Replacement component for electrolyser flanges

Abstract

The invention relates to a cell of a modular electrolyzer having a frame-shaped flange formed by two superposed elements, welded along the internal periphery in order to increase the local flange thickness in a portion of higher exposure to corrosion, for the sake of improving its resistance. A method of repairing electrolysis cells having a frame-shaped flange formed by two superposed elements by removing and replacing only the outermost frame, more subject to corrosion, is also described.

Claims

1. A cell of an electrolyzer consisting of a modular arrangement of electrochemical cells, said cell comprising: at least one pan-shaped shell having an internal cavity and a peripheral surface; a first frame-shaped flange element, being integral with said pan-shaped shell or alternatively secured thereto, having a first internal periphery facing the internal cavity of the pan-shaped shell and a peripheral flange projecting from the peripheral surface of the pan-shaped shell, said first frame-shaped flange element made of a first metallic material, and a second frame-shaped flange element being a corresponding mirror image to said first frame-shaped flange element, made of a second metallic material and having a second internal periphery facing the internal cavity of the pan-shaped shell, wherein said first frame-shaped flange element and said second frame-shaped flange element are welded throughout the first internal periphery and the second internal periphery, and wherein the welding throughout the first and second internal peripheries improves corrosion resistance and increases the thickness of the frame-shaped flange elements.

2. The cell according to claim 1, wherein said first metallic material of said first frame-shaped flange element and said second metallic material of said second frame-shaped flange element are the same material.

3. The cell according to claim 1, wherein said first metallic material of said first frame-shaped flange element is titanium and said second metallic material of said second frame-shaped flange element is an alloy of titanium and palladium.

4. A method of repairing a cell of an electrolyzer consisting of a modular arrangement of electrochemical cells according to claim 1, comprising: obtaining the electrochemical cell of claim 1, wherein said first frame-shaped flange element is damaged by corrosion, affixing said second frame-shaped flange element of the second metallic material to said first frame-shaped flange element by welding along the internal periphery between said first frame-shaped flange element and said frame-shaped second flange element.

5. The method of repairing a cell according to claim 4, wherein said first metallic material of said first flange element is titanium and said second metallic material of said second flange element is an alloy of titanium and palladium.

6. A method of repairing a cell of an electrolyzer consisting of a modular arrangement of electrochemical cells according to claim 1 comprising: removing said second frame-shaped flange element from said first frame-shaped flange element, and subsequently fixing a new frame-shaped flange element by welding along the internal periphery between said first frame-shaped flange element and said new frame-shaped flange element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

(1) The drawing shows a three-dimensional schematic exploded view of a possible embodiment of the invention comprising a pan, a frame and a gasket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

(2) An embodiment of the invention is shown in the FIGURE, comprising a pan 1 consisting of a back-wall 5 and a first frame-shaped flange element 6. When not integral with the back-wall 5, said first flange element 6 is welded thereto along the periphery 7. A second flange element in form of planar frame 2 is secured by welding along the internal perimeter of the two frames 4 covering the zones affected by corrosion 8. A gasket 3 is then arranged above the second flange element 2.

EXAMPLE

(3) Two TiPd stripes of 1.0 mm×27.0 mm×2129 mm size and two TiPd stripes of 1.0 mm×25.0 mm×1214 mm size were machine-drawn. The four stripes were then welded in order to form a 1.0 mm-thick rectangular shaped frame (see drawing). The frame was then leaned above the equally-shaped flange and aligned therewith. The flange and frame were first secured by tightening devices then fixed by spot-welding every 100 mm on the external perimeter and every 30 mm on the internal perimeter. The flange and frame were then TIG-welded along the whole internal perimeter.

(4) The previous description shall not be intended as limiting the invention, which may be used according to different embodiments without departing from the scopes thereof, and whose extent is solely defined by the appended claims.

(5) Throughout the description and claims of the present application, the term “comprise” and variations thereof such as “comprising” and “comprises” are not intended to exclude the presence of other elements, components or additional process steps.