WO1999007919A1 - Method and apparatus for generating a gas - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for generating a gas Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1999007919A1 WO1999007919A1 PCT/GB1998/002395 GB9802395W WO9907919A1 WO 1999007919 A1 WO1999007919 A1 WO 1999007919A1 GB 9802395 W GB9802395 W GB 9802395W WO 9907919 A1 WO9907919 A1 WO 9907919A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- solution
- gas
- reservoir
- caustic soda
- brine
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B1/00—Electrolytic production of inorganic compounds or non-metals
- C25B1/01—Products
- C25B1/34—Simultaneous production of alkali metal hydroxides and chlorine, oxyacids or salts of chlorine, e.g. by chlor-alkali electrolysis
- C25B1/46—Simultaneous production of alkali metal hydroxides and chlorine, oxyacids or salts of chlorine, e.g. by chlor-alkali electrolysis in diaphragm cells
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B15/00—Operating or servicing cells
- C25B15/08—Supplying or removing reactants or electrolytes; Regeneration of electrolytes
Definitions
- THIS invention relates to a method and an apparatus for generating a gas.
- the invention relates to a method and an apparatus for generating chlorine gas.
- Devices for generating chlorine gas are known. Some of the known devices generate chlorine by passing sodium chloride and water through an electrolysis cell. As the solution passes through the cell, chlorine gas is liberated from the solution on the anolyte side of the cell, while hydrogen gas and caustic soda are generated on the catholyte side of the cell.
- thermosyphon effect heating the mixture of the solution and gas discharged from the cell causing it to circulate back to the reservoir by means of a thermosyphon effect
- the solution is preferably strengthened in the reservoir before being returned to the cell.
- the gas generated by the method of the invention may be a halogen, and in particular, chlorine.
- the step of liberating a gas from the solution includes the step of generating chlorine gas and depleted brine solution on an anolyte side of the electrolysis cell and hydrogen and caustic soda on a catholyte side of the electrolysis cell when a brine solution of water and sodium chloride is fed into the cell.
- the step of forming a solution in a reservoir may comprise feeding sodium chloride and water into a brine resaturater to produce a brine solution.
- the caustic soda and the hydrogen are passed through a hydrogen separator to separate the hydrogen from the caustic soda.
- At least some of the caustic soda may be recirculated through the electrolysis cell.
- water may be added to the caustic soda to maintain the desired concentration and to compensate for discharge of concentrated caustic soda from the system.
- At least some of the caustic soda and the chlorine generated from the method of the invention are reacted to produce sodium hypochlorite.
- the heating of the mixture of the solution and gas may be effected by passing the mixture through a heating tube.
- the method of the invention may further include the step of sensing the liquid level in the reservoir and feeding additional water into the reservoir when the liquid level falls below a predetermined level.
- water is passed through a purification unit prior to being fed into the reservoir.
- an apparatus for generating a gas comprising:
- a reservoir for containing a solution
- an electrolysis cell in fluid communication with the reservoir for liberating a gas from the solution when the solution is passed therethrough;
- thermosyphon effect means for heating the mixture of the solution and gas discharged from the cell causing it to circulate back to the reservoir by means of a thermosyphon effect
- a gas separator in fluid communication with the electrolysis cell and the reservoir for separating the liberated gas from the solution prior to circulating the solution back to the reservoir.
- the gas generated by the apparatus of the invention may be a halogen.
- the halogen is chlorine.
- the reservoir is in the form of a brine resaturator for forming a brine solution from water and sodium chloride.
- flow through the brine resaturator is in a downward direction.
- the gas separator may be a chlorine separator in fluid communication with an anolyte side of the electrolysis cell for separating liberated chlorine gas from a depleted brine solution of water and sodium chloride.
- the device also includes an additional gas separator in fluid communication with a catholyte side of the electrolysis cell for separating liberated hydrogen from caustic soda, generated on the catholyte side of the cell.
- the caustic soda outlet of the hydrogen separator may be in fluid communication with the catholyte side of the electrolysis cell to allow the caustic soda to be recirculated through the electrolysis cell.
- the apparatus of the invention may include means for flushing the apparatus when the level of impurities in the brine solution rises above a predetermined level.
- the device includes a water purification unit for purifying water prior to feeding the water into the brine resaturator.
- Figure 1 shows a flow chart of the method of the invention
- Figure 2 shows, . diagrammatically, a plan view of the gas generating apparatus of the invention
- Figure 3 shows, diagrammatically, a side view of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 2;
- Figure 4 shows, diagrammatically, a front view of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 2;
- Figure 5 shows a plan view, in partial cross-section, of one of the electrolysis cells of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 2;
- Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the electrolysis cell illustrated in
- Figure 5 along the line 6-6; and Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the electrolysis cell illustrated in
- FIG. 1 of the drawings shows a flow chart of one embodiment of the method of the invention.
