KR100405163B1 - Electrolyser - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrolytic cell that can achieve high energy efficiency and high effluent gas generation efficiency, and can be produced by separating oxygen gas and hydrogen gas, and the gasket, the electrode, the gasket, the diaphragm fixing ring, the diaphragm, and the cell frame are sequentially A plurality of combined unit sets are stacked and fixed at both ends of the cathode and anode electrodes. Each electrode constituting the present invention is a bipolar electrode, the first and second gas flow hole is formed in the upper portion of the electrode, the electrolyte flow hole is formed in the lower portion, each gasket is formed with an outer portion of the electrode and Corresponding ring-shaped members, each having a first extension portion and a second extension portion at the upper portion and a third extension portion at the lower portion thereof toward the center portion, pressurizes portions around each hole of the electrode between each extension portion; First and second gas flow holes and electrolyte flow holes are formed in each of the extension portions. In addition, each of the diaphragm has a hole for the first and second gas flow in the upper portion, a hole for the electrolyte flow in the lower portion, each diaphragm fixing ring has the same shape as each gasket, the gas flow hole in the upper portion The first and second extensions each formed are respectively configured so that the third extension portion formed with a hole for the flow of electrolyte flows toward the center thereof, and each extension portion presses a portion around each hole of the diaphragm located between the cell frames. Each cell frame has a larger size than the electrode, and the first and second extensions each having a gas flow hole are formed in the upper portion, and the third extension portion having an electrolyte flow hole in the lower portion thereof. Corresponding to the gas flow holes and the electrolyte flow holes formed therein, the oxygen gas formed at the first surface of each electrode passes through the first gas flow hole, and the hydrogen gas formed at the second surface of each electrode is the second gas. Each is discharged to the outside through the flow hole, the electrolyte supplied from the outside is introduced into the inside through the hole for the electrolyte flow.

Description

Electrolyzer {Electrolyser}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrolytic cell, and more particularly, to an electrolytic cell that can reduce power consumption and improve electrolysis efficiency, and can discharge generated hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in a separated state.

An electrolysis device that electrolyzes an electrolytic solution containing an electrolyte such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide to generate hydrogen gas and oxygen gas includes an electrolytic cell in which electrolysis of the electrolyte is performed. Although there are some structural differences, the basic structure of a general electrolytic cell currently in use includes an electrode plate (first electrode plate) connected with a positive electrode at one end and an electrode plate (second electrode plate) with a negative electrode connected at the opposite end. It is a structure that is located. A thin bipolar electrode plate is positioned between the first and second electrode plates, and the electrolytic cell having such a structure can install a large number of electrodes in a small space, thereby generating a large amount of gas, and also having a low interpolar voltage. The power consumed to generate the gas amount is relatively small.

However, in the electrolytic cell of such a structure, it is not easy to maintain the airtight between the bipolar electrode plates, and there is a limit in increasing the working pressure of the electrolytic cell. On the other hand, in the separate type electrolytic cell, two gas discharge holes for passing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas are respectively formed in the upper portion of the bipolar electrode plate, and electrolyte supply holes are formed in the lower portion, respectively. At the time of electrolysis, when a current is applied to each electrode plate, current is leaked through each hole (as a machining part, a corner part) to reduce the electrolysis efficiency and at the same time generate a problem of energy waste.

On the other hand, in an electrolytic cell in which the electrolysis takes place, the electrode should always be in contact with the electrolyte, but the upper part of the electrode is exposed above the surface of the electrolyte, which reduces the effective area at which electrolysis occurs, and consequently per unit area of the electrode. This increases the current density, which shortens the life of the electrode.

In order to solve such a problem, the 2001 patent application No. 12825 filed by the present applicant has the advantages of excellent airtightness of the electrolytic cell, no leakage of electrolyte and gas, and easily adjusting the gas generating capacity according to the increase and decrease of the cell frame. In addition, it is possible to generate a large amount of gas with little power energy, and has a configuration capable of miniaturizing the electrolytic cell.

However, in the prior patent application, since the hydroxyl gas generated between the electrode plate and the anode, the cathode and the electrode plate is produced in a state in which hydrogen and oxygen are mixed in a 2: 1 ratio, the utilization in industrial applications is low, and particularly high purity hydrogen gas is used. The problem arises that a separate system for separating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas is required for application in the industrial sector.

In recent years, hydrogen gas has been used for industrial applications such as brazing, welding, precious metal work, glass processing, semiconductor manufacturing, and the like, as well as industrial utilization as a next generation pollution-free energy source for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. However, currently produced hydrogen gas is produced from fossil fuel and is used in the form of compressed gas in a high-pressure cylinder, and thus it is not practical for industrial use, even though it is a pollution-free energy source due to lack of safety in transportation and use.

