 1. For the recovery of these valuable substances, a configuration may be adopted in which ions are collected from the dissolution solution SL by an ion exchange resin downstream of the dissolution solution discharge pipe 23, or valuable substances may be deposited and recovered as solid metal on the anode or cathode by electrolysis.

[0051] In the implementation of the electrolysis treatment, for example, the flow of the dissolution solution SL is continuously performed. In addition to this, the flow of the dissolution solution SL may be intermittently performed. Further, in the implementation of the electrolysis treatment, the dissolution solution SL may be circulated. That is, the dissolution solution SL discharged from the accommodation space SP21 through the dissolution solution discharge pipe 23 may be returned to the accommodation space SP21 through the dissolution solution supply pipe 22.

[0052] [C] Summary As described above, the valuable material recovery device 2 of this embodiment has a reaction vessel 21, a dissolving solution supply pipe 22, a dissolving solution discharge pipe 23, and a pair of conductive parts 241 and 242. The reaction vessel 21 has a containment space SP21 formed inside for housing the electrochemical cell block 1. The dissolving solution supply pipe 22 is provided in the reaction vessel 21 to supply the dissolving solution SL to the containment space SP21. The dissolving solution discharge pipe 23 is provided in the reaction vessel 21 to discharge the dissolving solution SL from the containment space SP21. The pair of conductive parts 241 and 242 are electrically connected to the electrochemical cell block 1 housed in the containment space SP21. The valuable material recovery device 2 dissolves valuable materials from the electrochemical cell block 1 into the dissolving solution SL by performing an electrolytic treatment in which a voltage is applied to the electrochemical cell block 1, which is immersed in the dissolving solution SL in the containment space SP21, via the pair of conductive parts 241 and 242. Therefore, by using the valuable material recovery device 2 of this embodiment, valuable materials can be efficiently recovered from the electrochemical cell block 1.

[0053] In the valuable material recovery device 2 of this embodiment, when the electrochemical cell block 1 is housed in the containment space SP21, the dissolving solution supply pipe 22 and the dissolving solution discharge pipe 23 are installed in the reaction vessel 21 so as to sandwich the electrochemical cell block 1 in the direction D122 in which the air electrode flow path of the electrochemical cell block 1 extends. As a result, in this embodiment, the dissolving solution SL flows from the dissolving solution supply pipe 22 to the dissolving solution discharge pipe 23 along the direction D122 in which the air electrode flow path extends. Therefore, the dissolving solution SL flows smoothly in the air electrode gas flow path F122 that extends in the direction D122 in which the air electrode flow path extends in the electrochemical cell 11 of the electrochemical cell block 1. As a result, when electrolytic treatment is performed, valuable materials such as platinum contained in the air electrode 112 become more easily dissolved in the dissolving solution SL. Therefore, in this embodiment, valuable materials can be recovered from the electrochemical cell block 1 more efficiently.

[0054] [D] Variation In the above embodiment, the case described was one in which, when the electrochemical cell block 1 is housed in the containment space SP21, the dissolving solution supply pipe 22 and the dissolving solution discharge pipe 23 are installed in the reaction vessel 21 so as to sandwich the electrochemical cell block 1 in the air electrode flow path extending direction D122, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0055] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a valuable material recovery device 2 according to a modified example of the first embodiment.

[0056] Figure 5, like Figure 3, shows a cross-section of a vertical plane (xz plane) defined by the first horizontal direction x and the vertical direction z.

[0057] As shown in Figure 5, in this modified example, the dissolving solution supply piping 22 includes dissolving solution supply piping 221 (first dissolving solution supply piping) and dissolving solution supply piping 222 (second dissolving solution supply piping). In addition, in this modified example, the dissolving solution discharge piping 23 includes dissolving solution discharge piping 231 (first dissolving solution discharge piping) and dissolving solution discharge piping 232 (second dissolving solution discharge piping).

[0058] The dissolving solution supply pipe 221 is installed in the reaction vessel 21 such that when the electrochemical cell block 1 is housed in the housing space SP21, it is located on one end side (upper side in Figure 5) of the fuel electrode gas flow path F121 in the fuel electrode flow path extending direction D121. The dissolving solution supply pipe 222 is installed in the reaction vessel 21 such that when the electrochemical cell block 1 is housed in the housing space SP21, it is located on one end side (left side in Figure 5) of the air electrode gas flow path F122 in the air electrode flow path extending direction D122.

