Bipolar membranes with fluid distribution passages
US5961796A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 3, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 5, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 3, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention provides a bipolar membrane and methods for making and using the membrane. The bipolar membrane comprises a cation-selective region, an anion-selective region, an interfacial region between the anion-selective region and the cation-selective region, and means for delivering fluid directly into the interfacial region. The means for delivering fluid includes passages that may comprise a fluid-permeable material, a wicking material, an open passage disposed within the membrane or some combination thereof. The passages may be provided in many shapes, sizes and configurations, but preferably deliver fluid directly to the interfacial region so that the rate of electrodialysis is no longer limited by the diffusion of fluid through the cation- or anion-selective regions to the interfacial region.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.