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EP0340820A1 - Electrolyser - Google Patents

Electrolyser Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0340820A1
EP0340820A1 EP89200914A EP89200914A EP0340820A1 EP 0340820 A1 EP0340820 A1 EP 0340820A1 EP 89200914 A EP89200914 A EP 89200914A EP 89200914 A EP89200914 A EP 89200914A EP 0340820 A1 EP0340820 A1 EP 0340820A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
diaphragm
electrodes
electrode
nickel
electrolyser according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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EP89200914A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Heinz Wüllenweber
Jürgen Borchardt
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GEA Group AG
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Metallgesellschaft AG
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Publication date
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Publication of EP0340820A1 publication Critical patent/EP0340820A1/en
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    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25BELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B13/00Diaphragms; Spacing elements
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25BELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B9/00Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
    • C25B9/70Assemblies comprising two or more cells
    • C25B9/73Assemblies comprising two or more cells of the filter-press type
    • C25B9/77Assemblies comprising two or more cells of the filter-press type having diaphragms

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an electrolyzer with geometrically connected individual cells, each consisting of two metallic partition walls on both sides with spacing profiles to the next cells, a diaphragm arranged between the partition walls and spaced electrodes on both sides of the diaphragm, with openings provided with the openings to the diaphragm facing spacer profiles of the associated partition are connected with contact formation.
  • a plurality of individual cells consisting of an electrode pair connected to the neighboring cell by a metallic, preferably waffle-like, completely nickel-plated sheet metal wall, which is separated by a plate-shaped diaphragm, are electrically and geometrically connected in series.
  • the partitions are inserted in an annular metallic frame.
  • a nickel-plated and activated steel wire mesh or a wire mesh made entirely of nickel is placed on each anode and cathode side of each metallic partition as an electrode and pressed onto the dome tips of the waffle-like profile of the partition via the counterelectrode.
  • An asbestos plate is inserted as a diaphragm in the space formed by the electrodes.
  • Each partition works bipolar, ie it carries a cathode on one side and an anode on the other side.
  • the gases developed on the electrodes flow upwards in the space between the electrode and the partition and are discharged from there (Lurgi quick information D 1073 November 1981 "Hydrogen from water", Eigenverlag Frankfurt 1981).
  • the streamlines therefore reach through the openings in the electrode on its rear side.
  • the number of openings required for this reduces the effective electrode area by 20 to 30%, the streamlines are unnecessarily long and the concentration compensation of the electrolyte, for example formed from 25% potassium hydroxide solution, is restricted in the diaphragm, since the electrolyte exchange is hindered.
  • the energy loss can be so great that it completely compensates for the energy gain that can be achieved by the spaced arrangement of the electrodes.
  • there is an increased risk of local corrosion and / or overheating and thus the risk of destruction of the diaphragm if the electrode arrangement is spaced apart and is generally connected to a thickness of the diaphragm of 0.2 to at most 0.5 mm. with the result of a short circuit of the electrodes of a cell, which can eventually lead to the collapse of a whole series of cells by melting the metallic cell parts.
  • Such local short circuits can include are triggered by small metallic particles that were accidentally enclosed between the electrode and the diaphragm during the construction of the cells and pressed into it. Small manufacturing errors in the manufacture of the diaphragms and / or electrodes can also lead to local corrosion, breakdown of the diaphragm and short circuit of the electrodes.
