Ep0239169a1

Europaisches Patentamt i

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European Patent Office

(ii)

Publication number:

Office europeen des brevets

EUROPEAN

0 239 A1

1 6 9

PATENT A P P L I C A T I O N mtci- C 25 B 1/10, C 25 B 1 3 / 0 8

Application number: 87200505.3 Date of filing: 19.03.87

Priority: 27.03.86 US 844694 04.11.86 US 926721

Applicant: Billings, Roger Evan, 3420 Pink Hill Circle, Blue Springs Missouri 64015 (US)

Date of publication of application: 30.09.87 Bulletin 87/40

Inventor: Billings, Roger Evan, 3420 Pink Hill Circle, Blue Springs Missouri 64015 (US)

Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE ES FR GB ITLILUNLSE

Representative: Callewaert, Jean, Brusselsesteenweg 108, B-1900 Overijse (BE)

@ Method and apparatus for electrolyzing water. @ An electrolysis apparatus for electrolysis of water comprises a series of cells (1), each cell (1) including a substantially open porous anode plate (2) and a substantially open porous cathode plate (4) with a solid electrolyte membrane (3) therebetween.

First and second flow passages (6 and 12) extend through the cells (1 ), with the first flow passage (6) comprising bores (7, 8 and 9) extending through the centers of the cathode plates (4), the anode plates (2), and the membranes (3), the bores (9) in the cathode plates-being fitted with annular sealing gaskets (11). The second flow passage (12) also comprises bores (13, 14 and 15) extending through the cathode plates (4), the anode plates (2), and the membranes (3), with the bores (13) in the anode plates fitted with annular sealing gaskets (17). A seal (18) is 0 ) (2) being at the outside perimeter of the cathode plate (4), to provided prevent the escape of fluid, containing hydrogen, therefrom.

During operation, water is driven into the first flow passage (6).

The water diffuses through the anode plate (2) from the central bore (8) and partial electrolysis occurs. Water which reaches an ( 0 outer perimeter of the anode plate (2), without electrolysis, drains from the assembly, providing a means for cooling. Ions formed can migrate to the cathode plate (4), whereat hydrogen gas is formed, the products being evacuated from the apparatus.

0.

Ill ACTORUMAG

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0 2 3 9 1 6 9

"Method and apparatus for electrolyzing w a t e r " The present invention relates to e l e c t r o l y z e r s and to electrode

cular to

for

a method

electrolyzer

The been When

10

often

at

one

electric

an

electrode

and

may then be collected, has

been

available

has

been

the

for

i.e.

is advantageous 20

a preferred

by

the

electrolysis

includes

lower

provides

the

thereby

at

cell

least

has

containing acid.

the e l e c t r o d e s , bubbles

oxygen the

at

it

A recent

of

a solid

other.

The

form gases

without

this t e c h n o l o g y , in the

development

membrane

type

substantial

more

maintenance

cost.

of producing

area

material

and

conversion

A solid the

added.

electrolytes

efficient

polymer

need

for

This

generally

electrolyte

at relatively

hydrogen

eliminating

partially

polymer

utilizing

making possible the electrolysis of s u b s t a n t i a l -

yields

capability

form

process

solution

through

them,

equipment,

years.

many

water

since

the

hydrochloric

or

is passed

bubbles

electrolysis

substitution

water,

pure

of

purified and u s e d .

between the two e l e c t r o d e s , ly

hydroxide

between

potential

Commercial 15

use

Generally,

into a water

current

hydrogen

hydrogen

century.

potassium

electrical

an appropriate

applying

producing

last

the

to

material,

by

the

through

by placing electrodes

accomplished

electrolyte

of

technology back

dates

water

water,

electrolyzing

also r e l a t e s

apparatus.

5 of

The invention

for e l e c t r o l y z e r s .

structures

in p a r t i -

also

high p r e s s u r e ,

potentially

expensive

and energy intensive secondary c o m p r e s s o r s .

Solid

polymer

(SPE)

electrolytes

been described in the following publications 25

"Solid and

Engineering

Production W.A. Energy

and

With Fickett,

System",

Electrolytes

News,

August

Solid

Polymer

A.P.

