KR20010084747A - Apparatus for generating an oxygen gas and hydrogen gas - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An apparatus for generating hydrogen and oxygen gases is provided to improve electrolysis efficiency by cooling the electrolyte to an appropriate temperature and supplying it to the electrolytic cell again after separating and removing foreign substances in the electrolyte by receiving an electrolyte containing foreign substances generated in the process of electrolysis from the electrolyte. CONSTITUTION: In an apparatus for generating hydrogen and oxygen gases through electrolysis of an electrolyte, the apparatus for generating hydrogen and oxygen gases comprises a plurality of electrolytic cells (11,12,13) from which the hydrogen and oxygen gases are generated by proceeding electrolysis process for the electrolyte; an electrolyte circulation cooling part (30) which is connected to the electrolytic cells for removing foreign substances contained in an electrolyte discharged from the electrolytic cells, and resupplying the electrolyte into the electrolytic cell after cooling of the electrolyte; a separation tank (21) in which a particle shaped material contained in the hydrogen and oxygen gases is separated or dissolved by water; a first heat exchanger (22) in which the hydrogen and oxygen gases and vapor discharged from the separation tank flown, and liquifies the introduced vapor; and a gas-liquid separator (23) in which materials contained in the hydrogen and oxygen gases are separated or dissolved by water, and only foreign substance separated pure hydrogen and oxygen gases are discharged to an apparatus in the outside.

Description

Apparatus for generating an oxygen gas and hydrogen gas}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hydroxide gas generator, and more particularly to a hydroxide gas generator having a circulation function of an electrolyte solution and a potassium hydroxide (KOH) separation function from a hydroxide gas.

Devices for generating hydroxyl gas (hydrogen and oxygen) as fuels through electrolysis of water have been developed, but the following problems appear in known hydroxyl gas generators.

One of the problems occurring in the oxy-gas generator is the overheating of the electrolytic solution. In the electrolyzer, an electrode for electrolyzing the electrolyte is placed, and this electrode is generally supplied with a three-phase 220 volt or 380 volt power. As the long electrolysis process proceeds, the electrolyte is heated, and as the temperature of the electrolyte increases, the electrolysis efficiency of the electrolyte decreases. Therefore, it is desirable to maintain the optimum temperature (50 to 60 ℃) of the electrolyte that can obtain the best electrolysis efficiency.

Another problem with the oxy-gas generator is that foreign matters in the form of fine particles such as iron are produced during the electrolysis of the electrolyte. Such foreign matters are present in the form of deposits on the inner surface of the electrolyzer as the electrolysis process proceeds, and these deposits act as a factor to lower the electrolysis efficiency. That is, a portion of the power source to be applied to the electrode is applied to this deposit, resulting in electrical loss, which in turn makes it difficult to expect sufficient electrolysis efficiency.

On the other hand, a general hydroxide gas generating device uses water in which potassium hydroxide is mixed as the electrolyte, and the hydroxide gas generated during the electrolysis of the electrolyte includes potassium hydroxide in the form of particles. The generated gas is supplied to a combustion device, i.e., a torch or burner, and combusted, but potassium hydroxide present in the hydroxide gas sticks to the inner surface of the injection device (nozzle, etc.) of the combustion device, thereby preventing smooth injection of the hydroxide gas. Done.

For example, hydroxyl gas as a fuel used in a process such as cutting or welding an iron plate should be injected at a high speed and high pressure, but potassium hydroxide adhering to the injector blocks some (or all) of the fuel injection port. The gas cannot be injected at the set speed and pressure. This phenomenon causes a problem of lowering the efficiency of the apparatus and of having to repair or replace the entire injection apparatus.

The present invention is to solve the above-described problems generated in the oxy-gas generator, the object of the present invention is to supply the electrolyte containing the foreign matter generated in the electrolysis process from the electrolytic cell to separate and remove the foreign matter, and then to an appropriate temperature It is to provide a hydroxyl gas generator that can improve the electrolytic efficiency by cooling and re-supplied into the electrolytic cell.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a hydroxyl gas generator that can prevent the clogging phenomenon of the external device (injection device) receiving the hydroxide gas by separating potassium hydroxide from the hydroxide gas generated during the electrolysis process. .

