JP2004002993A - Ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell capable of maintaining a prescribed spacing between electrodes. <P>SOLUTION: In this ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell, at least either of the anodes or the cathodes are energized in contact with a plurality of pairs of comb-like flat springs extending askant from flat spring supports disposed on electrode partition walls in the electrolytic cell, the comb-like flat spring of each pair being so constituted as to be mutually inserted between the adjacent springs to the opposite direction to each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell, and more particularly to an ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell capable of maintaining a predetermined distance between electrodes.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In an electrolytic cell used for electrolysis of an aqueous solution, the voltage required for electrolysis depends on various factors. Among these, the distance between the anode and the cathode greatly affects the electrolytic cell voltage. Therefore, the energy consumption required for electrolysis is reduced by reducing the distance between the electrodes and reducing the electrolytic cell voltage.
In an ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell used for the electrolysis of saline solution, the anode, ion exchange membrane, and cathode are placed in close contact to reduce the electrolytic cell voltage, but the electrode area is several square meters. In a large electrolytic cell that reaches the maximum, when the anode and cathode are joined to the electrode chamber by a rigid member, it is difficult to keep both electrodes in close contact with the ion exchange membrane and to keep the electrode interval small. Met.
[0003]
Therefore, an electrolytic cell has been proposed in which a flexible member is used for at least one of the anode and the cathode and the distance between the electrodes can be adjusted.
Various electrolyzers using a flexible member as a means for reducing the distance between electrodes have been proposed, and a flexible member made of a fine metal wire woven fabric, non-woven fabric, mesh, etc. is used as a porous electrode. An electrode arranged on a substrate has been proposed.
Since these flexible electrodes are made of fine metal wires, when they are pressed excessively by the counter pressure from the counter electrode, they are partially deformed and the spacing between the electrodes is non-uniform. There was a problem that the ion exchange membrane was pierced.
In addition, an electrolytic cell has been proposed in which a conductive connection is formed between the electrode chamber partition wall side and the electrode by a large number of flat spring materials (for example, Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2).
[0004]
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an electrolytic cell provided with a conventional flat spring-like body.
FIG. 10 (A) is a partial cross-sectional view of an ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell using a conventional flat spring-like body, and FIG. 10 (B) is a plan view of the flat spring-like body. C) is a cross-sectional view of a flat spring-like body.
The anode chamber 52 and the cathode chamber 53 of the electrolytic cell 51 are joined to the anode chamber partition wall 54 and the cathode chamber partition wall 55 with anode ribs 56 and 57 at predetermined intervals, respectively. A material 58 is attached, and an anode 59 is attached to the anode attachment base material 58.
[0005]
The cathode rib 57 is provided with a cathode holding member 61 provided with a large number of flat spring-like bodies 60, and the cathode 62 is held by the flat spring-like body 60. The ion exchange membrane 63 disposed between 59 and the cathode 62 is not pressed with a large force.
In the case of a flexible electrode using a flat spring-like body, the behavior against partial deformation at the time of pressing is superior to that using a member made of fine wire, but in these electrolytic cells, The flat spring-like body extends obliquely from the flexible cathode holding member in the same direction.
[0006]
Therefore, when a force is applied from the electrode surface side, a force that moves in one direction in which the spring material is deformed by the displacement of the flat spring-like body acts on the electrode surface, and as a result, comes into contact with the flat spring-like body. When the electrode is displaced or the electrode is in contact with the ion exchange membrane, the ion exchange membrane may be damaged when the electrode is displaced.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-57-108278
[Patent Document 2]
JP 58-37183 A
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention relates to an electrolytic cell in which an electrode and a current collector are combined using a flexible energizing means, and the electrode surface is kept smooth even with a large area electrode, and the flexible energizing It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrolytic cell in which excessive pressure is not applied to the surface of the ion exchange membrane when the electrode moves in any direction by means or is used in an ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell. Is.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of pairs of comb-like flat springs extending in an inclined manner from a flat spring-like body holding member disposed on an electrode partition provided in an electrode chamber in an ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell. Each pair of comb-shaped flat springs can be solved by an ion-exchange membrane electrolytic cell constructed by inserting adjacent flat springs facing each other. it can.
Thus, in the ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell of the present invention, the electrodes are energized by a plurality of pairs of comb-like flat springs extending from members arranged on the electrode partition walls, and the pairs are inserted into each other. As a result, the electrode can move in parallel with the partition wall surface while being in contact with the flat spring-like body, so that the ion exchange membrane is not pressed unevenly from the electrode surface, and stable electrode spacing is achieved. The ion-exchange membrane electrolytic cell holding can be made.