;

published

Offer 27,

by

;

Electrolyte

VHI IECEC

to

Hydrogen",

have

Chemical

"Electrolytic

Hydrogen

Technology"

;

Proceedings

American

known and

well

:

Route

1973

are

Gas

;

Fuel

Tigterinton,

and "A H y d r o g e n -

Association,

1973.

As

2

-

indicated of

these

by

sulfonic

acid

water, becomes an excellent results

apparently 5

the

polymer

An

anode

form

sheet,

and

is typically

from

The

sheet

saturated

with

ionic

conductivity

sulfonic

acid

group

on either

side

of

one

positioned

are

when

plastic

of ions, for m o v e m e n t

great mobility

by passing

a solid

which,

polymer

ionic conductor.

the

cathode

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

an SPE

references,

perfluorinated

-

through

to a n o t h e r .

the

and

sheet,

are generally pressed there against to form the desired SPE c e l l . devices

Electrolysis in 10

U.S.

anode and

Patents

Nos.

plates

have,

grooves.

This

and

4.056,452 least

at

on

generally

such an SPE cell are d e s c r i b e d

utilizing

In

4,210,511. of

one

their

the

makes

these

sides,

anode

alternating

plates

the

devices,

ridges

since

costly,

the

grooves are relatively expensive to f a b r i c a t e .

Further, No. 15

these

4,210,511,

for supporting of the

ter

have

required

Patent

back-up

rings

that are used to seal the outer p e r i m e -

to prevent

the

Typically,

of U.S.

electrolyzer

systems

outer seal members and

in the

example

conventional

cathodes

therefrom.

for

as

of water

escape

containing

rings have been machined

back-up

hydrogen

from

fiber-

glass or similar m a t e r i a l s and have thus been relatively e x p e n s i v e .

With such conventional 20

there

tus,

have

been

problems

electrolyzers

with

or electrolyzing a p p a r a -

rupturing

during

causing severe damage to the cell and substantial downtime.

25

pressure

within

back-up

rings.

in

conventional

such

rings,

in

order

is desired,

the

cell

cause

may

In addition,

these

in the

will

tend

In p a r t i c u l a r ,

relatively

tolerances

fabrication When

sealing.

proper

tolerances

tight

tight

very

especially

achieve

to

usually

cells,

of the

rupturing

to

sometimes

use,

be

must of the

a large

make

expensive

the

used

back-up

diameter

cell

back-up

rings

one of the more expensive parts of the c e i l .

Therefore to 30

provide

an

improved

of

objects

the

electrolyzer

or

invention

present electrolysis

are

apparatus

: which

is generally more reliable and preferably less costly than normal e l e c t r o l y of

zers

the for

means

prior

such to

art

supplying

fluid and products 35

the

alternating

to provide

liquid

formed

an e l e c t r o l y z e r have

;

for

to

at the use

grooves

an e l e c t r o l y z e r

the

anode

wherein and

anode

and

plates

and cathode the

ridges

anode therein

which for

plates to

improved

withdrawing ;

are

plates ;

has

to p r o v i d e

not

provide

required a new

3

-

for

electrolysis

oxygen

therefrom,

method and

apparatus to

likely 5

and

relatively well

particularly

10

to to

manufacture,

and

substantial

damage

provide to

less from

such

an

use

and

which

is

;

and,

to

thereof

apparatus

to e f f e c t .

will b e c o m e

invention

of this taken

in connection

forth

by

set

are

generally

usages

advantages

wherein

electrolysis

new

easy and inexpensive

descriptions,

following

a

hydrogen

apparatus

simple

proposed

which is relatively

drawings,

accompanying

and

subject

the

of

utilization

;

to produce

water,

method

less

for

objects

the

from

apparent

including

apparatus

to

adapted

Other

a

generally

such a method

provide

such

easy

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

the

through

conventional

than

is

of a liquid

provide

rupture

rupturing which

to

;

-

the

illustration

of

way

with

and example certain e m b o d i m e n t s of this i n v e n t i o n .

