Patent Publication Number: US-2002005362-A1

Title: Spiral feed and discharge manifold for electrolytic cells

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
     [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/096,182 filed Aug. 11, 1998. 
    
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] 1. Field of Invention  
       [0003] The present invention relates to apparatus for the feed and discharge of brine, caustic or other liquid and gas to and from an electrolytic cell. The apparatus design allows for minimal loss of electrical current during the electrolytic process and reduces or eliminates the loss of metal or gases produced from structures adjoining the electrolytic cell.  
       [0004] 
       [0005] 2. Description of the Related Art  
       [0006] Electrolytic cells are generally placed in commercial use for the production of chlorine, chlorates, chlorites, hydrochloric acid, hydrogen and other related chemicals, such as caustic solutions. Over the years, electrolytic membrane cells have undergone continuous development, e.g., improved operating efficiencies and improved lifetimes for cell components. This is often accomplished by continual design improvements.  
       [0007] Generally, such electrolytic cells will contain an external manifold. This manifold is provided with long feed and discharge tubes to reduce the amount of current leakage. For example, there has been shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,763 external manifolds which are positioned on opposite ends of an anode or cathode pan. Flexible external tubing with screwed or flanged connections provide a path of travel for liquids and gas.  
       [0008] It would, nevertheless, be desirable to provide a manifold structure for a bipolar electrolyzer without the necessity for external feed and discharge tubes. It would also be desirable to provide a manifold structure capable of reducing or eliminating the loss of gas from adjoining structures.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009] There has now been developed a spiral feed and discharge manifold for bipolar electrolytic cells which is capable of minimizing the amount of electrical current lost in the electrolysis process and reducing or eliminating the loss of gas from adjoining structures. Additionally, the manifold minimizes the effects of reverse currents produced during electrolyzer shutdowns or power outages and reduces internal pressure fluctuations of the cell. The manifold can also be assembled together with a special pan manifold, and this manifold may utilize innovative retaining means, all of which are disclosed herein. Moreover, the invention provides readily available means that may be used for distinguishing between anolyte and catholyte manifolds.  
       [0010] In one aspect, the invention is directed to a spiral manifold assembly for a bipolar electrolyzer comprising:  
       [0011] a first outer assembly member having inner and outer ring members positioned at least substantially concentric one to the other and providing a central aperture within the inner ring member, a circumferential band member extending between and connecting to the ring members and having a front, at least substantially flat circumferential surface, a back circumferential surface having a recessed circumferential channel therein, a radial barrier member across the channel and a channel aperture adjacent the barrier member that penetrates through the band member;  
       [0012] a second outer assembly member spaced apart from the first outer assembly member and having inner and outer ring members positioned at least substantially concentric one to the other and providing a central aperture within the inner ring member, a circumferential band member extending between and connecting to the ring members and having a front, at least substantially flat circumferential surface, a back circumferential surface which has a recessed circumferential channel therein, a radial barrier member across the channel and an inwardly extending channel passageway adjacent the barrier member, which passageway extends from the recessed channel inwardly to the central aperture that is within the inner ring member; and  
       [0013] a center assembly member, between the first and second outer assembly members, and comprising inner and outer ring members positioned at least substantially concentric one to the other and providing a central aperture within the inner ring member, a circumferential band member extending between and connecting to the ring members and having front and back circumferential surfaces, with each surface having a recessed circumferential channel therein, with a radial barrier member across each channel, with one recessed channel having an aperture through the band member and adjacent a barrier member, and one recessed channel having, adjacent a barrier member an inwardly extending channel passageway extending from the recessed channel inwardly to the central aperture that is within the inner ring member, the center assembly member being in releasible interengagement with the first and second outer assembly members.  
       [0014] In another aspect, the invention is directed to a pan manifold for an electrolytic cell, the pan and manifold assembly having front and back major faces with the front major face being substantially flat and having a flange extending along a perimeter of the front major face, an at least substantially circular top portion, an elongate bottom portion, and a central circular aperture extending through the front and back major faces at the top of the manifold, wherein the top portion terminates at a segment of its perimeter into an elongate bottom projecting from the top and providing parallel sides, which sides extend to form rounded corners.  
       [0015] In a still further aspect, the invention is directed to a bipolar electrolyzer assembly including a feed manifold and a discharge manifold, the improvement in the assembly comprising:  
       [0016] an anolyte discharge manifold of a first color; and  
       [0017] a catholyte discharge manifold of a second color.  