[0010]
Further, in the above ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell, the lengths inserted into each pair of comb-like flat springs are the same.
In this way, by making the lengths inserted into each pair of comb-like flat springs into the same length, the movement of the electrodes in contact with the flat springs can be made more uniform. it can.
[0011]
The flat spring-like body is the above-described ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell having a contact portion bent toward the flat spring-like body holding member at the tip, and the contact portion of the flat spring-like body and the electrode are in contact with each other.
In this way, even if irregularities are formed on the surface of an electrode having an expanded metal, a net-like member or the like as a base, the flat spring shape is formed by bending the tip of the flat spring-like body. Since the body and the electrode are in smooth contact with each other, the movement of the electrode can be made smooth.
[0012]
The projection surface of the comb-shaped flat spring body on the flat spring body holding member has an opening, and the flat spring body holding member exists on the projection surface between adjacent flat spring bodies. This is an ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell.
There is an opening in the projection surface of the comb-shaped flat spring body on the flat spring body holding member, and there is a flat spring body holding member on the projection surface outside the adjacent flat spring bodies. The ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell.
In this way, the presence of the flat spring-like body holding member between the projection surface to the flat spring-like body holding member or the outer side makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the flat spring-like body holding member. The movement of the body can be made uniform.
[0013]
The flat spring-like body holding member is formed in a parallel portion with the electrode chamber partition wall formed between the electrode chamber partition wall and the electrode chamber partition wall bonded to the flat electrode chamber partition wall by the strip-shaped bonding portion. In the above-described ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell, the space formed between the chamber partition walls is used as a descending flow path for the electrolytic solution, and the rising flow path for the electrolytic solution is formed on the electrode side.
Thus, by forming a space between the flat spring-like body holding member and the electrode chamber partition wall, the circulation of the electrolytic solution in the electrode chamber can be enhanced, and the electrolysis can be efficiently advanced.
[0014]
The flat plate spring-like body holding member to which the flat plate spring-like body is coupled is the ion-exchange membrane electrolytic cell as described above, which is joined to a porous member having a larger opening diameter than the electrode with which the flat spring-like body contacts. It is.
Thus, by joining to the member which has opening, it becomes possible to provide the electrolytic cell with a large freedom degree of the flow of the electrolyte solution in an electrolytic cell.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the present invention, in the electrolytic cell in which the plate provided with the plate spring-like body is arranged in the plate-like electrode chamber partition wall, the current collector, etc., the plate spring-like bodies are arranged so as to be opposed to each other in a comb shape. When the electrode surface is pressed against the flat spring-like body, an electrode having a predetermined distance from the counter electrode can be obtained without causing lateral displacement of the electrode.
As a result, there is no risk of damaging the ion exchange membrane contacting the electrode surface, and the distance from the counter electrode or the ion exchange membrane can be set to a desired size even with a large area electrode. Is.
[0016]
The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of the electrolytic cell of the present invention, and FIG. 1 (A) is a diagram for explaining a cross section of an ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell in which a plurality of electrolytic cell units are laminated, FIG. 1B is a plan view seen from the cathode side of the electrolytic cell unit, and FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA ′ in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1A, an ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell 1 is assembled by laminating a plurality of bipolar electrode cell units 2 with an ion exchange membrane 3 interposed therebetween.
In the electrolytic cell unit 2, an anode 5 is disposed at a distance from the anode chamber partition wall 4, and an anode chamber 6 is formed. Further, a cathode 8 is disposed at a distance from the cathode chamber partition wall 7, and a cathode chamber 9 is formed between the cathode chamber partition wall 7 and the ion exchange membrane 3.
In addition, an anode chamber side gas / liquid separation means 40 and a cathode chamber side gas / liquid separation means 41 are provided above the anode chamber 6 and the cathode chamber 9, respectively.
Further, an anolyte supply pipe 18 is attached to the anode chamber 6 of the electrolytic cell unit 2, and an anolyte discharge pipe 19 for discharging the anolyte and gas having a reduced concentration is provided in the anode chamber side gas-liquid separation means 40. It is attached.
Further, a catholyte supply pipe 22 is attached to the cathode chamber 6 of the electrolytic cell unit 2, and a catholyte discharge pipe 23 for discharging the anolyte and gas having a reduced concentration is provided in the anode chamber side gas-liquid separation means 41. It is attached.
As shown in the figure, the anolyte supply pipe and the anolyte discharge pipe are shown as being arranged on the same side, but the supply pipe and the discharge pipe may be arranged facing each other. The liquid supply tube and the catholyte supply tube may be arranged on the same side.