Therefore, the present invention is to solve the problems of the above-described electrolytic tank for generating a general hydroxyl gas, it is possible to achieve a high energy efficiency and a high hydroxyl gas generating efficiency, an electrolytic cell that can be produced by separating the oxygen gas and hydrogen gas The purpose is to provide.

The electrolytic cell according to the present invention is made by stacking a plurality of unit sets in which a gasket, an electrode, a gasket, a diaphragm fixing ring, a diaphragm, and a cell frame are sequentially coupled, and fixing cathode and anode electrodes at both ends thereof. Each electrode constituting the present invention is a bipolar electrode, the first and second gas flow hole is formed in the upper portion of the electrode, the electrolyte flow hole is formed in the lower portion, each gasket is formed with an outer portion of the electrode and Corresponding ring-shaped members, each having a first extension portion and a second extension portion at the upper portion and a third extension portion at the lower portion thereof toward the center portion, pressurizes portions around each hole of the electrode between each extension portion; First and second gas flow holes and electrolyte flow holes are formed in each of the extension portions. In addition, each of the diaphragm has a hole for the first and second gas flow in the upper portion, a hole for the electrolyte flow in the lower portion, each diaphragm fixing ring has the same shape as each gasket, the gas flow hole in the upper portion The first and second extensions each formed are respectively configured so that the third extension portion formed with a hole for the flow of electrolyte flows toward the center thereof, and each extension portion presses a portion around each hole of the diaphragm located between the cell frames. Each cell frame has a larger size than the electrode, and the first and second extensions each having a gas flow hole are formed in the upper portion, and the third extension portion having an electrolyte flow hole in the lower portion thereof. The oxygen gas formed at the first surface of each electrode corresponds to the gas flow hole and the electrolyte flow hole formed in the first through the first gas flow hole, and the hydrogen gas formed at the second surface of each electrode is the second gas. Each is discharged to the outside through the flow hole, the electrolyte supplied from the outside is introduced into the inside through the hole for the electrolyte flow.

Each cell frame is provided with a first convex portion having a predetermined width and height along its periphery on its front face, and its first recessed portion having the same width and depth as the first convex portion on its front face. And a first convex portion of the front cell frame is accommodated in the first recess of the rear cell frame when the two cell frames are combined to thereby combine both cell frames.

Each cell frame has first, second, and third cylindrical portions formed at each edge of the first, second, and third extension portions of the front surface thereof, and recesses having a predetermined depth are formed at each edge of each hole of the rear surface thereof. On both sides of the first cylindrical portion and the third cylindrical portion of the front face and the portion toward the center of the member, a cut portion having a predetermined width is formed, respectively, and on both sides of the recessed periphery of the rear portion of the second and third extension portions and the portion facing the center of the member. Incisions are formed respectively. In addition, each of the diaphragm fixing rings is formed with cutouts having a predetermined width at both sides of the first and third extensions and toward the center of the member, respectively, and cutouts are formed at both sides of the hole at the rear side of the third extension and toward the center of the member. have. When joining the diaphragm to each cell frame through the diaphragm fixation ring, an incision formed on the surface of the first cylindrical portion in front of the cell frame and a corresponding extension portion of the diaphragm fixation ring is in communication with the first surface of the electrode mounted to the cell frame. The generated gas is discharged to the outside through the cutout of the diaphragm fixing ring, the cutout of the first cylindrical portion of the cell frame, and the first hole, and the gas generated at the second surface of the electrode is discharged to the second of the other cell frame located at the front. The electrolyte is discharged to the outside through the cutout and the second hole formed on the rear side of the cylinder, and the electrolyte flowing into the electrolyte flow hole from the outside passes through the cutout formed around the hole in the rear of the cell before the third extension of each cell frame. Flows into the space between.

1 is an exploded perspective view showing the members constituting the electrolytic cell according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an electrolytic cell configured by combining the members of FIG. 1. FIG.

3A and 3B are front and rear views of a cell frame as one component of the present invention.

3C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 3A.

4A and 4B are front and rear views of the diaphragm fixation ring.

5 is a detailed cross-sectional view of an electrolytic cell for illustrating the coupling relationship of each member.

6 is a detail view of the “K” portion of FIG. 5.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings of the present invention will be described in more detail.

1 is an exploded perspective view showing members constituting the filter press-type electrolytic cell according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of an electrolytic cell configured by integrating each member of FIG. 1 by using a fixing means, and the electrolytic cell 100 according to the present invention. The members constituting) are as follows, and the structure of the electrode, the gasket, the diaphragm, and the cell frame will be described using only one example.

Anode Electrode 101 and Cathode Electrode 102

As for the positive electrode 101 and the negative electrode 102 positioned at both ends of the electrolytic cell 100, bolts 101a and 102a for power connection are fixed to the outer surfaces thereof, respectively. The electrolyte supply port connecting nipple 102b is fixed to the outer surface of the anode electrode 101 with two gas outlet connecting nipples 101b (only one nipple is shown in FIG. 2). The anode and cathode electrodes 101 and 102 are integrated by four stay bolts.

