Diaphragm Electrolyzer Tubular Cathode Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing disinfectants through diaphragm electrolysis consume excessive sodium chloride and electrical energy, and require complex equipment and external cooling systems, while also being limited in pH range and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a diaphragm electrolyzer with a tubular internal cathode, where a concentrated sodium chloride solution is prepared with only part of the fresh water, allowing for increased sodium chloride concentration and reduced water flow, which reduces electrical resistance and energy consumption, and allows for pH adjustment within a broader range without increasing equipment complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the flow rate through the cathode compartment is increased to improve cooling efficiency, then the cooling effect is improved, but the complexity of the device increases due to the need for additional pumps and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling water supply function with the catholyte discharge function into a single integrated system. The cooling water flows through the cathode compartment hollow interior to provide cooling, and then the same water serves as part of the catholyte discharge mixture, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems and pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling water performs multiple functions: it cools the cathode compartment, becomes part of the catholyte mixture, and helps maintain the pH balance. This multi-functional approach reduces device complexity while improving cooling efficiency.
2Productivity
If the concentration of sodium chloride in the electrolyte is increased to improve disinfectant production efficiency, then the productivity increases, but the consumption of sodium chloride per gram of active chlorine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers and reuses the cooling water that has passed through the cathode compartment. Instead of discarding it as waste, it is mixed with fresh water and sodium chloride to form part of the electrolyte feed, thereby recovering valuable water and reducing overall sodium chloride consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of the electrolyte by precisely controlling the mixing ratios of cooling water, fresh water, and sodium chloride concentrate, achieving high productivity while minimizing salt consumption through parameter optimization.
3Loss of substance
If the flow rate through the anode compartment is increased to reduce mineralization and sodium chloride consumption, then the sodium chloride consumption decreases, but the electrical resistance between electrodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic flow rate optimization by using a peristaltic pump to precisely control the flow rates of cooling water and electrolyte components, adjusting parameters in real-time to maintain optimal electrical conductivity while minimizing sodium chloride consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback control through the peristaltic pump to monitor and adjust flow rates, maintaining optimal electrolyte concentration and electrical resistance conditions while minimizing salt consumption and energy usage.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the distance between electrodes is reduced to lower electrical resistance, then the electrical energy consumption decreases, but the device complexity increases due to thinner membranes and more precise manufacturing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves sufficient energy efficiency by optimizing the electrolyte flow rates and concentrations to partially compensate for the larger electrode distance, eliminating the need for complex thin membranes while maintaining acceptable energy consumption levels.
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 method achieves reduced consumption of sodium chloride and electrical energy, increased reliability, and a broader pH adjustment range, making the process more economical and suitable for various applications with improved stability and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
electrochemical technology for the production of disinfectants by diaphragm electrolysis
Implementation Method 2
part of a fresh water flow is used both for cooling a cathode compartment
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a technology for producing the production of disinfectants by diaphragm electrolysis of the aqueous solution of sodium chloride. Disinfectants are used in agriculture, public health care and medical institutions, public water supply systems and elsewhere.The purpose of the this invention is to provide the means for producing disinfectants with the adjusting range of the pH value from 2.5 to 8.5 by using devices with various capacities ranging from 1 to 600 g active chlorine per hour, while decreasing the consumption of electric energy and sodium chloride for the production of 1 g of active chlorine over two times compared to prototype methods, and reducing the consumption of fresh water for producing of waste catholyte. The purpose of the present invention is accomplished by processing the concentrated aqueous solution of sodium chloride in anode and cathode compartment at a lower flow rate, using the flow of fresh water through the inner space of tubular cathode for cooling the solution.