       [0018] In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to a circular assembly member adapted for use in a spiral manifold assembly the assembly member having inner and outer, at least substantially concentric, ring members that provide a central aperture at the center of the inner ring member, and a connecting circumferential band member connecting the ring members, the circumferential band member having a front, at least substantially flat circumferential surface and a back circumferential surface, which back surface has a recessed, circular channel therein, plus a radial barrier member across the channel and a channel aperture adjacent the barrier member, which barrier member extends between, and connects to, the inner and outer ring members, and which channel aperture penetrates through the ring member.  
       [0019] In another aspect, the invention is directed to a circular assembly member adapted for use in a spiral manifold assembly, the assembly member having inner and outer, at least substantially concentric ring members that provide a central aperture at the center of the inner ring member, and a connecting circumferential band member connecting the ring members, the circumferential band member having a front, at least substantially flat circumferential surface and a back circumferential surface, which back surface has a recessed, circular channel therein plus a radial barrier member across said channel and a channel passageway adjacent the barrier member, which barrier member extends between and connects to the inner and outer ring members, and which passageway extends from the circular channel to the central aperture within the inner ring member.  
       [0020] In still a further aspect, the invention is directed to a circular, center assembly member adapted for use in a spiral manifold assembly, between first and second outer assembly members which center assembly member comprises inner and outer ring members positioned at least substantially concentric one to the other, with the inner ring member having a central aperture therethrough, a connecting circumferential band member connecting said ring members, and having front and back circumferential surfaces, with each surface having a recessed channel therein, with a radial barrier member across each channel, one barrier member having an adjacent aperture through the circumferential band member, and one barrier member having an adjacent passageway extending from the circular channel to the central aperture within the inner ring member, the center assembly member being adapted for releasable interengagement with the first and second outer assembly members.  
       [0021] Finally, the invention is directed to a bipolar electrolyzer assembly comprising:  
       [0022] a cathode assembly comprising a cathode, a spiral caustic feed manifold and a spiral catholyte discharge manifold;  
       [0023] an anode assembly comprising an anode, a spiral brine feed manifold and a spiral anolyte discharge manifold; and  
       [0024] a separator between the cathode and the anode.  
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0025]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a spiral discharge manifold assembly comprising a first outer assembly member, shown from its outer face, a center assembly member, and second outer assembly member, shown from its inner face.  
     [0026]FIG. 2 is a plan view of the interior face of the first outer assembly member of FIG. 1.  
     [0027]FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the discharge manifold assembly of FIG. 1.  
     [0028]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a spiral feed manifold assembly having channel baffling, while comprising a first outer assembly member, center assembly member and a second outer assembly member.  
     [0029]FIG. 5 is a plan view of the interior face of the first outer assembly member of FIG. 4.  
     [0030]FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the spiral feed manifold assembly of FIG. 4.  
     [0031]FIG. 7 is a plan view of a pan manifold of the invention.  
     [0032]FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a portion only of an electrode assembly, comprising a spiral manifold assembly and the pan manifold of FIG. 7.  
     [0033]FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a bipolar electrolyzer assembly having invention spiral manifolds and pan manifolds.  
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
     [0034] Electrolytic cells employing the present invention can typically be useful the electrolysis of a dissolved species contained in a bath, such as in electrolyzers employed in a chlor-alkali cell to produce chlorine and caustic soda or potassium hydroxide, or in an electrolysis process producing chlorate. Additionally, it is contemplated that the present invention may find use in electrolytic cells for the production of sulfuric acid, for salt splitting to regenerate acid and base values, or for electrolytic destruction of organic pollutants or water electrolysis or electroregeneration of catalytic intermediates or electrolysis of sodium carbonate or electro-organic synthesis.  
     [0035] For the materials of construction for the spiral manifold assembly, they will typically be electrically nonconductive, e.g., formed from a material such as a polymeric material. Suitable polymeric materials can include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE), ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene polymer (ECTFE), e.g., Halar (trademark), polyethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), e.g., Kynar (trademark), polyvinylchloride (PVC) or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC). The material of the assembly, when serving as an anolyte discharge assembly, will preferably be PTFE or ECTFE. Also suitable for use for the anolyte discharge assembly is perfluoroalkoxy-resin (PFA). The material of the assembly, when serving as a cathode discharge assembly, will most always be CPVC. Other suitable materials may be acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS), ethylene-tetra flouroethylene (ETFE), e.g., Tefzel (trademark), and flourinated ethylene-propylene resin (FEP), and dicyclopentadiende (DCPD).  
