JP2016160512A - Electrolytic device and inorganic chloride solution cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce cost of a supply mechanism of an inorganic chloride solution.SOLUTION: An electrolytic device according to an embodiment comprises: an electrolytic tank containing an anode chamber, an intermediate chamber, and a cathode chamber; an inorganic chloride solution supply mechanism containing a first tank and a second tank which is partitioned from the first tank with an osmosis membrane; a first line for connecting the first tank to the electrolytic tank; and a second line for discharging a used inorganic chloride solution from the electrolytic tank.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an electrolysis device and an inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge.

  The three-tank electrolytic cell is disposed at a predetermined interval from the anion exchange membrane, the anode disposed at a predetermined interval from the anion exchange membrane, the anode chamber, the cation exchange membrane, and the cation exchange membrane. It comprises a cathode, a cathode chamber, and an intermediate chamber provided between the anion exchange membrane and the cation exchange membrane. The intermediate chamber is fluidly connected to an external tank storing a sodium chloride aqueous solution by piping or the like, and is supplied to the intermediate chamber by a pump or the like. The three-tank electrolyzer can prevent sodium ions and chloride ions in the sodium chloride aqueous solution from flowing into the cathode chamber and the anode chamber by separating the intermediate chamber storing the sodium chloride aqueous solution from the cathode chamber and the anode chamber. Has merit. However, since an auxiliary device such as a circulation pump required for operating the electrolytic cell is required, there are problems of high power consumption and pump cost.

  Therefore, a water electrolysis stack that electrolyzes an ionic aqueous solution to generate oxygen and hydrogen, a water supply unit that supplies makeup water having a lower ion concentration and lower pressure than the ionic aqueous solution, and makeup water from the water supply unit. Proposals have been made to reduce the power required for water supply by using a water electrolysis device having a water mixing section to be mixed with an ionic aqueous solution and disposing an osmotic membrane in the water mixing section.

  However, since only the salt in the sodium chloride aqueous solution contributes to the reaction in the three-tank electrolytic cell, a mechanism for continuously supplying only the salt from the aqueous solution to the intermediate chamber has been required.

JP 2014-118619 A

  An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to obtain an electrolysis apparatus in which the cost of a supply mechanism of an inorganic chloride aqueous solution is reduced.

According to the embodiment, an anode chamber having an anode electrode, an intermediate chamber partitioned by the anode chamber from a first diaphragm, and a cathode chamber having a cathode electrode partitioned by the intermediate chamber and a second diaphragm are included. An electrolytic cell;
An inorganic chloride aqueous solution supply mechanism including a first tank and a second tank partitioned from the first tank by a permeable membrane;
A first line connecting the first tank to the electrolytic cell;
There is provided an electrolytic device comprising a second line for discharging a used inorganic chloride aqueous solution from the electrolytic cell.

It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the three tank type electrolyzer based on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the three tank type electrolysis apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the three tank type electrolysis apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the three tank type electrolysis apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the 2 tank type | formula electrolysis apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment.

  The electrolyzer according to an embodiment includes two or more electrolytic cells, for example, a three-cell electrolytic cell, and an inorganic chloride aqueous solution supply mechanism connected to the electrolytic cell.

  The three-tank electrolytic cell includes an anode chamber having an anode electrode, an intermediate chamber, and a cathode chamber having a cathode electrode. The anode chamber and the intermediate chamber are partitioned by a first diaphragm, and the intermediate chamber and the cathode chamber are separated from each other. The space is partitioned by a second diaphragm.

  The inorganic chloride aqueous solution supply mechanism includes a first tank, a second tank, and a permeable membrane that partitions between the first tank and the second tank.

  The electrolytic cell and the inorganic chloride aqueous solution supply mechanism are connected by a first line that connects the first tank to the electrolytic cell.

  Moreover, the electrolytic cell is provided with a second line for discharging the used inorganic chloride aqueous solution.