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a hydroxide gas generator that can supply a mixture of separated potassium hydroxide, that is, an electrolyte solution, to properly maintain the temperature and concentration of the electrolyte solution.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a oxy-gas generating apparatus comprising: a plurality of electrolyzers in which hydroxy-gas is generated by an electrolysis process of an electrolyte; A filter for removing foreign substances contained in the electrolytic solution supplied in connection with the respective electrolyzers; After removing the foreign matter in the electrolyte solution, including a heat exchanger for cooling the electrolyte solution to remove the foreign matter to an appropriate temperature, the electrolyte solution having the appropriate temperature can be re-supplied into each electrolytic cell.

The hydroxyl gas generator of the present invention is located in the lower end of the fish gas flow line connected to each electrolytic cell in which the electrolysis process is carried out so that the substance in the form of particles in the course of passing the water stored therein the hydroxyl gas generated in the electrolytic cell A separation tank separated (dissolved) from the hydroxyl gas by water; Another exchanger for liquefying steam discharged from the separation tank with the hydroxyl gas; The end of the fish gas flow line connected to the discharge end of the heat exchanger is located at the bottom so that the residual material contained in the fish gas is separated by water in the course of passing the water stored therein through the water supplied from the heat exchanger. And a gas-liquid separator which discharges only pure fish gas from which the substance is separated to an external device.

The heat exchangers used in the present invention are composed of a casing, a radiator installed inside the casing, and a fan installed adjacent to the casing, and the radiator is preferably configured in a zigzag form in order to maximize the flow path of the electrolyte.

In the present invention, another discharge end of the heat exchanger connected to the separation tank is connected to the separation tank to supply a substance separated from the condensed water and the fish gas to the separation tank, and connects the filter with the heat exchanger for cooling the electrolyte. The effluent gas flow line is connected to another feedback line connected to the separation tank, which supplies a mixture of water and material separated from the oxal gas to the electrolytic cell in the separation tank.

The present invention further includes a water supply unit for supplying fresh water to the separation tank, the water supply unit is a filter for removing the foreign matter contained in the water supplied from the water source (water source), and the water from which the foreign matter is removed to the separation tank It consists of a pump to supply.

1 is a general schematic view of a gas generator apparatus according to the present invention.

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

1 is an overall schematic diagram of a hydroxide gas generator according to the present invention, the hydroxide gas generator according to the present invention largely depending on the function of the hydroxide gas generator 10, potassium hydroxide separation unit 20 and the electrolyte circulation cooling unit It is divided into 30. The present invention further includes a water supply unit 40 for supplying fresh water. The present invention further describes the members constituting the respective parts and their connection relations as follows.

Fisheries gas generator (10)

The hydroxyl gas generator 10 is a device for supplying power to a plurality of electrolyzers 11, 12, 13 and each of the electrolyzers 11, 12, 13 (flange type) in which an electrolysis process of the electrolyte is performed. Is done. The power supply includes a transformer 15 and an AC / DC converter 16 connected in series with a power source 14 (a 3-phase 220 volt (or 380 volt) power source) and an AC / DC converter ( 16 is connected in parallel with the electrolyzers 11, 12, 13. That is, each of the electrolyzers 11, 12, 13 contains an electrolyte solution, which is a mixture of water and an electrolyte (for example, potassium hydroxide), and an electrode (not shown) connected to the AC / DC converter 16 therein. ) Is located.

Potassium Hydroxide Separator (20)

The potassium hydroxide separator 20 connected to the hydroxyl gas generator 10 includes a separation tank 21, a heat exchanger 22, and a gas-liquid separator 23. The separation tank 21 is individually connected to the electrolyzers 11, 12, 13 via the oxal gas flow line P1, which also separates the heat exchanger 22 and the electrolyte circulation cooling section described below. It is connected in series with 30. The water of a predetermined level is stored in the separation tank 21, and the lower end of the fish gas flow line P1 connected to each of the electrolyzers 11, 12, 13 is a lower end of the internal space of the separation tank 21, that is, the stored water. It is located inside.

The separation tank 21 is individually connected to the electrolyzers 11, 12, 13 via the oxal gas flow line P1, and the heat exchanger 22 is separated through the oxal gas flow line P2. Connected to the top. The heat exchanger 22 is composed of a casing 22A, a heat sink 22C installed inside the casing 22A, and the heat sink 22C is configured in a zigzag form in order to maximize its length in the casing 22A. do. The heat exchanger 22 further includes a fan 22B installed above the casing 22A.

