JP2004091834A - Ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell in which gas-liquid separation efficiency is excellent, and stable operation is possible. <P>SOLUTION: The ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell is composed in such a manner that electrodes arranged at intervals from partition plates are divided by an ion exchange membrane to form electrode chambers. A circulation member for an electrolytic solution inside the electrode chamber is attached to the partition plate, and a descending flow passage for an electrolytic solution is arranged in space between the circulation member and the partition plate. Then, a gas-liquid separation means is positioned on the back face of a flange face for stacking adjacent electrolytic cell units in the upper part of each electrode chamber. The gas-liquid separation means is provided with a collision plate through which a fluid raised inside the electrode chamber can not pass. In each electrolytic cell unit, an opening part for the descending flow passage into which a gas-liquid mixed phase fluid whose flow passage is changed by the collision plate flows, is positioned downward from the collision plate. Further, on the partition plate side, a communication conduit communicating with the gas region for the gas-liquid separation means is arranged. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell, and more particularly to a bipolar filter press type ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A bipolar electrode type filter press type ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell represented by an electrolytic cell used for the electrolysis of saline is used to carry out electrolysis by passing a high current density current through an electrode chamber partitioned by an ion exchange membrane. And a large amount of gas is generated in the cathode chamber and the anode chamber.
When bubbles are separated from the electrolyte containing gas generated in the electrode chamber as bubbles, the pressure inside the electrode chamber fluctuates greatly, which may adversely affect the operation of the electrolytic cell or deteriorate the ion exchange membrane. there were.
For this reason, there has been a demand for an electrolytic cell capable of quickly separating gas from an electrolytic solution containing bubbles generated in an electrode chamber.
In order to solve such problems, there has been proposed an electrolytic cell provided with gas-liquid separating means above a filter press type electrolytic cell to smoothly separate gas in an electrode chamber.
[0003]
For example, a gas-liquid separation chamber is provided at the upper part of the electrode chamber, and the upper part of the electrode chamber and the gas-liquid separation chamber are connected by an opening having a small cross-sectional area, or a gutter-shaped one is provided at the upper part, and the overflow of the electrolyte Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-100286 discloses an apparatus which performs gas-liquid separation and discharge from the side of an electrolytic cell.
[0004]
However, in these devices, measures against pressure fluctuations in the electrolytic cell are not yet sufficient, and a gas stagnation portion is formed on the surface of the ion exchange membrane located above the electrode chamber during operation or stop of the electrolytic cell. There is a problem that the ion exchange membrane formed and facing the gas retaining portion deteriorates early.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention enables a smooth separation of gas from an electrolytic solution containing bubbles generated in an electrode chamber, small fluctuations in pressure in the electrode chamber, no adverse effect on an ion exchange membrane, and efficient electric power. It is an object of the present invention to provide a decomposable ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An object of the present invention is to provide an ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell in which electrodes arranged at intervals from a partition plate are partitioned by an ion exchange membrane to form an electrode chamber, wherein a circulating member for the electrolyte in the electrode chamber is attached to the partition plate. Along with providing a descending flow path for the electrolytic solution in the space between the partition plate and providing a gas-liquid separating means on the back surface of the flange surface when laminating the adjacent electrolytic cell units on the upper part of the electrode chamber, the gas-liquid separating means Is provided with a collision plate formed of a member through which the fluid that has risen in the electrode chamber cannot pass, and a descending flow passage into which a gas-liquid multiphase fluid whose flow passage has been changed by the collision plate flows below the collision plate. An ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell comprising an electrolytic cell unit provided on the partition plate side with a communication passage communicating with the gas region of the gas-liquid separation means while locating an opening to the gas-liquid separation means can be solved.
[0007]
Further, in the above-mentioned ion-exchange membrane electrolytic cell, the collision plate is composed of a plurality of members extending toward the opposing surface from positions at different heights on the partition plate side of the gas-liquid separation means and the back surface side of the flange surface. is there.
