Ion exchanger

Abstract

To provide an ion exchanger capable of efficiently using an ion exchange resin.SOLUTION: An ion exchanger has a plurality of cartridges 12 arranged in parallel. The cartridges 12 are loaded with ion exchange resin. An introduction passage 13 extending in the direction of arrangement of the cartridges 12 has a plurality of first connection ports 15 each leading to the plurality of cartridges 12. An outlet passage 14 which extends in the direction of arrangement of the cartridges 12 has a plurality of second connection ports 16, each connecting to a plurality of cartridges 12. In the ion exchanger, a coolant flowing in the introduction passage 13 passes through the plurality of cartridges 12 and flows out to the outlet passage 14. The distribution cross-sectional area of the coolant at the first connection port 15 is smaller for those among the plurality of first connection ports 15 that are situated upstream of the introduction passage 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ion exchanger.

Background Art

[0002] The ion exchanger shown in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of ion exchange resin containers arranged in parallel. These ion exchange resin containers are filled with ion exchange resin. An introduction passage and a discharge passage for flowing a fluid are formed in the ion exchanger. The introduction passage and the discharge passage extend in the arrangement direction of the plurality of ion exchange resin containers. In the introduction passage, a plurality of first connection ports each connected to the plurality of ion exchange resin containers are formed. In the discharge passage, a plurality of second connection ports each connected to the plurality of ion exchange resin containers are formed. In the above ion exchanger, the fluid flowing in the introduction passage passes through the plurality of ion exchange resin containers and flows out to the discharge passage. And when the above fluid passes through the ion resin container, ions are removed from the above fluid by the ion exchange resin.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the ion exchanger of Patent Document 1, among the plurality of ion exchange resin containers, the ones located upstream of the introduction passage are easier for the fluid to flow through. Therefore, among the ion exchange resin containers located upstream of the introduction passage, the ion exchange resin filled therein deteriorates earlier. When the progress of deterioration of the ion exchange resin is different for each of the plurality of ion exchange resin containers in this way, it becomes difficult to efficiently use the ion exchange resin of the entire ion exchanger.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The following describes the means and effects of solving the above problems. An ion exchanger that solves the above problems comprises multiple ion exchange resin housings arranged in parallel. An introduction passage extending in the direction of the arrangement of the ion exchange resin housings has multiple first connection ports that connect to each of the multiple ion exchange resin housings. An outlet passage extending in the direction of the arrangement of the ion exchange resin housings has multiple second connection ports that connect to each of the multiple ion exchange resin housings. In the above ion exchanger, the fluid flowing in the introduction passage passes through the multiple ion exchange resin housings and flows out into the outlet passage. The fluid flow cross-sectional area at the first connection ports is made smaller the further upstream the first connection port is located in the introduction passage.

[0006] With the above configuration, the ion exchange resin housing located upstream of the introduction passage becomes less conducive to fluid flow from the first connection port. This suppresses the tendency for fluid to flow more easily into ion exchange resin housings located upstream of the introduction passage, allowing the fluid flow rates through multiple ion exchange resin housings to be similar. As a result, the deterioration of the ion exchange resin inside the ion exchange resin housing located upstream of the introduction passage is suppressed. By suppressing differences in the rate of ion exchange resin deterioration among multiple ion exchange resin housings in this way, the ion exchange resin in the entire ion exchanger can be used efficiently.