  In the electrolytic apparatus according to the embodiment, for example, an inorganic chloride aqueous solution having a first concentration is stored in a first tank, and an inorganic chloride aqueous solution having a second concentration equal to or lower than the first concentration is stored in a second tank. Can be accommodated. As a result, a difference in osmotic pressure occurs between the inorganic chloride aqueous solution having the first concentration and the inorganic chloride aqueous solution having the second concentration, and the second concentration can be obtained without using supply power such as a pump. The water contained in the inorganic chloride aqueous solution moves from the second tank to the first tank through the osmosis membrane, and further, the inorganic chloride aqueous solution flows from the first tank to the electrolytic cell. As described above, when the electrolysis apparatus according to the embodiment is used, the inorganic chloride aqueous solution supply mechanism only accommodates two concentrations of the inorganic chloride aqueous solution, and the difference in the osmotic pressure is utilized to flow the inorganic chloride aqueous solution. It is possible to supply the aqueous inorganic chloride solution from the first tank to the electrolytic cell.

  In the electrolysis apparatus according to the embodiment, the first line can be connected from the first tank to the intermediate chamber, and the second line can be provided in the intermediate chamber. Thereby, the inorganic chloride aqueous solution can be supplied into the intermediate chamber, and the used inorganic chloride aqueous solution can be discharged from the intermediate chamber.

  A pressure adjusting unit that controls the pressure in the intermediate chamber may be further provided in the second line. Thereby, the pressure in the intermediate chamber can be controlled, and for example, the backflow of the solution containing the anion in the anode chamber and the solution containing the cation in the cathode chamber to the intermediate chamber can be prevented.

  A third line for supplying water or an inorganic chloride aqueous solution having a second concentration to the second tank may be further included. The first tank may further include a fourth line for supplying at least one selected from an aqueous inorganic chloride solution having a first concentration, water, and inorganic chloride. This makes it possible to supply an inorganic chloride aqueous solution having a desired concentration to the first tank and the second tank as needed.

  It is also possible to connect the second line to the second tank. As a result, the used inorganic oxide aqueous solution can be circulated to the inorganic chloride aqueous solution supply mechanism and reused.

  Furthermore, a bellows type buffer tank can be further provided in the first line. Thereby, the inorganic chloride aqueous solution that has flowed from the first tank to the first line can be received by the bellows type buffer tank as necessary. For example, even if the flow of the inorganic chloride aqueous solution of the inorganic chloride aqueous solution supply mechanism does not stop immediately after the operation of the electrolyzer is stopped, the inorganic chloride aqueous solution is stored in the electrolytic cell by accommodating in the bellows type buffer tank. It can be prevented from flowing.

  Moreover, the inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge which concerns on embodiment has the 1st density | concentration partitioned off with the 1st tank for accommodating the inorganic chloride aqueous solution which has 1st density | concentration, and the 1st tank and the osmosis membrane. A second tank for containing an inorganic chloride aqueous solution having the following second concentration is included.

  The inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge may further include water contained in the second tank or an inorganic chloride aqueous solution having a second concentration.

  The inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge may further include an inorganic chloride aqueous solution having a first concentration or an inorganic chloride particle contained in the first tank in the inorganic chloride aqueous solution supply mechanism.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In addition, the same code | symbol shall be attached | subjected to a common structure through embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram for promoting the embodiment and its understanding, and the shape, dimensional ratio, and the like are different from the actual device, but these are appropriately determined in consideration of the following description and known techniques. The design can be changed.

First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a three-tank electrolysis apparatus according to a first embodiment.

  The three-tank electrolyzer 100 includes an electrolyzer 1, an inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 20, and a piping line to be described later. Examples of the inorganic chloride used in the inorganic chloride aqueous solution include sodium chloride and potassium chloride.

  The electrolytic cell 1 includes an anode chamber 7 having an anode electrode 4, an intermediate chamber 2 containing an inorganic chloride aqueous solution, and a cathode chamber 8 having a cathode electrode 6. The anode chamber 7 and the intermediate chamber 2 are partitioned by an anion exchange membrane 3. On the other hand, the cathode chamber 8 and the intermediate chamber 2 are partitioned by a cation exchange membrane 5.