     [0036] These materials for the anolyte and catholyte discharge assemblies also provide the advantage of having distinguishing colors. In this manner, it is possible to differentiate between an anolyte discharge assembly and a catholyte discharge assembly where the anolyte discharge assembly is of a first color and the catholyte discharge assembly is of a second color. Where PTFE, ECTFE or PFA are utilized for an anolyte discharge assembly, the material will most always be white or a shade of white, including cream, tan or ivory. Where CPVC or other suitable materials are utilized for the catholyte discharge assembly, the materials will generally be gray or a shade of gray, such as charcoal gray, e.g., as determined by the amount of pigmenting with carbon black.  
     [0037] A polymeric material may also be suitable for the retainer and retainer clips that are utilized in the present invention, which articles will be more particularly discussed hereinbelow. Suitable polymeric materials for these articles may include polypropylene or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Additionally, it is contemplated that the retainer and retainer clips may be metallic. Suitable metals may include nickel or titanium.  
     [0038] The pan manifold of the present invention may be metallic, and useful metals include nickel and steel, as well as valve metals. The pan manifold, as a manifold for an anode assembly, will most always be a valve metal, including titanium, tantalum, zirconium and niobium. In particular interest for its ruggedness, corrosion resistance and availability is titanium. As well as the normally available elemental metals themselves, the suitable metals of the anode pan manifold can include metal alloys and intermetallic mixtures. For example, titanium may be alloyed with nickel, cobalt, iron, manganese or copper. Where the pan manifold is to be utilized in a cathode assembly, a metal such as nickel or steel, including stainless steel, is most desirable.  
     [0039] Gasket members can be any resilient material typically useful for such service. These gasket materials can include polypropylene-polymerized with EPDM, e.g., Santoprene (trademark), neoprene, or the terpolymer from ethylenepropylene diene monomer (EPDM).  
     [0040] Referring then, to an embodiment of the present invention, as in FIG. 1, there is shown a spiral discharge manifold assembly  1 . The assembly  1  consists of a first outer assembly member  2 , a center assembly member  4  and a second outer assembly member  3 . The first outer assembly member  2  includes inner  5  and outer  6  (FIG. 2) ring members which are in an at least substantially concentric configuration. The outer ring member  6  has an outer circumferential surface  6 A. Extending between, and connected to, the inner  5  and outer  6  ring members is a circumferential member  14 , sometimes referred to herein as a circumferential band member  14 . It has front  10  and back (not shown) surfaces. The front surface  10  of the circumferential member  14  is an at least substantially flat surface, with there being a channel aperture  7  extending through the band member  14 . At the center of the inner ring member  5  is a central aperture  8 .  
     [0041] The second outer assembly member  3 , then, comprises inner  16  and outer  17  ring members, with there being a central aperture  19  at the center of the inner ring member  16 . The outer circumferential surface  17 A of the outer ring member  17  is a beveled surface which conforms to engage with a canted surface (not shown) of the center assembly member  4 . Disposed between and connecting with the inner  16  and outer  17  ring members is a circumferential band member  20 . The circumferential member  20  has a front, flat surface (not shown) and a back surface  22 . The front surface of the circumferential member  20 , together with the inner  16  and outer  17  ring members form an essentially flat, common surface in the manner of the front surface  10  of the first outer assembly member  2 . The back surface  22  of the circumferential member  20  is recessed from the inner  16  and outer  17  ring members. This recessing forms a circular channel  21  which contains a radial barrier member  23 . Extending beyond the top surface of the radial barrier member  23  is a projecting member  24 . This projecting member  24  interconnects with betweem and with ridges  26 ,  27  located along the back circumferential edges of the inner  16  and outer  17  ring members, respectively. Adjacent to the radial barrier member  23  is a channel passageway  25  which extends from the recessed circular channel  21  to the central aperture  19 .  