[0017]
As shown in FIGS. 1 (B) and 1 (C), a flat spring holding member 12 is attached to the cathode chamber partition wall 4, and a plurality of pairs extending obliquely from the flat spring holding member 12 is provided. The cathode 8 is in contact with the tip of the comb-shaped flat spring-shaped body 11 and is energized. Each pair of comb-shaped flat spring-shaped bodies is inserted so that adjacent flat spring-shaped bodies are opposed to each other. It is inserted and placed. An ion exchange membrane 3 is disposed on the surface of the cathode 8.
Since the cathode 8 is in contact with the plate spring 11 extending in the opposite direction from the plate spring holding member 12, only the force perpendicular to the cathode chamber partition acts on the cathode. As a result, the repulsive force of the flat spring-like body 11 displaces the cathode in the direction perpendicular to the cathode chamber partition 7 and does not move the cathode 8 in parallel with the cathode chamber partition 7, thereby damaging the ion exchange membrane surface. It is possible to adjust to a predetermined position without causing such problems.
[0018]
As shown in FIGS. 1 (B) and 1 (C), the cathode compartment partition 4 is provided with a large number of flat spring-like bodies 11 in a comb shape, and a pair of comb-like flat spring-like bodies facing each other are mutually connected. A flat spring-like body holding member 12 made of a plate-like body that is inserted into and disposed on is joined. Further, the cathode 8 is disposed in contact with the tip of the flat spring-like body 11, and the ion exchange membrane 3 is disposed on the surface of the cathode 8.
Since the cathode 8 is in contact with the plate spring 11 extending in the opposite direction from the plate spring holding member 12, only the force perpendicular to the cathode chamber partition acts on the cathode. As a result, the repulsive force of the flat spring-like body 11 displaces the cathode in the direction perpendicular to the cathode chamber partition 7 and does not move the cathode 8 in parallel with the cathode chamber partition 7, thereby damaging the ion exchange membrane surface. It is possible to adjust to a predetermined position without causing such problems.
[0019]
In addition, by making the lengths inserted between the pairs of comb-shaped flat spring bodies into the same length, when the flat spring bodies are pressed, the distance of the contact portion with the electrode surface is reduced. As the distance increases, the distance is the same in any pair, so that the distribution of the energization points on the electrode surface is equalized.
On the other hand, when the comb teeth of each pair of comb-shaped flat springs are only opposed to each other and are not inserted into each other, when the electrode surface is pressed, the contact portion with the electrode surface Since the distance becomes small, the distribution of current supplied to the electrodes becomes non-uniform, which is not preferable.
The flat spring-like body holding member 12 attached to the cathode compartment partition may be a single member having a size equivalent to the cathode surface, or a predetermined number of members may be arranged.
[0020]
On the other hand, an anode holding member 13 is bonded to the anode chamber partition 4 by forming a band-shaped joint portion 14, and the anode chamber partition 4 and the anode holding member 13 are closely bonded to each other at the band-shaped bonding portion 14. Yes. Both are not limited to continuous welds, but are joined together by a large number of spot welds while the two are in close contact with each other, so that the anode holding member 13 and the anode chamber partition 4 are in close contact with each other. It is only necessary that the space formed between the member 13 and the anode chamber partition 4 is separated from the space on the opposite side.
[0021]
A protruding strip portion 15 is formed between adjacent strip-shaped joint portions 14 of the anode holding member 13, and the protruding strip portion 15 and the strip-shaped joint portion 14 are joined by a flat portion 16. The anode 5 is joined to the convex portion 15 at a plurality of locations.
The protrusion 15 is sufficient if it has a width that allows the electrode to be joined to the top, and may be a protrusion formed by bending a metal plate to form a corner. The electrode holding member may have a plane parallel to the partition wall. Further, the anode holding member may be manufactured as a separate member, or a plurality of members connected by press molding may be manufactured, or all the anode holding members arranged in the anode chamber partition wall may be formed as a single metal plate. It may be produced by molding.
[0022]
Moreover, when the junction part 14 and the convex-shaped part 15 are couple | bonded by the plane part 16, a cross-sectional shape becomes a truss type, and the rigidity of the anode chamber produced with the thin plate can be improved. An anolyte circulation passage 17 is formed in a space formed by the anode holding member 13, the anode chamber partition wall 4, and the adjacent band-shaped joint portion 14, and the gas-liquid that has moved up the space on the anode 5 surface side of the anode holding member 13. A part of the electrolytic solution obtained by gas-liquid separation of the mixed fluid in the upper part of the anode chamber flows out from the anolyte discharge pipe 19. Then, the anolyte circulating passage 17 descends, flows out into the space on the anode surface side in the lower part of the anode chamber, and is mixed with the anolyte supplied from the anolyte supply pipe 18 provided in the electrolytic cell and ejected into the anode chamber. Electrolysis is performed at the anode.