The collision plate extending from the partition plate side toward the center is joined to the partition plate via a communication passage forming member that forms a communication passage, and a portion of the communication passage forming member that contacts the wall surface of the collision plate. Has an opening extending from the lower end of the communication passage forming member to the upper end of the wall surface of the collision plate, and the upper portion of the collision plate above the upper end thereof has a gap formed with the partition plate. It is an ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell.
In addition, the collision plate is the above-mentioned ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell combined with a holding member which is perpendicular to the back surface of the flange surface and the partition plate and is arranged at intervals.
The collision plate is the above-mentioned ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell, which is one member connected to both the partition plate of the gas-liquid separation means and the back surface of the flange surface.
[0008]
In addition, the surface of the collision plate on the partition plate side is joined to the partition plate by a band-like joint disposed between the partition plate and the space extending in the up-down direction and arranged between the adjacent joints. The ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell is joined to a back surface of the communication path of the communication path forming member in which a communication path is formed by a space between the partition wall plate and the communication path forming member.
The collision plate is the above-mentioned ion-exchange membrane electrolytic cell combined with a holding member arranged at an interval perpendicular to the back surface of the flange portion and the partition plate.
[0009]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Since the ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell of the present invention is provided with gas-liquid separation means located on the upper part of the electrode chamber, the surface opposite to the partition plate on the flange portion, the ion exchange membrane surface located on the upper part of the electrode chamber has The gas region is not formed, and the gas-liquid mixed fluid that has risen is reflected after the collision with the collision plate through which the fluid cannot pass, the flow path is changed, and the electrolyte provided in the electrode chamber is changed. The bubbles are introduced into the descending flow path side, and the bubbles quickly flow into the gas region above the gas-liquid separation means through the communication path formed between the partition wall plate, so that stable electrolysis can be efficiently performed. It becomes.
In addition, since the collision plate is arranged on the back surface of the flange portion, the collision plate or the holding member provided on the collision plate may be deformed by the pressing force applied to the lamination surface of the electrolytic bath when the unit electrolytic bath is assembled. Stable operation is possible without any occurrence.
[0010]
The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the electrolytic cell of the present invention, and FIG. 1 (A) is a diagram illustrating a cross section of an ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell in which a plurality of electrolytic cell units are stacked. FIG. 1B is a plan view of the electrolytic cell unit viewed from the anode side, and FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view illustrating a gas-liquid separation unit.
As shown in FIG. 1 (A), the ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell 1 is assembled by stacking a plurality of bipolar electrolytic cell units 2 via an ion exchange membrane 3.
In the electrolytic cell unit 2, an anode 5 is arranged at a distance from the anode chamber partition plate 4, and an anode chamber 6 is formed.
A cathode 8 is arranged at a distance from the cathode chamber partition plate 7, and a cathode chamber 9 is formed between the cathode chamber-side partition plate 7 and the ion exchange membrane 3.
Above the anode chamber 6 and the cathode chamber 9, an anode chamber-side gas-liquid separator 20 and a cathode chamber-side gas-liquid separator 40 are provided, respectively.
[0011]
The anode chamber 6 and the cathode chamber 9 are provided with an anolyte circulating member 10 and a catholyte circulating member 11, respectively, which form a descending flow path for causing internal circulation of the electrolyte. By the catholyte circulation member 1. An anolyte descending channel 12 and a catholyte descending channel 13 are formed between the anode compartment partition plate 4 and the cathode compartment partition plate 7, respectively.
An anode supply pipe 14 is attached to the anode chamber 6 of the electrolytic cell unit 2, and an anode discharge pipe 15 for discharging the anolyte and gas with reduced concentration is attached to the anode chamber side gas-liquid separation means 20. Have been.
