Abstract:
A chlorine generator cell ( 10 ) contains components that require physical isolation between the anode compartment ( 20 ), cathode compartment ( 30 ), and outside environment. The cell ( 10 ) also contains a membrane ( 50 ) that provides selective electrical conductivity between the anode compartment ( 20 ) and cathode compartment ( 30 ). The cell ( 10 ) consists of a series of pipe fittings that allow access to the interior of cell ( 10 ) for placement of water and salt to generate chlorine. The anode stem ( 71 ) and cathode stem ( 81 ) located outside of cell ( 10 ) are connected to a power supply ( 91 ). Power supply ( 91 ) may be further connected to a power controller ( 92 ) that allows for adjustment of the energy output of power supply ( 91 ) to the optimum energy level, thus the desired chlorine output. This invention provides a chlorine generator that is portable, yet is allows for expanded size with additional pipe fittings as needed. Furthermore, this invention allows multiple to infinite chlorine output levels with a single cell ( 10 ).

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
         [0001]    Not applicable, or none.  
         STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
         [0002]    Not applicable, or none.  
         REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX  
         [0003]    Not applicable, or none.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    This invention relates, generally, to improvements in electrolytic cells that generate chlorine gas and caustic solutions and delivers those products to a drinking water supply system, wastewater treatment system, industrial processing system, or a swimming pool. More particularly, it relates to a portable chlorine generator that can be used in the field to generate chlorine from common salt to sanitize or oxidize water.  
           [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,368,474 (2002); U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,874 (1998); U.S. Pat. No. 5,133,848 (1992); U.S. Pat. No. 4,724,059 (1988) and the references to record therein are believed to represent the most relevant prior art to this disclosure.  
           [0006]    Chlor-alkali cells provide an electromotive force to split the ionic bond between sodium and chlorine elements of ordinary sodium chloride (table salt). Chlorine is used as a disinfectant in water, wastewater, and swimming pool applications. Chlorine is also used as an oxidant in water, wastewater, and industrial treatment processes. The sodium produced from the process combines with water to form sodium hydroxide (caustic) which is used as a disinfectant and pH control chemical in water, wastewater and swimming pool applications. Caustic is also used as a cleansing chemical agent in several processes.  
           [0007]    The chlor-alkali process in its simplest form, employs the use of an anode electrode, cathode electrode, a membrane placed between the two electrodes, and solutions called electrolytes. The process employs an electrical current within the electrolytes to generate the products of the process, mainly chlorine gas and sodium hydroxide (caustic soda). The components of the chlor-alkali process are contained within a cell. The cell in conjunction with the membrane provide isolation of the electrolytes generated at each electrode. The cell also provides isolation of the of the chlor-alkali process with the outside environment. The necessity of the cell and membrane to isolate the electrolytes is discussed extensively in the prior art. The necessity of the cell to isolate the chlor-alkali process from the environment is obvious since the products of the process are hazardous to the humans and the surrounding environment.  
           [0008]    The electrolyte at the anode is generally referred as the anolyte, and is primarily water and salt producing a saturated saltwater brine solution. The electrolyte at the cathode is generally referred as the catholyte, and is primarily a solution of sodium hydroxide, or caustic soda. The need to isolate the electrolytes with a membrane are primarily for process control and efficiency.  
           [0009]    The claims in the prior art describe apparatuses or methods utilizing numerous parts to generate chlorine from salt. Collier (U.S. Pat. No. 4,724,059), Meyers (U.S. Pat. No. 5,133,848) and Wilkins (U.S. Pat. No. 6,368,474) describe cells having two upward extending liquid holders that contain the process electrolytes. The Wilkins cell describes the use to sight tubes to view the electrolytes and a handle to facilitate the system mobility. Although these apparatuses illustrate portability, the inventions also illustrates numerous parts that utilize specialized molded or tooled components. The applicants U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,874 illustrates a simplified single wedge flanged cell system that contains electrolytes for chlorine production. Salt can be added to the cell through the anode opening and independently operated without an external brine supply system. This configuration is certainly applicable for portable and small chlorine applications; however, the cell requires anode removal to re-supply salt to the cell.  