The discharge end of the radiator 22C in the heat exchanger 22 is connected to the gas-liquid separator 23 through the fish gas flow line P3, and another discharge end is connected to the separation tank (F2) via a feedback line (F2). 21).

The gas-liquid separator 23 includes a casing 23A in which water of a predetermined depth is stored, and a lower end of the fish gas flow line P3 connected to the heat exchanger 22 is a lower end of the casing 23A. It is located in the stored water. The hydroxyl gas supply line P4 connected to the casing 223A is connected to an external device, for example a combustion device.

Electrolyte Circulation Cooling Unit (30)

The electrolyte circulation cooling unit 30 which circulates and cools the electrolyte solution includes an electrolyte filter 31, a heat exchanger 32, and a circulation pump 33. The electrolyte filter 31 is individually connected to the electrolyzers 11, 12, 13 through the first electrolyte circulation line C1, and the electrolyte filter 31, the heat exchanger 32, and the circulation pump 33 are made of It is connected in series with each other via the second and third electrolyte circulation lines (C2, C3). The outlet of the circulation pump 33 is individually connected to the respective electrolyzers 11, 12, 13 through the fourth electrolyte circulation line C4. The heat exchanger 32 of the electrolyte circulation cooling unit 30 also includes a casing 32A and a radiator 32C installed inside the casing 32A, similarly to the heat exchanger 22 of the potassium hydroxide separation unit 20. The radiator 32C is configured in a zigzag form to maximize the length in the casing 32A. The heat exchanger 32 further includes a fan 32B installed at a position adjacent to the casing 32A.

Meanwhile, a feedback line F1 connected to a lower end of the separation tank 21 of the potassium hydroxide separator 20 in the electrolyte flow line C2 connecting the filter 31 and the heat exchanger 32 of the electrolyte circulation cooling unit 30. ) End is connected.

Water Supply Unit (40)

The water supply unit 40 supplying water to the separation tank 22 of the potassium hydroxide separation unit 20 includes a filter 41 connected to a water source and a pump 42 connected to the filter 41. The pump 42 is connected to the separation tank 21 through the water supply line W2.

Referring to the operation of the present invention having the configuration as described above is as follows, for convenience, the line through which the liquid (water or electrolyte) flows is shown by the dotted line, the line through which the hydroxide gas (including potassium hydroxide) flows is shown by the solid line.

When power is applied to the electrodes mounted in each of the electrolytic baths 11, 12, 13 containing the electrolyte (a mixture of water and potassium hydroxide as an electrolyte), electrolysis of the electrolyte proceeds. As a result of the electrolysis, a hydroxyl gas is generated, and as described above, foreign substances such as iron and the like are generated together with the hydroxyl gas. In addition, the temperature of the electrolyte becomes high during the electrolysis of the electrolyte by electricity.

In order to solve the conditions of the electrolyte solution, that is, the generation of foreign matters and the temperature rise, the electrolyte circulation cooling unit 30 removes the foreign matter in the process of forcibly circulating the electrolyte and cools the temperature of the electrolyte appropriately.

The electrolyte solution (a mixture of water and potassium hydroxide, containing foreign substances such as impurities present in the electrolytic cell) inside the electrolyzers 11, 12, 13 is an electrolyte filter through the first electrolyte circulation line C1. (31) flows into the inside, and impurities contained in the electrolyte in the process of passing through the electrolyte filter 31 are removed by the filter 31. Thereafter, the electrolyte solution from which the foreign matter is removed flows into the heat exchanger 32 through the second electrolyte circulation line C2.

The electrolyte introduced into the heat exchanger 32 is subjected to a cooling process by the fan 32B in the course of passing through the radiator 32C installed in the casing 32A. The relatively low temperature air supplied by the fan 32B cools the heated electrolyte during the electrolysis process to an appropriate temperature, after which the cooled electrolyte passes the discharge end of the radiator 32C and the third electrolyte circulation line C3. It is introduced into the circulation pump 33 through. The circulation pump 33 forcibly supplies the electrolytic solution to which the impurities have been removed and cooled to the set temperature into the respective electrolytic baths 11, 12, 13.

On the other hand, the hydroxyl gas generated in each of the electrolytic cells 11, 12, 13 is introduced into the separation tank 21 through the hydroxyl gas flow line (P1). Meanwhile, as described above, particles of potassium hydroxide are present in the hydroxide gas generated in each of the electrolytic cells 11, 12, and 13 and introduced into the separation tank 21.