  • networks of insulating material are known, which are arranged as spacers between electrodes and the metallic diaphragm in order to effect electrical insulation in the sense of the task.
  • Such networks disadvantageously impede the flow of the electrolyte-gas bubble mixture and the electrolyte exchange.
  • spacing elements which are firmly connected to the electrodes are inserted into the intermediate space formed by the electrode and the diaphragm and consist of a non-metallic, high-melting hard material.
  • the space formed by the diaphragm and the electrode has a width of at least 0.3 to 3.0 mm.
  • oxide-ceramic materials such as Aluminum, nickel and zirconium oxide
  • existing spacer elements retain their shape in the event of a short circuit despite extremely high temperatures, possibly up to the melting temperature of the electrodes, and fulfill their function as spacers in the event of deformation of the electrodes and / or the metallic partition walls, so that the short circuit cannot expand.
  • An electrode thickness of 0.15 to 0.40 mm and a diaphragm thickness of 0.15 to 1.0 mm have proven to be particularly advantageous.
  • the spacers in cooperation with the spring-elastic electrode, fix the exact position of the diaphragm and thus prevent fluttering movements that lead to long-term destruction of the diaphragm, ie they considerably increase its service life.
  • a thin nickel mesh as a supporting structure with layers of porous oxide-ceramic materials sintered onto it, such as Nickel oxide, existing diaphragm proven.
  • a plastic film as the diaphragm.
  • electrodes made of a nickel carrier layer and a diaphragm-side by cold roll cladding of a powder mixture of carbonyl nickel powder and Raney alloy powder, which is sintered and subsequently catalytically activated has been found to be particularly useful, using a skeleton structure made of nickel material with catalyst material embedded therein insoluble component of the Raney alloy.
  • Optimal coordination of the individual elements of each cell is achieved if the metallic dividing walls formed from waffle sheets are arranged congruently one behind the other and the spacer elements of one electrode are inserted in each case opposite the tips connected to the counterelectrode. In this way, both the electrodes and the partition walls of different potential are kept at a distance. Due to the large number of contact points between the electrodes and the partition walls, it is possible to use comparatively thin-walled and at the same time elastic electrodes which have a low electrode current at the usual operating current between 1 and 10 kA / m2 Voltage drop of only a few millivolts and thus low energy loss for the current distribution from the contact points of the electrodes with the partition walls result.
  • the arrangement of the electrodes according to the invention results in a turbulent upward flow of the developed gas between the electrode and the diaphragm, which brings about the effect of good concentration and temperature equalization in the electrolyte, which is equally important for the cell voltage and the durability of the diaphragm.
  • the spacer elements are expediently designed in such a way that they have a small flow resistance to the upward flow of the electrolyte-gas bubble mixture and the downstream electrolyte, in order not to impair the advantageous strong, upward-directed turbulent flow.
  • the invention is shown in the drawing by way of example as a partial cross section through a construction of a bipolar single cell, which is explained in more detail below.
  • the cell (1) is closed from both sides by a completely nickel-plated sheet metal walls (2, 3) that have a waffle-like profile and are inserted into an annular frame (not shown).
  • Thin sheets (8, 9) provided with openings (6, 7) for the passage of the developed gas, are placed on the crests (4, 5) of the sheet metal walls (2, 3) as electrodes and welded to them.
  • the electrodes (8, 9) are separated from one another by the plate-shaped diaphragm (10).
  • the counterelectrode (9) or (8) each has an opening (11) or (12) into which a spacer element formed from aluminum oxide (13) or (14) is pressed in, so that there is a defined distance between the diaphragm (10) and the electrodes (8, 9).
  • the electrodes (15, 16) connected to the sheet metal walls (2, 3) form part of the neighboring cells.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Electrodes For Compound Or Non-Metal Manufacture (AREA)
  • Electrolytic Production Of Non-Metals, Compounds, Apparatuses Therefor (AREA)
  • Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)

