Patent ID: 6254741
Filing Date: 2001-07-03
Classification: C25B

Abstract:
An improved electrochemical system, comprising(a) at least two cells, each cell defining an anolyte chamber and a catholyte chamber, and including at least an anode electrode adjacent to said anolyte chamber, and a cathode electrode adjacent to said catholyte chamber;(b) at least one unitary one piece double electrode plate having an electrically conducting frame, the anode electrode in one of said at least two cells being supported on a first portion of said electrically conducting frame, and the cathode electrode in one of the other of said at least two cells being supported on a second portion of said electrically conducting frame spaced from said first portion;(c) at least two single electrode plates, each single electrode plate including an electrically conducting frame for supporting an anode electrode or a cathode electrode wherein the first and second portions of the double electrode plate include at least opposed faces, each of the opposed faces including a substantially planar peripheral surface extending about a periphery of the supported anode and cathode electrodes, and wherein the electrically conducting frame of the single electrode plate includes opposed faces and a planar peripheral surface on each of the opposed faces extending about a periphery of the anode or cathode supported on the single electrode plate;(d) a separator between the catholyte and anolyte chambers and having at least a peripheral frame formed of a compressible elastomer;(e) an anolyte chamber forming frame formed of a compressible elastomer and a catholyte chamber forming frame member formed of a compressible elastomer within each cell, wherein said anolyte and catholyte chamber forming frame members and the peripheral frame of the separator are compressed to form fluid tight seals when said electrochemical system is assembled, the improvement wherein said anolyte and catholyte chamber forming frame members extend beyond edges of said electronically conducting frames to allow of said peripheral frame being bonded in direct abutment with said anolyte and catholyte chamber forming frame members.