Electrolyte Circulation Cell Layout for Sodium Hypochlorite Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrolytic cells for producing sodium hypochlorite from seawater suffer from low electrolysis efficiency due to hydroxide deposition, inefficient flow distribution, and the need for manual acid cleaning, which is cumbersome and environmentally harmful.
Innovation Solution
An electrolyte circulation-based sodium hypochlorite generator with an automatic electrolytic cell cleaning function, utilizing partition walls and a reverse inflow member to control the flow path and circulate electrolyzed water for real-time cleaning without additional chemicals, enhancing electrolysis efficiency and preventing hydroxide deposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high flow velocity is used to pass seawater through the electrolytic cell, then processing speed is improved, but electrolysis efficiency deteriorates due to insufficient contact time
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolytic cell is divided into multiple compartments by partition walls with flow path guiding structures. These partitions create multiple flow channels that force the seawater to follow a longer, more complex path through the cell, increasing contact time with electrodes without reducing flow velocity. The segmentation of the flow path directly addresses the contradiction by extending residence time while maintaining processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls incorporate three-dimensional flow path guiding structures that extend in the vertical and lateral dimensions, not just horizontally. This multi-dimensional flow path design increases the effective contact length between seawater and electrodes, allowing sufficient electrolysis time to be achieved without reducing the linear flow velocity through the cell.
2Device complexity
If conventional flow path design is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but hydroxide deposition occurs reducing electrolysis efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into multiple controlled channels by partition walls, creating distinct flow zones that prevent stagnant areas. This segmentation ensures uniform flow distribution across all electrode surfaces, preventing hydroxide deposition in dead zones while maintaining relatively simple partition wall structures that are easy to manufacture and install.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls are strategically positioned to create localized flow control at critical areas where hydroxide deposition is most likely to occur. The flow path guiding structures provide localized turbulence and flow direction changes precisely where needed, rather than requiring complex overall redesign of the entire flow path system.
3Reliability
If manual acid cleaning is performed periodically, then electrode cleanliness is restored, but operational time is lost and environmental harm occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path guiding structures on the partition walls automatically prevent hydroxide deposition through continuous flow control during normal operation. The design enables the system to self-maintain electrode cleanliness by eliminating stagnant zones where deposition occurs, removing the need for periodic manual acid cleaning and associated operational interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls with flow path guiding structures perform preliminary prevention of hydroxide deposition before it can accumulate on electrodes. By maintaining continuous flow and preventing stagnant zones in advance, the design eliminates the need for subsequent cleaning operations, saving both time and avoiding environmental harm from acid disposal.
4Productivity
If high flow velocity is used, then processing capacity is improved, but temperature over-rising occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolytic cell is segmented into multiple compartments by partition walls, creating multiple parallel flow channels. This segmentation distributes the total flow across multiple paths, reducing the velocity and heat generation in each individual channel while maintaining high overall processing capacity. The divided structure prevents localized temperature over-rising.
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
The generator improves electrolysis efficiency, extends electrode life, reduces environmental impact by eliminating acid cleaning, and maintains stable sodium hypochlorite quality by controlling flow paths and using electrolyzed water for automatic cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) can be produced as sodium chloride (NaCl) contained in seawater or brine is electrolyzed by applying direct current power to each of an anode and a cathode
Implementation Method 2
a part of the electrolyzed brine is circulated into the electrolytic cell
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is an apparatus for generating sodium hypochlorite by electrolysis of brine such as seawater. More particularly, proposed is an electrolyte circulation-based sodium hypochlorite generator with an automatic electrolytic cell cleaning function, the generator being capable of controlling a flow path of an electrolyte, thereby increasing electrolysis efficiency and preventing deposition of hydroxides present in the electrolytic cell. The proposed generator can improve the electrolysis efficiency and minimize deposition of hydroxides by controlling a flow path of the electrolytic cell. In addition, deposits present in the electrolytic cell can be automatically cleaned and removed in real time by circulating electrolyzed water generated in the electrolytic cell without requiring the need for a separate cleaning process or complicated equipment.