     [0042] Between the first  2  and second  3  outer assembly members is a center assembly member  4 . The center assembly member  4  has inner  28  and outer  29  ring members with a central aperture  30  through the center of the inner ring member  28 . Along the circumference of the outer ring member  29  is a groove  38  positioned between first  38 A and second  38 B rims. This groove serves for the placement of a sealing means (not shown). Extending below the second rim  38 B is a canted surface  39 . This surface  39  conforms with the beveled outer surface  6 A and of the first outer assembly member  2  respectively, thereby providing, on engagement, a snug fit, which can be a releasible inter engagement, between the outer assembly member  2 , and center assembly member  4 . The canted surface  17 A performs a similar function for the second outer assembly member  3 .  
     [0043] Between the inner  28  and outer  29  ring members, then, is a circumferential band member  31 . The circumferential band member  31  has front  32  and back (not shown) circumferential surfaces. Each surface  32  of the circumferential ring member  31  encompasses a recessed channel  33  and an outer groove  40  in a circular arrangement. On each surface  32  and positioned radially in the recessed channel  33  between the inner  28  and outer  29  ring members of the center assembly member  4  is at least one radial barrier  34 , with an adjacent channel aperture  36 . Extending across the length of the barrier  34  is a radial groove  35 . This radial groove  35  interconnects with a projecting member  13  (FIG. 2), of the first  2  outer assembly member. Additionally, located along the circumference of the inner ring member is an inner groove  41 . This groove  41 , then, together with the outer groove  40  of the circumferential member  31 , interconnects with ridges  14 ,  15  (FIG. 2) at the back circumferential edges of the inner  5  and outer  6  ring members of the first assembly member  2 , thereby providing a snug fit releasible interengagement between these assembly members  2 ,  4 . On the back surface (not shown) of the center assembly member  4  is a channel passageway  37  which extends through the inner ring member  28 .  
     [0044] In FIG. 2, there is then illustrated the back surface  18  of the first outer assembly member  2  of a discharge assembly  1  of the present invention. The back surface  18  of the first outer assembly member  2  comprises a recessed, circular channel  12 . Across the width of the back surface  18  and extending between the inner  5  and outer  6  ring members is a radial barrier member  9 . At the top of the radial barrier member  9  is a projecting member  13  jutting out from the barrier member  9 . This projecting member  13  extends along the length of the barrier  9 . Adjacent to the barrier member  9  is the channel aperture  7 . Along the circumferential edges of the inner ring member  5  and the outer ring member  6  are ridges  14 ,  15  which project upwardly from the inner  5  and outer  6  ring members. These ridges  14 ,  15  of the inner  5  and outer  6  ring members, respectively, are positioned such that the ridges  14 ,  15  interconnect with the projection  13  of the radial barrier member  9 . At the center of the inner ring member  5  is a central aperture  8 .  
     [0045] Then, in FIG. 3, in cross section, there is depicted the spiral manifold assembly  1  of FIG. 1. Placement of the first outer assembly member  2 , second outer assembly member  3  and center assembly member  4  in a sandwich-type arrangement thereby provides a first void  12 A, formed from the recessed channel  12  of the first outer assembly member  2 , together with the recessed channel  33  (FIG. 1) on the front surface  32  of the center assembly member  4 . In the same manner, a second void  21 A, is formed from the recessed channel  21  of the second outer assembly member  3  together with the recessed channel on the back surface (not shown) of the center assembly  4 . The channel aperture  7  of the first outer assembly member  2 , then, interconnects with the void  12 A. Projecting from the second void  21 A is the channel passageway  37  of the second outer assembly member  3 . On the front (FIG. 1) of the center assembly member  4  is the groove  38  for a sealing means positioned between first and second rims  38 A,  38 B. Likewise, on the back surface of the center assembly member  4  is an identical groove  46  positioned between first and second rims  46 A,  46 B, also for a sealing means. Extending part way into the center assembly member  4  is a fastening means  45  comprising a fastener  45 A and a retainer clip  45 B. This fastening means  45  will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 8.  
     [0046] Referring then to FIG. 4, there is shown a representative spiral feed manifold assembly  50 . The assembly  50  essentially comprises components identical to the discharge assembly  1  of FIG. 1, i.e., a first outer assembly member  51 , a second outer assembly member  52 , and a center assembly member  53 . The first outer assembly member  51  includes inner  54  and outer  55  ring members with a central aperture  56  at the center of the inner ring member  54 . The outer surface  55 A of the outer ring member  55  is a beveled surface  55 A which conforms with the canted surface  94  of the center assembly member  53 . Between the inner  54  and outer  55  ring members is a circumferential member  57 . This circumferential member  57  has front  58  and back (not shown) surfaces. Along the front surface  58  is a channel aperture  59  which extends through the front  58  and back surfaces of the circumferential member  57 .  