- a brine solution of sodium chloride and water is depleted in the production of chlorine gas, hydrogen gas, and caustic soda.
- water is fed into a reservoir in the form of a brine resaturator 10 via a water purification unit 12.
- the brine resaturator 10 has a salt bed (not shown) for receiving sodium chloride, and the purified water discharged from the water purification unit 12 is introduced into the brine resaturator.
- a brine solution is formed in the brine resaturator.
- the brine solution flows from the brine resaturator to an electrolysis cell 14 where it enters the anolyte side of the electrolysis cell (the left hand side of the cell in Figure 1).
- chlorine gas is liberated from the solution on the anolyte side of the cell, while hydrogen gas is liberated and caustic soda generated on the catholyte side of the cell by sodium ions passing through an ion exchange membrane 15.
- the electrolysis cell 14 includes a plurality of baffles (not shown) which support the electrodes.
- the liberated chlorine gas and the depleted brine solution discharged from the anolyte side of the electrolysis cell are directed through a heating tube 16 which increases the temperature of the fluid, thereby assisting the flow of the fluid by means of convection.
- the chlorine separator 18 includes an outlet 20 for discharging the chlorine gas.
- the chlorine gas discharged from the separator 18 is then discharged externally for consumption, while the depleted brine solution is recirculated back to the brine resaturator 10 for resaturation.
- the hydrogen gas and caustic soda are also discharged from the electrolysis cell, and pass through a heating tube 22 prior to entering a hydrogen separator 24.
- the hydrogen gas is discharged from the hydrogen separator 24 through a gas outlet 28 and the caustic soda solution is recirculated through the electrolysis cell 14, as shown.
- Purified water is continuously added to the caustic soda solution recirculating through the electrolysis cell in order to regulate the concentration of this solution and the displaced caustic soda solution is directed into a storage vessel (not shown).
- thermosyphon action Similarly to the flow of fluids through the anolyte side of the electrolysis cell, the flow of the fluid through the catholyte side of the electrolysis cell is achieved by a thermosyphon action.
- a reticfier 30 provides the electrolysis cell 14 with direct current. Since the production rate of the chlorine is directly proportional to the supply current, the current is regulated to provide for a consistent rate of chlorine production.
- a level sensor (not shown) which is electronically connected to the water feed. In this way, as the surface of the liquid in the brine resaturator falls below a predetermined level, additional water is automatically introduced into the brine resaturator. Salt is fed into the brine resaturator periodically to maintain a substantially constant concentration of brine solution within the brine resaturator 10.
- a brine solution formed in a brine resaturator 36 is directed to the anolyte sides 49 of the electrolysis cells 38 and 40 through a conduit 42, as shown, and enters the electrolysis cells at lower regions thereof through inlet apertures 44.
- an anolyte side of each electrolysis cell includes four baffles 46 which support the anode relative to the membrane 15.
- the anolyte side 49 and the catholyte side 50 of each electrolysis cell are attached to one another by means of a series of bolts 52 which pass through a plurality of apertures 53 spaced around the periphery of the anolyte and the catholyte sides of the electrolysis cell.
- An ion exchange membrane 54 is sandwiched between the anolyte and the catholyte sides of the cell, as shown most clearly in Figure 5.
- heating tubes 57 are connected to the outlet of the anolyte and the catholyte sides of each electrolysis cell, as illustrated.
- the heating tubes 57 increase the temperature of the fluids flowing therethrough and consequently assist in the flow of the fluids by means of convection, as mentioned above.
- the fluids exiting the anolyte side 49 of the cells 38 and 40 are directed through the heating tube 57 as they are conveyed to a chlorine separator 58 along a conduit 60.
- the chlorine gas is discharged from the chlorine separator by means of an outlet 20 to be consumed externally, while the depleted brine solution is returned to the brine resaturator 36 for resaturation.
- caustic soda and hydrogen leaving the catholyte side 50 of the cells 38 and 40 are directed to a hydrogen separator 64 via flexible tubes 56 and heater tube 57 through conduit 66, where the hydrogen is separated from the caustic soda. Hydrogen is vented to atmosphere via outlet 28, while a displaced portion of the caustic soda is fed into a storage tank 66 and the remaining portion of the caustic soda is recirculated through the electrolysis cells 38 and 40 via a conduit 70.
- the electrolysis cells are powered by a direct current electrical power source (not shown), as mentioned above.
- a direct current electrical power source not shown
- purified water and salt are used to form the brine solution, and purified water is added to the caustic soda, when required.
- the anodes were Dimensionally Stable Anodes available from DeNora
- the cathodes were stainless steel cathodes also available from DeNora
- the membranes were Nafion 324 membranes produced by DuPont.
- an automatic sequence is activated on shut-down that purges the chlorinated brine from the anolyte circuit using fresh, purified water prior to the water and power supply being automatically turned off.