[0023]
FIG. 2 is a view for explaining a flat spring-like body of the present invention.
2A is a perspective view, FIG. 2B is a plan view illustrating the manufacturing process, and FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view illustrating the manufacturing process.
As shown in FIG. 2A, a plurality of pairs of comb-like members in which the flat spring-like bodies 11 undulate in an oblique direction are attached to the plate-like flat spring-like body holding member 12. In the figure, three pairs of comb-like members are shown. Adjacent flat spring-like bodies 11 forming each pair of comb-like members extend in opposite directions and are inserted into each other.
The flat spring-like body 11 can be manufactured by joining the spring-like body to the flat plate by an arbitrary method. However, as shown below, the flat spring-like body 11 is easily manufactured by cutting the plate material and then raising it in one direction. be able to.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 2 (B), the flat plate 25 is cut along the cutting line 27 of the flat spring-like body forming portion 26, and the member is removed by leaving the flat spring-like body forming portion 26 to remove the opening 28. Form. Next, as shown in FIG. 2C, the flat spring-like body 11 is formed by applying a force F to the flat-plate spring-like body forming portion 26 and raising the flat spring-like body forming portion 26 from the flat plate 25 in one direction. .
When the remaining portion 29 is left between the openings 28 formed between the flat spring-like body forming portions 26 and the flat spring-like body is projected onto the flat spring-like body holding member, the adjacent flat springs Flat spring-like body holding members are present in the gaps between the shaped bodies. The flat spring-like body holding member existing in the gap between the flat spring-like bodies serves to increase the rigidity of the flat spring-like body holding member 12, and the movement of the cathode in contact with the flat spring-like body 11 is made smoother. I can do it.
Further, the remaining portion 29 may not be provided between all the openings 28, and can be determined in consideration of the rigidity of the member.
[0025]
FIG. 3 is a view for explaining another embodiment of the flat spring-like body of the present invention.
3A is a perspective view, and FIG. 3B is a diagram for explaining a horizontal section of an electrode chamber of an electrolytic cell using the flat spring-like body of FIG. 3A.
A plurality of pairs of comb-shaped members in which the flat spring-like bodies 11 undulate in an oblique direction are attached to the plate-like flat spring-like body holding member 12. In the figure, three pairs of comb-like members are shown. Adjacent flat spring-like bodies 11 forming each pair of comb-like members extend in opposite directions and are inserted into each other.
Further, the flat spring-like body 11 has a contact portion 11A in which a tip portion that contacts the electrode is bent substantially in parallel to the flat spring-like body holding member 12 side, and the contact portion 11A is in contact with the electrode. .
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 3 (B), when the cathode chamber 9 is provided with a flat spring-like body having a contact portion 11A substantially parallel to the flat spring-like body holding member 12 of the present invention on the cathode side, When the distance between the cathode 8 and the flat spring-like body holding member 12 is reduced, the movement between the cathode 8 and the flat spring-like body 11 becomes smooth, and the adjustment of the distance between the electrodes is performed smoothly. The conductive connection between the electrode and the flat spring-like body is also ensured.
[0027]
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment of the flat spring-like body of the present invention.
4A is a perspective view, FIG. 4B is a plan view for explaining an example of the manufacturing process, FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of a flat spring-like body, and FIG. D) is a sectional view for explaining another example of a flat spring-like body.
As shown in FIG. 4A, a plurality of pairs of comb-like members in which the flat spring-like bodies 11 undulate in an oblique direction are attached to the flat flat spring-like body holding member 12. In the figure, three pairs of comb-like members are shown. Adjacent flat spring-like bodies 11 forming each pair of comb-like members extend in opposite directions and are inserted into each other.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 4 (B), the flat spring 25 is cut along the cutting line 27 on the flat plate 25 along the cutting line 27, and the member is removed by punching leaving the flat spring forming portion 26. An opening 28 is formed. Further, a folding line 26A is formed in the flat spring-like body forming portion 26 in order to form a contact portion at the tip end portion of the flat spring-like body.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 4C, the flat spring-like body forming portion 26 applies a force F to raise the flat spring-like body forming portion 26 from the flat plate 25 in one direction to form a flat spring-like body. The bent portion 26B is bent along the fold line 26A so as to be parallel to the flat plate 25.
[0030]
Further, as shown in FIG. 4D, a curved bent portion 26C may be formed using a folding line 26A.
