Patent ID: 8317985
Filing Date: 2012-11-27
Classification: C25B,Y02E

Abstract:
1. An electrolyzer adapted to create gas through electrolytic decomposition of a fluid, the electrolyzer comprising: a) a plurality of cells each cell comprising: i a first frame portion; ii a second frame portion; iii the first frame portion having a first longitudinal side, comprising a first recess area, and a downward vertically facing surface extending longitudinally only partway across the first recess area, the downward vertically facing surface defining a first lower open region within the first recess area; iv wherein the fluid fills the first lower open region during operation; v the second frame portion having a first longitudinal side adjacent the first longitudinal side of the first frame portion, and a second longitudinal side comprising a second recess area; vi the second recess area comprising a downward vertically facing surface extending longitudinally only partway across the second recess area, the downward vertically facing surface defining a second lower open region within the second recess area; vii wherein the fluid fills the second lower open region during operation; viii a passive electrode positioned adjacent to the first lower open region and positioned adjacent to the first frame portion creating a first interior surface of a first chamber region; ix the passive electrode further is in engagement with the second frame portion where the passive electrode is in engagement with the second lower open region to partially define a first longitudinal interior surface of a second chamber region; x a membrane positioned on the second frame portion on an opposing longitudinal side of the second lower open region relative to the location of the passive electrode; xi wherein the membrane allows ions to pass there through but inhibits passage of gaseous bubbles through the membrane; xii wherein the passive electrode comprises a thin sheet metallic member having a first longitudinal side forming the first interior surface of the first chamber region, and a second longitudinal side forming the first interior surface of the second chamber region; xiii the membrane defining a second interior surface of the first chamber region; xiv wherein the first recess area comprises a first chamber region within the first recess area, vertically above the upper edge of the membrane, the first chamber region having an upper chamber portion in communication with a first conduit for extracting an electrolyzed gas therefrom; and, xv wherein the second recess area comprises a second chamber region within the second recess area, vertically above the upper edge of the membrane, the second chamber region having an upper chamber portion in communication with a second conduit for removal of the gas formed in the second chamber region, and b) where the first and second chamber regions are not in fluid communication with one another vertically above the membrane.