[0012]
Further, as shown in FIG. 1 (C), the anode chamber side gas-liquid separation means 20 is disposed above the anode chamber 6, one wall surface is connected to an extension of the anode chamber partition plate 4, and the other surface. Forms a flange surface 21 which is laminated via an gasket to an adjacent electrolytic cell unit when a plurality of electrolytic cell units are laminated to assemble the electrolytic cell. As shown in FIG. Are laminated with a gasket 16 disposed therebetween. A first collision plate 22 made of an L-shaped plate material through which fluid does not permeate is joined to the back surface of the flange surface 21 of the anode chamber side gas-liquid separation means 20 facing the anode partition plate 4 at a band-like joint. The other end extends into the gas-liquid separation means.
[0013]
Above the first impingement plate 22, a second impingement plate 23 formed of an L-shaped plate material through which fluid does not permeate extends from the anode chamber partition plate 4 side. In addition, the anode-side communication passage forming member 24 disposed on the side of the anode chamber partition plate 4 forms a communication passage 26 that communicates the gas region 25 of the anode chamber-side gas-liquid separation unit with the inside of the anode chamber 6.
[0014]
Bubbles generated in the anode chamber 6 rise in the region between the anolyte circulating member 10 and the anode 5 by buoyancy of the gas, and are provided inside the anode chamber-side gas-liquid separation means 20 above the anode chamber. The gas flows into the anolyte descending flow path 12 by colliding with the colliding plate 22 of the gas flow, and flows into the anolyte descending flow path 12. The gas flows into the region 25 and gas-liquid separation is performed. In addition, the anolyte that has flowed upward through an opening in the surface facing the second collision plate 23 forms a liquid surface 27 with the anolyte that has risen through the communication passage 26.
On the cathode chamber side, there is provided a cathode chamber side gas-liquid separation means 40, and on the back surface of the cathode side flange surface 41 of the cathode side gas / liquid separation means 40 which faces the anode partition plate 7, L does not transmit fluid. A first collision plate 42 on the cathode side formed of a U-shaped plate is joined by a band-shaped joint, and the other end extends into the gas-liquid separation means.
[0015]
Above the first collision plate 42 on the cathode side, a second collision plate 43 formed of an L-shaped plate material through which fluid does not pass extends from the cathode chamber partition plate 7 side. Further, a communication passage 46 for communicating the gas region 45 of the cathode-side gas-liquid separation means with the inside of the cathode chamber 9 is formed by the cathode chamber communication passage forming member 44 arranged on the cathode chamber partition plate 7 side.
Bubbles generated in the cathode chamber 9 rise in the region between the catholyte circulation member 11 and the cathode 8 by buoyancy of the gas, and are provided inside the cathode chamber side gas-liquid separation means 40 above the anode chamber. The flow path is changed downward by colliding with the first collision plate 42 on the side, flows into the catholyte descending flow path 13, and flows through the communication passage 46 opened in the region between the cathode partition plate 7. It flows into the gas area 45 of the liquid separating means. In addition, a part of the liquid flows into the upper part through the opening of the second collision plate 43 to form a liquid surface 47.
[0016]
In the above description, an electrolytic cell provided with gas-liquid separation means in both the anode chamber and the cathode chamber has been described. Only the gas-liquid separation means may be provided.
[0017]
FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the operation of the gas-liquid separation means, and is a partially cutaway perspective view.
The anode chamber side gas-liquid separation means 20 is disposed above the anode chamber 6, one wall surface is connected to an extension of the anode chamber partition plate 4, and the other surface is formed by laminating a plurality of electrolytic cell units. When the tank is assembled, a flange surface 21 is formed to be laminated with an adjacent electrolytic cell unit via a gasket.
On the back surface of the flange surface 21 of the anode chamber-side gas-liquid separation means 20 facing the anode partition plate 4, a first collision plate, which is an L-shaped plate material through which fluid does not permeate and extends in the width direction of the electrolytic cell unit. 22 are joined by a band-shaped joint, the joint is formed airtight, and the other end extends inside the gas-liquid separation means.