An e l e c t r o l y z e r 15

may

comprise

Each

cell

20

an electrode

in

together

membrane

separating

same

is positioned

for

effective

between adjacent cells In the 25

as

unit,

made

which

in

series.

arranged

up of an anode which

membrane,

plate,

preferably

are

the anode and cathode

between

plates, wherein

embodiments

In

solid

the

Generally,

relationship.

which have been a s s e m b l e d positioned

preferably

are

plates

separator

electrically

a porous, the

On

other

electrolysis

hand,

and cathode

anode

the

embodiments

preferred

titanium.

and

structure

electrolysis.

composed of conductive material, water

cells

is provided

.

from

constructed sintered

of

comprises a plurality of cells

a unitary multi-celled

are

apparatus

plurality

side-by-side

a

electrolyte

as

or

and a solid e l e c t r o l y t e

plate

the e l e c t r o l y z e r

celle

single

comprises

a cathode secured

a

or electrolysis

conductive, the

flow

do not

material,

such

plates,

while

separator

Thus, g e n e r a l l y

are generally non-porous.

products

cell

from

directly

plates

to

cell,

or

each

due to the presence of the separator p l a t e s .

In 30

individual open

of,

and

cathode of

and

in contact plates being

flow

passage

first

flow

the

comprises

anode

and

side

capable 35

cell,

porous

with

accordance

being

preferably

passage

plates

a solid

composed

permeated

by

of

single

a

elements which

electrically such

as

substantially

disposed

on

either

membrane,

the

anode

material

conductive water

concentrically

extending

cell,

(a)

:

are

electrolyte

a liquid

comprising

preferably

invention,

following

cathode with,

the

longitudinally

;

aligned

(b)

a first

bores,

the

the

cell

through

If. -

_

and

also the

plate, in

the

gasket

(c)

;

aligned

the

cell

thus

the

anode

and from

thereto,

parallel

annular

an

the

bores,

and

flow

flow

with

the

15

membrane,

the

membrane

for

in

annular

comprising

longitudinally the

through second plate

(d) sealing

means

at

being

substantially with

fitted

being

the

plate,

passage

preferably

anode

through

cathode

flow

the

series

the

through

and the anode

the

to

applying

certain

that

outer

perimeter

engagement

at

produced

can diffuse

plate

plate the

and w e t t i n g interface

the porous

through

fluid

a liquid

passage

anode

porous

products

flow

first

(f)

;

of

anode

and so that certain products produced at the i n t e r f a c e

of the anode plate, 20

as an

being

side-by-side

radially

so

such

bore

and be carried radially away with the liquid to the outside p e r i m e t e r

plate of

firm

means

the

means

preferably

the

(e) means for securing the cathode plate, m e m b r a -

;

substantially

flowing

;

with

extending

and

passage

cathode

cell,

also

the

the

each

passage

;

of

centers

seal

substantially

bore

gasket

plate 'in

directing

with

membrane

the

first

sealing

anode

of

preferably

extending

of the cathode plate ne

membrane flow

a second

and

plate

the

fitted

being

concentrically

spaced 10

plate

the

and

plate

cathode

sealing 5

anode

through

substantially

extending

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

the

membrane

cathode

and

to the

plate

the

cathode

plate

can

second

flow

passage

;

diffuse

the

through

and (g) means

porous

for applying

a direct current to the cathode and anode p l a t e s .

In the are

flat.

relatively

embodiment

preferred

the

Thus,

anode

sides

both

plates

are

of the

anode

relatively

plate

inexpensive

to m a n u f a c t u r e .

25

An provision

of

(a)

anode

and

in

contact

plates 30

at such

cathode

the

the

a separator conductive

a solid

;

cathode

one

the

plate,

which

includes

of

flow

anode

is positioned

of,

the

anode

and

cathode

material,

permeated

passage,

composed

:

following side

being

plate

the

either

conductive

concentrically

the

is

on

disposed

membrane,

is capable

least

plate,

are

invention

present

which

electrically

comprising

or supporting material,

an

plate

(b) at

passage,

that

electrolyte of

the

apparatus

plates

composed

as water

through

cathode

of

statement

electrolysis

with,

evacuation

35

an

being

least

alternate

whereby

by

a liquid

in particular

a product

bores

extending

aligned and

and

the

membrane

;