Electrode 50

Although only one electrode 50 is shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of disc-shaped electrodes 50 (bipolar electrodes) are positioned between the anode electrode 101 and the cathode electrode 102. Oxygen gas flow holes 51 and hydrogen gas flow holes 52 are formed in an upper portion of the electrode 50, and an electrolyte solution flow hole 53 is formed in a lower portion thereof.

When a voltage is applied to the anode electrode 101 and the cathode electrode 102, for example, a charge of opposite polarity (ie, cathode) is charged on the surface of the electrode 50 corresponding to the anode electrode 101, and vice versa. An electric charge of the same polarity as the anode electrode 101 is charged on the surface. In addition, on the surface of another electrode (not shown) adjacent to the charged electrode 50, a charge of opposite polarity to the charged charge on the opposite electrode surface is charged. By delivering it to the electrode. This charge charging phenomenon on the electrode surface occurs at all the electrodes 50, so that the charges of different polarities are charged on the surface of the opposing electrode 50 so that the electrolysis of the electrolyte located between the electrodes 50 is performed. Oxygen gas and hydrogen gas are generated.

Diaphragm (20)

A disk-shaped diaphragm 20 having a smaller diameter than the electrode 50 is provided between the anode electrode 101 and the electrode 50, between the electrodes 50 charged with different polarities, and between the electrode 50 and the cathode electrode 102. This is located. Oxygen gas flow holes 21 and hydrogen gas flow holes 22 are formed in upper portions of the diaphragms 20, and electrolyte flow holes 23 are formed in lower portions thereof. The diaphragm 20 prevents mixing of hydrogen generated at the surface charged with the negative electrode (−) of the electrode 50 facing the oxygen generated at the surface charged with the positive electrode (+) of either electrode 50. In addition, the diaphragm 20 may reduce the energy required for electrolysis only when the ion flow of the electrolyte solution between the electrodes 50 is smooth.

Cell frame 10

A ring-shaped cell frame 10 is positioned behind the anode electrode 101 and each electrode 50 (see FIG. 1). The diameter of each cell frame 10 is slightly larger than the diameter of the electrode 20, the upper and lower holes in the upper and lower portions of each electrode 50, and the hole for oxygen gas flow, respectively, the hydrogen gas flow The hole and the hole for electrolyte flow are formed, respectively. The configuration of each cell frame 10 will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

Gasket (40)

A gasket 40 for sealing is provided between the anode electrode 101 and the diaphragm 20, the electrode 50 and the diaphragm 20, the cell frame 10 and the electrode 50, and the cell frame 10 and the cathode electrode 102. Are located respectively. The gasket 40 is ring-shaped, the diameter of which is equal to the diameter of the electrode 50. Oxygen gas flow holes 41 and hydrogen gas flow holes corresponding to the holes 50, 51 and 52 formed in the upper and lower portions of the electrode frame 50 and the cell frame 10 in the upper and lower parts of the gasket 40, respectively. 42 and the hole 43 for electrolyte flow are formed, respectively. As shown in Fig. 1, the holes 41, 42, and 43 formed in each gasket 40 are formed in the central portion of the extension portions 41A, 42A, and 43A extending inwardly from the main body, respectively. Therefore, when the gasket 40 is brought into close contact with both surfaces of the electrode 50, the gasket 40 is in a state in which the holes 41 and 51, 42 and 52, 43 and 53 of both members 40 and 50 are in communication with each other. Each of the extension portions 41A, 42A, and 43A of the () is in close contact with the periphery surface of the holes (51, 52, 53) of the electrode (50).

Diaphragm Fixing Ring (30)

The shape of the diaphragm fixing ring 30 (hereinafter referred to as "ring" for convenience) located between the diaphragm 20 and the gasket 40 is the same as the shape of the gasket 40. That is, the diameter of the ring 30 is equal to the diameter of the electrode 50, the oxygen gas flow corresponding to the holes formed in the upper and lower portions of the electrode 50 and the cell frame 10 on the upper and lower portions thereof. The hole 31, the hydrogen gas flow hole 32, and the electrolyte flow hole 33 are formed, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B to be described later, the holes 31, 32, and 33 formed in each ring 30 are formed at the center of the extension portions 31A, 32A, and 33A extending inwardly from the main body. Each is formed. Therefore, when the diaphragm 20 is in close contact with and fixed to one surface of the frame 10, the ring 30 and the respective holes 31 and 21, 32 and 22, 33, and 23 of the diaphragm 20 communicate with each other. Each of the extensions 31A, 32A and 33A of the ring 30 is in airtight contact with the peripheral surface of the holes 21, 22 and 23 of the diaphragm 20.