[0059] The dissolution discharge pipe 231 is installed in the reaction vessel 21 such that when the electrochemical cell block 1 is housed in the housing space SP21, it is located on the other end side (lower side in Figure 5) of the fuel electrode gas flow path F121 in the fuel electrode flow path extending direction D121. The dissolution discharge pipe 232 is installed in the reaction vessel 21 such that when the electrochemical cell block 1 is housed in the housing space SP21, it is located on the other end side (right side in Figure 5) of the air electrode gas flow path F122 in the air electrode flow path extending direction D122.

[0060] As a result, in this modified example, the dissolving solution SL flows from the dissolving solution supply pipe 221 to the dissolving solution discharge pipe 231 along the fuel electrode flow path extending direction D121. Therefore, in the electrochemical cell 11 of the electrochemical cell block 1, the dissolving solution SL flows smoothly in the fuel electrode gas flow path F121 which extends in the fuel electrode flow path extending direction D121.

[0061] In addition, in this modified example, the dissolving solution SL flows from the dissolving solution supply pipe 222 to the dissolving solution discharge pipe 232 along the air electrode flow path extending direction D122. Therefore, in the electrochemical cell 11 of the electrochemical cell block 1, the dissolving solution SL flows smoothly through the air electrode gas flow path F122 which extends in the air electrode flow path extending direction D122.

[0062] As a result, when electrolytic treatment is performed, valuable materials such as platinum contained in the fuel electrode 111 and air electrode 112 become more easily soluble in the dissolution solution SL. Therefore, in this modified example, valuable materials can be recovered more efficiently from the electrochemical cell block 1.

[0063] Of course, in addition to the above, the dissolving solution supply pipe 22 and the dissolving solution discharge pipe 23 may also be installed in the reaction vessel 21 so as to sandwich the electrochemical cell block 1, but only in the fuel electrode flow path extending direction D121.

[0064] Furthermore, while the above embodiment illustrates a case where the dissolving solution supply pipe 22 and the dissolving solution discharge pipe 23 are installed side by side in the horizontal direction (first horizontal direction x, second horizontal direction y), the embodiment is not limited to this. The dissolving solution supply pipe 22 and the dissolving solution discharge pipe 23 may be installed side by side in the vertical direction z. In this case, it is preferable to install the dissolving solution supply pipe 22 and the dissolving solution discharge pipe 23 so that the dissolving solution SL flows from bottom to top in the vertical direction z. As a result, the gas generated by the electrolytic treatment flows upward and is discharged, so that the electrolytic treatment is not hindered and can be carried out efficiently.

[0065] <Second Embodiment> [A] Configuration of the valuable materials recovery device 2 Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a valuable material recovery device 2 according to the second embodiment.

[0066] Figure 6, like Figure 2, shows a cross-section of a vertical plane (xz plane) defined by the first horizontal direction x and the vertical direction z.

[0067] As shown in Figure 6, the configuration of the reaction vessel 21b in this embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment (see Figure 2). Furthermore, unlike the first embodiment (see Figure 2), the valuable material recovery device 2 in this embodiment includes a pressing jig 30 and a gas discharge pipe 40. Except for these points and related aspects, this embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, explanations of redundant matters will be omitted as appropriate.

[0068] [A-1] Reaction vessel 21b The reaction vessel 21b has a reaction vessel body 211 and a reaction vessel lid 212. The reaction vessel body 211 and the reaction vessel lid 212 are made of an insulating material such as polyvinyl chloride resin or fluororesin.

[0069] The reaction vessel body 211 is, for example, a container with a bottom plate at the lower end of a rectangular tube, and has a housing space SP21 inside for housing the electrochemical cell block 1. Here, the electrochemical cell block 1 is housed in the housing space SP21 with a pair of conductive parts 241 and 242 sandwiching it in the vertical direction z.

[0070] The reaction vessel lid 212 is, for example, a rectangular plate-like body, and is installed at the upper end of the reaction vessel body 211 so as to face the bottom plate of the reaction vessel body 211 via the containment space SP21.

[0071] [A-2] Pressing jig 30 The pressing jig 30 is provided in the reaction vessel 21b to press down on the electrochemical cell block 1, which is installed in the containment space SP21 such that a pair of conductive parts 241 and 242 sandwich it.