- the apparatus also includes a chlorine leak detector for automatically shutting down the apparatus in the event of a chlorine leak.
- the apparatus of the embodiment of the invention described above is relatively compact and can be used in a variety of locations.
- the apparatus can even be used in rural areas to provide chlorine for water purification on a relatively small scale in a safe and effective manner.
- a generator may be used to provide electrical power for the apparatus.
- sodium hypochlorite which can be used as a bleaching agent, water disinfectant, fungicide, or laundering reagent, for example, can be produced by the same apparatus.
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Metallurgy (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
- Electrolytic Production Of Non-Metals, Compounds, Apparatuses Therefor (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP98938773A EP1007765A1 (en) | 1997-08-08 | 1998-08-10 | Method and apparatus for generating a gas |
AU87379/98A AU8737998A (en) | 1997-08-08 | 1998-08-10 | Method and apparatus for generating a gas |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
ZA97/7095 | 1997-08-08 | ||
ZA977095 | 1997-08-08 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1999007919A1 true WO1999007919A1 (en) | 1999-02-18 |
Family
ID=25586521
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/GB1998/002395 WO1999007919A1 (en) | 1997-08-08 | 1998-08-10 | Method and apparatus for generating a gas |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1007765A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU8737998A (en) |
WO (1) | WO1999007919A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2000051937A1 (en) * | 1999-03-04 | 2000-09-08 | Surface Technology Systems Limited | Gas generation system |
WO2001063011A1 (en) * | 2000-02-25 | 2001-08-30 | Global Patents Development Corporation | Method and apparatus for the on-site generation of a gas |
WO2001083835A2 (en) * | 2000-04-28 | 2001-11-08 | Mintek | Gold recovery process with hydrochloric acid lixiviant |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4059495A (en) * | 1975-04-24 | 1977-11-22 | Oronzio De Nora Impianti Elettrochimici S.P.A. | Method of electrolyte feeding and recirculation in an electrolysis cell |
FR2410058A1 (en) * | 1977-11-29 | 1979-06-22 | Electricite De France | Electrolyser producing e.g. hydrogen from aq. electrolyte - has stacked bipolar electrodes each having spaced pair of thin plates with insulating coolant flowing between them |
US4198277A (en) * | 1977-12-30 | 1980-04-15 | Allied Chemical Corporation | Electrolysis of aqueous salt solutions |
US4256814A (en) * | 1978-09-01 | 1981-03-17 | Yeda Research And Development Co. Ltd. | Photoelectro-chemical cell system |
EP0419052A1 (en) * | 1989-08-22 | 1991-03-27 | Neil, Susan Ann | Electrolytic generation of chlorine |
-
1998
- 1998-08-10 WO PCT/GB1998/002395 patent/WO1999007919A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1998-08-10 EP EP98938773A patent/EP1007765A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1998-08-10 AU AU87379/98A patent/AU8737998A/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4059495A (en) * | 1975-04-24 | 1977-11-22 | Oronzio De Nora Impianti Elettrochimici S.P.A. | Method of electrolyte feeding and recirculation in an electrolysis cell |
FR2410058A1 (en) * | 1977-11-29 | 1979-06-22 | Electricite De France | Electrolyser producing e.g. hydrogen from aq. electrolyte - has stacked bipolar electrodes each having spaced pair of thin plates with insulating coolant flowing between them |
US4198277A (en) * | 1977-12-30 | 1980-04-15 | Allied Chemical Corporation | Electrolysis of aqueous salt solutions |
US4256814A (en) * | 1978-09-01 | 1981-03-17 | Yeda Research And Development Co. Ltd. | Photoelectro-chemical cell system |
EP0419052A1 (en) * | 1989-08-22 | 1991-03-27 | Neil, Susan Ann | Electrolytic generation of chlorine |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2000051937A1 (en) * | 1999-03-04 | 2000-09-08 | Surface Technology Systems Limited | Gas generation system |
US6926871B1 (en) * | 1999-03-04 | 2005-08-09 | Surface Technology Systems Plc | Gas generation system |
WO2001063011A1 (en) * | 2000-02-25 | 2001-08-30 | Global Patents Development Corporation | Method and apparatus for the on-site generation of a gas |
AU2001235887B2 (en) * | 2000-02-25 | 2005-09-22 | Global Patents Development Corporation | Method and apparatus for the on-site generation of a gas |
WO2001083835A2 (en) * | 2000-04-28 | 2001-11-08 | Mintek | Gold recovery process with hydrochloric acid lixiviant |
WO2001083835A3 (en) * | 2000-04-28 | 2002-03-07 | Mintek | Gold recovery process with hydrochloric acid lixiviant |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1007765A1 (en) | 2000-06-14 |
AU8737998A (en) | 1999-03-01 |
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