3A and 3B are front and rear views of the cell frame 10 as one component of the present invention, and FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the cell frame 10 taken along the line AA of FIG. 3A. The configuration is shown in more detail. The ring-shaped cell frame 10 is divided into an inner portion I and an outer portion O having different thicknesses, as shown in FIG. 3C, and the thickness of the inner portion I is greater than that of the outer portion O. It is made thin.

The upper part of the cell frame 10 (refer to FIG. 3A) includes first and second extension parts 10E-1 and 10E-2 extending toward the center, and each extension part 10E-1 and 10E-2. In the center, the oxygen gas flow holes H1 and the hydrogen gas flow holes H2 are formed. In addition, a third extension part 10E-3 extending toward the center is formed in the lower part of the cell frame 10, and an electrolyte flow hole H3 is formed in the center of the third extension part 10E-3. .

A first convex portion 11A having a predetermined width and height is formed on the outer surface of the front surface portion of the cell frame 10, that is, on the outer side portion O, and inside the second convex portion 12A having a fine height. ) Is formed. Further, a third convex portion 13A having a fine height is formed on the inner side I surface. Hollow cylindrical portions 14A-1, 14A-2 and 14A-3 are formed at the edges of the above-described holes H1, H2 and H3 formed at the centers of the respective extension portions 10E-1, 10E-2 and 13E-3. The outer diameter is the same as the diameter of the holes 41, 42, 43 and 51, 52, 53 formed in the gasket 40 and the electrode 50.

On the other hand, both sides are horizontally disposed at the upper portion of the first cylindrical portion 14A-1 formed at the edge of the oxygen gas flow hole H1 and at the lower portion of the third cylindrical portion 14A-3 formed at the edge of the electrolyte flow hole H3. The cut portions A11 and A13 cut in a predetermined depth are respectively configured to communicate the surfaces of the extended portions 10E-1 and 10E-3 with the holes H1 and H3. Further, the lower portion of the first cylindrical portion 14A-1 formed at the edge of the oxygen gas flow hole H1 and the upper portion of the third cylindrical portion 14A-3 formed at the edge of the hole H3 for electrolyte flow toward the center. The cut-outs A21 and A23 cut | disconnected to predetermined depth are comprised, respectively, and the surface of the extension parts 10E-1 and 10E-3 and the hole H1 and H3 are communicated.

The rear surface of the cell frame 10 is flat, and the outer side portion O has a first recessed portion 11B having a predetermined width and depth extending over the entire member. The convex part 12B is formed. In addition, second recesses 13B-1, 13B-2, and 13B-3 having a predetermined depth and width also have edges at the edges of the oxygen gas and hydroxyl gas flow holes H1 and H2 and the electrolyte flow hole H3, respectively. Formed. On the other hand, in the rear portion of the extending portions 10E-2 and 10E-3 having the hydrogen gas flow hole H2 and the electrolyte flow hole H3 formed therein, a cutout portion in which a portion adjacent to the inner end of the body of the cell frame 10 is cut off ( B12 and B13 are configured to communicate the surfaces of the extension portions 10E-2 and 10E-3 and the holes H2 and H2, respectively, and the incisions are radially cut on the inner surfaces of the extension portions 10E-2 and 10E-3. (B22, B23) are configured to communicate the surfaces of the extended portions 10E-2 and 10E-3 with the holes H2 and H3.

4A and 4B are a front view and a rear view of the diaphragm fixing ring 30, which is one component member of the present invention, illustrating the configuration of the diaphragm fixing ring 30 in more detail. The diaphragm fixing ring 30 is also in the form of a ring, wherein the inner diameter is the same as the inner diameter of the cell frame 10, but the outer diameter is the same as the outer diameter of the inner portion I of the cell frame 10.

The upper portion of the diaphragm fixing ring 30 (see FIG. 4A) includes first and second extensions 30E-1 and 30E-2 extending from the inner side toward the center, and each of the extensions 30E-1, 30E-2) The oxygen gas flow hole G1 and the oxygen gas flow hole G2 are formed in the center, respectively. In addition, a third extension portion 30E-3 extending toward the center is formed in the lower portion of the diaphragm fixing ring 30, and an electrolyte flow hole G3 is formed in the center of the extension portion 30E-3. .

The front and rear surfaces of the diaphragm fixing ring 30 have a flat shape, and convex portions 30A and 30B having a predetermined height are formed on the front and rear surfaces of the main body center, respectively. On the other hand, the cutout portion B31 which cuts a portion adjacent to the inner end of the main body on the extension portions 30E-1 and 30E-3 in which the oxygen gas flow hole G1 and the electrolyte flow hole G3 are formed in the front part. -1, B33-1 to communicate the surfaces of the extension portions 30E-1 and 30E-3 and the holes G1 and G3, respectively, and radially in the inner portions of the extension portions 30E-1 and 30E-3, respectively. The cutouts B31-2 and B33-2 are configured to communicate the surfaces of the extended portions 30E-1 and 30E-3 with the holes G1 and G3.

