Solid polymer electrolyte electrochemical oxygen control system with integral reactor feedback sensing
US6179986A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 5, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jan 30, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 5, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D53/22
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Disclosed is a novel proton-exchange membrane (PEM) based solid polymer electrolyte electrochemical oxygen control (EOC) system that can deplete and control the oxygen from a closed container to levels sufficient for both disinfestation and preservation. With the use of this electrochemical process, many insects that infest raw agricultural products and other produce can be exterminated, without detriment to the quality of the produce and without deposition of harmful residue, by reducing the ambient oxygen to a controlled low level for several days. The electrochemical process features the use of a bipolar stack comprised of a selected number of PEM cells connected electrically in series and separated by an electrically conductive bipolar plate. Each cell contains a membrane and electrode assembly, consisting of an anode structure and cathode structure in intimate contact with a PEM. When DC power is applied to the cell stack, electrons are supplied to the cathode, supporting reduction of oxygen at the cathode with the formation of water, and electrons removed from the anode, supporting oxygen evolution by the decomposition of water at the anode. The anode and cathode compartments…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.