  The anion exchange membrane 3 is a membrane that transmits anions such as chlorine ions and hydroxide ions, and for example, an anion exchange membrane AMX (manufactured by Astom Co., Ltd.) can be used. The anode 4 is obtained by applying a catalyst to a valve metal having an opening serving as a base material, and titanium, chromium, aluminum, other alloys, or the like can be used as the base material, and an oxide catalyst such as iridium oxide can be used as the catalyst. . The cation exchange membrane 5 is a membrane that permeates cations such as hydrogen ions and sodium ions. For example, Nafion (registered trademark) manufactured by Dupont can be used. The anode 6 is obtained by applying a catalyst to a valve metal having an opening serving as a base material. Titanium, chromium, aluminum, other alloys, or the like can be used as the base material, and a noble metal catalyst such as platinum can be used as the catalyst.

  The anode chamber 7 includes a supply port 71 connected to an external water supply line (not shown) and a discharge port 72. Water supplied from the supply port 71 by an external pump or the like flows into the anode chamber 7 and is discharged to the discharge port 72. In addition, the supply port 71 can be connected to a water tap, and water can be supplied by a water supply pressure. A straight flow path from the supply port to the discharge port or a serpentine flow channel connecting the supply port to the discharge port can be formed in the anode chamber 7 with vinyl chloride or the like.

  The intermediate chamber 2 includes a supply port 21 for supplying an inorganic chloride aqueous solution as a raw material for electrolysis and a discharge port 22 for discharging a used inorganic chloride aqueous solution.

  The cathode chamber 8 includes a supply port 81 connected to an external water supply line (not shown) and a discharge port 82. Water supplied from the supply port 81 by an external pump or the like flows into the cathode chamber 8 and is discharged to the discharge port 82. In addition, the supply port 81 can be connected to a water tap, and water can be supplied by a water supply pressure. A straight channel or a serpentine channel connecting the supply port to the discharge port can be formed in the cathode chamber 8 with vinyl chloride or the like.

  The inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 20 includes a first tank 9 containing a high concentration inorganic chloride, a second tank 11 containing a low concentration inorganic chloride relative to the first tank 9, and a first tank 9. And the osmotic membrane 10 that separates the second tank 11 from each other. The osmotic membrane 10 plays the role of forward osmosis of water from the low concentration side to the high concentration side due to the inorganic chloride concentration difference. As a material of such a membrane, a semipermeable membrane such as cellophane, a reverse osmosis membrane such as polyvinyl alcohol is used. Can be used.

  The second tank 11 is provided with a supply port 23, and the first tank 9 is provided with a lid 9 b at the top and a discharge port 24 at the bottom.

  The discharge port 24 of the first tank 9 of the inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 20 and the supply port 21 of the intermediate chamber 2 are fluidly connected via a line L3, and the discharge port 22 of the intermediate chamber 2 and the second tank 11 are connected. The supply port 23 is fluidly connected through a line L4. A pressure regulating valve 12 is connected to a part of the line L4.

  Further, the first tank 9 and the line L3 can be separated by the coupler C1, and the second tank 11 and the line L4 can be separated by the coupler c2. Therefore, when replacing the inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 20, the couplers c1 and c2 can be disconnected and the used inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 20 can be replaced with an unused inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 20.

  The first tank 9 of the unused inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 20 can store only water, and the second tank 11 can also store only water. Then, when the user performs the operation of opening the lid 9b of the first tank 9 with the inorganic chloride solid 9a being added, the inorganic chloride concentration in the first tank 9 is increased.

  Further, a supply line (not shown) may be provided in place of the lid 9b, and an inorganic chloride aqueous solution having a high concentration may be supplied to the first tank 9 as necessary. Alternatively, the inorganic chloride solid 9a can be charged in advance, and water can be supplied later.

  Furthermore, a supply line (not shown) may be provided in the second tank 11 instead of the line L4 to supply water or a low-concentration inorganic chloride aqueous solution. At this time, the used inorganic chloride aqueous solution can be discarded from the discharge port 22 of the intermediate chamber 2 through, for example, a discharge line (not shown).

  Next, the operation method of the three-tank electrolyzer 100 will be described as an example of the case where sodium chloride is used as the inorganic chloride.

  First, after connecting the unused inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridges 20 each containing water in the second tank 11 and the first tank 9 to the lines L3 and L4 via the couplers C1 and C2, the user connects the solid 9a. Is opened and the lid 9b of the first tank 9 is opened. As a result, the sodium chloride concentration in the first tank 9 increases. When the sodium chloride concentration rises, water permeates from the second tank 11 to the first tank through the osmosis membrane 10. The inorganic chloride aqueous solution in the first tank 9 is supplied to the intermediate chamber 2 via the line L3 and the supply port 21 by the permeated water.

