Patent ID: 6524452
Filing Date: 2003-02-25
Classification: C25B,H01M,Y02E,Y02P

Abstract:
A flow-frame for forming a sub-assembly; said sub-assembly comprising a bipolar electrode and an ion-selective membrane mounted on said flow-frame and wherein said sub-assembly may be stacked together with other such sub-assemblies to create an array of electrochemical cells, each cell thus comprising two electrode surfaces with an ion-selective membrane positioned therebetweeen so as to define separate anolyte-containing and catholyte-containing chambers within each cell; wherein said flow-frame is formed from an electrically insulating material and comprises(i) a chamber-defining portion for supporting an electrode and a membrane within a defined space, (ii) at least four manifold-defining portions which, on stacking said sub-assemblies, define four manifolds through which the anolyte and the catholyte are supplied to and removed from said anolyte-containing and catholyte-containing chambers, (iii) at least two chamber entry ports for allowing the anolyte and the catholyte to flow from said manifolds into said anolyte-containing and catholyte-containing chambers, and (iv) at least two chamber exit ports for allowing the anolyte and the catholyte to flow from said anolyte-containing and catholyte-containing chambers into said manifolds, characterised in that one or more of the manifold-defining portions also define a pathway for the passage of the anolyte/catholyte between the manifold and the chamber entry/exit port.