Patent · US Expired

Process for forming integral edge seals in porous gas distribution plates utilizing a vibratory means

US4728533A · kind A · utility

21Cited by
11References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 30, 1982
Grant dateMar 1, 1988
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 30, 2002

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E60/50
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A process for forming an integral edge seal in a gas distribution plate for use in a fuel cell. A seal layer is formed along an edge of a porous gas distribution plate by impregnating the pores in the layer with a material adapted to provide a seal which is operative dry or when wetted by an electrolyte of a fuel cell. Vibratory energy is supplied to the sealing material during the step of impregnating the pores to provide a more uniform seal throughout the cross section of the plate.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.