Further, when the flat spring-like body is projected onto the flat spring-like body holding member, the strength holding portion 12C in which the flat spring-like body holding portion exists is provided in the gap between the adjacent flat spring-like bodies. . In the example shown in FIG. 4, the strength holding portion 12 </ b> C is provided for each of the five sets of flat spring-like bodies 11 that extend in opposite directions to increase the rigidity of the flat spring-like body holding member 12. The interval at which the strength holding portion 12C is provided can be determined in consideration of the rigidity of the member forming the flat spring-like body holding portion.
Further, by arranging the strength holding portions 12C at intervals as described above, it is possible to arrange a larger number of contact portions between the flat spring-like body and the electrode per unit area than those shown in FIG. Thus, the electrical loss accompanying the increase in the energization amount can be reduced.
In addition, the flat spring-like body holding member provided with the flat spring-like body of the present invention can be continuously produced by a press molding machine by bending and cutting the member from the plate-like body.
[0031]
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment of the electrolytic cell of the present invention, and FIG. 5 (A) is a diagram in which a part of the electrolytic cell viewed from the cathode side is cut away, and FIG. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB ′ in FIG.
The bipolar electrolytic cell unit 2 of the ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell is composed of an anode chamber 6 and a cathode chamber 9, and the plate-like anode chamber partition 4 and cathode chamber partition 7 are electrically and mechanically joined. It is integrated.
The cathode compartment wall 7 is provided with a plurality of pairs of comb-like flat spring bodies in which a large number of flat spring-like bodies 11 are provided in a comb shape and the comb-like flat spring-like bodies 11 facing each other are inserted into each other. The flat spring-like body holding member 12 is arranged and energized, and the adjacent flat spring-like bodies are inserted into each pair of comb-like flat spring-like bodies.
[0032]
Further, the flat spring-like body holding member 12 is joined by forming a belt-like joining portion 20, and the cathode chamber partition wall 7 and the flat spring-like body holding member 12 are closely joined to each other at the belt-like joining portion 20. The flat spring-like body holding member 12 includes a vertical portion 12A connected to the joint portion 20, and a horizontal portion 12B parallel to the cathode chamber partition intersecting at right angles to the vertical portion, and the horizontal portion 12B. The flat plate spring-like body 11 is provided by inserting the flat plate-like spring bodies 11 facing each other in a comb shape, and a catholyte circulation passage 21 is formed between the flat plate spring-like body holding member 12 and the cathode chamber partition wall 7. Has been.
[0033]
As a result, a part of the electrolytic solution obtained by gas-liquid separation of the gas-liquid mixed fluid that has risen in the space on the cathode 8 surface side flows out of the electrolytic cell through the catholyte discharge pipe 23 and a part of the electrolytic solution. The catholyte descends the liquid circulation passage 21, flows out into the space on the cathode surface side at the lower part of the cathode chamber, is supplied from the catholyte supply pipe 22 provided in the electrolytic cell, and is ejected from the catholyte supply port 24 into the cathode chamber. And undergoes electrolysis at the cathode.
Thus, since the circulation of the electrolyte solution in the cathode chamber is promoted, the concentration distribution of the catholyte becomes small, and the electrolysis becomes efficient.
[0034]
On the other hand, an anode holding member 13 is bonded to the anode chamber partition 4 by forming a band-shaped joint portion 14, and the anode chamber partition 4 and the anode holding member 13 are closely bonded to each other at the band-shaped bonding portion 14. Yes.
A protruding strip portion 15 is formed between adjacent strip-shaped joint portions 14 of the anode holding member 13, and the protruding strip portion 15 and the strip-shaped joint portion 14 are joined by a flat portion 16. The anode 5 is joined to the convex portion 15 at a plurality of locations.
An anolyte circulation passage 17 is formed in a space formed by the anode holding member 13, the anode chamber partition wall 4, and the adjacent band-shaped joint portion 14.
[0035]
A part of the electrolytic solution of the electrolytic solution obtained by gas-liquid separation of the gas-liquid mixed fluid rising in the space on the anode 5 surface side of the anode holding member 13 in the upper part of the anode chamber flows out from the anolyte discharge pipe 19. Then, the anolyte circulation passage 17 descends, flows out into the space on the anode surface side below the anode electrode chamber, is supplied from the anolyte supply pipe 18 provided in the electrolytic cell, and is mixed with the anolyte ejected into the anode chamber. And undergoes electrolysis on the anode surface.
[0036]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the flat spring-like body holding member shown in FIG. FIG. 6A is a perspective view, and FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C are diagrams illustrating a cross-section when mounted on an electrolytic cell.