[0007] An ion exchanger that solves the above problems comprises multiple ion exchange resin housings arranged in parallel. Multiple first connection ports are formed in the introduction passage extending in the direction of the arrangement of the ion exchange resin housings, each connected to one of the multiple ion exchange resin housings. Multiple second connection ports are formed in the discharge passage extending in the direction of the arrangement of the ion exchange resin housings, each connected to one of the multiple ion exchange resin housings. In the above ion exchanger, the fluid flowing in the introduction passage passes through the multiple ion exchange resin housings and flows out into the discharge passage. The second connection port connected to the ion exchange resin housing connected to the first connection port located at the uppermost position of the introduction passage has a smaller fluid flow cross-sectional area than the other second connection ports.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the fluid flow area at the second connection port connected to the ion exchange resin housing located at the uppermost part of the introduction passage is made smaller than that of other second connection ports. Therefore, fluid is less likely to flow into the ion exchange resin housing located at the uppermost part of the introduction passage from the first connection port than into other ion exchanger housings. As a result, the fluid flow rate passing through the ion exchange resin housing located at the uppermost part of the introduction passage can be made close to the fluid flow rate passing through other ion exchanger housings. Consequently, the ion exchange resin loaded inside the ion exchange resin housing located at the uppermost part of the introduction passage is less likely to deteriorate faster than the ion exchange resin loaded inside other ion exchange resin housings. By suppressing differences in the rate of deterioration of ion exchange resin among multiple ion exchange resin housings in this way, the ion exchange resin of the entire ion exchanger can be used efficiently.

[0009] An ion exchanger that solves the above problems comprises a plurality of ion exchange resin housings arranged in parallel. An introduction passage extending in the direction of the arrangement of the ion exchange resin housings has a plurality of first connection ports that connect to each of the plurality of ion exchange resin housings. An outlet passage extending in the direction of the arrangement of the ion exchange resin housings has a plurality of second connection ports that connect to each of the plurality of ion exchange resin housings. In the above ion exchanger, the fluid flowing in the introduction passage passes through the plurality of ion exchange resin housings and flows out into the outlet passage. Downstream of the plurality of second connection ports in the outlet passage, a throttling section is formed to reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​fluid flow in the outlet passage.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the formation of a throttling section in the outlet passage slows down the flow velocity of the fluid flowing from the inlet passage through multiple ion exchange resin containments to the outlet passage. As a result, even if fluid flows more easily into the ion exchange resin containment located upstream in the inlet passage from the first connection port, the flow rates of the fluid passing through the multiple ion exchange resin containment sections can be kept close to each other. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the ion exchange resin loaded inside the ion exchange resin containment located upstream in the inlet passage. By suppressing differences in the rate of deterioration of the ion exchange resin among the multiple ion exchange resin containment sections in this way, the ion exchange resin of the entire ion exchanger can be used efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an ion exchanger. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the inside of the ion exchanger described above. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing another example of an ion exchanger. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing another example of an ion exchanger. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] An embodiment of the ion exchanger will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The ion exchanger shown in Figure 1 is installed in a cooling circuit for cooling a fuel cell mounted in a vehicle or the like. This cooling circuit circulates a coolant through the fuel cell. The fuel cell is cooled by the coolant circulating in the cooling circuit, which suppresses the temperature rise during power generation. In the cooling circuit, a high concentration of ions in the coolant can lead to corrosion of metal parts in the cooling circuit or an increase in the electrical conductivity of the coolant, potentially causing a decrease in the function of the fuel cell. To suppress these problems, the ion exchanger installed in the cooling circuit removes ions contained in the coolant.

[0013] The ion exchanger described above comprises a main body case 11 and a plurality of cartridges 12. Each cartridge 12 is capable of being loaded with ion exchange resin and serves as an ion exchange resin storage section. The cartridges 12 are removably attached to the main body case 11. The cartridges 12 attached to the main body case 11 are arranged in parallel. Each cartridge 12 is formed to be the same shape.

[0014] The main case 11 has an inlet passage 13 and an outlet passage 14 for flowing the coolant. The inlet passage 13 and the outlet passage 14 extend in the direction of the arrangement of the multiple cartridges 12. The flow direction of the fluid (coolant) flowing in the inlet passage 13 and the flow direction of the fluid (coolant) flowing in the outlet passage 14 are the same. Specifically, the coolant in the inlet passage 13 flows from left to right in Figure 1. Similarly, the coolant in the outlet passage 14 also flows from left to right in Figure 1.