Abstract

The electrolyser comprises single cells connected geometrically one behind the other and each consisting of two metallic partitions (2), (3) with a diaphragm (10) in between and with electrodes (8), (9) spaced on either side of the diaphragm and provided with perforations. As a protection against short circuiting and corrosion, spacing elements (13), (14) consisting of a nonmetallic refractory hard material are inserted in the gap formed between the electrode and the diaphragm. <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Elektrolyseur mit geometrisch hintereinander geschalteten Einzelzellen, jeweils bestehend aus zwei beidseitig mit Abstandsprofilen versehenen metallischen Trennwänden zu den nächsten Zellen, einem zwischen den Trennwänden angeordneten Diaphragma und auf beiden Seiten des Diaphragmas mit Abstand angebrachten, mit Durchbrechungen versehenen Elektroden, die mit den zum Diaphragma weisenden Abstandsprofilen der zugehörigen Trennwand unter Kontaktbildung verbunden sind.The invention relates to an electrolyzer with geometrically connected individual cells, each consisting of two metallic partition walls on both sides with spacing profiles to the next cells, a diaphragm arranged between the partition walls and spaced electrodes on both sides of the diaphragm, with openings provided with the openings to the diaphragm facing spacer profiles of the associated partition are connected with contact formation.

Bei kommerziell angebotenen Elektrolyseuren sind mehrere Einzelzellen, bestehend aus einem mit jeweils einer metallischen, vorzugsweise waffelartig geprägten, vollständig vernickelten Blechwand zur benachbarten Zelle verbundenen Elektrodenpaar, das durch ein plattenförmiges Diaphragma getrennt ist, elektrisch und geometrisch hintereinander geschaltet. Die Trennwände sind in einen ringförmigen metallischen Rahmen eingesetzt. Auf jede metallische Trennwand ist anoden- und kathodenseitig jeweils ein vernickeltes und aktiviertes Stahldrahtgewebe oder ein ganz aus Nickel bestehendes Drahtgewebe als Elektrode aufgelegt und über die Gegenelektrode auf die Kuppenspitzen der waffelartigen Profilierung der Trennwand gedrückt. In den von den Elektroden gebildeten Zwischenraum ist als Diaphragma eine Asbestplatte eingefügt. Jede Trennwand arbeitet bipolar, d.h. sie trägt auf der einen Seite eine Kathode und auf der anderen Seite eine Anode. Die an den Elektroden entwickelten Gase strömen jeweils in dem Raum zwischen Elektrode und Trennwand nach oben und werden von dort abgeführt (Lurgi-Schnellinformation D 1073 November 1981 "Wasserstoff aus Wasser", Eigenverlag Frankfurt 1981).In the case of commercially available electrolysers, a plurality of individual cells, consisting of an electrode pair connected to the neighboring cell by a metallic, preferably waffle-like, completely nickel-plated sheet metal wall, which is separated by a plate-shaped diaphragm, are electrically and geometrically connected in series. The partitions are inserted in an annular metallic frame. A nickel-plated and activated steel wire mesh or a wire mesh made entirely of nickel is placed on each anode and cathode side of each metallic partition as an electrode and pressed onto the dome tips of the waffle-like profile of the partition via the counterelectrode. An asbestos plate is inserted as a diaphragm in the space formed by the electrodes. Each partition works bipolar, ie it carries a cathode on one side and an anode on the other side. The gases developed on the electrodes flow upwards in the space between the electrode and the partition and are discharged from there (Lurgi quick information D 1073 November 1981 "Hydrogen from water", Eigenverlag Frankfurt 1981).

Diese Ausführungsform einer Zelle hat die Anregung gegeben, mit zahlreichen nach außen konisch aufgeweiteten Durchbrechungen versehene Elektroden auf beiden Seiten des Diaphragmas aufzupressen, da man annahm, daß jede Verkleinerung des Elektrodenabstands den inneren Zellenwiderstand des Elektrolyseurs vermindere und damit den Energieverlust für den Stromtransport zwischen den Elektroden minimiere (Winter Z. J. und J. Nitsch: Wasserstoff als Energieträger, Springer-Verlag Berlin-Heidelberg-New York-Tokio 1986, S. 180/181). Die Gase werden zum größten Teil nur auf der dem Diaphragma abgewandten Seite entwickelt, da die dem Diaphragma zugewandte Seite durch einen dünnen Gasfilm zwischen Diaphragma und Elektrode weitgehend elektrisch isoliert ist und nicht an der Gaserzeugung teilnimmt. Die Stromlinien greifen also durch die Durchbrechungen der Elektrode auf deren Rückseite. Die dafür notwendige Anzahl von Durchbrechungen vermindert die wirksame Elektrodenfläche um 20 bis 30 %, die Stromlinien sind unnötig lang und der Konzentrationsausgleich des Elektrolyten, beispielsweise aus 25 %iger Kalilauge gebildet, im Diaphragma eingeschränkt, da der Elektrolytaustausch behindert ist. Der Energieverlust kann so groß sein, daß er den durch die abstandslose Anordnung der Elektroden erreichbaren Energiegewinn vollständig kompensiert. Hinzu kommt, daß bei abstandsloser Elektrodenanordnung, die in aller Regel mit einer Dicke des Diaphragmas von 0,2 bis höchstens 0,5 mm verbunden ist, ein erhöhtes Risiko einer örtlichen Korrosion und/oder Überhitzung und damit die Gefahr der Zerstörung des Diaphragmas besteht, mit der Folge eines Kurzschlusses der Elektroden einer Zelle, was durch Schmelzen der metallischen Zellenteile schließlich zum Zusammenbruch einer ganzen Reihe von Zellen führen kann.This embodiment of a cell has given the suggestion to press on electrodes with numerous outwardly flared openings on both sides of the diaphragm, since it was assumed that any reduction in the electrode spacing would reduce the internal cell resistance of the electrolyser and thus the energy loss for the current transport between the electrodes minimize (Winter ZJ and J. Nitsch: hydrogen as an energy source, Springer-Verlag Berlin-Heidelberg-New York-Tokyo 1986, p. 180/181). For the most part, the gases are only developed on the side facing away from the diaphragm, since the side facing the diaphragm is largely electrically insulated by a thin gas film between the diaphragm and the electrode and does not participate in the gas generation. The streamlines therefore reach through the openings in the electrode on its rear side. The number of openings required for this reduces the effective electrode area by 20 to 30%, the streamlines are unnecessarily long and the concentration compensation of the electrolyte, for example formed from 25% potassium hydroxide solution, is restricted in the diaphragm, since the electrolyte exchange is hindered. The energy loss can be so great that it completely compensates for the energy gain that can be achieved by the spaced arrangement of the electrodes. In addition, there is an increased risk of local corrosion and / or overheating and thus the risk of destruction of the diaphragm if the electrode arrangement is spaced apart and is generally connected to a thickness of the diaphragm of 0.2 to at most 0.5 mm. with the result of a short circuit of the electrodes of a cell, which can eventually lead to the collapse of a whole series of cells by melting the metallic cell parts.