  When water is supplied to the anode chamber 7 and the cathode chamber 8 from the outside and a DC voltage is applied between the cathode 6 and the anode 4, chloride ions in the intermediate chamber pass through the anion exchange membrane 3, and then pass through the anode 4. Used in reactions that produce chlorous acid water. On the other hand, sodium ions melted in the intermediate chamber permeate the cation exchange membrane 5 and are used in a reaction for generating sodium hydroxide at the cathode 6.

Thus, according to the electrolysis method according to the embodiment, hypochlorous acid water can be taken out from the anode chamber 7 through the first line. Further, an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution can be taken out from the cathode chamber 8 as alkaline water through the second line. As chloride and sodium ions are used as the reaction proceeds, the concentration of the aqueous sodium chloride solution in the intermediate chamber 2 decreases. The sodium chloride aqueous solution whose concentration has been lowered is pushed out from the discharge port 22 by the high concentration sodium chloride aqueous solution flowing into the intermediate chamber 2 from the first tank 9, passes through the line L 4, and is depressurized by the pressure regulating valve 12. It is supplied to the second tank 11. By controlling the pressure regulating valve 12, the pressure in the first tank 9 and the intermediate chamber 2 can be increased to a predetermined pressure with respect to the pressure in the second tank 11. Specifically, the pressure in the intermediate chamber 2 is Pb (kPa), the pressure in the anode chamber is Pa (kPa), the pressure in the cathode chamber is Pc (kPa), the pressure in the second tank 11 is Pl, and atmospheric pressure Is P0,
Pb> Pa, Pc> Pl = P0
The pressure regulating valve 12 is controlled so that By increasing Pb over Pa and Pc, it is possible to suppress the gas and water generated by the reaction in the anode chamber 7 and the cathode chamber 8 from flowing into the intermediate chamber 2 through the anion exchange membrane 3 and the cation exchange membrane 5.

  Further, by setting Pl to the atmospheric pressure P0, even if the gas generated by the reaction in the anode chamber 7 and the cathode chamber 8 flows into the intermediate chamber 2, only the gas is separated from the opening 11a using gravity. Can be discharged.

  The low-concentration sodium chloride aqueous solution flowing into the second tank 11 permeates the osmosis membrane due to a concentration difference from the first tank 9 and is supplied to the first tank 9 again. Thus, a loop that passes through the osmosis membrane 10 from the second tank 11 and circulates the sodium chloride aqueous solution through the first tank 9, the line L3, the intermediate chamber 2, and the line L4 is the first tank 9 and the second tank 11. Repeat until there is no difference in density.

  When stopping the operation of the three-tank electrolyzer 100, the pressure regulating valve 12 is closed. This stops the circulation of the aqueous inorganic chloride solution.

  In the first embodiment, water is circulated through the osmotic membrane 10 due to the difference in inorganic chloride concentration between the first tank 9 and the second tank 11. Thereby, the supply power reduction of inorganic chloride aqueous solution and the cost reduction of a supply mechanism can be aimed at. In addition, by circulating and reusing the water of the inorganic chloride aqueous solution that has become low in operation, it is possible to reduce the water supply piping from the outside, and to reduce the size and cost of the three-tank electrolyzer. .

  Here, high concentration means that the concentration of inorganic chloride in the aqueous solution is 10% by weight or more. When the concentration of the inorganic chloride in the aqueous solution is lower than 10% by weight, the amount of hypochlorous acid produced tends to decrease.

  Moreover, low concentration means here that the density | concentration of the inorganic chloride in aqueous solution is 5 weight% or less. When the concentration of the inorganic chloride in the aqueous solution is higher than 5% by weight, the concentration difference from the first tank 9 is reduced, and the osmotic pressure necessary for supplying the electrolytic cell from the first tank 9 cannot be obtained. Tend.

Second Embodiment FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a three-tank electrolysis apparatus according to a second embodiment.

  The three-tank electrolyzer 200 includes the electrolyzer 1, the inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 30, and a piping line to be described later.