[0015] The inlet passage 13 has multiple first connection ports 15, each connected to one of the multiple cartridges 12. The first connection ports 15 are formed sequentially from upstream to downstream of the inlet passage 13 and are connected to each of the cartridges 12 that are arranged sequentially from upstream to downstream of the inlet passage 13. The outlet passage 14 has multiple second connection ports 16, each connected to one of the multiple cartridges 12. The first connection ports 15 are formed sequentially from upstream to downstream of the inlet passage 13 and are connected to each of the cartridges 12 that are arranged sequentially from upstream to downstream of the inlet passage 13.

[0016] In the ion exchanger described above, the coolant flows through the introduction passage 13 and then into multiple cartridges 12 via each first connection port 15. Furthermore, after passing through each cartridge 12, the coolant flows out into the discharge passage 14 via the second connection port 16 corresponding to each cartridge 12. As the coolant passes through each cartridge 12, ions are removed from the coolant through ion exchange by the ion exchange resin inside the cartridge 12.

[0017] <Details of Cartridge 12 and its surroundings> Figure 2 schematically shows the inside of the ion exchanger. As shown in Figure 2, the main body case 11 of the ion exchanger has multiple mounting parts 17 for attaching the cartridge 12. The mounting parts 17 open upwards, allowing the cartridge 12 to be received through these openings. The cartridge 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its upper end closed.

[0018] The cartridge 12 is inserted into the mounting portion 17 through the opening from above the mounting portion 17, and further screwed into the mounting portion 17, thereby being attached to the main body case 11. Also, the cartridge 12 attached to the main body case 11 is loosened by turning it in the opposite direction to when it is screwed into the mounting portion 17 and is removed from the main body case 11 by being pulled out upward from the opening of the mounting portion 17. By removing and attaching the cartridge 12 to and from the main body case 11 in this way, the cartridge 12 can be replaced with a new one.

[0019] A tube member 18 is disposed inside the cartridge 12. The tube member 18 extends along the center line of the cartridge 12. The upper end portion of the tube member 18 is supported by the upper portion of the inner wall of the cartridge 12 by a plurality of support members 19. The plurality of support members 19 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the tube member 18. The lower end portion of the tube member 18 is supported by the lower portion of the inner wall of the cartridge 12 by a plurality of support members 20. The plurality of support members 20 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the tube member 18.

[0020] A mesh 21 is disposed below the support member 19. A mesh 22 is disposed above the support member 20. And an ion exchange resin 23 is held (loaded) between the inner wall of the cartridge 12 and the tube member 18 and between the mesh 21 and the mesh 22. It is possible to allow the coolant to flow in through the gaps of the mesh 22 and each support member 20 at the location where the ion exchange resin 23 is loaded between the inner wall of the cartridge 12 and the tube member 18. Also, it is possible to allow the coolant to flow out through the gaps of the mesh 21 and each support member 19 from the location where the ion exchange resin 23 is loaded.

[0021] Below the main body case 11, the above-mentioned introduction passage 13 is formed. The first connection port 15 of the introduction passage 13 is open to the lower part of the attachment part 17 in the main body case 11. The lower part of the attachment part 17 is connected to the place where the ion exchange resin 23 is loaded between the inner wall of the cartridge 12 and the tube member 18 through the mesh 22 of the cartridge 12 attached to the attachment part 17 and the gaps of the respective support members 19. Therefore, the first connection port 15 of the introduction passage 13 is connected to the place where the ion exchange resin 23 is loaded in the cartridge 12 through the lower part of the attachment part 17 in the main body case 11, the gaps of the respective support members 20, and the mesh 22.