Solche örtlichen Kurzschlüsse können u.a. durch kleine metallische Partikel ausgelöst werden, die versehentlich beim Bau der Zellen zwischen Elektrode und Diaphragma eingeschlossen und in dieses hineingedrückt worden sind. Auch können kleine Fertigungsfehler bei der Herstellung der Diaphragmen und/oder Elektroden zu örtlicher Korrosion, Zusammenbruch des Diaphragmas und Kurzschluß der Elektroden führen.Such local short circuits can include are triggered by small metallic particles that were accidentally enclosed between the electrode and the diaphragm during the construction of the cells and pressed into it. Small manufacturing errors in the manufacture of the diaphragms and / or electrodes can also lead to local corrosion, breakdown of the diaphragm and short circuit of the electrodes.

Ferner sind aus der FR-PS 2 460 341 Netze aus isolierendem Werkstoff bekannt, die als Distanzhalter zwischen Elektroden und dem metallischen Diaphragma angeordnet sind, um im Sinne der Aufgabenstellung eine elektrische Isolierung zu bewirken. In nachteiliger Weise werden durch derartige Netze die Strömung des Elektrolyt-Gasblasen-Gemisches sowie der Elektrolytaustausch behindert.Furthermore, from FR-PS 2 460 341 networks of insulating material are known, which are arranged as spacers between electrodes and the metallic diaphragm in order to effect electrical insulation in the sense of the task. Such networks disadvantageously impede the flow of the electrolyte-gas bubble mixture and the electrolyte exchange.

Die vorstehend beschriebenen Probleme tauchen auch bei Zellen auf, bei denen die Elektroden durch Zwischenlagerung von sogenannten "Microspacern" in einem vergleichsweise sehr kleinen Abstand von 0,1 bis 0,2 mm zum Diaphragma gehalten sind (International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Vol. 13, No. 3, Pergamon Press, Oxford 1988, S. 148/149).The problems described above also arise in cells in which the electrodes are kept at a comparatively very small distance of 0.1 to 0.2 mm from the diaphragm by the interim storage of so-called "microspacers" (International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Vol. 13 , No. 3, Pergamon Press, Oxford 1988, pp. 148/149).

Es ist deshalb die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, die eingangs beschriebene Zelle für einen Elektrolyseur so auszubilden, daß eine hohe Sicherheit gegen Kurzschluß und Korrosion gewährleistet und der Energieverbrauch gleich oder niedriger als der einer abstandslosen Elektrodenanordnung ist.It is therefore the object of the present invention to design the cell described at the outset for an electrolyser in such a way that a high level of security against short circuit and corrosion is ensured and the energy consumption is equal to or lower than that of a spaceless electrode arrangement.