[0072] Here, the pressing jig 30 is, for example, a rod-shaped body that penetrates the reaction vessel lid 212 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction z.

[0073] The pressing jig 30 presses the electrochemical cell block 1 in the vertical direction z by its own weight, for example. Alternatively, the pressing jig 30 may be configured such that a biasing member, such as a spring, biases the pressing jig 30 in the vertical direction z, thereby pressing the electrochemical cell block 1.

[0074] [A-3] Gas discharge pipe 40 The gas discharge pipe 40 is provided in the reaction vessel 21b to discharge the gas produced by the electrolytic treatment.

[0075] Here, the gas discharge pipe 40 is fixed to the reaction vessel lid 212 so as to penetrate the reaction vessel lid 212 in the vertical direction z. The gas discharge pipe 40 is located on the side of the reaction vessel lid 212 where the dissolved liquid discharge pipe 23 is located.

[0076] [B] Methods for recovering valuable materials A method for recovering valuable metals from an electrochemical cell block 1 using the valuable material recovery device 2 of this embodiment will be described.

[0077] In this embodiment as well, as shown in Figure 4, after dismantling (ST10), the electrochemical cell block 1 is set in the valuable material recovery device 2 (ST20), similar to the first embodiment.

[0078] Here, as shown in Figure 6, the electrochemical cell block 1 is housed in the housing space SP21. Specifically, the electrochemical cell block 1, with the conductive part 241 installed on its lower surface, is inserted from above into the housing space SP21 of the reaction vessel body 211. Then, the conductive part 242 is installed on the upper surface of the electrochemical cell block 1. Finally, the reaction vessel lid 212 is installed on the upper surface of the reaction vessel body 211.

[0079] Next, as shown in Figure 4, electrolytic treatment is performed on the electrochemical cell block 1 (ST30).

[0080] Here, using a pressing jig 30, the electrochemical cell block 1, which is installed in the containment space SP21 such that a pair of conductive parts 241 and 242 are sandwiched between them, is pressed down and the electrolytic treatment is performed.

[0081] Although not shown in the diagram, when performing the electrolytic treatment, a power supply 80 (see Figure 2) is electrically connected to a pair of conductive parts 241 and 242. Then, the electrolytic treatment is performed by applying a voltage to the electrochemical cell block 1, which is immersed in the dissolving solution SL in the containment space SP21, via the pair of conductive parts 241 and 242.

[0082] During the electrolytic treatment, gas may be generated as a side reaction. The gas generated during the electrolytic treatment is discharged from the containment space SP21 to the outside of the containment space SP21 via the gas discharge pipe 40.

[0083] Through electrolytic treatment, valuable materials are dissolved from the electrochemical cell block 1 into the dissolving solution SL. The dissolving solution SL, in which the valuable materials have been dissolved in the containment space SP21, is discharged to the outside through the dissolving solution discharge pipe 23. This recovers the valuable materials from the electrochemical cell block 1.

[0084] [C] Summary As described above, the valuable material recovery device 2 of this embodiment is equipped with a pressing jig 30. Therefore, in this embodiment, the electrochemical cell block 1, which is installed in the containment space SP21 so as to be sandwiched between a pair of conductive parts 241 and 242, can be pressed with the pressing jig 30. As a result, in this embodiment, the electrochemical cell block 1 and the pair of conductive parts 241 and 242 are in close contact. Consequently, in this embodiment, the electrical resistance at the contact surface where the electrochemical cell block 1 and the pair of conductive parts 241 and 242 come into contact is reduced. Therefore, in this embodiment, valuable materials can be efficiently recovered from the electrochemical cell block 1. In addition, in this embodiment, by using the pressing jig 30, electrolytic treatment can be performed on multiple types of electrochemical cell blocks 1 of different sizes.

[0085] Furthermore, since the valuable material recovery device 2 of this embodiment is equipped with a gas discharge pipe 40, it is possible to discharge the gas generated by the electrolytic treatment. Although the gas generated during the electrolytic treatment may become a resistive component during the electrolytic treatment, in this embodiment, the gas generated during the electrolytic treatment is discharged from the containment space SP21, so that the electrolytic treatment can be efficiently carried out in the containment space SP21.