[0022] Below the main body case 11, the above-mentioned discharge passage 14 is also formed. The second connection port 16 of the discharge passage 14 is connected to the lower end of the tube member 18 in the cartridge 12 attached to the attachment part 17 of the main body case 11. The inside of the tube member 18 is connected to the place where the ion exchange resin 23 is loaded between the inner wall of the cartridge 12 and the tube member 18 through the upper end inside the cartridge 12, the gaps of the respective support members 19, and the mesh 21. Therefore, the second connection port 16 of the discharge passage 14 is connected to the place where the ion exchange resin 23 is loaded in the cartridge 12 through the inside of the tube member 18, the upper end inside the cartridge 12, the gaps of the respective support members 19, and the mesh 21.

[0023] The coolant flowing in the introduction passage 13 of the ion exchanger flows into the place where the ion exchange resin 23 is loaded inside the cartridge 12 through the first connection port 15, the lower part of the attachment part 17, the gaps of the respective support members 20, and the mesh 22 as shown by the arrow in FIG. 2. Further, the coolant passes through between the ion exchange resins 23 inside the cartridge 12, and then flows out to the discharge passage 14 through the mesh 21, the gaps of the respective support members 19, the upper end inside the cartridge 12, the tube member 18, and the second connection port 16.

[0024] <Details of the First Connection Port 15> In the ion exchanger described above, multiple cartridges 12 are arranged in parallel in the main case 11. Furthermore, an introduction passage 13 is formed in the main case 11 so as to extend in the direction in which the cartridges 12 are arranged. Multiple first connection ports 15, formed sequentially from upstream to downstream of this introduction passage 13, are each connected to a cartridge 12. In an ion exchanger with this structure, the cartridge 12 located upstream of the introduction passage 13 tends to have easier access to coolant from the first connection ports 15 to that cartridge 12.

[0025] Taking this into consideration, the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the coolant at the first connection port 15 is made smaller the further upstream it is located from the introduction passage 13 among the multiple first connection ports 15. Specifically, the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the first connection port 15 located on the left side of Figures 1 and 2 (upstream of the introduction passage 13) is smaller than the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the first connection port 15 located on the right side of Figures 1 and 2 (downstream of the introduction passage 13).

[0026] Next, the effects and benefits of the ion exchanger in this embodiment will be explained. The cross-sectional area of ​​the coolant flow at the first connection port 15 is smaller for the first connection port 15 located upstream of the introduction passage 13. As a result, coolant is less likely to flow into cartridges 12 located upstream of the introduction passage 13 from the first connection port 15. This suppresses the tendency for coolant to flow more easily into cartridges 12 located upstream of the introduction passage 13, and allows the flow rate of coolant passing through multiple cartridges 12 to be close to each other. Consequently, the deterioration of the ion exchange resin 23 loaded inside cartridges 12 located upstream of the introduction passage 13 is suppressed. By suppressing differences in the rate of deterioration of the ion exchange resin 23 among multiple cartridges 12 in this way, the ion exchange resin 23 of the entire ion exchanger can be used efficiently.

[0027] The above embodiment can also be modified as follows, for example. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically. The cartridge 12 may be provided in three or more locations within the main unit case 11.

[0028] Instead of reducing the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the coolant at the first connection port 15 located upstream of the introduction passage 13, it is also possible to form a second connection port 16 as shown in Figure 3. Specifically, the second connection port 16 connected to the cartridge 12, which is connected to the first connection port 15 located at the uppermost part of the introduction passage 13, is formed as follows: That is, the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the coolant at the above second connection port 16 is made smaller than the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the coolant at the other second connection ports 16.

[0029] In this case, the cartridge 12 located at the uppermost part of the introduction passage 13 will have less cooling liquid flowing into it from the first connection port 15 than the other cartridges 12. As a result, the flow rate of the cooling liquid passing through the cartridge 12 located at the uppermost part of the introduction passage 13 can be made close to the flow rate of the cooling liquid passing through the other cartridges 12. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the ion exchange resin 23 loaded inside the cartridge 12 located at the uppermost part of the introduction passage 13 more quickly than the ion exchange resin 23 loaded inside the other cartridges 12. By suppressing differences in the rate of deterioration of the ion exchange resin 23 among multiple cartridges 12 in this way, the ion exchange resin 23 of the entire ion exchanger can be used efficiently.

