The electrolyzer generates a high negative pressure
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Dear colleagues, one of our electrolyzers experienced a severe negative pressure of nearly 10 minutes during shutdown due to operational errors, which caused significant damage to the ion exchange membrane. After the electrolyzer was restarted, the cell voltage rose sharply: the average voltage increased from 3.06 V to 3.16 V, with the highest voltage reaching 3.33 V (all these voltage values were measured under full load of 14.85 KA). Upon inspecting the individual cells, it was found that the anode mesh was sunken, while the upper part of the cathode elastic mesh was less flexible; the middle part, however, retained better elasticity. Since this electrolyzer has not been in operation for long and there are no plans for maintenance in the near future, I wonder if continuing to operate it in this condition poses significant risks, and whether it is necessary to reduce the load.
When the anode mesh is dented, it causes uneven pole distances within the cell slots during normal operation, with serious consequences. Despite the high cost, it is recommended to repair it immediately. The cause of the long-term high negative pressure also needs to be determined – is there no water seal for chlorine? Has the related chain not been invested in? Fault with the check valve at the outlet of the anode solution pump? Fault with the check valve at the outlet of the refined salt water pump, causing it to shut down? Is the cathode pressure too high for some reason? Wait
Actually, it depends on what kind of organization your unit is. If it’s the large chlor-alkali industry, then a change is necessary ； If the chlor-alkali facility in your company is just a supplementary, small-scale unit, then it’s worth giving it some careful consideration – after all, replacing any equipment costs hundreds of thousands.
The pole spacing has increased; if power consumption is not a concern, it may not be necessary to replace the electrodes, but given the current tight energy situation, it is recommended to replace them.
The main consideration is power consumption; not only does the pole pitch increase, but layer wear is also quite severe
Our company also encountered this when it first started operating. I’m glad that the phenomenon mentioned by the original poster did not occur.