[0018]
Above the first collision plate 22, a second collision plate 23 made of an L-shaped plate material through which fluid does not permeate and extending in the width direction of the electrolytic cell unit is attached to the anode chamber partition plate 4 side. Have been. In addition, the anode side communication path forming member 24 arranged on the anode chamber partition plate 4 side forms a communication path 26 for communicating the gas region 25 of the anode chamber gas-liquid separation means with the inside of the anode chamber 6.
[0019]
The bubbles generated in the anode chamber 6 rise in the area between the anolyte circulating member 10 and the anode 5 by forming a rising flow 17 due to the buoyancy of the gas, collide with the first collision plate 22 and flow downward. The passage 18 is changed so as to flow into the anolyte descending flow passage 12 to form a stagnant portion 19 rich in bubbles of the gas-liquid multiphase fluid. Then, the gas-liquid multiphase fluid flows into the gas region 25 of the gas-liquid separation means from the communication passage 26 opened to the region between the anode chamber partition plate 4 and gas-liquid separation is performed. 12 and a circulation is formed. Further, a part flows into the upper part through the openings of the first collision plate 22 and the second collision plate 23.
[0020]
The holding member 30 is joined between the first collision plate 22 and the second collision plate 23 with a space therebetween, and the electrolytic member is pressed by a pressing force applied to the lamination surface of the electrolytic cell when the electrolytic cell units are laminated. An electrolytic cell having high rigidity is formed while preventing deformation of the cell.
[0021]
FIG. 3 is a view for explaining another embodiment of the gas-liquid separation means.
FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a cross section of the anode chamber side gas-liquid separation means, and FIG. 3B is a view of the anode chamber side gas-liquid separation means viewed from the partition plate side.
The anode chamber-side gas-liquid separation means 20 is configured such that when a plurality of electrolytic cell units are laminated to assemble the electrolytic cell, a fluid permeates the back surface of the flange surface 21 which is laminated via a gasket with an adjacent electrolytic cell unit. The first collision plate 22 extending in the width direction of the electrolytic cell unit is an L-shaped plate material that is not joined, and the first collision plate 22 is joined by a band-like joint, and the joint is formed airtight, and the other end is gas-liquid separated. It extends inside the means.
[0022]
Above the first collision plate 22, a second collision plate 23 made of an L-shaped plate material through which fluid does not permeate and extending in the width direction of the electrolytic cell unit is attached to the anode chamber partition plate 4 side. Have been.
The first collision plate 22 and the second collision plate 23 are joined to the holding member 30. An anode side communication path forming member 24 is disposed between the second collision plate 23 and the partition plate 4 on the anode side, and is integrally joined.
[0023]
The lower end of the anode-side communication passage forming member 24 is disposed such that the lower end thereof is substantially aligned with the second collision plate 23 and has an opening having a length corresponding to the height h1 of the second collision plate 23. A part 31 is formed, and a lower end part of the opening part 31 has an opening part 32. The upper end of the opening 31 substantially coincides with the upper end of the second collision plate 23.
The deflecting portion 33 located above the upper end of the opening bends along the upper surface of the second collision plate 23 to the opposite side to the partition plate so as to form a communication passage with the partition plate. , And bent upward at a right angle.
[0024]
Thereby, when the second collision plate 23 and the anode-side communication passage forming member 24 are integrally joined to the anode chamber partition plate 7, the communication passage 26 through the opening 32 and the opening 31 is provided with an interval. Since the second collision plate 23 and the anode chamber partition plate can be integrated with each other in the flat plate portion 35, when a plurality of electrolytic cell units are stacked to assemble the electrolytic cell, the flange surface is used. Even when pressed, each part of the electrolytic cell unit including the communication path 26 does not deform.