     [0047] The second outer assembly member  52  is essentially identical to the second outer discharge assembly member  3  of FIG. 1, comprising inner  60  and outer  61  ring members and a central aperture  62  at the center of the inner ring member  60 . Between the inner  60  and outer  61  ring members is a circumferential member  63 . The circumferential member  63  has a front, essentially flat surface (not shown) and a back surface  64 . Along the back surface  64  is a recessed, circular channel  65 . Extending across the circumferential member  63  and positioned within the recessed channel  65  is a radial barrier member  66 , with an adjacent channel passageway  70  which extends from the recessed circular channel  65  to the central aperture  62 . Extending upwardly along the surface of the radial barrier member  66  is a projecting member  67 . This projecting member  67  interconnects with ridges  68 ,  69  located along each circumferential edge of the inner  60  and outer  56  ring members, respectively. Also located within the recessed channel  65  is at least one baffles  71  are disposed at least substantially vertically, i.e., in a direction facing the center assembly member  53 , within the recessed channel  65 . While the second outer assembly member  52  of FIG. 4 is depicted as having two baffles  71 , it is contemplated that such baffles may be established so as to provide a plurality of baffles, e.g., on the order of from  1  to  3  or more. These baffles  71  provide an increased distance for the circumferential flow of electrolyte within the assembly member  52 , thereby reducing the electrical current leakage.  
     [0048] Disposed between the first outer assembly member  51  and the second outer assembly member  52  is a center assembly member  53 . The center assembly member  53  has inner  72  and outer  73  ring members, and a central aperture  74  extending through the inner  72  ring member. Along the circumference of the outer ring member  73  is a groove  82  positioned between first  82 A and second  82 B rims. This groove serves for placement of a sealing means (not shown). Extending from the second rim  82 B is a canted surface  94  which conforms with the beveled surface  55 A of the first outer assembly member  51 .  
     [0049] Positioned between the inner  72  and outer  73  ring members is a circumferential band member  75  having front  76  and back (not shown) circumferential surfaces. Each surface  76  encompasses a recessed channel  77  and an outer groove  95  in a circular arrangement. Within each recessed channel  77  is at least one recess baffle means  78 . These recess baffles  78  are positioned centrally in the recessed channel  77  of the center assembly member  53 . The recess baffle means  78  extend inwardly in order for the recess baffle  78  to engage baffles  71  and create a permanent seal.  
     [0050] On the surface of the band member  75  and positioned radially in the recessed channel  77  between the inner  72  and outer  73  ring members of the center assembly member  53  is at least one radial barrier member  79 , with an adjacent channel aperture  99 . Extending across the length of the barrier member  79  is a radial groove  80 . This radial groove  80  interconnects with the barrier projecting member  86  (FIG. 5). The inner groove  81  positioned around the circumferential edge of the inner  72  ring member, interconnect with the inner ridge  88  (FIG. 5) while the outer groove  95  just inside the outer ring member  73  interconnects with the outer ridge  89  (FIG. 5). By these grooves  80 ,  81 ,  95  engagement with the ridges  86 ,  88 ,  89  (FIG. 5) of the first outer assembly member  51  there is provided a releasible interengagement between the first and center assembly members  51 ,  53 . On the back surface (not shown) of the center assembly member  53  is a channel passageway  83  which extends through the inner ring member  72 .  
     [0051] In preparing the spiral manifold assembly  50  of FIG. 4, both the front surface  76  and the back surface (not shown) of the center assembly member  53  are provided with recess baffle means  78  in equal quantities. By this it is meant that the number of recess baffle means  78  on the front surface  76  of the center assembly member  53  will be the same as the number of recess baffle means  78  on the back surface (not shown) of the center assembly member  53 .  
     [0052] Alternatively, it is within the scope of the present invention that the number of recess baffle means on the front  76  face of the center assembly member  53  may be different from such means on the back face thereof. For example, where there may be two recess baffle means  78  on the front surface  78 , there may more than two on the back surface. Additionally, a surface such as a front surface  78  may have recess baffle means  78 , while another surface such as the back surface has no recess baffle means  78 .  
