Electrochemical cell stacks

US6527921B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Donald W. Kirk · Toronto, CA
• John W. Graydon · Toronto, CA
• Steven J. Thorpe · Sileby, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 22, 2001
• Grant date: Mar 4, 2003
• Expiry date: Sep 12, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E60/50
• WIPO field: Surface technology, coating
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

An electrochemical cell stack comprising stack walls and a plurality of electrolytic cells within the stack walls, each cell comprising cell members selected from an anode a cathode; a membrane separator frame formed of a non-conductive material and having a frame first planar peripheral surface; a frame second planar peripheral surface; and a central portion defining a membrane-receiving aperture; a membrane within the aperture to provide an anolyte circulation chamber and a catholyte circulation chamber distinct one from the other within the frame, an impermeable cell end wall formed of a non-conductive material between the anode and cathode and the anodes and cathodes of adjacent cells of said stack; wherein each of said anode, said cathode, said separator frame and said end wall has a portion defining an anolyte flow inlet channel, a catholyte flow inlet channel, a spent anolyte channel and a spent catholyte channel; said anolyte flow inlet channel and said spent anolyte channel are in communication with said anolyte circulation chamber, said catholyte flow inlet channel and said spent catholyte channel are in communication with said catholyte circulation chamber. The cell stac…