Electrolysis Cell Anode Chamber Circulation and Baffle Plate Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chlor-alkali electrolysis processes face challenges in maintaining stable and efficient operation due to inhomogeneities in the electrolytic solution, such as variations in density, temperature, and chemical concentration, which are exacerbated by air bubbles and uneven electrolyte distribution.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a circulation structure within the anode chamber, combined with at least one baffle plate, enhances the circulation and homogeneity of the electrolytic solution. The circulation structure promotes vertical circulation, while the baffle plate improves horizontal homogeneity, leading to a more uniform distribution of electrolyte properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional electrolysis cells are used without circulation structures, then the device complexity is low, but the electrolytic solution becomes inhomogeneous with poor stability and efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehomogeneity of electrolytic solutionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anode chamber is segmented into multiple flow passages by baffle plates, creating distinct circulation zones that facilitate uniform electrolyte distribution and enhance homogeneity without requiring complex external circulation systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The circulation structure utilizes the natural convection currents generated during electrolysis itself to drive electrolyte circulation, eliminating the need for external pumps or complex mechanical circulation devices while maintaining solution homogeneity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If specially shaped electrodes are used to prevent gas accumulation, then the specific current consumption decreases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecific current consumptionVSAvoidelectrode structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circulation structure combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: it promotes electrolyte circulation, facilitates gas bubble removal, and ensures uniform current distribution across electrodes, replacing the need for separately optimized complex electrode geometries

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration significantly improves the homogeneity of the electrolytic solution, reducing concentration differences by up to 30% across different locations within the anode chamber, thereby enhancing the stability and efficiency of the electrolysis process.

Implementation Method 1

The circulation structure promotes vertical circulation, while the baffle plate improves horizontal homogeneity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

the baffle plate improves horizontal homogeneity, leading to a more uniform distribution of electrolyte properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow redirection:

Data Source

PatentEP4301902B1Electrolysis cell, electrolysis device for chlor-alkali electrolysis and use of an electrolysis cell for chlor-alkali electrolysis
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 THYSSENKRUPP UHDE CHLORINE ENGINEERS GMBH
  • EP4301902B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4301902B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4301902B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrolysis cell (1) for chlor-alkali electrolysis, comprising an anode chamber (2) for accommodating an anode (4) and for accommodating an electrolytic solution, wherein the anode chamber (2) comprises a circulation structure (5) for improving circulation of the electrolytic solution and at least one baffle plate (6) for improving horizontal homogeneity of the electrolytic solution, as well as to an electrolysis device including such an electrolysis cell (1) and the use of the electrolysis cell (1) for chlor-alkali electrolysis.