[0030] Furthermore, with the above configuration, even if the outlet passage 14 is formed such that the flow direction of the coolant in the outlet passage 14 is opposite to the flow direction of the coolant in the introduction passage 13, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

[0031] In the ion exchanger shown in Figure 3, three or more cartridges 12 may be provided in the main body case 11. In this case, the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the coolant at the second connection port 16 is made smaller for the second connection ports 16 located upstream of the outlet passage 14. With this configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0032] Instead of adjusting the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the coolant at the first connection port 15 as shown in Figure 1, or adjusting the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the coolant at the second connection port 16 as shown in Figure 3, it is also possible to form an outlet passage 14 as shown in Figure 4. Specifically, a throttling section 24 is formed downstream of the multiple second connection ports 16 in the outlet passage 14 to reduce the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the coolant in the outlet passage 14.

[0033] With this configuration, the formation of a throttling section 24 in the outlet passage 14 slows down the flow rate of the coolant flowing from the inlet passage 13 through multiple cartridges 12 to the outlet passage 14. As a result, even if coolant flows more easily into the first connection port 15 from cartridges 12 located further upstream in the inlet passage 13, the flow rates of the coolant passing through multiple cartridges 12 can be kept close to each other. Consequently, the deterioration of the ion exchange resin 23 loaded inside cartridges 12 located further upstream in the inlet passage 13 can be suppressed. By suppressing differences in the rate of deterioration of the ion exchange resin 23 among multiple cartridges 12 in this way, the ion exchange resin 23 of the entire ion exchanger can be used efficiently.

[0034] This may also be applied to an ion exchanger in which the ion exchange resin 23 is directly loaded into the main body case 11. In this case, multiple ion exchange resin housings are formed in parallel in the main body case 11, and the ion exchange resin 23 is loaded into these ion exchange resin housings. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0035] 11…Main unit case 12... Cartridge 13… Introduction passage 14... Lead-out passage 15…First connection port 16…Second connection port 17…Mounting part 18... Tube component 19…Support member 20…Support member 21... Mesh 22... Mesh 23…Ion exchange resin 24... Aperture section

Claims

1. It is equipped with two ion exchange resin housings arranged in parallel, In the introduction passage extending in the direction of the arrangement of the ion exchange resin housings, two first connection ports are formed, each connected to one of the two ion exchange resin housings. In the discharge passage extending in the direction of the arrangement of the ion exchange resin housings, two second connection ports are formed, each connected to one of the two ion exchange resin housings. In an ion exchanger in which a fluid flowing through the introduction passage passes through two ion exchange resin housings and flows out into the discharge passage, By making the fluid flow cross-sectional area at the first connection port corresponding to the ion exchange resin containment located upstream of the introduction passage smaller than the fluid flow cross-sectional area at the first connection port corresponding to the ion exchange resin containment located downstream of the introduction passage, the flow rate of the fluid passing through the two ion exchange resin containment sections is adjusted. An ion exchanger in which the fluid flow cross-sectional area at the two first connection ports is set such that the rate of deterioration of the ion exchange resin contained in the ion exchange resin containment located upstream of the introduction passage, caused by the fluid passing through the ion exchange resin containment located downstream of the introduction passage, is similar to the rate of deterioration of the ion exchange resin contained in the ion exchange resin containment located downstream of the introduction passage.

2. The direction of fluid flow in the outlet passage is the same as the direction of fluid flow in the introduction passage. The ion exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the fluid flow cross-sectional area at the second connection port is smaller for the one located upstream of the two second connection ports than for the one located downstream.

3. The ion exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a throttling portion is formed downstream of the two second connection ports in the outlet passage to reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid flow in the outlet passage.

4. The two ion exchange resin housings are two cartridges of the same shape in which the ion exchange resin is loaded, The ion exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cartridge is detachably attached to the main body case of the ion exchanger.

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