Patent ID: 6527921
Filing Date: 2003-03-04
Classification: C25B

Abstract:
An electrochemical cell stack comprising stack walls and a plurality of electrolytic cells within the stack walls, each cell comprising cell members selected froman anode; a cathode; a membrane separator frame formed of a non-conductive material and having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side; said frame having a. a frame first planar peripheral surface on said first side; b. a frame second planar peripheral surface on said second side; and c. a central portion defining a membrane-receiving aperture; a membrane within the aperture to provide an anolyte circulation chamber and a catholyte circulation chamber, distinct one from the other, within said frame; an impermeable cell end wall formed of a non-conductive material between said anode and said cathode and the anodes and cathodes of adjacent cells of said stack; wherein each of said anode, said cathode, said separator frame and said end wall has a portion defining an anolyte flow inlet channel, a catholyte flow inlet channel, a spent anolyte channel and a spent catholyte channel; and wherein said anolyte flow inlet channel and said spent anolyte channel are in communication with said anolyte circulation chamber, said catholyte flow inlet channel and said spent catholyte channel are in communication with said catholyte circulation chamber; and wherein said anode has an anode first planar surface which abuts said frame first planar peripheral surface as to define with said member said anolyte circulation chamber within the confines of said frame, and said cathode has an cathode second planar surface which abuts said frame second planar peripheral surface as to define with said member said catholyte circulation chamber within the confines of said frame.