Rotational Electrolysis Arrangement for Bubble Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrolysis methods face inefficiencies due to bubble formation on electrodes, which deactivates portions of the anode and cathode, and existing solutions like rotating disc electrolysis compromise efficiency by requiring wide spacing between electrodes.

Innovation Solution

A cylindrical electrolysis arrangement with wing-shaped electrodes arranged in a concentric pattern and subjected to rotational fluid flow, utilizing centrifugal forces to separate and efficiently distribute electrolysis products, while minimizing turbulence and bubble impeding effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If rotating disc electrolysis is used to remove bubbles, then bubble removal is improved, but electrode spacing must be increased which degrades electrolysis efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebubble formationVSAvoidelectrolysis efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies rotational motion to the electrolyte fluid to dynamically remove bubbles from electrode surfaces. The fluid rotation creates centrifugal forces that continuously sweep bubbles away from the electrodes, maintaining active electrode surface area without requiring large spacing between electrodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses fluid dynamics and hydraulic principles by rotating the electrolyte fluid to generate centrifugal forces. This hydraulic approach removes bubbles through fluid motion rather than mechanical contact, allowing narrow electrode spacing while maintaining bubble removal effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Productivity

If narrow gaps between electrodes are used to improve efficiency, then electrolysis efficiency is improved, but bubble removal becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrolysis efficiencyVSAvoidbubble accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic fluid rotation to actively remove bubbles from narrow electrode gaps. The rotating fluid creates continuous motion that prevents bubble accumulation even in tight spacing, maintaining electrolysis efficiency without bubble-related deactivation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotational motion of the fluid creates dynamic forces that act similarly to vibration in removing bubbles from surfaces. This mechanical action continuously disrupts bubble formation and detachment, enabling effective bubble removal in narrow gaps where static configurations would fail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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 electrolysis efficiency by allowing narrow gaps between electrodes, continuous fluid coverage, and rapid bubble removal, leading to improved production rates and product separation.

Implementation Method 1

When the disks rotate in a vessel filed with water, the electrolysis process will occur between the disks and centrifugal forces will rapidly remove any bubbles while also providing means for separating the electrolysis gas products from the water electrolyte

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP4428267A1Rotational electrolysis arrangement
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 KARLSSON STIG ERIK SE YOUNG
  • EP4428267A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4428267A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4428267A1 patent drawingFigure 4a~5

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an electrode (1) for use as an anode or cathode for electrolysis of a liquid flowing along a flow direction, an electrolysis arrangement comprising at least one such electrode and a method for performing electrolysis using the electrolysis arrangement. The electrolysis arrangement (100) comprises a cylindrical housing (30), a plurality of elongated electrodes (1, 1a, 1b, 1c), each extending along a longitudinal direction (L) parallel to the central axis (A), and the plurality of electrodes (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) being arranged in a concentric pattern around the central axis (A) inside the cylindrical housing, and fluid actuating means (20) for causing a rotational flow (F) of a fluid around said central axis (A) inside said inner volume of said cylindrical housing (30).