  The configuration of the electrolytic cell 1 is the same as that of the electrolytic cell used in the first embodiment.

  The inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 30 has the same configuration as the inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 20 in FIG. 1 except that the second tank 11 is further provided with a discharge port 25.

  The first tank 9 of the inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 30 and the supply port 21 of the intermediate chamber 2 are fluidly connected via a line L3. The supply port 23 of the second tank 11 is connected to an external water supply pipe (water pipe) (not shown) by a line L5. Further, the discharge port 25 of the second tank 11 and the supply port 81 of the cathode chamber 8 are fluidly connected by a line L6. The used inorganic chloride aqueous solution discharged from the discharge port 22 of the intermediate chamber 2 is discharged to the outside after the pressure is controlled by the pressure regulating valve 12 provided downstream of the discharge port 22 of the line L7.

  The first tank 9 and the line L3 can be separated by a coupler c1. The second tank 11 and the lines L6 and L5 can be separated by couplers c3 and c4. Therefore, when replacing the inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 30, the couplers c1, c3, and c4 are disconnected, and the used inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 30 is replaced with an unused inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 30.

  Only the solid salt can be stored in the first tank 9 of the unused inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 30. And a user performs the operation | work which opens the cover 9b of the 1st tank 9 and throws water into the solid 9a, and the inorganic chloride density | concentration of the 1st tank 9 increases.

  Next, as an inorganic chloride, for example, a case where sodium chloride is used will be described as an example, and an operation method of the three-tank electrolysis apparatus 200 will be described.

  First, the unused fuel cartridge 30 is connected to the lines L3, L6, and L5 via the couplers C1, C3, and C4, and then water is supplied to the lines L5 and L1 from the outside. When the user performs an operation of opening the lid 9b of the first tank 9 and charging the sodium chloride solid 9a with the user, a high-concentration sodium chloride aqueous solution is formed in the first tank 9 through the osmosis membrane 10. Infiltration of water from the second tank 11 to the first tank 9 occurs. The sodium chloride aqueous solution in the first tank is supplied to the intermediate chamber 2 through the line L3 and the supply port 21 by the permeated water. Here, a part of the water introduced into the second tank 11 via the line L5 and the supply port 23 moves to the first tank 9 as described above, and the other part passes through the discharge port 25 and the line L6. Via the supply port 81 to the cathode chamber 8.

  Subsequently, when water is supplied to the anode chamber 7 and a DC voltage is applied between the cathode 6 and the anode 4, chloride ions in the intermediate chamber 2 pass through the anion exchange membrane 3, and hypochlorous acid is transmitted through the anode 4. Used in reactions that produce water. On the other hand, sodium ions melted in the intermediate chamber 2 pass through the cation exchange membrane 5 and are used in a reaction for generating sodium hydroxide at the cathode 6.

The inorganic chloride aqueous solution in the intermediate chamber 2 in which the inorganic chloride concentration has been reduced by the reaction is discharged to the outside after the pressure is reduced by the pressure regulating valve 2 through the line L7. The pressure values controlled by the pressure regulating valve 2 are as follows: the pressure in the intermediate chamber 2 is Pb (kPa), the pressure in the anode chamber is Pa (kPa), and the pressure in the cathode chamber is Pc (kPa).
Pb> Pa, Pc
The pressure regulating valve 12 is controlled so that By increasing Pb from Pa and Pc, it is possible to suppress the gas and water generated by the reaction in the anode chamber 7 and the cathode chamber 8 from flowing into the intermediate chamber 2 through the anion exchange membrane 3 and the cation exchange membrane 5.

  In the second embodiment, water from the outside is supplied to the cathode chamber 8 through the second tank 11. Therefore, the inorganic chloride concentration in the second tank 11 is always kept low, and the concentration difference from the inorganic chloride concentration in the first tank 9 is kept high. Thereby, it becomes possible to operate the water supply to the first tank 9 through the osmosis membrane 10 stably for a long time. Further, the osmotic membrane 10 is washed with water from the outside. Deterioration due to clogging or the like of the film can be prevented. If acidic water is used as water from the outside, it is possible to prevent the scale from adhering to the membrane. Since the inorganic chloride aqueous solution can be supplied to the intermediate chamber 2 using the osmotic pressure of the osmotic membrane 10, the supply power of the inorganic chloride aqueous solution can be reduced and the cost of the supply mechanism can be reduced. In addition to the above configuration, instead of the line L6 connecting the second tank 11 and the cathode chamber 8, a line is connected to the discharge port 24 of the second tank 11 and the supply port 71 of the anode chamber 7, Even if water is supplied from the second tank 11 to the anode chamber 7, the same effect can be obtained.

