Flow Control Strips in Electrolytic Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrolytic cells for oxidant production face inefficiencies due to uncontrolled gas bubble formation and distribution between anode and cathode electrodes, affecting conductivity and oxidant concentration, leading to reduced operational efficiency and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first separator oriented transversely between the anode and cathode, with a gas collection chamber and optional second separator, to separate and accumulate gas, enhancing gas separation and maintaining even solution flow, thereby improving electrical conductivity and oxidant concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gas bubbles are allowed to accumulate between anode and cathode electrodes during electrolysis, then gas production is maintained, but electrical conductivity decreases and oxidant concentration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cell is divided into multiple flow channels separated by flow control strips, creating distinct regions that segment the gas-liquid flow path. This segmentation allows gas bubbles to be confined to specific channels while maintaining electrolyte flow in other channels, preserving overall conductivity while enabling gas collection.
Solution Approach 2:
Flow control strips act as intermediary structures between the electrodes, providing a physical interface that directs gas-liquid flow while maintaining electrical isolation. These strips mediate the interaction between gas production and electrolyte circulation, enabling selective gas accumulation without compromising the electrochemical reaction zones.
2Reliability
If flow rate through the electrolytic cell is increased to maintain conductivity, then electrical conductivity is improved, but gas bubble accumulation is reduced and oxidant concentration decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolytic cell is segmented into multiple parallel flow channels by flow control strips, allowing the system to handle higher total flow rates while maintaining adequate residence time in each channel. This segmentation enables simultaneous achievement of high conductivity (through increased flow) and high oxidant concentration (through sufficient contact time).
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control strips extend in the vertical dimension between electrodes, creating a three-dimensional flow distribution pattern. This dimensional approach allows electrolyte to flow horizontally across multiple channels while gas bubbles rise vertically, separating the flow paths and enabling independent optimization of conductivity and concentration parameters.
3Quantity of substance
If larger storage tanks and pumps are used to compensate for low oxidant concentration, then oxidant storage capacity is improved, but capital costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the flow distribution parameters within the electrolytic cell by introducing flow control strips, which transforms the flow pattern from uniform to channelized. This parameter change increases oxidant concentration by more than 20%, thereby reducing the required storage capacity and equipment size, leading to lower capital costs.
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 increases oxidant concentration by more than 20% and improves operational efficiency, reducing the need for larger storage tanks and pumps, resulting in lower capital costs and enhanced electrolysis performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first separator disposed between the anode and cathode, the first separator oriented substantially transversely to the general flow direction and comprising a width less than a width of the anode and the cathode; wherein the first separator enhances separation of the liquid solution and gas produced by electrolysis of the solution
Implementation Method 2
Gas generation in electrolytic cells. This research discusses the effect of hydrogen gas formation between an anode and cathode electrode and the impact of gas bubble formation on the conductivity and efficiency of oxidant generation from the electrolyte feed solution
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and apparatus for controlling two phase flow in electrolytic cells. The present invention is directed to any electrolytic cell, including but not limited to upflow electrolytic cells that comprise parallel electrodes in a vertical orientation. Fluid control strips are preferably added between the anode and cathode electrodes to control flow of fluid and gas bubbles generated between the electrodes in order to avoid the detrimental effects of gas bubbles on the conductivity of the fluid solution, and thereby increase production and operational efficiency of the electrolytic cell.