The hydroxyl gas (state in which potassium hydroxide particles are present) supplied into the separation tank 21 through the hydroxyl gas flow line P1 passes through the water in the separation tank 21 in the form of bubbles, and thus the hydroxyl gas flow line P2. Through the heat exchanger 22 is introduced into the heat sink 22C. As described above, since the end of the fish gas flow line P1 connected to each of the electrolyzers 11, 12, 13 is located at the lower portion of the space inside the separation tank 21, it is discharged from the fish gas flow line P1. The hydroxide gas rises through the water stored in the separation tank 21. In this process, the potassium hydroxide in the form of particles contained in the hydroxide gas is first dissolved in water, and thus the hydroxide gas from which potassium hydroxide is separated is heated. Flow into the exchanger (22). However, some amount of potassium hydroxide remains in the hydroxide gas in which potassium hydroxide is first dissolved by the water in the separation tank 21, and because the high temperature hydroxide gas passes through the water, this causes the steam to exchange heat. ) Are introduced together.

The hydroxyl gas, water vapor, and potassium hydroxide introduced into the heat exchanger 22 through the hydroxyl gas flow line P2 passes through the radiator 22C installed inside the casing 22A, and then is cooled by the fan 22B. Going through. The relatively low temperature air supplied by the fan 22B liquefies the water in a gaseous (vapor) state, so that the gaseous gas is passed through one outlet of the radiator 22C and the hydroxyl gas flow line P3 to the gas-liquid separator. (23), and the liquefied water (with potassium hydroxide) is reintroduced into the separation tank 21 through another discharge stage and feedback line F2.

Since the end of the fish gas flow line P3 connected to the heat exchanger 22 is located in the lower portion of the inner space of the casing 23A of the gas-liquid separator 23, the fish gas discharged from the fish gas flow line P3 is the casing ( As it passes through the water stored in 23A), the residual potassium hydroxide contained in the hydroxide gas is secondaryly dissolved in water, so that only pure hydroxide gas in which all potassium hydroxide is completely separated from the hydroxide gas discharge line ( It is discharged to the external device through P4). As a result, the hydroxide gas discharged from the hydroxide gas generator according to the present invention is supplied to an external device in a state where potassium hydroxide is completely separated in the course of passing through the separation tank 21 and the gas-liquid separator 23, resulting in combustion due to potassium hydroxide. Of course, such a phenomenon as clogging of the apparatus can be prevented.

The other features of the present invention as described above are as follows.

As described above, a large amount of water is stored in the separation tank 21 to separate potassium hydroxide from the hydroxide gas, and the potassium hydroxide and heat exchanger 22 separated in the course of the passage of the hydroxyl gas therein. Contains water re-introduced with potassium hydroxide. In order to use the water containing potassium hydroxide as the electrolyte, the feedback line F1 mounted at the bottom of the separation tank 21 is connected to the second electrolyte circulation line C2 of the electrolyte circulation cooling unit 30. Therefore, the electrolyte solution from which impurities are removed through the electrolyte filter 31 and the water containing potassium hydroxide supplied from the separation tank 21 are supplied into each of the electrolytic cells 11, 12, 13 by the circulation pump 33.

Here, the potassium hydroxide separated in the course of passing the water stored in the separation tank 21 is dissolved in water, thereby increasing the potassium hydroxide concentration of the water stored in the separation tank 21 continuously. As described above, since the water in the separation tank 21 is supplied into each of the electrolysers 11, 12, 13, the concentration of potassium hydroxide must be properly maintained, and accordingly, in the present invention, fresh water in the separation tank 21 is removed. The water supply part 40 which supplies is comprised. The water from which foreign matters are removed through the filter 41 connected to the water source is supplied to the separation tank 21 of the potassium hydroxide separation unit 20 by the pump 42, thereby increasing the potassium hydroxide of the water in the separation tank 21. The concentration can be maintained in an appropriate state.

Meanwhile, the feedback line F1 connecting the separation tank 21 and the second electrolyte circulation line C2 of the electrolyte circulation cooling unit 30 and the pump 42 and the separation tank 21 of the water supply unit 40 are provided. The solenoid valves V1 and V2 are respectively attached to the water supply line W2 for connecting the valves, and the level sensors are provided in the separation tank 21 and the electrolytic cells 11, 12, 13, respectively. Accordingly, the level sensor detects the water level in each of the electrolyzers 11, 12, 13 and the separation tank 21, and the control unit (not shown) controls the respective solenoid valves V1 and V2 based on the detection result. The opening and closing of the is controlled.