[0086] <Other> While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of 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, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 1: Electrochemical cell block, 2: Valuable material recovery device, 11: Electrochemical cell, 12: Separator, 21: Reaction vessel, 21b: Reaction vessel, 22: Dissolved liquid supply piping, 23: Dissolved liquid discharge piping, 30: Pressing jig, 40: Gas discharge piping, 80: Power supply, 110: Electrolyte membrane, 111: Fuel electrode, 112: Air electrode, 211: Reaction vessel body, 212: Reaction vessel lid, 221: Dissolved liquid supply piping (first 1: Dissolved liquid supply piping), 222: Dissolved liquid supply piping (second dissolved liquid supply piping), 231: Dissolved liquid discharge piping (first dissolved liquid discharge piping), 232: Dissolved liquid discharge piping (second dissolved liquid discharge piping), 241: Conductive section, 242: Conductive section, D121: Fuel electrode flow path extension direction, D122: Air electrode flow path extension direction, F121: Fuel electrode gas flow path, F122: Air electrode gas flow path, SL: Dissolved liquid, SP21: Containment space

Claims

1. A valuable material recovery device for recovering valuable metals from an electrochemical cell block in which a plurality of electrochemical cells are stacked, the electrochemical cells having a fuel electrode and an air electrode stacked in a stacking direction with an electrolyte membrane in between, A reaction vessel having a containment space formed inside for housing the electrochemical cell block that was separated by dismantling the electrochemical apparatus including the electrochemical cell block, A dissolving solution supply pipe is provided in the reaction vessel to supply the dissolving solution to the aforementioned containment space, A dissolution discharge pipe is provided in the reaction vessel to discharge the dissolution from the aforementioned containment space, A pair of conductive parts electrically connected to the electrochemical cell block housed in the aforementioned containment space, It has, By performing an electrolytic treatment in which a voltage is applied to the electrochemical cell block immersed in the dissolving solution in the aforementioned containment space via the pair of conductive parts, the valuable substance is dissolved from the electrochemical cell block into the dissolving solution. A device for recovering valuable materials.

2. The aforementioned electrochemical cell block is A fuel electrode gas passage that is in communication with the aforementioned fuel electrode, The air electrode gas flow path is in communication with the aforementioned air electrode. Includes, The fuel electrode gas passage and the air electrode gas passage extend, and the direction in which the fuel electrode gas passage and the air electrode gas passage extend is perpendicular to the stacking direction. When the electrochemical cell block is housed in the containment space, the dissolving solution supply pipe and the dissolving solution discharge pipe are installed in the reaction vessel so as to sandwich the electrochemical cell block in the extending direction. A valuable material recovery device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned electrochemical cell block is A fuel electrode gas passage that communicates with the fuel electrode, The air electrode gas flow path communicates with the air electrode and Includes, The fuel electrode gas passage and the air electrode gas passage extend, and the direction in which the fuel electrode gas passage extends and the direction in which the air electrode gas passage extends are perpendicular to the stacking direction, and the direction in which the fuel electrode passage extends and the direction in which the air electrode gas passage extends are perpendicular to each other. The aforementioned dissolving solution supply piping is When the electrochemical cell block is housed in the containment space, a first dissolving solution supply pipe is installed in the reaction vessel so as to be located on one end side of the fuel electrode gas flow path in the direction of extension of the fuel electrode flow path, When the electrochemical cell block is housed in the containment space, a second dissolving solution supply pipe is installed in the reaction vessel so as to be located on one end side of the air electrode gas flow path in the direction of extension of the air electrode flow path. Includes, The aforementioned dissolving liquid discharge pipe is When the electrochemical cell block is housed in the containment space, a first dissolution discharge pipe is installed in the reaction vessel so as to be located on the other end side of the fuel electrode gas flow path in the direction of the extension of the fuel electrode flow path, When the electrochemical cell block is housed in the containment space, a second dissolution discharge pipe is installed in the reaction vessel so as to be located on the other end side of the air electrode gas flow path in the direction of extension of the air electrode flow path. including, A valuable material recovery device according to claim 1.

4. A pressing jig for pressing the electrochemical cell block, which is installed in the aforementioned containment space so as to sandwich the pair of conductive parts. Equipped with, A valuable material recovery device according to claim 1.

5. A gas discharge pipe provided in the reaction vessel to discharge the gas produced by the electrolytic treatment described above. Equipped with, A valuable material recovery device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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