Gelöst ist diese Aufgabe dadurch, daß in den von der Elektrode und dem Diaphragma gebildeten Zwischenraum aus einem nicht-metallischen hochschmelzenden Hartstoff bestehende, mit den Elektroden fest verbundene Distanzelemente eingefügt sind.This object is achieved in that spacing elements which are firmly connected to the electrodes are inserted into the intermediate space formed by the electrode and the diaphragm and consist of a non-metallic, high-melting hard material.

Im Rahmen der vorzugsweisen Ausgestaltung der Erfindung besitzt der von Diaphragma und Elektrode gebildete Zwischenraum eine Breite von wenigstens 0,3 bis 3,0 mm.In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the space formed by the diaphragm and the electrode has a width of at least 0.3 to 3.0 mm.

Die insbesondere aus oxid-keramischen Werkstoffen, wie z.B. Aluminium-, Nickel- und Zirkoniumoxid, bestehenden Distanzelemente behalten bei einem Kurzschluß trotz extrem hoher Temperaturen, von ggf. bis zur Schmelztemperatur der Elektroden, ihre Form bei und erfüllen im Falle einer Deformation der Elektroden und/oder der metallischen Trennwände ihre Funktion als Abstandhalter, so daß sich der Kurzschluß nicht ausweiten kann.The in particular made of oxide-ceramic materials, such as Aluminum, nickel and zirconium oxide, existing spacer elements retain their shape in the event of a short circuit despite extremely high temperatures, possibly up to the melting temperature of the electrodes, and fulfill their function as spacers in the event of deformation of the electrodes and / or the metallic partition walls, so that the short circuit cannot expand.

Um die Gefahr eines Kurzschlusses mit Sicherheit auszuschließen, ist es nach einem weiteren wesentlichen Merkmal der Erfindung angebracht, die mit einer Elektrode fest verbundenen Distanzelemente jeweils gegenüber den die Gegenelektrode tragenden Maxima der Abstandsprofile anzuordnen.In order to exclude the risk of a short circuit with certainty, it is appropriate according to a further essential feature of the invention to arrange the spacer elements firmly connected to an electrode in each case opposite the maxima of the spacer profiles bearing the counterelectrode.

Als besonders vorteilhaft hat sich eine Elektrodendicke von 0,15 bis 0,40 mm und eine Diaphragmadicke von 0,15 bis 1,0 mm erwiesen.An electrode thickness of 0.15 to 0.40 mm and a diaphragm thickness of 0.15 to 1.0 mm have proven to be particularly advantageous.

Unabhängig davon fixieren die Distanzhalter im Zusammenwirken mit der federelastisch ausgebildeten Elektrode die genaue Lage des Diaphragmas und unterbinden damit Flatterbewegungen, die langfristig zur Zerstörung des Diaphragmas führen, d.h. sie erhöhen damit beträchtlich dessen Lebensdauer.Irrespective of this, the spacers, in cooperation with the spring-elastic electrode, fix the exact position of the diaphragm and thus prevent fluttering movements that lead to long-term destruction of the diaphragm, ie they considerably increase its service life.

Im Hinblick auf die angestrebte Wirkung sowie einen Langzeiteinsatz hat sich ein aus einem dünnen Nickelnetz als tragender Struktur mit darauf aufgesinterten Schichten aus porösen oxid-keramischen Werkstoffen, wie z.B. Nickeloxid, bestehendes Diaphragma bewährt. Es ist jedoch auch möglich als Diaphragma eine Kunststoff-Folie zu verwenden.In view of the desired effect and long-term use, a thin nickel mesh as a supporting structure with layers of porous oxide-ceramic materials sintered onto it, such as Nickel oxide, existing diaphragm proven. However, it is also possible to use a plastic film as the diaphragm.

Als besonders zweckmäßig erweist sich die Verwendung von Elektroden, die aus einer Nickelträgerschicht und einer diaphragmaseitig durch Kaltwalzplattieren einer Pulvermischung aus Carbonyl-Nickelpulver und Raney-Legierungspulver, die gesintert und nachfolgend katalytisch aktiviert ist, erzeugten Skelettstruktur aus Nickelwerkstoff mit darin eingelagertem Katalysator-Werkstoff aus der unlöslichen Komponente der Raney-Legierung bestehen.The use of electrodes made of a nickel carrier layer and a diaphragm-side by cold roll cladding of a powder mixture of carbonyl nickel powder and Raney alloy powder, which is sintered and subsequently catalytically activated, has been found to be particularly useful, using a skeleton structure made of nickel material with catalyst material embedded therein insoluble component of the Raney alloy.