That is, the level sensor that detects that the electrolyte level in each of the electrolytic cells 11, 12, 13 is less than the appropriate amount transmits a detection signal to the controller, and the controller opens and separates the solenoid valve V1 mounted on the feedback line F1. The electrolyte solution is discharged in the tank 21. Here, the separation tank 21 is installed at a position higher than the feedback line F1 so that the electrolyte can be discharged without using an auxiliary means such as a pump.

In addition, the level sensor that detects that the water level in the separation tank 21 is less than the appropriate amount transmits a detection signal to the control unit, the control unit opens the solenoid valve (V2) mounted on the water supply line (W2) to separate the tank (21) Proceed with water supply to the mine.

On the other hand, in the present invention, water of a predetermined depth is contained in the separation tank 21 and the gas-liquid separator 23 for separating potassium hydroxide from the hydroxide gas, so that a flame retardation function can be obtained. That is, when the oxidizing gas discharged from the gas-liquid separator 23 has a very good ignition degree and is ignited by a spray nozzle or the like, the flame flows back to the gas-liquid separator 23, in particular, the separation tank 21 in severe cases. can do. However, since the water is contained in the gas-liquid separator 23 and the separation tank 21, it is possible to prevent the backflow of the flame.

The present invention as described above is forced to circulate the electrolytic solution through a filter, a heat exchanger, etc. to remove foreign substances formed during the electrolysis process can be supplied to the electrolytic cell with an electrolyte having an appropriate temperature electrolysis under the optimum conditions The process can proceed.

In addition, by completely separating and removing the potassium hydroxide contained in the hydroxide gas generated after the electrolysis process of the electrolyte, the purity of the hydroxide gas can be improved, and as a result, an external device using the hydroxide gas, for example, The effect which can prevent the clogging phenomenon of the combustion means of a combustion apparatus can be acquired. In addition, by supplying the removed potassium hydroxide-containing water, that is, the electrolyte solution to each electrolytic cell, the supply process of the new electrolyte solution is unnecessary.

Claims (6)

In the apparatus for generating a hydroxyl gas through the electrolysis of the electrolyte, A plurality of electrolysers in which an electrolysis process for the electrolyte is performed to generate a hydroxyl gas; An electrolyte circulating cooling unit connected to the electrolyzers to remove foreign substances contained in electrolytes discharged from the electrolyzers, cooling the electrolyte, and resupplying the electrolyzer into the electrolyzer; A separation tank in which an end portion of the fish gas flow line connected to each of the electrolyzers is located at the bottom thereof so that the particulate matter contained in the fish gas is separated (dissolved) by water in the course of passing the water stored therein; ; A first heat exchanger into which the hydroxyl gas and the steam discharged from the separation tank flow, and liquefy the introduced steam; The end portion of the fish gas flow line connected to the discharge end of the first heat exchanger is located at the lower end so that the substances contained in the fish gas are introduced into the water while the fish gas supplied from the first heat exchanger passes through the water stored therein. And a gas-liquid separator which separates (dissolves) and discharges only pure hydroxyl gas from which foreign matter is separated, to an external device. According to claim 1, wherein the electrolyte circulation cooling unit, An electrolyte filter for removing foreign substances contained in electrolytes introduced from respective electrolyzers; A second heat exchanger for cooling the electrolyte supplied from the electrolyte filter; And And a pump for introducing the electrolyte discharged from the second heat exchanger into each of the electrolyzers. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second heat exchangers comprise a casing, a radiator configured in a zigzag form in the casing, and a fan installed adjacent to the casing. . The apparatus of claim 1, wherein another discharge end of the first heat exchanger is connected to the separation tank to supply foreign matter separated from condensed water and aquatic gas to the separation tank. The effluent gas flow line connecting the second heat exchanger and the filter is connected to another feedback line connected to the separation tank, so that a mixture of foreign matter and water separated from the effluent gas in the separation tank is transferred to the electrolytic cell. A fishery gas generator, characterized in that the supply. The water supply unit of claim 1, further comprising: a filter for supplying fresh water to the separation tank, a filter for removing foreign matters contained in water supplied from the water source, and a pump for supplying water from which foreign matters have been removed to the separation tank. A hydroxyl gas generator comprising.