Spacer for filled cell electrodialysis

US7794577B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ionics, Incorporated · US

Inventors

• William W. Carson · Mendon, US
• Oleg Grebenyuk · Ashland, US
• Vladimir Grebenyuk · Woburn, US
• Keith J. Sims · Framingham, US
• R. Hilda Zanapalidou · Winchester, US
• Bernard Roy Mack · Natick, US
• Richard G. Parent · Waltham, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 16, 2002
• Grant date: Sep 14, 2010
• Expiry date: Mar 16, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C02F2201/46115
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A spacer element (1) is disclosed having an integral screen for use in filled cell electrodialysis. The spacer (1) has a continuous portion (2) impermeable to flow and a screen (3) which spans a centrally-located flow treatment region that contains active treatment material, such as ion exchange beads. The screen (3) may perform a structural function, allowing operation at elevated pressure, and may also define a minimum gap between adjacent membranes and enhance mixing along the flow path and at cell boundaries. The spacer element (1) may be configured to enhance hydraulic filling of the cells, and cell architecture is readily implemented in a wide range of useful flow path geometries utilizing the screen spacer element (1).