     [0053] In FIG. 5 is shown the back surface  87  of the first outer assembly member  51  of FIG. 4. The back surface  87  of the first outer assembly member  51  comprises a recessed, circular channel  84 . Across the back surface  87  of the circumferential band member  57  (FIG. 4) and extending between the inner  54  and outer  55  ring members is a radial barrier member  85 . On the top of the radial barrier  85  and extending along the barrier&#39;s  85  length is a projecting member  86  jutting out from the barrier member  85 . Adjacent to the barrier member  85  is the channel aperture  59 . Along the circumference of the inner ring member  54  and the outer  55  ring members are ridges  88 ,  89  which project upwardly, i.e., toward the center assembly member  53 , from the inner  54  and outer  55  ring members. These ridges  88 ,  89  of the inner  54  and outer  55  ring members, respectively, are positioned such that the ridges  88 ,  89  interconnect with the projecting member  86  of the radial barrier  85 . Disposed within the recessed channel  84  of the first outer assembly member  51  in an at least substantially upwardly projecting manner are circumferential baffles  90 . At the center of the inner ring member  54  is a central aperture  56 .  
     [0054] Then, in FIG. 6, in cross section, there is depicted the spiral manifold assembly  50  of FIG. 4. Placement of the first outer assembly member  51 , second outer assembly member  52  and center assembly member  53  is in a sandwich-type arrangement. This creates a first void  84   a  formed from the recessed channel  84  of the first outer assembly member  51 , together with the recessed channel  77 . The recess baffle means  78  (FIG. 4) on the front surface  76  of the center assembly member  53  divides this first void  84 A into first void channels  84 B. The channel aperture  59  of the first outer assembly member  51 , then, interconnects with the first void  84 A. In the same manner, a second void  65 A, is formed from the circular channel  65  of the second outer assembly member  52  together with the recessed channel on the back surface (not shown) of the center assembly  53 . The second void  84 A is divided into second void channels  65 B by the recess baffle means  71 . Projecting from the second void  65 A is the channel passageway  83  of the second outer assembly member  52 . On the front surface  76  (FIG. 4) of the center assembly member  53  is the groove  82  positioned between first and second rims  82 A,  82 B for a sealing means. Likewise, on the back surface (not shown) of the center assembly member  53  is an identical groove  82 ′ for a secondary sealing means positioned between first and second rims  82 A′ and  82 B′. Extending part way into the center assembly member  53  is a fastening means  91  comprising a fastening means  91 A, e.g., a bolt or a screw fastener, and a retainer clip  91 B.  
     [0055] The first outer assembly member  2 , center assembly member  4  and second outer assembly member  3  can then be assembled together. It is contemplated that the members  2 ,  3 ,  4  may be glued or welded. For example, where the assembly members  2 ,  3 , 4  are constructed of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), the members  2 ,  3 ,  4  may be assembled as with a CPVC glue. It is further contemplated that the members  2 ,  3 ,  4 , may be held in a releasable interengagement as by mechanical fastening means, e.g., a bolt or screw fastener, and a retainer clip. Additionally, it is contemplated that the members  2 ,  3 ,  4  may be sealed together, as with a silicon compound.  
     [0056] In FIG. 7 there is provided a representative pan manifold  100  to be used with a manifold assembly  1 . This pan manifold  100  has a major front face  101  as well as a major back face (not shown) and top  102  and bottom  103  portions. The top portion  102  is an essentially circular portion, with the bottom portion  103  having elongate sides  104 A,  104 B and extending from the top portion  102  at a segment of the top portion&#39;s  102  perimeter. The elongate sides  104 A,  104 B extend to form rounded corners  105 A,  105 B which converge to form a flat base  106 . The major front face  101  is essentially flat, with a flange  107  extending along the perimeter of the front face  101 . The top portion  102  has an enlarged central aperture  108  which extends through the pan manifold  100 . Means for securing the spiral manifold assembly  1  to the pan manifold  100  includes retainers  109 A,  109 B,  109 C. The retainers  109 A,  109 B,  109 C are disposed equidistantly along the flange  107  of the top portion  102  of the pan manifold  100  and project upward from the flange  107 . It will be understood that terms such as “top” and “bottom” are words of convenience used in describing the position of the manifold  100  as depicted in FIG. 7, but should not be construed as limiting the invention.  