The flat spring-like body holding member 12 has a joint portion 20 with the cathode compartment partition, and a longitudinal portion 12A connected to the joint portion and a transverse portion 12B parallel to the cathode compartment partition that intersects the longitudinal portion at a right angle. The lateral portion 12B has a pair of members formed by inserting the flat spring bodies 11 in a comb shape and inserting the opposing comb-shaped flat spring bodies 11 into each other. In the flat spring-like body holding member 12, a catholyte circulation passage 21 is formed between the cathode chamber partition walls 7 by the vertical portion 12A and the horizontal portion 12B.
[0037]
Before assembling the electrolytic cell, as shown in FIG. 6 (B), the cathode 8 is located away from the cathode chamber partition wall 7 due to the repulsive force of the flat spring-like body 11, but after assembling the electrolytic cell. Can obtain an electrolytic cell in which the distance from the counter electrode is maintained at a predetermined position.
The flat spring-like body holding member 11 can be manufactured by molding the member forming the flat spring-like body 11 into a convex body, as shown in FIG. It can be manufactured by forming the flat spring-like body 11 after forming the body.
[0038]
Further, even when a predetermined number of flat spring-like body holding members 12 made of one convex body are joined to the cathode chamber partition wall 7 of the electrolytic cell, a flat spring shape having several convex bodies is provided. A predetermined number of body holding members may be joined, or one flat spring-like body holding member having a size equivalent to that of the cathode chamber partition may be manufactured and disposed on the cathode chamber partition. .
[0039]
FIG. 7 is a view for explaining another flat spring holding member according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7A is a perspective view, and FIG. 7B and FIG. 7C are diagrams for explaining a cross section when mounted on an electrolytic cell.
The flat spring-like body holding member 12 has a joint portion 20 with the cathode compartment partition, and a longitudinal portion 12A connected to the joint portion and a transverse portion 12B parallel to the cathode compartment partition that intersects the longitudinal portion at a right angle. In the lateral portion 12B, a flat spring 11 is provided in a comb shape and a pair of comb flat springs 11 facing each other are inserted into each other. Further, in the flat spring-like body holding member 12, a catholyte circulation passage 21 is formed between the cathode chamber partition walls 7 by the vertical portion 12A and the horizontal portion 12B.
[0040]
The flat spring body 11 has a contact portion 11A formed in parallel with the flat spring body holding portion at the tip, and the electrode surface and the contact portion 11A are in contact with each other to form an electrical connection. .
When the flat spring-like body is projected onto the flat spring-like body holding member, the strength holding portion 12C in which the flat spring-like body holding member exists is formed in the gap between the adjacent flat spring-like bodies. .
Before the assembly of the electrolytic cell, as shown in FIG. 7B, the contact portion 11A of the flat spring-like body 11 is in contact with the negative electrode 8 due to the repulsive force of the flat spring-like body 11. Is held at a position away from the cathode chamber partition wall 7, but as shown in FIG. 7C, after the electrolytic cell is assembled, an electrolytic cell is formed in which the distance from the counter electrode is maintained at a predetermined position. .
[0041]
In the same manner as shown in FIG. 2, the flat spring-like body holding member 12 is formed by pressing a flat spring-like body by press molding, and after performing cutting or the like, the flat spring-like body holding member 12 is flat. The body 11 can be formed.
Further, even when a predetermined number of flat spring-like body holding members 12 made of one convex body are joined to the cathode chamber partition wall 7 of the electrolytic cell, a flat spring shape having several convex bodies is provided. A predetermined number of body holding members may be joined, or one flat spring-like body holding member having a size equivalent to that of the cathode chamber partition may be manufactured and disposed on the cathode chamber partition. .
[0042]
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment of the present invention, in which a part of the electrolytic cell is cut by a horizontal surface.
The electrolytic cell shown in FIG. 8A is an electrolytic cell in which the structure of the anode chamber is different from the electrolytic cell shown in FIG. 1, and a cross section taken along the line AA ′ in FIG. It is a figure to do. Further, the electrolytic cell shown in FIG. 8B is different from the electrolytic cell shown in FIG. 5 in the structure on the anode chamber side, and is a cross section taken along the line BB ′ in FIG. FIG. 8C and 8D are different from those shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B in the shape of the flat spring-like body. Since each electrolytic cell has the same structure as the cathode chamber in FIGS. 1C and 5B, only the anode chamber will be described.