(c)

of solid non-porous e l e c t r i c a l l y with

one

of

its

sides

in c o n -

5

-

with

the

cathode

an

outside

plate

facing

the

membrane,

of

perimeter

for

holding

the

cathode

an

separator

annular

sealing

for

and

plate

so

certain

that

and

membrane

the

the

cathode

15

method

which cathode

20

25

the

in

cathode

membrane,

of

the

membrane

diffuse

the

through

porous

the

and

oxygen

therefrom,

positioning

a solid

electrolyte

passing

with

of

an

the

membrane, of

the

a preferred

the

electrolysis

the

anode

membrane,

to generate

gas at the anode plate.

the

water

through

toward

through

plate,

of

surfaces plate

generally

a current

opposite

by conveying

anode

the

porous

open

mutually

the

water

and the cathode

use

and

plate

direction

and oxygen

plate

involves

method

or s u p p o r t i n g the

plates c o n t a c t i n g

center a

(c)

and

the anode plate

and between gas at the

the

from

;

securing

and

interface

anode

wetting

which abut

thereof,

perimeter

plate

(a)

porous

(b)

plates,

structure

porous

for

separator

hydrogen

:

and cathode

;

radially

substantially

around

passage.

produce

open

anode

and cathode

anode

an

a membrane

of

sides

the

plate,

gasket

means

plate

can

plate

comprises

generally

between

membrane

to

water,

generally

having

invention also relates to a method for e l e c t r o l y s i s

The instant liquid,

plate

products produced at the i n t e r f a c e

cathode plate to the product evacuation of

of

away with a liquide to an outer p e r i m e t e r

and so that certain

of the anode plate, of

the

side

and (e) fluid flow d i r e c t i n g

;

anode

at

produced

products

and anode plate may be carried 10

the

to wet

a liquid

applying

(d)

;

the

to

the

plate in firm side-by-side series e n g a g e m e n t means

is opposed

plate

anode

membrane,

plate,

that

cathode

perimeter

cathode

the

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

the

of

plate

its

at

means 5

a side

tact

-

hydrogen

Preferably,

apparatus

such

as that described h e r e i n .

The show

objects

a part

the

present

of

and

thereof.

features

In some

of

this

specification

invention

while

shown

in

the

to

according

vertical Figure

of the apparatus

invention,

present

cross-section, 2

depicted

is

an

for

exploded

in Figure

1.

with

viewing

cut

portions internal

perspective

thick-

material

instances

of

appara-

away,

and

thereof.

portions

view

and

illustrating

nesses may be shown e x a g g e r a t e d for c l a r i t y .

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of an electrolysis tus

35

constitute

embodiments

exemplary

various 30

drawings

a

portion

6

-

detailed

As required, disclosed

are

herein

embodiments died 5

in

are merely

various

embodiments

Therefore,

herein

of the

of the invention

exemplary

forms.

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

to be i n t e r p r e t e d

not

which may be e m b o and

functional

as limiting,

but r a t h e r

details

disclosed

merely

as a basis for the claims and as a r e p r e s e n t a t i v e

are

the d i s c l o s e d

that

structural

specific

invention

present

it is to be understood

however,

;

-

basis for t e a c h i n g

one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in v i r t u a l l y detailed s t r u c t u r e .

any a p p r o p r i a t e l y

1 generally

Figure 10

apparatus

according

to the

apparatus

of Figure

1 comprises

in series

with

another.

embodiments

one

or

electrolysis

The preferred

electrolysis

electrolyzer

invention.

present

el ectrolysis

an

an

depicts

a plurality

of successive

It is foreseen,

however,

that

be made

can

apparatus

cells

1, a l i g n e d

in a l t e r n a t e

with

only

one

cell

therein.

Each

15 solid

2,

a

4,

Figure

with

Preferably,

side

of the

1 includes

cells

3 and

membrane

electrolyte 2.

one

the

of

side

one

membrane

of

an an

open

open

porous

the

anode

plate

3, and the

other

side

ne

3 is

sandwiched

between

anode

the

2 and

plate

plate

cathode

plate

2 is in c o n t a c t of the

membrane

That is, the m e m b r a -

3 is in c o n t a c t with one side of the cathode plate k.

20

anode

porous

the

cathode

plate

4, separating s a m e .