     [0057] In FIG. 8 there is presented an assembly  110  for use with a brine or caustic feed or anolyte or catholyte discharge manifold assembly. The assembly  110  comprises, generally, a spiral manifold  111  equipped with a retainer clip  112 . Pressed against the front surface  113  of the spiral manifold assembly  111  may be a seal ring means. The seal ring means may comprise, as shown in FIG. 8, a circumferential gasket member  114 . Where the assembly  110  is to be used in a spiral manifold for anolyte, a seal ring liner  115  may be necessary to prevent erosion of the gasket member  114 . The seal ring liner  115  will most often be comprised of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene chlorotrifluoro-ethylene polymer (ECTFE), or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).  
     [0058] Pressed against, on a side opposite the spiral manifold  111 , the seal ring gasket  114  is the pan manifold  100 , which is connected to an electrode pan  116 . Disposed equidistantly along the flange of the top portion  112  (FIG. 7) of the pan manifold  100 , then, are retainers  109 A,  109 B,  109 C. Upon connection of the assembly  110 , a retainer clip  112  in corresponding position on the spiral manifold assembly  111  will snap into the retainer  109 , thereby gripping the assembly  110  together.  
     [0059] Referring, then, to FIG. 9, an electrolyzer cell assembly of particular interest as well as being representative of one aspect of the present invention comprises a bipolar cell assembly  120 . Each bipolar cell assembly  120  has a cathode assembly  121  and an anode assembly  122 . The cathode assembly  121  includes a spiral catholyte feed assembly  123  that is connected to a cathode pan  124 .  
     [0060] This cathode pan  124 , then, is connected at its opposite end to a spiral catholyte discharge assembly  125 . Positioned adjacent to the catholyte pan  124  is a cathode pan gasket  126 . The cathode pan gasket  126  is comprised of a circumferential gasket member  126 A that is integral with a circumferential gasket frame  126 B. For example, the gasket member  126 A can be molded to the gasket frame  126 B. On completing construction of the cathode assembly  121 , the cathode pan gasket  126  is positioned against the cathode pan  124 .  
     [0061] Referring, then, more particularly to the anode assembly  122 , there is provided a spiral brine feed assembly  127  that is attached to an anode pan  128 . As with the cathode pan  124 , the anode pan  128  can be connected to the brine feed assembly  127 . At the opposite end of the anode pan  128  there is provided a spiral anolyte discharge assembly  131 . This anolyte discharge assembly  131  includes a spiral discharge assembly  111 , a seal ring  114 , a seal ring liner  115 , a manifold gasket  132  and a pan manifold  100 , as more particularly described hereinbefore with reference to FIG. 8. Adjacent to the anode pan  128  is an anode pan gasket  129  that is integral with a gasket frame  129 ′.  
     [0062] Between the anode assembly  122  and the cathode assembly  121  is a separator member  130 . This separator member  130  may comprise a membrane or a diaphragm. Membranes suitable for use as a separator member can readily be of types which are commercially available. One presently preferred material is a perfluorinated copolymer having pendant cation exchange functional groups. These perfluorocarbons are a copolymer of at least two monomers with one monomer being selected from a group including vinyl fluoride, hexafluoropropylene, vinylidine fluoride, trifluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene, perfluoro (alkyvinyl ether), tetrafluoroethylene, and mixtures thereof.  
     [0063] The second monomer often is selected from a group of monomers usually containing an SO 2 F or sulfonyl fluoride pendent group. Examples of such second monomers can be generically represented by the formula CF 2 ═CFR 1 SO 1 F. R 1  in the generic formula is a bifunctional perfluorinated radical comprising generally one to eight carbon atoms, but upon occasion as many as twenty-five. One restraint upon the generic formula is general requirement for the presence of at least one fluorine atom on the carbon atom adjacent the SO 2 F group, particularly where the functional group exists as the —(—SO 2 NH)mQ form. In this form, Q can be hydrogen or an alkali or alkaline earth metal cation and m is the valence of Q. The R 1  generic formula portion can be of any suitable or conventional configuration, but it has been found preferably that the vinyl radical comonomer join the R 1  group through an ether linkage.  
     [0064] Such perfluorocarbons generally are available commercially, such as through E. I. DuPont, their products being known generally under the trademark NAFION. Perfluorocarbon copolymers containing perfluoro (3,6-dioxa-4-methyl-7-octenesulfonyl fluoride) comonomer have found particular acceptance.  