           [0010]    A need therefore exists for a portable chlorination system that is simple to manufacture with minimal parts that can be purchased without expensive tooling. Such system will be available to the consumer at a reduced capital cost with significant savings in operation and maintenance costs when compared to other chlorination systems. A simplified chlorine generator will also allow development and use in remote third world areas that certainly need inexpensive yet reliable chlorination devices.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0011]    The present invention employs a chlor-alkali cell with one cell end connected to an anolyte compartment and the opposite cell end connected to the catholyte compartment. The cell and electrolyte compartments are constructed of typical pipe fittings of suitable material available from any hardware or plumbing supply store. The cell compartments shall allow controlled access from the exterior environment to allow the addition of salt and water for the process operation. The compartment can be of any size necessary to achieve the desired level of system portability. The power system may include a power controller consisting of a power cord, dimmer switch, and a power plug receptacle. With the power controller plugged into any 120 VAC power outlet, the operator can utilize any power supply source (i.e. battery charger) plugged into the power controller where the power supply amperage is controlled by adjusting the dimmer switch. The active power supply connected to the electrodes extending from the exterior of the electrolyte compartments generate chlorine gas that is swept from the anode compartment through a vacuum system connected to a fitting at the top of the compartment lid.  
           [0012]    The present invention eliminates the various complicated means described in the earlier patents of apparatus construction. The present invention also allows the use of any direct current power supply to generate chlorine gas.  
           [0013]    It is therefore understood that the primary objective of this invention is to provide a chlorine generator that is economical to construct and simple to install and maintain.  
           [0014]    Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are:  
           [0015]    (a) to provide a cell having no specialized frame or divider system that requires added tooling or specialized training to install and operate;  
           [0016]    (b) to provide cell compartments of sufficient size to house the salt and electrolytes;  
           [0017]    (c) to design cell compartments with readily available components;  
           [0018]    (d) to provide a power control system that allows the operator to utilize any direct current (DC) power supply on the chlorination system;  
           [0019]    (e) to design a power control system that allows the operator to adjust the chlorine production output to the desired level;  
           [0020]    Further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING  
       [0021]    For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in consideration with the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 1 is an isometric representation of the invention showing a power control system and direct current (DC) power source with electrical conduits connected to electrodes of a chlorine generator. FIG. 1 illustrates a chlorine generator completely assembled and ready for operation.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 2 is an isometric representation of the invention showing all the components of the chlorine generator. FIG. 2 illustrates the order at which the cell compartments are assembled.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the chlorine generator showing the position of interior components. 
     
    
       [0025]    Numerical representations shown within the figures outlined above are referenced by the following components:  
                                       10 cell           20 anode compartment   30 cathode compartment       21 anode flange   31 cathode flange       22 anode opening   32 cathode opening       23 anode compartment opening   33 cathode compartment opening       24 anode lid   34 cathode lid       25 anolyte container   35 catholyte container       26 anode stem opening   36 cathode stem opening       27 anode compartment connector   37 cathode compartment connector       28 anode compartment base   38 cathode compartment base       29 anolyte port   39 catholyte port       40 cell compression collar       41 exterior compressive wedge       42 interior compressive wedge       44 compression collar opening       45 compression collar flange       50 membrane       60 anode seal   61 cathode seal       62 flange groove       63 anode stem seal   65 cathode stem seal       70 anode   80 cathode       71 anode stem   81 cathode stem       72 anode face   82 cathode face       90 electrical conduit       91 power supply       92 power control       94 plug receptacle       95 dimmer switch       96 power cord       99 alternating current (AC) power         supply                  
 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0026]    The configuration of the invention can partake several forms. It is the intention of this narrative to describe in detail the invention for a chlor-alkali system that produces 0.01-1.0 kilograms (0.02-2.2 pounds) of chlorine gas per day. Illustrations of this type of system are shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and  3 .  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 1 is an isometric representation of the invention in its assembled form. As shown in FIG. 1, the invention is comprised of a cell  10  divided into an anode compartment  20  and a cathode compartment  30 . Continuity or attachment of anode compartment  20  with cathode compartment  30  is provided by a cell compression collar  40 .  