Third Embodiment FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a three-tank electrolysis apparatus according to a third embodiment.

  The three-tank electrolyzer 300 includes the electrolyzer 1, an inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 30, a piping line described later, and an expandable / contractible tank 13 provided in a part of the piping line.

  The electrolytic cell 1 and the inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 30 have the same configurations as the electrolytic cell 1 and the inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 30 shown in FIG.

  The piping line can be expanded and contracted at a part of the line L3 connecting the discharge port 24 of the first tank 9 of the inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 30 and the supply port 21 of the intermediate chamber 2, and has a self-shrinking property. Except that a bellows-type buffer tank 13 (which can be naturally shrunk by an elastic force like a balloon) is provided, it has the same configuration as the piping line of FIG. The bellows-type buffer tank has a bellows-like shape, and the amount of the inorganic chloride aqueous solution to be stored is increased by extending the bellows, and the amount of the inorganic chloride aqueous solution to be stored is decreased by shrinking.

  The first tank 9 of the unused inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 30 can store water or a sodium chloride aqueous solution.

  Next, as the inorganic chloride, for example, a method of operating the three-tank electrolyzer 300 will be described using sodium chloride as an example.

  The user performs the operation of opening the lid 9b of the first tank 9 and putting the sodium chloride solid or the sodium chloride aqueous solution into the solid 9a, whereby the inorganic chloride concentration in the first tank 9 is increased.

  When a concentration difference occurs between the first tank 9 and the second tank 11, an osmotic pressure is generated through the osmosis membrane, and water flows in from the low concentration side to the high concentration side. Thereby, the high concentration inorganic chloride aqueous solution contained in the first tank 9 is sent to the supply port 21 of the electrolytic cell 1 through the line L3. The operation is performed by applying a DC voltage between the cathode 6 and the anode 4. On the other hand, when the operation of the electrolytic cell 1 is stopped, the voltage impossibility between the cathode 6 and the anode 4 is stopped, and the water supply from the outside to the lines L1 and L5 is stopped. At this time, if water remains in the second tank 11, the water moves through the osmotic membrane 10 due to a difference in concentration with the inorganic chloride aqueous solution contained in the first tank 9. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the pressure adjusting unit 12 is closed, and the inorganic chloride aqueous solution that moves while stopped in the bellows type buffer tank 13 is recovered. Then, the inorganic chloride aqueous solution recovered when the next operation is started is pushed out to the line L3 by using the force with which the bellows tank contracts and reused. Thereby, the inorganic chloride aqueous solution in the fuel cartridge can be effectively used, and the electrolytic cell 1 can be operated stably for a long time.

4th Embodiment FIG. 4: is a figure showing the schematic structure of the 3 tank type electrolyzer based on 4th Embodiment.

  The three-tank electrolysis apparatus 400 includes a first electrolytic tank 1a, a second electrolytic tank 1b, an inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 20, and a piping line described later.

  Both electrolytic cells 1 a and 1 b include an anode chamber 7 having an anode electrode 4, an intermediate chamber 2 for storing an inorganic chloride aqueous solution, and a cathode chamber 8 having a cathode electrode 6. The anode chamber 7 and the intermediate chamber 2 are partitioned by an anion exchange membrane 3. On the other hand, the cathode chamber 8 and the intermediate chamber 2 are partitioned by a cation exchange membrane 5. The 1st electrolytic cell 1a and the 2nd electrolytic cell 1b have the structure similar to the electrolytic cell 1 used for 1st Embodiment.

  The inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 20 has a configuration similar to that shown in FIG.

