Electrolyzer pressure fluctuations
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Seeking advice from fellow users: My company has a system with 8 electrolyzers, and in 2 of these electrolyzers, the hydrogen pressure fluctuates frequently, while the chlorine pressure remains stable. Additionally, when the hydrogen pressure fluctuates, the cell voltage also increases accordingly (the current remains normal). One of these two electrolyzers is located near the entrance, while the other is not. The problem lies not with the pressure gauges themselves; so what could be causing these fluctuations?
I am engaged in the repair, production, and sealing of cylinders for Asahi Kasei electrolyzers in China.
The description is too general – single-tube/main-pipe control and routing? It’s raining? Faulty hydrogen valve positioner? Too many bubbles entrained in the alkali feed?
There may be a blockage in the liquid inlet or poor airflow at the outlet.
If there is no fault with the cell, the problem is usually related to the process piping; check to see if there is water accumulation in any part of it Or the liquid flow under the catholyte isn’t very smooth, etc.
Where are the electrolyzers? What is the production capacity of a single slot? Do the fluctuations occur throughout the year or at certain times only? How large is the range of fluctuations? For the electrolyzers produced by Kitakata Chemical Machinery or Asahi Kasei: 1. During shutdown for maintenance, check the connection between the electrolyzer’s liquid outlet pipeline and the main pipeline; make sure that the branch pipe does not get inserted into the main pipe. Otherwise, it will cause a liquid seal! 2. Check whether the piping for the alkali solution entering the tank is correct. Generally, the connections at both ends of the main pipeline carrying the liquid phase into the tank, as well as the connections to the branch pipes supplying alkali solution to individual tanks, differ from those in other electrolyzers; a reputable design firm will pay close attention to the gas discharge at these locations! I wonder where the locations of these two fluctuating electrolyzers are? 3. Are the two fluctuating electrolytic cells facing a door or window? Under the influence of cold outside air, the pressure gauge readings will fluctuate significantly, but the actual pressure remains unchanged! 4. Is the piping for connecting the gas-phase branch pipe to the gas-phase main pipe reasonable? Note that the horizontal pipe sections must have a certain slope; otherwise, liquid accumulation may occur! 5. Is the valve at the gas outlet in an fully open position? The inner diameter of the gasket used for the valve should be large enough, and it must not be misaligned, as this could create local resistance!