         [0028]    Cell  10  is made of a rigid, non-electrically conductive material such as fiberglass, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) plastic, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) plastic, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) plastic or other plastics that are chemically resistant to the solutions and gases contained within cell  10 . More specifically, the material of anode compartment  20  must be chemically resistant to chlorine gas, sodium chloride, sodium chloride brine, and anolyte contained in anode compartment  20 . The material of cathode compartment  30  must be chemically resistant to hydrogen gas, sodium hydroxide, and a catholyte contained in cathode compartment  30 .  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 2 best illustrates the individual features of cell  10 . As shown in FIG. 2, cell  10  may have a cylindrical or tubular shape with attached tubular fittings, but can also have a shape in the configuration of a multi-sided polygon. Anode compartment  20  has an anode opening  22  to allow placement of an anode  70  positioned within anode compartment  20 . Anode  70  has an anode stem  71  connected perpendicular to an anode face  72 . The inside dimensions of anode compartment  20  at anode opening  22  must be slightly larger than the dimensions of anode face  72 . Cathode compartment  30  has a cathode opening  32  to allow placement of a cathode  80  positioned within cathode compartment  30 . Cathode  80  has a cathode stem  81  connected perpendicular to a cathode face  82 . The inside dimensions of cathode compartment  30  at cathode opening  32  must be slightly larger than the dimensions of cathode face  82 . The junction of anode compartment  20  and cathode compartment  30  of cell  10  includes an anode flange  21  and a cathode flange  31 . As shown by FIG. 2, anode flange  21  and cathode flange  31  are circular in configuration. Size and shape of anode flange  21  and cathode flange  31  are primarily dependent on the dimensions of cell compressive collar  40 .  
         [0030]    Anode compartment  20  and cathode compartment  30  are hydraulically isolated from the outside environment by an anode seal  60  and a cathode seal  61 . Anode seal  60  and cathode seal  61  are made of flexible synthetic material of variable thickness and shape having elastic properties including butyl rubber; ethylene polypropylene rubber such as EPDM, EPT, EPR; chloroprene rubber such as Norprene®; or fluorine rubber such as Viton®. The material for anode seal  60  should be chemically resistant to the anolyte contained in anode compartment  20 , and the material for cathode seal  61  should be chemically resistant to the catholyte in cathode compartment  30 . Anode seal  60  and cathode seal  61  further having a hardness less than 90 durometer, preferably less than 70 durometer. In this particular example, cathode seal  61  consists of a 3 millimeter ({fraction (1/8)} inch) thick flat EPDM rubber sheet having the same dimensions of cathode flange  31 . Anode seal  60  consists of a 6.35 millimeter (114 inch) diameter Viton® rubber o-ring material in communication with a flange groove  62 , or depression encompassing the surface of anode flange  21 .  
         [0031]    Anode compartment  20  is in open communication with cathode compartment  30  through anode opening  22  encompassed by anode flange  21  and cathode opening  32  encompassed by cathode flange  31 . Anode compartment  20  is hydraulically isolated from cathode compartment  30  by a membrane  50 . Membrane  50  is a cation selective permionic membrane typically fabricated of a fluorocarbon resin containing active acid groups such as carboxylic acid sulfonic acid groups, derivatives of these groups, or mixture of two or more of those groups. Membrane  50  may include a PTFE reinforcement mesh to add structural rigidity. Thus membrane  50  provides electrically conductive communication between anode compartment  20  and cathode compartment  30 . The dimensions of membrane  50  encompass the area between the outside edge of anode gasket  60  and the outer edge circumference of anode flange  21 . In this particular example, membrane  50  has an approximate diameter of 13 centimeters (5 inches).  
         [0032]    A wedge or threaded configuration cell compression collar  40  uniformly compresses membrane  50  between anode seal  60  fitted within flange groove  62  on anode flange  21  and cathode seal  61  on cathode flange  31 . Cell compression collar  40  is made of a rigid material such as fiberglass, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) plastic, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) plastic, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) plastic, high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, or various types of metal including stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium. Cell compressive collar  40  encompasses anode flange  21  and cathode flange  31 .  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 2 illustrates a 5, 7.6, or 10 centimeter (2, 3, or 4 inch) diameter union pipe fitting having an exterior compression wedge  41  or thread firmly attached or contiguous with the exterior circumference of cathode flange  31 , and an interior compression wedge  42  or thread firmly attached or contiguous with the interior of cell compression collar  40 . A compression collar opening  44 , defined by the interior circumference of a compression collar flange  45  on cell compression collar  40 , must be larger in diameter than the exterior dimensions of cell  10  at the junction of anode flange  21  and smaller in diameter that the outside circumference of anode flange  21 . Cell compression collar  40  is rotative having interior compression wedge  42  in symmetrical connective communication with exterior compression wedge  41 . The interior surface of compression collar flange  45  is in symmetrical communication with the back exterior surface of anode flange  21  where the surface of compression collar flange  45  meets the back surface of anode flange  21  when interior compression wedge  42  is fully engaged within exterior compression wedge  41 .  
