Electrolytic Device Segmented Flow Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrolytic devices face inefficiencies in producing desired substances due to impurities and obstructions in the electrolysis reaction, leading to low production efficiency of products.

Innovation Solution

The electrolytic device employs a diaphragm and catalyst layer configuration with separate flow channels for raw materials, ensuring high-purity supply and efficient reaction by preventing product obstructions, using a positive ion exchange membrane and platinum catalyst to convert toluene into methylcyclohexane and produce oxygen gas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional electrolytic device structure is used, then the device can perform basic electrolysis, but the production efficiency is low due to impurities and obstructions in the reaction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidpurity of products

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrolytic device is divided into separate flow channels: a first flow channel for supplying raw material to the catalyst layer, and a second flow channel for discharging products from the catalyst layer. This segmentation prevents product obstructions and maintains high purity by separating reactant supply from product discharge pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A diaphragm is introduced as an intermediary component between the electrodes to separate the anode and cathode compartments. This diaphragm prevents direct mixing of products from both electrodes, reducing impurities and maintaining product purity while allowing ionic conduction for the electrolysis reaction to proceed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If raw material is supplied directly to the electrode without flow channels, then the structure is simpler, but the reaction efficiency decreases due to obstructions and impurities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolysis reaction efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Flow channels are segmented into distinct pathways: a first flow channel for raw material supply and a second flow channel for product discharge. This segmentation improves reaction efficiency by preventing obstructions while maintaining manageable structural complexity through organized fluid pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flow channels are designed to preliminarily direct and control the flow of raw materials and products before they reach the reaction zones. This preliminary action ensures efficient material delivery and removal, enhancing electrolysis reaction efficiency without requiring overly complex structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If products are not efficiently discharged from the catalyst layer, then the structure can be simpler, but product obstructions reduce production efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct discharge efficiencyVSAvoidproduct discharge efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A dedicated second flow channel is created specifically for product discharge from the catalyst layer. This segmentation ensures efficient product removal by providing a separate pathway that prevents obstructions, directly improving both productivity and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The product discharge function is extracted as a separate flow channel system, distinct from the raw material supply channel. This extraction of the discharge function ensures that products are efficiently removed from the catalyst layer without interfering with reactant supply, enhancing both productivity and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 enhances the efficiency of the electrolysis reaction by maintaining high purity of products and reducing obstructions, resulting in improved production efficiency of methylcyclohexane and oxygen gas.

Implementation Method 1

a diaphragm provided between the first electrode and the second electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 2

catalyst layer configuration with separate flow channels for raw materials, ensuring high-purity supply and efficient reaction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 3

using electrolysis to produce a first product from the first raw material and produce a second product from the second raw material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS11248302B2Electrolytic device and electrolysis method

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 KK TOSHIBA

AI summary

An electrolytic device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a diaphragm provided between the first electrode and the second electrode. A first flow channel is formed inside the first electrode and discharges a first raw material in liquid form toward the diaphragm.