Patent ID: 8608915

Claim:
An electrolytic cell comprising: a containment vessel; a first electrode; a second electrode; a source of electrical current in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; an electrolyte in fluid communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; a gas, wherein the gas is formed during electrolysis at or near the first electrode; a gas extraction area; and a separator wherein separator comprises two inclined surfaces forming a “V” shape, wherein separator comprises a substantially continuous helical configuration; and a microorganism, wherein the separator substantially retains the microorganism in a desired location, wherein the separator directs flow of the electrolyte and the gas due to a difference between density of the electrolyte and the combined density of the electrolyte and the gas such that the gas substantially flows in a direction distal to the second electrode, and wherein the separator is further configured to promote circulation of the electrolyte between the first electrode, the gas extraction area, and the second electrode to provide fresh electrolyte to the first electrode and the second electrode.