         [0034]    Anode flange  21  is hydraulically connected to an anolyte container  25  by an anode compartment connector  27 . Connection of anode compartment connector  27  to anode flange  21  and anolyte container  25  is by wedge communication, tapered wedge communication, glue cementing, or material fusion processes. Anolyte container  25  is connected to an anode compartment base  28  providing closed communication to the exterior environment. Connection of anolyte container  25  to anode compartment base  28  is by wedge communication, tapered wedge communication, glue cementing, or material fusion processes. Anolyte container  25  is connected to an anode lid  24  providing controlled closed communication to the exterior environment. Connection of anolyte container  25  to anode lid  24  is by tapered wedge communication or wedge communication providing access to anolyte container  25  interior. Anode lid  24  includes an anolyte port  29  providing controlled communication between the interior anode compartment  20  and other external system processes. Additional tubular or pipe fittings can be added to anolyte container  25  on either the bottom or the top, or both for increased anolyte volume or positional stability.  
         [0035]    Cathode flange  31  is hydraulically connected to a catholyte container  35  by a cathode compartment connector  37 . Connection of cathode compartment connector  37  to cathode flange  31  and catholyte container  35  is by wedge communication, tapered wedge communication, glue cementing, or material fusion processes. Catholyte container  35  is connected to a cathode compartment base  38  providing closed communication to the exterior environment. Connection of catholyte container  35  to cathode compartment base  38  is by wedge communication, tapered wedge communication, glue cementing, or material fusion processes. Catholyte container  35  is connected to a cathode lid  34  providing controlled closed communication to the exterior environment. Connection of catholyte container  35  to cathode lid  34  is by tapered wedge communication or wedge communication providing access to catholyte container  35  interior. Cathode lid  34  includes a catholyte port  39  providing controlled communication between the interior cathode compartment  30  and other external system processes. Additional tubular or pipe fittings can be added to catholyte container  35  on either the bottom or the top, or both for increased catholyte volume or positional stability.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 3 illustrates anode  70  positioned within anode compartment  20  through anode opening  22  defined by the interior dimension of anode flange  21 . Anode  70  is made of an electrically conductive material that is chemically resistant to the chlorine gas and anolyte in anode compartment  20 . Such material includes graphite carbon, or titanium, zirconium, niobium, tungsten or tantalum having a coating of an electrically conductive electrocatalytically material of platinum rhodium, iridium, ruthenium, osmium or palladium, and/or oxide of one or more of these metals. One common example is a platinum coated titanium anode with a solid or mesh form. Cell compression collar  40  consisting of a 7.6 centimeter (3 inch) diameter CPVC union pipe fitting, anode compartment  20  consisting of a 7.6 centimeter (3 inch) diameter schedule  80  CPVC pipe, requires a 7 centimeter (2.75 inch) diameter anode face  72  which produces from 0.01-1.0 kilograms (0.02-2.2 pounds) of chlorine gas per cell per day. Anode  70  further having anode stem  71  of same material that is rigidly attached or welded to anode  70  and extending horizontally out of anode compartment  20  through an anode stem opening  26  at the outward side of anode compartment  20  opposite of anode opening  22 . Anode stem  71  may be a threaded stem 6.35 millimeter ({fraction (1/4)} inch) in diameter and 23-24 centimeters (9 inches) long, welded perpendicular at right angles to the center inside face of anode face  72 .  