     [0065] It is also contemplated that the separator for the cell can be a diaphragm, which may sometimes be referred to herein as a “diaphragm porous separator”.  
     [0066] For the diaphragm in the cell assembly  120 , a synthetic, electrolyte permeable diaphragm can be utilized. The synthetic diaphragms generally rely on a synthetic polymeric material, such as polyflouroethylene fiber as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,606,805 or expanded polytetraflouroethylene as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,545. Such synthetic diaphragms can contain a water insoluble inorganic particulate, e.g., silicon carbide, or zirconia, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,606,805. Of particular interest for the diaphragm is the generally non-asbestos, synthetic fiber diaphragm containing inorganic particulates as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,853,101. The teachings of this patent are incorporated herein by reference.  
     [0067] Broadly, this diaphragm of particular interest comprises a non-isotropic fibrous mat wherein the fibers of the mat comprise 5-70 weight percent organic halocarbon polymer fiber in adherent combination with about 30-95 weight percent of finely divided inorganic particulates impacted into the fiber during fiber formation. The diaphragm has a weight per unit of surface area of between about 3 to about 12 kilograms per square meter. Preferably, the diaphragm has a weight in the range of about 3-7 kilograms per square meter. A particularly preferred particulate is zirconia. Other metal oxides, i.e., titania, can be used, as well as silicate, aluminates, ceramics, cermets, carbon, and mixtures thereof. Especially for this diaphragm of particular interest, the diaphragm may be compressed, e.g., at a compression of from about one to about 6 tons per square inch.  
     [0068] In operation of the spiral manifold assembly  1  of the present invention, electrolyte flows from a source (not shown) into the spiral manifold assembly  1  through the channel aperture  7  and enters the first void  12 A (FIG. 3) of the recessed channels  12  (FIG. 2),  33  (FIG. 1) of the first outer assembly member  2  and center assembly member  4 . Electrolyte then flows along a tortuous path that is initially, in a clockwise direction along the recessed channels  12 ,  33  and through the aperture  36  of the center assembly member  4 . Then, in a counterclockwise direction, electrolyte continues through the second void  21 A (FIG. 3) of the recessed channel  21  of the second outer assembly member  3  (FIG. 1) and the recessed channel (not shown) along the back of the center assembly member  4 . Electrolyte then exits from the spiral manifold assembly  1  by way of the channel passageways  25 ,  37  of the second outer assembly member  3  and center assembly member  4 . Similar considerations apply, but with a greater circumferential path of travel for the electrolyte in each outer assembly member plus center assembly member combination, for the spiral manifold assembly  50  of FIG. 4 having the recess baffles.  
     [0069] In a bipolar electrolyzer including spiral manifold assemblies of the present invention, electrolyte will flow into the spiral anolyte  127  and caustic  123  feed assemblies and travel through the assemblies  127 ,  123  in the manner described hereinbefore. Upon exit from the assemblies  127 ,  123 , electrolyte will flow along the anode  128  or cathode  124  pans and into the spiral anode discharge  131  and cathode discharge  125  assemblies. Electrolyte flow, together with gas generated during cell operation, may then proceed to electrolyte recovery or processing means, e.g., recirculation means (not shown).  
     [0070] Upon assembly of the cathode assembly  121  and the anode assembly  122  together with a separator member  130 , it is contemplated that these assemblies may be stacked as in a series arrangement to form an electrolyzer assembly. As depicted in FIG. 9, for each anode  122  and cathode  121  assembly, there is one anode  127  and cathode  123  spiral feed assembly and one anode  131  and cathode  125  spiral discharge assembly.  
     [0071] It has also been contemplated, for a bipolar electrolyzer, to refurbish the electrolyzer as by replacing conventional electrolyte feed means, e.g., long feed and discharge tubes, with the spiral manifold assembly  1  of the present invention. This could be accomplished by removing the feed and discharge tubes. Thereafter, the spiral manifold assembly  1  can be attached to a pan manifold  100 , which is in turn mounted to anode  128  and cathode  124  pans.  
     [0072] The spiral manifold assembly may be any of a variety of shapes which are rounded, e.g., circles, ovals, as well as shapes which are multi-sided, including squares or rectangles. However in the application of the present invention and so as to provide ease of manufacture, the spiral manifold assembly will preferably be circular in shape.