The process of assembling the members described above to form an electrolytic cell will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the oxygen gas flow holes and the hydrogen gas flow holes respectively formed in the upper portion of each member are referred to as "first upper holes." And "second upper hole", the hole for electrolyte flow formed in the lower portion is referred to as "lower hole".

First, one unit set (for example, A or B in FIG. 1) into the gasket 40, the electrode 50, the gasket 40, the diaphragm fixing ring 30, the diaphragm 20, and the cell frame 10. Assemble). Each of the first upper holes 41, 51, 41, 31, 21, and the second upper hole 42 of the gasket 40, the electrode 50 and the gasket 40, the diaphragm fixing ring 30, and the diaphragm 20. , 52, 42, 32, 22 and lower holes 43, 53, 43, 33, 23 in close contact with the cell frame 10 in front of each other, the gasket 40, the electrode 50, the gasket 40, the diaphragm fixing ring 30 and the first and second upper holes 41, 51, 41, 31, 21 and 42, 52, 42, 32, 22 and the lower hole 43 of the diaphragm 20. 53, 43, 33, 23 are provided on the cylindrical portions 13B-1, 13B-2, and 13B-3 formed on the front of each of the extension portions 13E-1, 13E-2, and 13E-3 of the cell frame 10. Is fitted.

At this time, the outer edges of the diaphragm 20 and the diaphragm fixing ring 30 are adhered to the boundary ends of the inner side I and the outer side O of the front of the cell frame 10. The diaphragm between the respective extensions 30E-1, 30E-2 and 30E-3 of the diaphragm fixing ring 30 and each of the extensions 10E-1, 10E-2 and 10E-3 of the cell frame 10. The outer portion of 20 is positioned so that the diaphragm 20 is supported between the diaphragm fixation ring 30 and the cell frame 10.

On the other hand, the outer end of the gasket 40, the electrode 50 and the gasket 40 is in close contact with the inner surface of the first convex portion 11A formed on the front outer portion O of the cell frame 10. Wherein the convex portion 30A formed on the rear of the diaphragm fixing ring 30 and the second convex portion 12A formed on the front of the cell frame 10 are in contact with the outer portion of the diaphragm 20 located therebetween, thereby providing a better sealing effect. Can be obtained. In addition, the extensions 41, 42, and 43 of the gaskets 40 located before and after the electrode 50 closely contact the edges of the upper and lower holes 51, 52, and 53 of the electrode 50, respectively, before and after. do.

By assembling a plurality of unit sets A consisting of the gasket 40, the electrode 50, the gasket 40, the diaphragm fixing ring 30, the diaphragm 20 and the cell frame 10 in a horizontally stacked state, An electrolytic cell is constructed, and in the following description, for the sake of convenience, the combination of the unit sets will be described using two unit sets (A and B). In the following description, for the sake of convenience, the unit set of the front (based on FIGS. 1 and 6) is referred to as the first unit set A and the rear unit set is referred to as the second unit set B among the two unit sets.

When the first and second unit sets A and B assembled as described above are combined with respect to the upper and lower holes formed in each member, the first and second unit sets B are formed on the front surface of the cell frame 10. The concave portion 11A is fitted into the first recessed portion 11B formed on the rear surface of the cell frame 10 of the first unit set A. As shown in FIG. In addition, the cylindrical portions 14A-1, 14A-2, and 14A-3 formed at the edges of the holes H1, H2, and H3 on the front surface of the cell frame 10 of the second unit set B have a first unit set ( It is accommodated in 2nd recessed parts 13B-1, 13B-2, and 13B-3 formed in each edge of the back of the cell frame 10 of A). On the other hand, the second convex portion 12B formed on the rear surface of the cell frame 10 of the first unit set A will press the surface of the front gasket 40 of the second unit set B.

When assembling a plurality of unit sets (A, B) in this way, each electrode 50 of one unit set (B) and the electrode of another unit set (A) (anode electrode 101 in FIG. 1) The diaphragm 20 is located in between, so that the hydrogen gas (or oxygen gas) generated on one surface of the electrode 50 of one unit set (for example, B) by the diaphragm 20 is further removed. It does not mix with the oxygen gas (or hydrogen gas) generated on the opposing surface of the electrode of the unit set. This will be described in more detail as follows.

Each cutout A11 and A21 of the first cylindrical portion 13A-1 formed in the periphery of the hole H1 for oxygen gas flow in the front of the cell frame 10 of the second unit set B has a diaphragm fixing ring 30. And the cutouts B31-1 and B31-2 on the extension part 30E-1 in which the oxygen gas flow hole G1 is formed. In addition, the front surface of the diaphragm fixing ring 30 is in close contact with the rear surface of the cell frame 10 extension portion 10E-1 of the first unit set (B) located in front thereof (of course, the gasket 40 therebetween). In this location).