         [0037]    Anode stem opening  26  is environmentally sealed by an anode stem seal  63  between anode stem  71  and anode compartment  20  at anode stem opening  26 . Anode stem seal  63  is made of flexible synthetic material of variable thickness and shape having elastic properties including butyl rubber; ethylene polypropylene rubber such as EPDM, EPT, EPR; chloroprene rubber such as Norprene®; or fluorine rubber such as Viton®. More specifically, the material for anode stem seal  63  should be chemically resistant to the chlorine gas and anolyte contained in anode compartment  20 , and have a hardness less than 90 durometer, preferably less than 70 durometer. In this particular example, anode stem seal  63  is a tubular material encompassing anode stem  71 . Anode stem seal  63  having a hollow interior diameter similar to, or slightly smaller than anode stem  71  diameter. Anode stem seal  63  exterior diameter is slightly larger than anode stem opening  26  diameter.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 3 further illustrates cathode  80  positioned within cathode compartment  30  through cathode opening  32  defined by the interior dimension of cathode flange  31 . Cathode  80  is made of an electrically conductive material that is chemically resistant to the hydrogen gas and catholyte in cathode compartment  30 . Such material includes titanium, iron or steel, or of other suitable metal such as nickel. The size of cathode  80  must be slightly smaller that the dimensions of cathode opening  32 , and preferably the same size of anode  70 . Cathode  80  further having a cathode stem  81  of same material that is rigidly attached or welded to cathode face  82  and extending horizontally out of cathode compartment  30  through a cathode stem opening  36  at the end of cathode compartment  30  opposite of cathode opening  32 . Cathode stem  81  may be a threaded stem 9-10 millimeter ({fraction (3/8)} inch) in diameter and 23-24 centimeters (9 inches) long, welded perpendicular at right angles to the center inside face of cathode face  82 .  
         [0039]    Cathode stem opening  36  is environmentally sealed by compression of a cathode stem seal  65  between cathode stem  81  and cathode compartment  30  at cathode stem opening  36 . Cathode stem seal  65  is made of flexible synthetic material of variable thickness and shape having elastic properties including butyl rubber; ethylene polypropylene rubber such as EPDM, EPT, EPR; or chloroprene rubber such as Norprene®. More specifically, the material for cathode stem seal  65  should be chemically resistant to the hydrogen gas and catholyte contained in cathode compartment  30 , and having a hardness of less than 90 durometer, preferably less than 70 durometer. In this particular example, cathode stem seal  65  is a tubular material encompassing cathode stem  81 . Cathode stem seal  65  having a hollow interior diameter similar to, or slightly smaller than cathode stem  81  diameter. Cathode stem seal  65  exterior diameter is slightly larger than cathode stem opening  36  diameter.  
         [0040]    As shown in FIG. 1, anode stem  71  and cathode stem  81  portions that exit cell  10  exterior are independently connected by an electrical conduit  90  to the output of a power supply  91 . Electrical conduit  90  is a copper wire or cable of sufficient size to transmit the direct current amperage loading from power supply  91  to cell  10 . In this particular example, electrical conduit  90  is a # 10 AWG size stranded copper wire capable of transmitting  15 - 30  direct current amperes from power supply  91  to cell  10 .  
         [0041]    Power supply  91  may be electrically connected to a power control  92  having a plug receptacle  94 , a dimmer switch  95  and a power cord  96 . Power cord  96  is electrically connected in series to dimmer switch  95  further connected in series to plug receptacle  94 . Power cord  96  is electrically connected to an alternating current power supply  99 . In this particular example, alternating current power supply  99  is a 120 volt alternating current (VAC) electrical energy source. Power cord  96  is a three wire # 16 AWG size stranded copper wire capable of transmitting  10  alternating current amperes from alternating current power supply  99  to power control  92 . Dimmer switch  95  is an SCR switch or variable solid state voltage regulator switch rated at 300 watts or more. Plug receptacle  94  is a three prong receptacle capable of receiving a typical 120 VAC power cord plug and capable of transmitting 15 amperes of alternating current.  
         [0042]    Operation of Invention  
         [0043]    It should be understood that FIG. 2 depicts cell  10  in the pre-assembly mode. The illustration of the pre-assembly mode depicts the various elements of cell  10  prior to assembly of cell  10 . It should be further understood that FIGS. 1 and 3 depict cell  10  in the assembled mode. The illustration of the assembled mode depicts the configuration of cell  10  ready for operation.  
         [0044]    To establish an operable cell  10  as shown in FIG. 1, the components of cell  10  must be assembled as illustrated in FIG. 2. To assemble anode compartment  20 , anode stem seal  63  is positioned within anode stem opening  26  of anode compartment  20 . Anode  70  is then placed within anode compartment  20  through anode opening  22 . Anode stem  71  is inserted through the hollow tubular opening of anode stem seal  63  providing a compressive seal between anode stem  71  and anode compartment  20  compresses at anode stem opening  26 . Anode  70  is positioned directly behind anode opening  22  with anode stem  71  extending horizontally outward through anode stem opening  26 .  