In anode 25

the

2, cathode

plate

k, and

plate

or disklike

in configuration,

or

However,

edge.

embodiment

preferred

it

with

will

membrane

each

be

described 3 are

and

that

circular

generally

having an outer circular

understood

the

shown,

alternate

perimeter

shapes

may

be used, with appropriate m o d i f i c a t i o n s . the

Preferably, manufactured capable 30

of being

an

random

with

substantially from the

which anode

titanium,

plate

that

2 and

plate

porous

and

cathode

electrically

as

to

form

over

the

whole

so

2 and cathode

cathode

plate

conductive

plate

plate

k are

flow

k are material

By "open porous"

in the plates c o m m u n i c a t e

pores

distributed

anode

2

plate

by a liquid, such as water.

another,

one

equally the

open

permeated

it is to be understood at

35

from

anode

substantially

channels

volume

which

of the

k are made.

manufactured

are

substrate Preferably

from

sintered

according the conventional m e t h o d s .

In

an

electrolyzer

such

as

that

depicted

in

Figure

1,

7

-

5

the

1,

outer

It

is again

1 being

noted

that

does

In the

1.

generally

are

preferably the

preferably

not

in

with

titanium.

from 5 are

plates

therethrough,

Figure

configuration,

manufactured

separator

flow

readily

embodiment,

preferred circular

material

conductive

electrically

and

of s e p a r a t o r

by means

separated

5 are

and

periphery, fluid

is

cells

1 is identical

cell

each

1, generally

cell

plates

separator

an that

each

between

positioned

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

of a solid non-porous

5, composed

plates

the

in series,

is connected

cells

of

a plurality

containing

-

non-porous, of

means

by

except

passageways described h e r e i n b e l o w .

10

Referring to Figure between

ed In

this

cell

and

manner,

the

separator

between 15

cells

1,

the

the

next

cathode

the

adjacent

cell.

flow

fluid

inhibit

5 generally

plates

of

by flow channels, again to be described

as directed

1, except

between

specifically plate 2 of

anode

one

k of

plate

cells

successive

two

plate 5 is viewable s a n d w i c h -

1, separator

below. to Figure

Referring nes 3, cathode

with

side-by-side,

k and separator

plates

each

next

The

member.

adjacent

aligned result

1 aligned in s e r i e s .

is a plurality of cells 20

5 are c o n c e n t r i c a l l y

plates

the

abutting

2, m e m b r a -

the anode plate

1, generally

to

Referring

the

1,

Figure

electrolysis

includes

apparatus

at least two flow passages therein, which generally p e n e t r a t e , l o n g i t u d i n a l l y , through the different successive cells 1 from one end of the e l e c t r o l y z e r or electrolysis

the

embodiment 2^

3째

generally

numeral

6

designates

through

the

centers,

first

passage

8, 9 and 5.

plates with 11,

a

Bores

10.

flow

is

plates

from

formed

7 are

in the

formed

bore

means,

a preferably

9 of in

the

non-porous

or similar m e m b e r .

each

the

the

anode

concentrically

embodiment

plates

shown

formed

from

reference extends the The

5. bores

2, bores

8 in t h e

7,

10 in the s e p a r a t o r

annular an

2,

plates

aligned

k, Figure

plate

another

one

plates

separator

anode

preferred

preferably

plates k and bores

cathode

member

of

each

k and

of

Generally,

which

passage of

respectively, 6

another.

one

3, bores 9 in the cathode The

seal

to

In the

thereof.

independent

are

passages

first

a

opposite end

the

parallel

cathode

3,

membranes

-"

the

membranes flow

flow

two

extend

and

to

apparatus

2, is p r o v i d e d sealing

O-ring

gasket

type

seal

â– 8 "

to

Referring includes

a second

is parallel from 5

flow

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

1, the

Figure

12, which

passage

in the

to the other.

one end of the apparatus

generally

apparatus

embodiment

preferred

6 and generally

to the first flow passage

the second flow passage

electrolysis

extends

longitudinally

In the preferred e m b o d i m e n t

12 is formed from c o n c e n t r i c a l l y

aligned bores

13,

14, 15 and 16 which extend through each of the anode plates 2, m e m b r a n e s 3,

cathode

In the that 10

membranes they the

outer

and

of each

4.

is,

That

each

a circumferential 19 and

manufactured while

Thus, and 25

a direct

outer

20,

a

used

as

the

current

end

(D.C.)