Eine optimale Abstimmung der einzelnen Elemente jeder Zelle wird erreicht, wenn die aus Waffelblechen gebildeten metallischen Trennwände deckungsgleich hintereinander angeordnet und die Distanzelemente der einen Elektrode jeweils gegenüber den mit der Gegenelektrode verbundenen Kuppen eingefügt sind. Auf diese Weise werden sowohl die Elektroden untereinander als auch die Trennwände unterschiedlichen Potentials auf Abstand gehalten. Durch die Vielzahl der Kontaktpunkte der Elektroden mit den Trennwänden ist es möglich, vergleichsweise dünnwandige und gleichzeitig elastische Elektroden einzusetzen, die bei den üblichen Betriebsstromstärken zwischen 1 und 10 kA/m² Elektrodenfläche einen niedrigen Spannungsabfall von nur wenigen Millivolt und somit niedrigen Energieverlust für die Stromverteilung von den Kontaktpunkten der Elektroden mit den Trennwänden ergeben.Optimal coordination of the individual elements of each cell is achieved if the metallic dividing walls formed from waffle sheets are arranged congruently one behind the other and the spacer elements of one electrode are inserted in each case opposite the tips connected to the counterelectrode. In this way, both the electrodes and the partition walls of different potential are kept at a distance. Due to the large number of contact points between the electrodes and the partition walls, it is possible to use comparatively thin-walled and at the same time elastic electrodes which have a low electrode current at the usual operating current between 1 and 10 kA / m² Voltage drop of only a few millivolts and thus low energy loss for the current distribution from the contact points of the electrodes with the partition walls result.

Durch die erfindungsgemäße Anordnung der Elektroden ist eine turbulente Aufwärtsströmung des entwickelten Gases zwischen Elektrode und Diaphragma gegeben, wodurch der für die Zellenspannung und Dauerhaltbarkeit des Diaphragmas gleichermaßen wichtige Effekt des guten Konzentrations- und Temperaturausgleichs im Elektrolyten bewirkt wird.The arrangement of the electrodes according to the invention results in a turbulent upward flow of the developed gas between the electrode and the diaphragm, which brings about the effect of good concentration and temperature equalization in the electrolyte, which is equally important for the cell voltage and the durability of the diaphragm.

Zweckmäßigerweise sind die Distanzelemente so gestaltet, daß sie einen kleinen Strömungswiderstand gegenüber der aufwärts gerichteten Strömung des Elektrolyt-Gasblasen-Gemisches und des nachströmenden Elektrolyten besitzen, um die vorteilhafte starke, aufwärts gerichtete turbulente Strömung nicht zu beeinträchtigen.The spacer elements are expediently designed in such a way that they have a small flow resistance to the upward flow of the electrolyte-gas bubble mixture and the downstream electrolyte, in order not to impair the advantageous strong, upward-directed turbulent flow.

Die Erfindung ist in der Zeichnung beispielhaft als ausschnittsweiser Querschnitt durch eine Konstruktion einer bipolaren Einzelzelle dargestellt, die nachfolgend näher erläutert wird.The invention is shown in the drawing by way of example as a partial cross section through a construction of a bipolar single cell, which is explained in more detail below.