Therefore, the oxygen gas generated from the rear surface of the electrode 50 located in front of the diaphragm 20 by electrolysis is formed in the cutouts B31-1 formed in the extension part 30E-1 of the diaphragm fixing ring 30. B31-2) and through the cutouts A11 and A2 formed in the first cylindrical portion 14A-1 formed at the edge of the oxygen gas flow hole H1 of the cell frame 10 to the oxygen flow hole H1. Inflow. At this time, the oxygen gas does not flow to the cell frame of another unit set adjacent by the diaphragm 20, of course.

In addition, the electrolyte flowing into the electrolyte flow hole H3 from the outside is cut out (A13, A23) of the third cylindrical portion 13A-3 formed at the edge of the electrolyte flow hole H3 of the cell frame 10, and It flows into the space ahead of the septum 30 through the cutouts B33-1 and B33-2 formed in the extension portion 30E-3 of the diaphragm fixing ring 30. However, since the cutouts are not formed in the extension portions 10E-2 and 30E-3 in which the hydrogen gas flow holes H2 and G2 of the cell frame 10 and the diaphragm fixing ring 30 are formed, oxygen gas is hydrogen. Of course, it does not flow into the gas flow hole (H2).

On the other hand, in the cell frame 10 of the first unit set A positioned in front of the second unit set B, an incision formed on the rear surface of the extension part 10E-2 in which the hole H2 for hydrogen gas flow is formed. The portions B12 and B22 form a passage closed by the electrode 50 and the gasket 40 of the second unit set B. Therefore, the hydrogen gas generated in the front surface of the electrode 50 located in front of the diaphragm 20 of the second unit set B by electrolysis extends the cell frame 10 of the first unit set A. The hydrogen gas flows into the flow hole H2 through the cutouts B12 and B22 formed on the rear surface of the portion 30E-2, and the hydrogen gas is blocked by the diaphragm 20 to set the first unit. Of course, it is not mixed with the oxygen gas generated at the electrode of (A).

In addition, the electrolyte flowing into the electrolyte flow hole H3 of the cell frame from the outside is cut out of the third cylindrical portion 13A-3 formed at the edge of the electrolyte flow hole H3 of the cell frame 10. B23) and the cutouts B33-1 and B33-2 formed in the extension portion 30E-3 of the diaphragm fixing ring 30 of the second unit set are introduced into the space ahead of the diaphragm 30.

In the present invention, the electrolyte supplied from the outside of the lower hole formed in the lower extension (10E-3) of the rear cell frame 10 of the overlapped cell frame 10 in the process of passing through the lower hole of each laminated member ( H3), cutouts A13 and A23 formed in the lower cylindrical portions 14A-3 of the rear cell frame 10 and cutouts formed on the rear surface of the lower extension 10E-3 of the front cell frame 10 ( Through the passage formed by B13 and B23, the cell is introduced into the inner space of the electrolytic cell, that is, the space formed by the plurality of gaskets 40, the electrodes 20, and the cell frames 10.

In this way, the oxygen gas (which contains the electrolyte solution) generated at the rear surface of each set of electrodes by electrolysis is the first cylindrical portion 14A of the first upper extension portion 10E-1 of the cell frame 10. -Cutouts B31-1 and B31-2 formed on the surfaces of the first cutouts 30E-1 of the diaphragm fixing ring 30 mounted on the cell frame 10 and the cutouts A11 and A21 formed at ) Is introduced into the first upper hole H1 of the cell frame 10 through a passage formed therein, and then passed through the first upper hole of each member and then discharged to an external collection tank.

In contrast, the hydrogen gas generated in the front of each set of electrodes (with electrolyte) contained at the rear of the second upper extension 10E-2 of the cell frame 10 constituting another set of units located in front. It is introduced into the second upper hole H2 of the front cell frame 10 through the passage formed by the formed cutouts B12 and B22, and then passes through the second upper hole of each member and then discharged to the external collection tank. do.

The number of unit sets set as described above are combined, and the cathode electrode 101 and the anode electrode 102 are coupled to both ends of the assembly, and then the cathode electrode 101 and the anode electrode 102 are connected to the stay bolt 103. By combining, a complete electrolyzer 100 is assembled as shown in FIG. That is, the anode electrode 101 and the cathode electrode 102 are positioned at both ends of the assembly of the plurality of unit sets, and the plurality of stay bolts 103 pass through the bolt holes of both electrode plates. By inserting the plate spring 104 on both ends of the exposed stay bolt 103 and fastening the nut 105, each unit set is fastened to complete the final electrolytic cell 100. At this time, each member is pressed to a constant pressure. Here, a bush made of an insulating material (for example, plastic) is fitted into the bolt holes of the cathode and anode electrodes 101 and 102, thereby preventing leakage of current. The connection nipples are respectively installed at the upper end of the one end of the electrolyzer configured as described above and the lower end of the other end to install the gas outlet and the electrolyte supply port.