5, r a t h e r

perimeter they

The

areas

bore

of

13 of e a c h

annular

sealing

as an

O-ring.

such such

as

18,

O-rings

cathode

annular

2,

through

pass

of each

an

assembled the

end

ring

plate

18 a r o u n d

19 and

conductive,

end

two

20 a r e

material.

the end plates are c o n d u c t i v e connections.

19 and

plates

between

plates

electrically electrical

potential

plates

means

1 are

flow t h e r e t h r o u g h , for

separator

or edge

Preferably

terminii

plates

1.

non-porous,

fluid cannot

anode

material

sealing

cells

1.

Figure

16 are e c c e n t r i c ,

specifically

means,

respectively.

the

outer

4 includes

plate

of

or plate.

perimeter

of

plurality

1, preferably

Figure

2,

Figure

5,

15 and

described,

a sealing

area thereof Figure

from

be

may

seal

from

cathode

The

20 plates

the

the

to

Alternately

with

to

Referring surrounds

close

membrane

2, formed

generally

centers

plates.

2 is provided

17, Figure

gasket

the

relatively

periphery

plate

13, 14,

4 and immediate

plates

plates

separator

the bores

through

pass

positioned

membranes

anode 15

not

3, cathode

are

these

do

they

intermediate

embodiment,

preferred is

4 and

plates

20 are of

by means

each

Referring

to

connected

to

electrical

an

such as wires 21 and 22, each of which is fixed to a lug,

conductor

respectively lugs

33 and 34.

Referring 30

21 to end

plate

19, whereas

wire

22 to end

plate

20.

and into,

lug

34 is shown received

but

not

Preferably, lug

34,

a

while

19, by the

completely relative a source

lug 33.

Lug

of

through, less

conductor

lug 34 is used to anchor

conductor

33 is shown

in bore

positive

33 is used

to anchor

2, lugg

or wire or

35

to Figure

34'.

end

The bores plates

voltage

is

positive

voltage

This is indicated

received 19

applied

by means

bore

33'

33' and 34' e x t e n d

and to

within 20 end

is applied

respectively. plate to

end

20

by

plate

of the (+) and (-) symbols

9

-

is passed

1.

cells

the

potential

voltage 1.

theoretically,

Therefore,

theoretical 10

the

across

applied it

However,

the

across

the

15

of

first

Referring 20

end

respectively

for

may,

example,

the

be

rubber

the each

poten-

19 and

variations for

20. may

its

conductive titanium.

from

embodiment

37 and 38 r e s p e c t i v e l y , each

of

end

electrically

electrically with

39,

plates

from

plate,

insulating

37 and 38, and the a d j a c e n t

plates The

reasons

respectively

plate,

preferred

outside

Preferably

the flange

respectively.

of

20 is separated

1, in the

20.

20

anode

plates

manufactured

36 are

Figure

and

between

and

19

plates

19

cells,

non-porous, e l e c t r i c a l l y

against

pressure

plates

are provided

means end

direct

to

ten

especially

includes a flange plate,

each end of the e l e c t r o l y z e r positioned

25

to

again

and

of an i n t e r m e d i a t e

35 and

plates

end

instances

some

19 and

plate

1 by means

Preferably

and

of c e l l s

(1/10) of the voltage

embodiment, end

each

contains

the

The

3.

series

the

cathode

2 and

plate

20 to end p l a t e

end plate across

series

1 are i d e n t i c a l .

plates 35 and 36, of corrosion resistant, material.

from

in

that

preferred

end cell

adjacent

membrane

between

electrolyzer

corrosion,

inhibiting

the

the

be developed, especially if not all cells In

of

electrolyzer

between

be' understood

will

anode

equal to one-tenth

cell will be approximately tial

the

example,

potential

voltage

the

divided

evenly

the

through

between

by means

current

a

apparatus

20, and thus

electrolyzer

generally for

if,

passes

cell,

1.