  The first tank 9 of the inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 20 and the supply port 21a in the electrolytic cell 1a are fluidly connected via a line L3, and the discharge port 22a in the electrolytic cell 1a and the supply port 21b in the electrolytic cell 1b are Fluidly connected via line L8. A pressure regulating valve 12a is provided in a part of the line L8. Further, the discharge port 22b and the second tank in the electrolytic cell 1b are fluidly connected via a line L9. A pressure regulating valve 12b is provided in a part of the line L9.

  The first tank 9 and the line L3 can be separated by a coupler C1, and the second tank 11 and the line L8 can be separated by a coupler c2. Therefore, when replacing the inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 20, the couplers c1 and c2 are disconnected, and the used inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 20 is replaced with an unused inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 20.

  In the fourth embodiment, the high-concentration inorganic chloride aqueous solution supplied from the first tank 9 is supplied to the electrolytic cell 1a and then supplied to the electrolytic cell 1b again. Thereby, the inorganic chloride aqueous solution that has not been used in the electrolytic bath 1a can be reused in the electrolytic bath 1b, and the inorganic chloride aqueous solution in the inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 20 can be effectively used. If the inorganic chloride aqueous solution is effectively utilized and the concentration of the inorganic chloride aqueous solution returning to the second tank 11 via L8 decreases, the concentration difference between the first tank 9 and the second tank 11 should be kept large. And the transport of water through the osmotic membrane 10 can be maintained for a long time.

  On the other hand, the amount of hypochlorous acid produced varies depending on the concentration, and the amount produced decreases as the concentration of the aqueous inorganic chloride solution decreases. Therefore, the amount of water supplied to the lines L1b and L2b of the electrolytic cell 1b is lowered from the amount of water supplied to the lines L1a and L2a, and the DC value to be applied is lowered to maintain the efficiency of hypochlorous acid generation in the electrolytic cell 1b. be able to.

  In addition, although FIG. 4 demonstrated the case where it had two electrolytic vessels, the 1st electrolytic vessel 1a and the 2nd electrolytic vessel 2b, three or more electrolytic vessels can be provided.

Fifth Embodiment FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a two-tank electrolysis apparatus according to a fifth embodiment.

  The two-tank electrolyzer 500 includes an electrolyzer 101, an inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 30, and a piping line to be described later.

  The electrolytic cell 101 includes an anode chamber 107 having an anode electrode 104 and a cathode chamber 108 having a cathode electrode 106. A partition wall 150 partitions the anode chamber 107 and the cathode chamber 108.

The diaphragm 150 is a film that transmits anions such as chloride ions and hydroxide ions. For example, an anion exchange membrane AMX (manufactured by Astom Co., Ltd.) can be used.
The anode electrode 104 has the same configuration as the anode electrode 4 used in the first embodiment.

  The cathode electrode 106 has the same configuration as the cathode electrode 6 used in the first embodiment.

  The inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 30 includes a first tank 9 storing high-concentration sodium chloride, a second tank 11 storing low-concentration sodium chloride relative to the first tank 9, and a high-concentration aqueous solution. The tank 9 and the osmotic membrane 10 that separates the second tank 11 are configured.

  A line L10 from the first tank 9 of the inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 30 and an external water supply pipe (water pipe) line L11 (not shown) are connected by an anode side mixer 114. Further, a line L12 from the first tank 9 and a line L13 described later are connected by a cathode side mixer 115. The second tank 11 is connected to an external water supply pipe (water pipe) (not shown) by a line L15, and the second tank 11 and the cathode side mixer 115 are fluidly connected by a line L13. A part of the line L10 is provided with an anode side pressure regulating valve 16, and a part of the line L12 is provided with a cathode side pressure regulating valve 17.

  The first tank 9 and the lines L10 and L12 can be separated by a coupler c1. The second tank 11 and the lines L13 and L15 can be separated by couplers c3 and c4. Therefore, when replacing the inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 30, the couplers c1, c3, and c4 are disconnected, and the used inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 30 is replaced with an unused inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 30.

  The first tank 9 of the unused inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 30 can store only inorganic chloride solids. And a user performs the operation | work which opens the cover 9b of the 1st tank 9 and throws water into the solid 9a, and the inorganic chloride density | concentration of the 1st tank 9 increases.

  Next, the operation method of the two-tank electrolyzer 500 will be described using, for example, sodium chloride as an inorganic chloride.