The electrolyte inflow and the discharge of the hydroxyl gas are performed between all unit units and adjacent units constituting the electrolytic cell, and electrolysis of the electrolyte is performed in the space between the electrode of each unit unit and the adjacent unit electrode.

The cell frame 10, the gasket 40, the diaphragm 20, and the diaphragm fixing ring 30 used in the present invention will be described in detail as follows.

The cell frame 10 and the diaphragm fixing ring 30 preferably have high electrical insulation, heat resistance, and chemical resistance to alkaline electrolyte. In addition, since the compressive force is applied at both ends of the cell frame 10, it is necessary to maintain high mechanical strength. As a material of the cell frame 10, glass-reinforced fiber plastic is suitable, and examples thereof include polysulfone, polyimide, polyphenylene sulfide, polypropylene, and the like. These materials are excellent in both chemical and heat resistance, and also excellent in mechanical strength, so that the electrolytic cell can be used continuously at a temperature of 90 ° C.

The gasket 40 should have elasticity in addition to the conditions of the cell frame 10. Suitable materials for the gasket 40 include ethylene-propylene copolymer (EPDM), polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), and the like, and a thickness of 0.3 to 0.5 mm is preferable.

The diaphragm 20 is for preventing the mixing of oxygen gas and hydrogen gas generated at the anode 101, the cathode 102, and each electrode 50, and with this purpose, improves energy efficiency (ie, to each electrode). In order to smooth the flow of ions), the diaphragm 30 should have excellent electrical conductivity. In the present invention, an organic synthetic fiber of polyphenylene sulfide having a thickness of 1.0 to 2.0 mm and a weight of 350 to 500 g / cm ² is treated with concentrated sulfuric acid (90% or more) having a temperature of 70 to 80 ° C. for 2 hours, followed by water. After washing and using a diaphragm 20 prepared by drying for 3 hours at a temperature of 150 ℃, the diaphragm 20 subjected to this process has a high heat resistance and improved electrical conductivity.

Referring to the configuration and functional features of the electrolytic cell according to the present invention made as described above with reference to Figures 5 and 6 as follows. FIG. 5 is a detailed sectional view of an electrolytic cell for illustrating a coupling relationship between each member and a moving path between a gas and an electrolyte, and FIG.

1. As shown in FIG. 6, the front surface of the front gasket 40 and the rear surface of the rear gasket 40 constituting one unit set and the second convex portion 12A formed on the front of the combined cell frame 10 and The second convex portion 12B formed on the rear surface of the cell frame 10 of the other unit set located at the front side is pressurized, thereby effectively increasing the airtight function of the gasket 40 so that external leakage of the electrolyte and the fish gas is not achieved.

2. Ring-shaped gaskets 40 of the same size are in close contact with each side of one electrode 50, and in particular, each gasket 40 is adjacent to the upper holes 21 and 22 and the lower hole 23 of the electrode 20. Since the surfaces of the extended portions 41A, 42A, and 43A of C are compressed, electric charges charged on the surface of the electrode 50 can be prevented from being concentrated on the machining surface of the electrode and the machining surface of the holes 51, 52, and 53. have. Therefore, the current efficiency can be increased by keeping the current density uniform over the entire surface of the electrode 50.

3. As described above, in the present invention, the diaphragm 20 is positioned on the back surface of the electrode 50 of each unit set, and thus the diaphragm is positioned between the electrodes 50. As a result, hydrogen gas (or oxygen gas) generated at the surface of each electrode 50 is not mixed with oxygen gas (or hydrogen gas) generated at the surface of the opposite electrode. In addition, among the cylindrical portions 14A-1 and 14A-2 formed in the upper extensions 10E-1 and 10E-2 on the front surface of each cell frame 10, an example is provided only for the first cylindrical portion 14A-1. For example, by forming cutouts A11 and A21 for the flow of oxygen gas, and separating only the cutouts B12 and B22 for the flow of hydrogen gas, for example, behind the other extension 14A-2. The gas in a closed state can be introduced into each gas hole H1 or H2 of the cell frame 10.

According to the present invention as described above, by placing a diaphragm in front of each electrode constituting the unit unit, it is possible to discharge the oxygen gas and hydrogen gas generated from each surface of the electrode to the outside to produce a gas of high purity.