[0043]
In the electrolytic cell, the anode holding member 13 provided in the anode chamber partition 4 is joined by forming a strip-shaped joint portion 14, and the vertical portion 13 </ b> A connected to the strip-shaped joint portion 14 is perpendicular to the vertical portion. The anode 5 is attached to the convex portion 13C provided in the lateral portion 13B, and the longitudinal portion 13A of the anode holding member 13 is formed. The lateral portion 13B forms an anolyte circulation passage 17 between the anode chamber partition walls 4 to enhance the circulation of the anolyte.
8 (C) and 8 (D), the distal end portion of the flat spring-like body 11 is bent to form a contact portion 11A, and the lateral portion 12B of the flat spring-like body holding member 12 is formed. A substantially parallel contact portion 11A is formed. As a result, the contact between the cathode 8 and the flat spring-like body 11 is made smooth when the electrolytic cell is assembled.
In the above description, the electrolytic cell of the present invention is not limited to the plate spring-like body holding member joined to the partition wall of the bipolar electrolytic cell, but can be installed on other current collectors and holding members. is there.
[0044]
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining an example in which a flat spring is provided in a monopolar electrolytic cell.
FIG. 9A is a diagram in which a part of a unit electrolytic cell of a filter press type monopolar electrolytic cell is cut out, and FIG. 9B is a CC ′ line in FIG. 9A. It is sectional drawing cut | disconnected.
It is a figure explaining the case where the conductor 33 is engaged with the electrolytic cell frame 32 of the monopolar unit electrolytic cell 31, and a unit electrolytic cell is a cathode chamber. In the conductor 33, an electrolytic downflow passage is formed inside, and a conductive connection is formed between the conductor 33 and the cathode side current collector 34, and the cathode 33 holds the cathode side current collector 34. Liquid circulation energizing means 35 is provided.
The cathode-side current collector 34 is made of a porous member such as expanded metal, and has a structure in which an electrolytic solution freely flows inside the unit electrolytic cell. A flat plate spring holding member 12 provided with a large number of flat plate springs 11 is joined to the cathode current collector 34. The flat spring-like body 11 is in contact with the cathode 8 to form a conductive connection, and the electrode can be adjusted in a direction perpendicular to the electrode surface.
[0045]
The flat spring-like body holding member 12 is provided with a cathode-side current collector 12 by widening the area of the opening 28 formed by removing the member when the flat spring-like body 6 is produced. When attached to the body 34, the electrolyte solution is circulated through the opening 28 of the flat spring-like body holding member 12.
Further, in the electrolytic cell, the electrolytic solution containing bubbles rising along the electrode surface descends in the electrolytic solution circulation energizing means 35 after separating the gas in the upper portion of the electrolytic solution, and the catholyte supply pipe 36 and the catholyte supplied through the catholyte supply nozzle 37 are electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell and discharged from the catholyte outlet 38.
In the above description, the flat spring-like body and the flat spring-like body holding member have been described as being provided on the cathode side, but may be provided not only on the cathode side but also on the anode side.
[0046]
When provided on the cathode side, nickel, nickel alloy, stainless steel, etc. exhibiting good corrosion resistance can be used in the environment inside the cathode chamber, and the cathode, nickel, nickel alloy porous body, net-like body, expander, etc. A dead metal, or a base material containing a catalyst such as a platinum group metal-containing layer, a Raney nickel-containing layer, or an activated carbon-containing nickel layer formed on the surface to reduce the hydrogen overvoltage can be used.
[0047]
Moreover, when providing in an anode side, thin film forming metals, such as titanium, a tantalum, a zirconium, or these alloys can be used. As the anode, an anode in which a coating of an electrocatalyst substance containing a platinum group metal or an oxide of a platinum group metal is formed on the surface of a thin film forming metal such as titanium, tantalum, or zirconium, or an alloy thereof can be used. .
Further, the size of the flat spring-like body can be determined according to the electrode area of the electrolytic cell, etc., and the thickness is 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm, the width is 2 mm to 10 mm, and the length is 20 mm to 50 mm. be able to.
[0048]
When the electrolytic cell of the present invention is used for electrolysis of an aqueous solution of an alkali metal halide, for example, electrolysis of saline, saturated saline is supplied to the anode chamber, and water or dilute sodium hydroxide is supplied to the cathode chamber. The aqueous solution is supplied, electrolyzed at a predetermined decomposition rate, and then taken out from the electrolytic cell.
Also, in the electrolysis using saline ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell, the electrolysis is performed with the pressure in the cathode chamber kept higher than the pressure in the anode chamber, and the ion exchange membrane is operated in close contact with the anode. However, since the cathode is held by a flexible flat spring-like body, electrolysis can be performed by bringing the cathode close to a predetermined distance on the surface of the ion exchange membrane. Further, even when the pressure on the anode chamber side becomes large at the time of abnormality, the flat spring-like body has a large restoring force, and after the pressure is removed, an operation with a predetermined interval is possible.