[0025]
In the above description, an example was given in which the lower end of the anode-side communication passage forming member 24 had an open portion and the lower end coincided with the lower end of the second collision plate. If the lower end of the second collision plate is open, the lower end may be located above the lower end of the second collision plate, and a part of the opening may be the second collision plate. If it exists below the lower end, the lower end does not have to have an open part.
[0026]
FIG. 4 is a view for explaining another embodiment of the gas-liquid separation means, and is a partially cutaway perspective view.
The anode chamber side gas-liquid separation means 20 is disposed above the anode chamber 6, one wall surface is connected to an extension of the anode chamber partition plate 4, and the other surface is formed by laminating a plurality of electrolytic cell units. When the tank is assembled, a flange surface 21 is formed to be laminated with an adjacent electrolytic cell unit via a gasket.
The back surface of the flange surface 21 of the anode chamber side gas-liquid separation means 20 facing the anode partition plate 4 is a J-shaped plate material through which fluid does not permeate, and is joined to the back surface of the flange surface 21 by a band-shaped contact portion. A collision plate 22A is attached.
[0027]
The collision plate 22A horizontally covers the cross section of the electrode chamber, and is joined to the anode chamber partition plate 4 with the anode chamber partition plate 4 via a communication passage forming member 24A. The communication path forming member 24A is joined to the anode chamber partition plate 4 by a plurality of strip-shaped joining portions 35 extending in the vertical direction of the electrolytic cell unit, and between the adjacent joining portions and the partition plate. A communication path 26 is formed by providing a gap.
[0028]
Further, a holding member 30 is provided at the joint 35 to prevent deformation due to pressure applied to the flange surface when the electrolytic cell units are stacked. By making the holding member 30 and the joint 35 have the same width, it is possible to prevent the electrolytic solution from flowing from the joint 35 into the gas region of the gas-liquid separation unit.
The collision plate is not limited to the J-shape, and may be a U-shape or the like. However, in consideration of a fixing property with a holding member to be attached to prevent deformation or the like in the gas-liquid separation chamber, a U-shape is used. A J-shape is more preferable than a J-shape. If it is a J-shape, the engagement and fixability of the holding member will be better.
[0029]
In addition, as the member for forming the communication path, the recess and the protrusion may be used as long as the member has good bonding and fixability with the collision plate and the holding member, and can maintain a predetermined distance between the collision plate and the partition plate. The provided member and a comb-like member obtained by cutting a plate material having a constant thickness can be given. Further, as described above, one or a small number of members do not form a communication path in the entire width direction of the gas-liquid separation means, but plate-like bodies having a predetermined thickness and width are arranged at intervals. Although it is possible, it is not realistic in manufacturing a large electrolytic cell unit with high accuracy.
[0030]
Further, in the present invention, the anode chamber side gas-liquid separation means can use the same titanium or titanium alloy as the anode chamber partition wall. The cathode side gas-liquid separation means is nickel and its alloys, metal materials such as stainless steel. Can be produced by
In places where it is necessary to prevent leakage of liquids and gases, it is necessary to weld each member in a linear manner, but in places where it is not necessary to strictly prevent infiltration of fluids, provide an interval. The welding may be performed in a point shape.
[0031]
【The invention's effect】
In the ion-exchange membrane electrolytic cell of the present invention, the gas-liquid multiphase flow that has risen in the electrode chamber collides with the collision plate provided in the gas-liquid separation means, and is forcibly directed to the opening of the descending passage in the electrode chamber. Is circulated in the electrode chamber from the descending flow path, and quickly moves from the communication path between the gas-liquid separation means and the partition plate to the gas area. For this reason, the generated gas does not remain on the surface of the ion exchange membrane in the electrode chamber, and does not adversely affect the ion exchange membrane. In addition, since the gas-liquid multiphase flow passes through the narrow passage, small bubbles are dispersed in a bubble flow, and gas-liquid separation is performed smoothly, the discharge speed from the electrode chamber is increased, and pressure fluctuation in the electrode chamber does not occur. Stable operation at high current density.