Further, by pressing and contacting the convex portions formed on the surface of the cell frame to the surfaces of the front gasket and the rear gasket constituting each unit, the airtight function of the gasket can be efficiently increased to prevent the outflow of the electrolyte solution and the fish gas. In addition, the surface of the extended portion of the gasket is compressed at the edges of the gas discharge hole and the electrolyte supply hole of the electrode to prevent the charges charged on the electrode surface from being concentrated on the machining surface of the electrode and the machining surface of each hole. The overall density can be kept uniform over time.

Claims (6)

In the electrolytic cell that generates gas by performing electrolysis on the electrolyte solution supplied to the inside, Gaskets, electrodes, gaskets, diaphragm fixing rings, diaphragm and cell frames are made by stacking a plurality of unit sets sequentially and fixing cathode and anode electrodes at both ends thereof, Each electrode is a bipolar electrode, the first and second gas flow holes are formed in the upper portion of the electrode, the electrolyte flow hole is formed in the lower portion, Each gasket is a ring-shaped member corresponding to an outer portion of the electrode, each having a first extension portion and a second extension portion at an upper portion thereof, and a third extension portion at a lower portion thereof toward the center portion, so that each extension portion of the electrode is disposed therebetween. Pressurizing the periphery of the hole, and the first and second gas flow holes and the electrolyte flow holes are formed in each extension portion, Each diaphragm has a first gas flow hole and a second gas flow hole at the top, and an electrolyte flow hole at the bottom thereof. Each diaphragm fixing ring has the same shape as each gasket, and the first and second extensions each having a gas flow hole are formed in the upper portion thereof, and the third extension portion having an electrolyte flow hole in the lower portion thereof is configured toward the center portion. The extension presses against the area around each hole of the diaphragm located between the cell frames, Each cell frame has a larger size than an electrode, and the first and second extensions each having a gas flow hole are formed in the upper portion, and the third extension portion having an electrolyte flow hole in a lower portion thereof. Corresponding to the gas flow holes and the electrolyte flow holes formed in the gasket, respectively, the oxygen gas formed at the first surface of each electrode is passed through the first gas flow hole, and the hydrogen gas formed at the second surface of each electrode is second. The electrolytic cell is discharged to the outside through the gas flow hole, the electrolyte supplied from the outside is introduced into the inside through the hole for the electrolyte flow. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, wherein the front and rear edges of each cell frame are formed with convex portions having a predetermined height along the outer edges so as to be in compression contact with the rear and front sides of the gaskets located at the front and rear sides. The method of claim 1, wherein a convex portion is formed around each of the gas flow holes and the electrolyte flow holes in the front and the rear of each cell frame body, so as to be in pressure contact with each hole edge of the gasket located at the front and the rear. Electrolyzer. 2. The cell frame according to claim 1, wherein each of the cell frames is formed with a first convex portion having a predetermined width and height along its periphery on its front face, and on its rear face with the same width and depth as the first convex portion on its front face. An electrolytic cell, characterized in that a first recess is formed so that when the two cell frames are joined, the first convex portion of the front cell frame is received in the first recess of the rear cell frame so that both cell frames are joined. The method according to claim 1 or 4, Each of the cell frames has first, second and third cylindrical portions formed at each edge of the first, second and third extension portions of the front surface thereof, and recesses having a predetermined depth are formed at each edge of each hole of the rear surface thereof. The first cylindrical portion and the third cylindrical portion on both sides of the front face and the portion toward the center of the member are respectively formed with cut portions having a predetermined width, and the portions toward the both sides and the center of the recess around the holes on the rear surface of the second and third extension portions. Incision is formed in each, Each of the diaphragm fixing rings has cut portions having a predetermined width formed at both sides of the first and third extensions and toward the center of the member, and cut portions are formed at both sides of the hole at the rear side of the third extension portion and at the portion facing the center of the member. When joining the diaphragm to each cell frame through the diaphragm fixation ring, an incision formed on the surface of the first cylindrical portion in front of the cell frame and a corresponding extension portion of the diaphragm fixation ring is in communication with the first surface of the electrode mounted to the cell frame. The generated gas is discharged to the outside through the cutout of the diaphragm fixing ring, the cutout of the first cylindrical portion of the cell frame, and the first hole, and the gas generated at the second surface of the electrode is discharged to the second of the other cell frame located at the front. The electrolyte is discharged to the outside through the cutout and the second hole formed on the rear side of the cylinder, and the electrolyte flowed into the electrolyte flow hole from the outside passes through the cutouts formed around the holes on the rear side before the third extension of each cell frame. An electrolytic cell, characterized by flowing into the space between the electrodes. The method according to claim 1, wherein the diaphragm is 1.0 to 2.0 mm thick, 350 to 500 g / cm ² of organic synthetic fibers of polyphenylene sulfide with concentrated sulfuric acid (90% or more) having a temperature of 70 ~ 80 ℃ An electrolytic cell, characterized in that prepared for treatment for a time, washed with water and dried for 3 hours at a temperature of 150 ℃.