Electrolytic cell stack with proton exchange membrane interlock sealing gasket
US9133555B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 5, 2008 |
| Grant date | Sep 15, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 8, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electrolytic cell employs a plastic molded frame component with raised ridges on one surface to create seal with a proton exchange membrane and on the opposite surface a groove with an interlocking feature for accepting a tabbed elastomer gasket. The gasket and frame design when combined with a proton exchange membrane can be stacked in multiple layers using mechanical hardware. The frame captures the softer elastomeric sealing material preventing elastomeric creep and loss of positive seal caused by the relaxation of mechanical hardware under load and internal pressure fluctuations. The addition of the ridged sealing surface provides positive surface contact with the polymeric membrane to further prevent the loss of seal under mechanical load. The interlocking feature reduces assembly time and improves assembly accuracy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.