Patent ID: 7510633
Filing Date: 2009-03-31
Classification: C02F,C25B,Y02E

Abstract:
1. An electrolyzer cell having first and second opposite ends and comprising: a cathode of tubular configuration and pressure-containing construction which is connectable to a source of DC electricity, and defines a cathode active inner surface, at which hydrogen is generated, and a cathode outer surface; an anode which is connectable to a source of DC electricity, defines an anode active outer surface, at which oxygen is generated, and is disposed within the cathode to define therewith an annular electrolyte chamber disposed between the cathode inner surface and the anode outer surface; a seperation membrane of tubular configuration disposed within the electrolyte chamber between the cathode and the anode to divide the electrolyte chamber into an anode sub-chamber and a cathode sub-chamber, the separation membrane sealing against the passage therethrough of gases but permitting passage of liquid borne ions; first and second gas-tight seals disposed at, respectively, the first and second opposite ends of the cell and sealing the electrolyte chamber against the passage therethrough of gases; and a gas take-off connection in gas-flow communication with the electrolyte chamber for removing the hydrogen and oxygen gases generated in the electrolyte chamber; wherein at least one of the gastight seals comprises: an anode-scaling collar affixed to the anode adjacent one end thereof; an electrical isolation bushing affixed to the anode between the anode-sealing collar and the one end of the anode, the bushing engaging the anode-sealing collar; and an end fitting engaging the bushing and providing a gas-tight seal of the cathode at one end thereof.