Patent ID: 7094325

Claim:
Filling apparatus for at least partially filling one or more cells of an electrodialysis, electrodeionization, electrodiaresis or a related stack assembly with particulates through one or more conduits communicating with such cell(s), each cell having one or more inlets communicating with one or more inlets into said stack and one or more outlets communicating with one or more outlets from said stack, said filling apparatus comprising: (a) one or more suspension-creating assemblies effective to provide one or more suspensions of fluids and solid particulates without substantial loss of suspension of such particulates in such fluids; (b) one or more suspension-moving assemblies comprising one or more suspension-delivery conduits operative to move said suspension(s) from said one or more suspending-creating assemblies along said suspension-delivery conduit(s) to said stack whereby particulates of said suspension(s) are substantially maintained in suspension while flowing in said suspension-delivery conduit(s) and said suspension(s) are thereby delivered to said stack substantially without loss of suspension for deposit of said particulates in cells of said stack; and, (c) a gas source connected to introduce gas into such suspension(s), or into said suspension-delivery conduits, or into both, whereby such suspension(s) are passed into and through said cell(s) such that particulates are retained in said cell(s) and liquid is forced out of said cell(s).