Figure

electrolysis

19 and

current

4 of each

plate

the

end plates

Generally,

cathode

19 is,

the

between

of

operation

During

5

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

at opposite ends of the e l e c t r o l y z e r ,

located

of

-

means

insulating

appropriate

apertures

cut

therein. again

Referring the 30

37

membrane

3,

of

the

2,

cathode

The The

tie

through plates

between bolts

37 and

38.

and

38

the

flanges

41

other

4 and

2, 37

and

of a generally spaced

The tie

around

bolts

greater for 5,

than

by

conventional the

outer

40 are secured

the

positioned means

tie

construction portions by nuts

plates

therebetween. are

of

of

diameter

anode

exemple

5, respectively, 38,

diameter

the

preferably

plates, plates

separator

plates

1,

Figure

is substantially

the

3 and

40 are

openings

and

4 and

plates

membranes

together

35

plates

flange

to

of

all

pressed

bolts

40.

and e x t e n d the

flange

42, which e n a b l e

">

-

37 and 38 to be urged toward one another upon t i g h t e n i n g .

the flange plates leads

This

to

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

-

a secure

of

compressing

rubber

the

and

the

housing

43,

39,

plates

various sealing gaskets, within the e l e c t r o l y z e r . the

In 5

of

is

1,

Figure cells

embodiment

preferred

positioned the

1 between

around

the

flange

plates

a

cylindrical and

apparatus

contains

and

38.

first

flow

37

series

the the

Preferably

bolts

40 extend outside of this housing 43. to

Referring from 10

all of the

through at

intermediate

the

the

with

1, and through

to connecting

means

The

end . of the e l e c t r o l y z e r . provided with means by which

preferably not

is associated

opposed

shown,

be

can

attached.

Thus,

one end

end

of the

44

means

conduit

19,

plate

44, p r o v i d e d

connecting

a water

6 extends

passage

35 which

plate

cells

the

1,

Figure

is

or c o n d u c t o r ,

flow

6 can

passage

be readily c o n t a c t e d by a water source, not shown, by means of c o n n e c t i n g 15

44,

means ends

whereas

the

abuts,

the

and

at,

other

end

the

of

intermediate

flow 35

plate

6 preferably

passage the

at

end

opposite

of

the e l e c t r o l y z e r .

20

In the p r e f e r r e d

embodiment

the

terminates

cells

1 and

intermediate 19.

The

end

of

flow

passage flow

abuts

by end p l a t e

closed with

12 c o m m u n i c a t e s

through

5', which

plate

35 at the end of the e l e c t r o l y z e r

plate

other

end separator

adjacent

12 extends

flow passage

the second

the

exterio

of the e l e c t r o l y z e r .

25

30

35,

plate

Thus,

the

first

whereas

the

second

separator

plate

51,

separator

plate

5',

and

the

and

cathode

to bore 5',

as

passage

plates

referred

two

shown

in

Figure

2.

to

as

a

is that

cells,

5 has been

plate

the

end

between

the

end

"supporting

The

provided result

no

plate",

the

5, positioned between

plates

successive

and

bore

analogous

in end separator

is that

second

the

anode plate flow

12 is somewhat shorter than the first flow passage 6.

in connecting that

of

difference

major

intermediate

at

12 t e r m i n a t e s

passage

The

1.

separator

16 in separator clearly

flow

alternatively

intermediate

The 35

Figure

6 terminates

passage

open

means

is substantially

end

of

45, Figure adjacent

the

second

flow

passage

12

terminates

1, provided at the end of the e i e c t r o l y z e r to end plate

20.

Preferably

end c o n n e c t i n g

11

-

45 includes

means

for

means

-

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

connection

a conduit

to

or fluid

conduct,

the

adjacent

not shown.

In rubber 5

bores

associated

the

or

of bores,

46, 47 and 48, through

38

A second

6.

20, rubber

of

set

to

embodiment,

preferred end

seal

the

between

an

series

20, rubber

39 and f l a n g e

and

20

the

second

44,

and

flow

51,

through

45

and

a

44

the

and

bore

25

for

material central flow

bore

embodiment,

end

of 30

the

flange

45

free

end 38,

plate

invention

the

the

to the

opening

in

a counter

are

made

preferably not

conduits,

of

passages

each

insert

is threaded,

as

of

means a

both

comprising

appropriate

an

each

has

a

with the c o r r e s p o n d i n g

6 and

In the

12.