         [0045]    The assembly of cathode compartment  30  follows the same procedures as described in the assembly of anode compartment  20 . Nonetheless, cathode stem seal  65  is positioned within cathode stem opening  36  of cathode compartment  30 . Cathode  80  is then placed within cathode compartment  30  through cathode opening  32 . Cathode stem  81  is inserted through the hollow tubular opening of cathode stem seal  65  providing a compressive seal between cathode stem  81  and cathode compartment  30  compresses at cathode stem opening  36 . Cathode  80  is positioned directly behind cathode opening  32  with cathode stem  81  extending horizontally outward through cathode stem opening  36 .  
         [0046]    Following installation of anode  70  in anode compartment  20  and cathode  80  in cathode compartment  30 , membrane  50  is positioned between anode seal  60  on anode flange  21  and cathode seal  61  on cathode flange  31 , providing electrically conductive communication between anode opening  22  and cathode opening  32 . With cell  10  remaining fixed in position, cell compression collar  40  having interior compression wedge  42  is rotated onto exterior compression wedge  41  which is rigidly attached or contiguous with the exterior circumference of cathode flange  31 . Interior compression wedge  42  being in connective communication with exterior compression wedge  41  allows compression collar flange  45  to uniformly seat or meet with the exterior back surface of anode flange  21 . When the interior surface of compression collar  45  meets the exterior back surface of anode flange  21 , the wedging or squeezing developed by the added torque or rotational force applied to cell compression collar  40  between interior compressive wedge  42  and exterior compressive wedge  41  redistributes the torque or rotational force to a compression force between anode flange  21  and cathode flange  31 . The compressive force is applied symmetrically along anode seal  60  and cathode seal  61 , thus sealing the interior of cell  10  from the outside environment. Frictional properties between the surface of interior compressive wedge  42  and the surface of exterior compressive wedge  41  of cell compression collar  40  maintains symmetrical compression of anode seal  60  on anode flange  21  and cathode seal  61  on cathode flange  31  when the torque or rotational force is removed.  
         [0047]    Salt and water added to anode compartment  20  provide the means for anolyte solution. Water or sodium hydroxide added to cathode compartment  30  provide means for catholyte solution. Electrical conduit  90  is then connected to the environmentally exposed portion of anode stem  71  and cathode stem  81 . Cell  10  is further connected to any other necessary appurtenances including direct current power supply  91  and perhaps power control  92  to allow proper operation of the chlor-alkali process. Chlorine gas generated from anolyte compartment  20  exits through anolyte port  29  to the desired chlorine application. Hydrogen gas generated from the catholyte compartment  30  exits through catholyte port  39  to the atmosphere.  
         [0048]    Routine maintenance of cell  10  requires the addition of salt and water to the anode compartment  20 , addition of dilution water to cathode compartment  30 , and removal of membrane  50  for cleaning, treatment, or replacement. Removal of membrane  50  is accomplished by applying a torque or rotational force to cell compression collar  40  in the opposite direction stipulated in the assembly mode. The amount of torque or rotational force required to release cell  10  from cell compression collar  40  must exceed the static frictional force existing between the surface of interior compressive wedge  42  and the surface of exterior compressive wedge  41  of cell compression collar  40 . Addition of salt and water to anode compartment  20  is accomplished by removal of anode lid  24  to access the interior of anode compartment  20 . Anode lid  24  can be a clear plastic or glass material to allow for visual observation of anode compartment  20  interior. A hydrometer used for testing batteries can be used to measure the density of sodium hydroxide in cathode compartment  30 . Dilution water is manually added to cathode compartment  30  when the excessive upper density limit is exceeded. The excess sodium hydroxide removed from cathode compartment  30  is disposed down a drain, kept for future cell operation, or used and needed in other treatment processes.  
       CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE OF INVENTION  
       [0049]    As with the prior art, the novel apparatus depicted above provides a simple means to install a membrane that hydraulically isolates the anode compartment from the cathode compartment of a typical chlor-alkali cell. In addition, this invention is simple and economical to assemble from readily available components found in many areas of the world. Furthermore, the apparatus allows the addition of salt and water to the cell without removal of the electrodes. Certainly, the size of the system promotes portability without the need for a handle; however additional tubing or piping can be added to increase the cell size as desired. Lastly, the power control allows the operator us adjust any power supply to the optimum level of energy providing a range of chlorine needs with one single cell.  
         [0050]    It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained and since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departure from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.  
         [0051]    It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between.