Die Zelle (1) wird von beiden Seiten durch ein waffelartiges Profil besitzende, vollständig vernickelte Blechwände (2,3), die in einen nicht dargestellten ringförmigen Rahmen eingesetzt sind, abgeschlossen. Auf die Kuppen (4,5) der Blechwände (2,3) sind mit Durchbrechungen (6,7) für den Durchtritt des entwickelten Gases versehene dünne Bleche (8,9) als Elektroden aufgelegt und mit diesen verschweißt. Die Elektroden (8,9) sind durch das plattenförmige Diaphragma (10) voneinander getrennt. Gegenüber den die eine Elektrode (8) bzw. (9) tragenden Kuppen (4) bzw. (5) der Blechwand (2) bzw. (3) besitzt die Gegenelektrode (9) bzw. (8) jeweils eine Durchbrechung (11) bzw. (12), in die ein aus Aluminiumoxid geformtes Distanzelement (13) bzw. (14) eingedrückt ist, so daß zwischen dem Diaphragma (10) und den Elektroden (8,9) jeweils ein definierter Abstand besteht. Die mit den Blechwänden (2,3) verbundenen Elektroden (15,16) bilden einen Teil der benachbarten Zellen.The cell (1) is closed from both sides by a completely nickel-plated sheet metal walls (2, 3) that have a waffle-like profile and are inserted into an annular frame (not shown). Thin sheets (8, 9), provided with openings (6, 7) for the passage of the developed gas, are placed on the crests (4, 5) of the sheet metal walls (2, 3) as electrodes and welded to them. The electrodes (8, 9) are separated from one another by the plate-shaped diaphragm (10). Opposite the one electrode (8) or (9) load-bearing crests (4) or (5) of the sheet metal wall (2) or (3), the counterelectrode (9) or (8) each has an opening (11) or (12) into which a spacer element formed from aluminum oxide (13) or (14) is pressed in, so that there is a defined distance between the diaphragm (10) and the electrodes (8, 9). The electrodes (15, 16) connected to the sheet metal walls (2, 3) form part of the neighboring cells.

Claims (9)

1. Elektrolyseur mit geometrisch hintereinander geschalteten Einzelzellen, jeweils bestehend aus zwei beidseitig mit Abstandsprofilen versehenen metallischen Trennwänden zu den nächsten Zellen, einem zwischen den Trennwänden angeordneten Diaphragma und auf beiden Seiten des Diaphragmas mit Abstand angebrachten, mit Durchbrechungen versehenen Elektroden, die mit den zum Diaphragma weisenden Abstandsprofilen der jeweils zugehörigen Trennwand unter Kontaktbildung verbunden sind, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in den von der Elektrode (8,9) und dem Diaphragma (10) gebildeten Zwischenraum aus einem nicht-metallischen hochschmelzenden Hartstoff bestehende, mit den Elektroden fest verbundene Distanzelemente (13,14) eingefügt sind.1.Electrolyser with geometrically connected individual cells, each consisting of two metallic dividing walls on both sides with spacing profiles to the next cells, a diaphragm arranged between the dividing walls and spaced electrodes on both sides of the diaphragm, with perforations provided electrodes with the same as the diaphragm Pointing spacing profiles of the respective associated partition are connected with contact formation, characterized in that in the space formed by the electrode (8, 9) and the diaphragm (10), spacer elements (13) which are firmly connected to the electrodes and consist of a non-metallic, high-melting hard material , 14) are inserted. 2. Elektrolyseur nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der von der Elektrode (8,9) und dem Diaphragma (10) gebildete Zwischenraum eine Breite von wenigstens 0,3 bis 3,0 mm besitzt.2. Electrolyser according to claim 1, characterized in that the space formed by the electrode (8,9) and the diaphragm (10) has a width of at least 0.3 to 3.0 mm. 3. Elektrolyseur nach den Ansprüchen 1 und 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Distanzelemente (13,14) aus oxid-keramischen Werkstoffen, wie z.B. Aluminium-, Nickel- und Zirkoniumoxid, bestehen.3. Electrolyser according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the spacer elements (13, 14) made of oxide-ceramic materials, such as e.g. Aluminum, nickel and zirconium oxide exist. 4. Elektrolyseur nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die mit einer Elektrode (8) bzw. (9) fest verbundenen Distanzelemente (13,14) jeweils gegenüber den die Gegenelektrode (9) bzw. (8) tragenden Maxima der Abstandsprofile angeordnet sind.4. Electrolyser according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the spacer elements (13, 14) firmly connected to an electrode (8) or (9) are each opposite the maxima of the counterelectrode (9) or (8) Distance profiles are arranged. 5. Elektrolyseur nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Elektroden (8,9) eine Dicke von 0,15 bis 0,40 mm und das Diaphragma (10) eine Dicke von 0,15 bis 1,0 mm besitzen.5. Electrolyser according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the electrodes (8.9) have a thickness of 0.15 to 0.40 mm and the diaphragm (10) have a thickness of 0.15 to 1.0 mm . 6. Elektrolyseur nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Diaphragma (10) aus einem dünnen Nickelnetz als tragender Struktur mit darauf aufgesinterten Schichten aus porösen oxid-keramischen Werkstoffen, wie beispielsweise Nickeloxid, besteht.6. Electrolyser according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the diaphragm (10) consists of a thin nickel network as a supporting structure with sintered layers of porous oxide-ceramic materials, such as nickel oxide. 7. Elektrolyseur nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Diaphragma (10) aus einer Kunststoff-Folie besteht.7. Electrolyser according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the diaphragm (10) consists of a plastic film. 8. Elektrolyseur nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Elektrode (8,9) aus einer Nickelträgerschicht und einer diaphragmaseitig durch Kaltwalzplattieren einer Pulvermischung aus Carbonyl-Nickelpulver und Raney-Legierungspulver sowie durch Sintern und durch nachfolgende katalytische Aktivierung erzeugten Skelettstruktur aus Nickelwerkstoff mit darin eingelagertem Katalysator-Werkstoff aus der unlöslichen Komponente der Raney-Legierung besteht.8. Electrolyser according to claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the electrode (8,9) from a nickel carrier layer and a diaphragm side by cold rolling plating a powder mixture of carbonyl-nickel powder and Raney alloy powder as well as by sintering and by subsequent catalytic activation generated skeletal structure Nickel material with catalyst material embedded in it consists of the insoluble component of the Raney alloy. 9. Elektrolyseur nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die metallischen Trennwände durch Waffelbleche gebildet sind, deren mit den Elektroden verschweißten Kuppen deckungsgleich hintereinander angeordnet und die Distanzelemente der einen Elektrode jeweils gegenüber den Kuppen der Gegenelektrode eingefügt sind.9. Electrolyser according to claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the metallic partitions are formed by waffle plates, the tips of which are welded to the electrodes, arranged congruently one behind the other, and the spacer elements of one electrode are inserted in each case opposite the tips of the counterelectrode.
EP89200914A 1988-05-05 1989-04-12 Electrolyser Withdrawn EP0340820A1 (en)