  First, after an unused inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge 30 containing only sodium chloride solids is connected to the first tank 9 via couplers C1, C3 and C4, water is supplied to the lines L11 and L15 from the outside. To do. When the user performs an operation of opening the lid 9b of the first tank 9 and throwing in water, a high-concentration sodium chloride aqueous solution is formed in the first tank 9, and the second tank 11 passes through the osmotic membrane 10. Water penetration occurs in the first tank. The inorganic chloride aqueous solution in the first tank 9 is supplied to the anode side mixer 114 and the cathode side second mixer 115 via the lines L10 and L12 by the permeated water. The anode side pressure adjustment valve 16 is controlled so that the pressure of the inorganic chloride aqueous solution supplied from the line L9 in the anode side mixer 114 is higher than the pressure of the water supplied from the line L11. Further, the cathode side pressure adjusting valve 17 is controlled so that the pressure of the inorganic chloride aqueous solution supplied from the line L12 in the cathode side mixer 15 becomes higher than the pressure of the water supplied from the line L13. Thereby, it becomes possible to prevent the reverse flow of water from the line L11 to the line L10 and the reverse flow of water from the line L14 to the line L10.

  When mixed inorganic chloride aqueous solutions are supplied to the anode chamber 107 and the cathode chamber 108, and a DC voltage is applied between the cathode 106 and the anode 104, chloride ions permeate the partition wall 150, and hypochlorite passes through the anode 104. Used in reactions that produce acid water. Water containing hypochlorous acid passes through L14 and is supplied to the outside.

  In the fifth embodiment, sodium chloride contained in the first tank 9 is supplied to the anode chamber 107 and the cathode chamber 108 by osmotic pressure. Since the supply uses the inorganic chloride concentration difference between the first tank 9 and the second tank 11 as a drive source, a supply pump is not required, and the supply power of the inorganic chloride aqueous solution is reduced and the cost of the supply mechanism is reduced. be able to.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1a, 1b, 101 ... Electrolysis cell, 2 ... Intermediate chamber, 3 ... 1st diaphragm, 4,104 ... Anode electrode, 5 ... 2nd diaphragm, 6,106 ... Cathode electrode, 7,107 ... Anode chamber 8, 108 ... cathode chamber, 9 ... first tank, 10 ... osmotic membrane, 11 ... second tank, 12, 12a, 12b, 14, 16, 17 ... pressure adjusting unit, 13 ... bellows type buffer tank, 20, 30 ... inorganic chloride aqueous solution supply mechanism, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 ... electrolyzer, L3, L10, L12 ... first line, L4, L7, L9, L14 ... second line

Claims (10)

An electrolytic cell including an anode chamber having an anode electrode, an intermediate chamber partitioned from the anode chamber by a first diaphragm, and a cathode chamber having a cathode electrode partitioned from the intermediate chamber and a second diaphragm;
An inorganic chloride aqueous solution supply mechanism including a first tank and a second tank partitioned from the first tank by a permeable membrane;
A first line connecting the first tank to the electrolytic cell;
And a second line for discharging the used inorganic chloride aqueous solution from the electrolytic cell.   The electrolysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first line is connected to the intermediate chamber from the first tank, and the second line is provided in the intermediate chamber.   The electrolyzer according to claim 2, further comprising a pressure adjusting unit that adjusts the pressure of the intermediate chamber in the second line.   The first tank contains an inorganic chloride aqueous solution having a first concentration, and the second tank contains an inorganic chloride aqueous solution having a second concentration equal to or lower than the first concentration. 4. The electrolysis apparatus according to any one of up to 3.   The electrolyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second line is connected to the second tank.   The electrolyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a third line connecting the second tank and the anode chamber or the cathode chamber.   The electrolysis apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a bellows type buffer tank in the first line.   A first tank for containing an inorganic chloride aqueous solution having a first concentration, and an inorganic chloride having a second concentration equal to or lower than the first concentration, which is partitioned by the first tank and a permeable membrane; An inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge including a second tank for containing an aqueous solution.   The inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge according to claim 8, further comprising water stored in the second tank.   The inorganic chloride aqueous solution cartridge according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising a charging port provided in the first tank and water or a solid inorganic chloride stored in the first tank.

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