Pipe-Type Electrolysis Cell with Bipolar Electrode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe-type electrolysis cells face challenges such as large size, high manufacturing costs, non-uniform current distribution, and scale formation due to limited installation space and complex assembly, which affects efficiency and lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A compact pipe-type electrolysis cell design featuring a pair of terminal electrodes with a bipolar electrode in between, supported by insulation units and a spiral block for uniform fluid flow, allowing both inner and outer surfaces to participate in electrolysis, and plating non-reactive surfaces with conductive metals for improved current distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional pipe-type electrolysis cell uses multiple separate electrodes and insulating components, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate electrodes and insulating components into an integrated pipe-type bipolar electrode structure. The bipolar electrode is formed as a single integrated component with conductive and insulating portions built into one structure, eliminating the need for separate assembly of multiple electrodes and insulators, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining structural stability
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe-type bipolar electrode serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both anode and cathode at different sections, provides structural support, and includes built-in insulating features. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining operational stability
2Volume of stationary object
If the electrolysis cell uses a compact design with reduced installation space, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the current distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bipolar electrode is designed with different sections having different properties: conductive portions for electrochemical reactions and insulating portions for electrical isolation. This local differentiation of properties within the compact structure enables uniform current distribution by preventing current leakage and ensuring proper current paths, even in the reduced installation space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension of the pipe structure to achieve uniform current distribution. By arranging reactive surfaces both inside and outside the bipolar electrode in a radial configuration, the design ensures uniform current distribution across the cross-section, maintaining precision in the compact volumetric form
3Productivity
If both inner and outer surfaces of the bipolar electrode participate in electrolysis, then the electrolysis efficiency doubles, but the material consumption and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes both the inner and outer radial surfaces of the bipolar electrode for electrolysis reactions simultaneously. This three-dimensional utilization of reactive surface area doubles the electrolysis efficiency compared to conventional single-surface designs, while the pipe structure efficiently uses material throughout its volume rather than requiring additional separate components
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 design doubles electrolysis efficiency, reduces manufacturing costs, and halves the installation space while maintaining performance, enabling uniform reaction and reduced material usage.
Implementation Method 1
an electric current flows through the anode bar to form electromagnetic fields in a fluid passage, thereby preventing generation of scale
Implementation Method 2
when DC power is applied between the anode and the cathode to cause electrolysis while an electrolyte solution flows along the surfaces of the inner pipe and the outer pipe, electrolyzed water is produced
Implementation Method 3
Chlorine (Cl2) is produced at the anode side through oxidation of chlorine ions
Implementation Method 4
hydrogen gas (H2) and hydroxyl ions (OH—) are produced at the cathode side through water splitting
Implementation Method 5
Hydroxyl ions (OH—) produced at the cathode side react with sodium ions (Na+) in a bulk phase to produce sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
Implementation Method 6
the sodium hydroxide (NaOH) reacts with chlorine (Cl2), in a bulk phase, produced at the anode to produce sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)
Implementation Method 7
Hardness materials such as Ca and Mg contained in an electrolyte solution form scale on a cathode electrode through chemical reactions
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a pipe-type electrolysis cell including: a pair of terminal electrodes including an outer electrode and an inner electrode that are electrically connected to each other at respective first ends thereof and separated from each other at respective second ends thereof; and a bipolar electrode installed between the terminal electrodes and electrically insulated the terminal electrodes.