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DE3815266A DE3815266A1 (en) 1988-05-05 1988-05-05 ELECTROLYSIS
DE3815266 1988-05-05

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JP (1) JPH01316482A (en)
BR (1) BR8902098A (en)
DE (1) DE3815266A1 (en)
NO (1) NO171645C (en)
ZA (1) ZA893332B (en)

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EP0456295A1 (en) * 1990-05-09 1991-11-13 Metallgesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft Electrolyser
DE4101420A1 (en) * 1990-09-03 1992-03-05 Xueming Zhang DEVICE FOR WATER ELECTROLYSIS
US5384208A (en) * 1992-03-13 1995-01-24 Deutsche Aerospace Ag Cell structure for electrolyzer units and fuel cells
WO2000022192A1 (en) * 1998-10-13 2000-04-20 Toagosei Co., Ltd. Method for reducing charge in gas diffusing electrode and its charge reducing structure
WO2001034282A1 (en) * 1999-11-11 2001-05-17 Solvay (Societe Anonyme) End box of an electrodialyser, electrodialyser comprising same and electrodialysis method

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EP0456295A1 (en) * 1990-05-09 1991-11-13 Metallgesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft Electrolyser
DE4101420A1 (en) * 1990-09-03 1992-03-05 Xueming Zhang DEVICE FOR WATER ELECTROLYSIS
US5384208A (en) * 1992-03-13 1995-01-24 Deutsche Aerospace Ag Cell structure for electrolyzer units and fuel cells
WO2000022192A1 (en) * 1998-10-13 2000-04-20 Toagosei Co., Ltd. Method for reducing charge in gas diffusing electrode and its charge reducing structure
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WO2001034282A1 (en) * 1999-11-11 2001-05-17 Solvay (Societe Anonyme) End box of an electrodialyser, electrodialyser comprising same and electrodialysis method

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DE3815266A1 (en) 1989-11-16
BR8902098A (en) 1989-12-05
NO171645C (en) 1993-04-14
ZA893332B (en) 1991-01-30
US5013418A (en) 1991-05-07
JPH01316482A (en) 1989-12-21
NO891816D0 (en) 1989-05-02
NO891816L (en) 1989-11-06
NO171645B (en) 1993-01-04

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