Further, an electrolytic cell having high rigidity can be obtained by the collision plate and the holding member provided in the gas-liquid separation means.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the electrolytic cell of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a gas-liquid separation unit.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment of the gas-liquid separation means.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment of the gas-liquid separation means.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell, 2 ... Electrolyzer unit, 3 ... Ion exchange membrane, 4 ... Anode compartment partition plate, 5 ... Anode, 6 ... Anode compartment, 7 ... Cathode compartment partition plate, 8 ... Cathode, 9 ... Cathode Chamber, 10: anolyte circulating member, 11: catholyte circulating member, 12: anolyte descending flow path, 13: catholyte descending flow path, 14: anode supply pipe, 15: anode side discharge pipe, 16: gasket, 17 ... ascending flow, 18 ... flow path, 19 ... retention part, 20 ... anode chamber side gas-liquid separation means, 21 ... flange surface, 22 ... first collision plate, 22A ... collision plate, 23 ... second collision plate, 24: Anode-side communication passage forming member, 24A: Communication passage forming member, 25: Gas region, 26: Communication passage, 27: Liquid level, 30: Holding member, h1: Height of second collision plate, 31 ... Opening portion, 32: Opening portion, 33: Deflection portion, 34: Flat plate portion, 35: Joint portion, h1: Height of the second collision plate, 40 Cathode chamber side gas-liquid separation means, 41: cathode side flange surface, 42: first collision plate, 43: second collision plate, 44: cathode chamber communication passage forming member, 45: gas region, 46: communication passage , 47 ... liquid level

Claims (6)

In an ion-exchange membrane electrolytic cell in which electrodes arranged at intervals from the partition plate are partitioned by an ion-exchange membrane to form an electrode chamber, a circulating member for the electrolyte in the electrode chamber is attached to the partition plate and the partition plate is interposed. In addition to providing a descending flow path for the electrolytic solution in the space, a gas-liquid separating means is provided on the back surface of the flange surface when the adjacent electrolytic cell units are stacked on the upper part of the electrode chamber, and the gas-liquid separating means is raised in the electrode chamber. A collision plate formed of a member through which the fluid cannot pass is provided, and an opening to a descending flow passage through which the gas-liquid multiphase fluid whose flow path has been changed by the collision plate flows is positioned below the collision plate. An ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell comprising: an electrolytic cell unit provided on the partition plate side with a communication passage communicating with the gas region of the gas-liquid separation means. 2. The collision plate according to claim 1, wherein the collision plate is constituted by a plurality of members extending from different height positions on the partition plate side of the gas-liquid separation means and the rear surface side of the flange surface toward the opposing surface. Ion exchange membrane electrolyzer. The collision plate extending from the partition plate side toward the center is joined to the partition plate via a communication passage forming member that forms a communication passage, and a portion of the communication passage forming member that contacts the wall surface of the collision plate is Having an opening extending from the lower end of the communication passage forming member to the upper end of the wall surface of the collision plate, and a portion above the upper end of the collision plate being formed with a space between the partition plate and the partition plate. The ion-exchange membrane electrolytic cell according to claim 2. 4. The ion exchange according to claim 1, wherein the collision plate is coupled to a holding member that is perpendicular to and spaced from the rear surface of the flange surface and the partition plate, respectively. 5. Membrane electrolyzer. 2. The ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell according to claim 1, wherein the collision plate is one member connected to both the partition plate of the gas-liquid separation means and the rear surface side of the flange surface. The surface of the collision plate on the side of the partition plate is joined to the partition plate by a band-like joint disposed between the partition plate and the space extending in the vertical direction, and the partition plate is provided between adjacent joints. The ion-exchange membrane electrolytic cell according to claim 5, wherein the ion-exchange membrane electrolytic cell is joined to a back surface of the communication path of the communication path forming member having a communication path formed by a space between the ion exchange membrane and the communication path.

Images