초록 ▼

A unique, current conducting, separator element with controlled anolyte flow distribution is incorporated in an electrolysis cell having anode and cathode electrodes bonded to an ion transporting membrane. The current conducting-fluid distributing separator has a plurality of parallel conductive rib

A unique, current conducting, separator element with controlled anolyte flow distribution is incorporated in an electrolysis cell having anode and cathode electrodes bonded to an ion transporting membrane. The current conducting-fluid distributing separator has a plurality of parallel conductive ribs which contact the anode electrode and also define a plurality of fluid distribution channels through which an anolyte such as water, is brought to the electrode and through which gaseous electrolysis products and the spent anolyte are removed from the anolyte chamber. A pressure dropping flow restrictor is provided in the channel inlets to prevent gases generated at the anode from flowing backward and blocking the anolyte distribution inlet manifold. The pressure dropping element can take the form of a restrictor to reduce the dimension of the channel. Alternatively the separator is molded so that the inlets of the channels have a reduced cross section.

대표청구항 ▼

In an electrolytic cell, (a) an anode compartment, (b) a cathode compartment, said compartment being separated by an ion permeable, liquid impervious, membrane, (c) an anode electrode bonded to one side of said membrane, (d) a cathode electrode bearing against the opposite side of said membrane, (e)

In an electrolytic cell, (a) an anode compartment, (b) a cathode compartment, said compartment being separated by an ion permeable, liquid impervious, membrane, (c) an anode electrode bonded to one side of said membrane, (d) a cathode electrode bearing against the opposite side of said membrane, (e) means for establishing an electrical potential between the anode and cathode electrode, said means comprising a conductive member contacting said cathode and a plurality of spaced, elongated anode conductors contacting said anode defining a plurality of fluid transporting channels for movement of anolyte and gaseous electrolysis product, therealong, (f) means communicating with each of said channels to introduce anolyte to the inlet portion of each of said channels, (g) means for providing controlled anolyte distribution across the surface of said anode and along each of said individual fluid transporting channels including means for preventing gaseous electrolysis products from blocking the inlet of any of the individual ones of said channels by introducing a predetermined pressure drop at the inlet thereby maintaining pressure at the inlet of such individual channel higher than the pressure along the remaining length of each such individual channels.