[0049]
【The invention's effect】
According to the ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell of the present invention, since at least one of the electrodes is held by the flat spring-like bodies inserted into each other, the distance between the electrodes is set to a predetermined value without causing lateral displacement in the surface direction. An ion-exchange membrane electrolytic cell that can be operated by returning to its original form after the pressure is removed even when pressed from the counter electrode side when the pressure is abnormal can do.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a view for explaining an embodiment of an electrolytic cell of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a flat spring-like body according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a view for explaining another embodiment of the flat spring-like body of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a view for explaining another embodiment of the flat spring-like body of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a view for explaining another embodiment of the electrolytic cell of the present invention.
6 is a view for explaining the flat spring-like body holding member shown in FIG. 5. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a view for explaining another flat spring-like body holding member according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment of the present invention, in which a part of the electrolytic cell is cut by a horizontal surface.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining an example in which a flat spring is provided in a monopolar electrolytic cell.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an electrolytic cell provided with a conventional flat spring-like body.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell, 2 ... Electrolytic cell unit, 3 ... Ion exchange membrane, 4 ... Anode chamber partition, 5 ... Anode, 6 ... Anode chamber, 7 ... Cathode chamber partition, 8 ... Cathode, 9 ... Cathode chamber, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Flat spring-like body, 12 ... Flat spring-like body holding member, 12A ... Longitudinal part, 12B ... Lateral part, 12C ... Strength holding part, 13 ... Anode holding member, 14 ... Joint part, 15 ... Convex line part , 16 ... plane part, 17 ... anolyte circulation path, 18 ... anolyte supply pipe, 19 ... anolyte discharge pipe, 20 ... junction, 21 ... catholyte circulation path, 22 ... catholyte supply pipe, 23 ... catholyte Exhaust pipe, 24 ... Catholyte supply port, 25 ... Flat plate, 26 ... Flat spring-like body forming part, 26A ... Folding line, 26B ... Bending part, 26C ... Curved bending part, 27 ... Cutting line, 28 ... Opening part, 29 ... remaining part, 31 ... unit electrolytic cell, 32 ... electrolytic cell frame, 33 ... conductor, 34 ... shade Side current collector, 35 ... Electrolyte circulation energizing means, 36 ... Catholyte supply pipe, 37 ... Catholyte supply nozzle, 38 ... Catholyte discharge port, 40 ... Anode chamber side gas-liquid separation means, 41 ... Cathode chamber side gas Liquid separation means, 51 ... electrolytic cell, 52 ... anode chamber, 53 ... cathode chamber, 54 ... anode chamber partition, 55 ... cathode chamber partition, 56 ... anode rib, 57 ... cathode rib, 58 ... anode mounting substrate, 59 ... Anode, 60 ... Flat spring, 61 ... Cathode holding member, 62 ... Cathode, 63 ... Ion exchange membrane

Claims (7)

In the ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell, at least one electrode is energized by contacting with a plurality of pairs of comb-like flat springs extending from the flat spring holding member disposed on the electrode partition provided in the electrode chamber. An ion-exchange membrane electrolytic cell characterized in that each pair of comb-like flat springs is formed by inserting adjacent flat springs facing each other. 2. The ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell according to claim 1, wherein the length of each pair of comb-shaped flat springs inserted into each other is the same. 3. The flat spring-like body has a contact portion bent toward the flat-plate spring-like body holding member at the tip, and the contact portion of the flat spring-like body and the electrode are in contact with each other. Ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell. There is an opening on the projection surface of the comb-like flat spring-like body onto the flat-plate spring-like body holding member, and there is a flat-plate spring-like body holding member on the projection plane between adjacent flat spring-like bodies. The ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: There is an opening in the projection surface of the comb-shaped flat spring body on the flat spring body holding member, and there is a flat spring body holding member on the projection surface outside the adjacent flat spring bodies. The ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The flat spring-like body holding member is formed in a parallel portion with the electrode chamber partition wall formed between the electrode chamber partition wall and the electrode chamber partition wall bonded to the flat electrode chamber partition wall by the strip-shaped bonding portion. The ion according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a space formed between the chamber partition walls is used as a descending flow path for the electrolytic solution, and an ascending flow path for the electrolytic solution is formed on the electrode side. Exchange membrane electrolytic cell. 2. The flat spring-shaped body holding member to which the flat spring-shaped body is coupled is joined to a porous member having a larger opening diameter than an electrode with which the flat spring-shaped body contacts. 6. The ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell according to any one of 5 above.

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