44 and

thereto,

preferred

extends

45, which

by reference

shown

of

45

the c o n n e c t i n g

and

shown,

which c o m m u n i c a t e s flow

the

wherein

bore,

inserts

The

36.

plate

a tight

56,

out

so t h a t

in a r e l a t i v e -

fashion.

indicated

anode

plates

above,

in

the

2, membranes

19 and

preferred 3, cathode

intermediate

embodiment plates 35 and

37 and 38 and rubber plates 39 are all generally circular. embodiment

20,

they

are

not

plates all

of

the

of

the

4, s e p a r a t o r

plates

plates

preferred

52,

connecting

5, end

the

end

means

connecting

plates for

the

when

36,

plate

a fluid conduit or conductor may be readily a t t a c h e d As

in

plate 36.

similar

disposed

fluid

to

respectively

ly quick disconnect

35

and

55 t h e r e t h r o u g h , the

plate

44, so as to provide

intermediate

12 is generally

connection

passages,

end

The f l a n g e d

53 of

portion

embodiment,

intermediate 44

means

connecting

flow

flanged

46, 47 and 48.

of insert

face

a flanged

the

first

44,

means

sealing ring provides also a liquid and gas tight seal between means

set

are aligned g e n e r a l l y

having

of openings

preferred

passage

includes

the

with

connecting

insert,

a counter

inner

insert

the

plate

coaxial

end plate 20 is pressed against the i n t e r m e d i a t e In

first

of

A sealing ring 54 is provided within an a p p r o p r i a t e

in the

space

comprises with

46 in the end plate 20. receiving

1,

fitted

is snugly

52

the

Figure

in the

is positioned

which

sets

12.

coaxial with the second flow passage Referring

two The

38 respectively,

plate

have

38,

therethrough.

50

49,

20,

plate

plate

generally

bores

39 and flange

plate

flange

end plate

aligned

are

respectively,

end

completely

extending

openings

passage

15

embodiment

preferred

and

39,

plate

plate

10

the

same

36,

flange

However, diameter.

n

'

the

Specifically, slightly

5

in diameter

larger

be

arranged

of

the

side-by-side

membranes

smaller

diameter

have

ably

a

than

the

cathode

anodes

2, so the

beyond

an outer

the

various

plates

opening

63 in the

58 and

the

from

4,

in d i a m e t e r

to Figure

an outer

3 can

periphery

of the

periphery

anode

an inner

exterior

hand,

The separator

than

the

have

a slightly

plates

5 prefer-

cathode

plates

but

4,

than the anode plates 2.

a manner

wall

forming

59 of housing

43 permits

of the

2.

other

1, the cylindrical housing 43 is p o s i t i o n e d

1 in

housing

the

on

diameter

larger

cells

58 between

jacket

43 and

communication

electrolysis

annular

an

for

apparatus,

the

space

or

1.

An

cells

between

the j a c k e t

withdrawing

the cells .1.

fluid

In this manner the electrolysis apparatus can be cooled, through the withdrawal of heated fluid t h e r e f r o m .

A seal 57 provided

at

such

each

as

end

60 is

O-ring

of the

housing

located 43.

in an annular

Each

of the

recess

intermediate

plates 35 and 36 has an O-ring 60 associated therewith, positioned b e t w e e n the respective i n t e r m e d i a t e plate 35 or 36, and the This housing 43. aids in preventing fluid from leaking out of the jacket 58.

Particular advantages derived are from the of nature

the

separator

plates

means

associated

have 18

around

That

the each

is,

5 and

51 which,

therewith

outside

for

plate

In the p r e f e r r e d plates a 4.

5 and

side

of

The

the

51 each

have

separator

associated

5 and

5'

includes

lip 65 is generally

invention, sealing

cathode

means

for

each gasket

plate

4.

supporting

18 in position.

embodiment, a lip

plate

the

an annular

retaining an

perimeter

separator

to

according

of

the next associated sealing gasket

Figures

65 extending

facing

mounted

the

1 and 2, the s e p a r a t o r

laterally

next

on an outer

associated

35

3 is p r e f e r a b l y

membranes

2, with

plates

than the anode plates

Referring around

30

of the membranes

anode

3 extending

slightly

10

25

diameter

to the

are preferably not g r e a t e r

20

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

plates 2.

The

15

'

outwardly

from

cathode

plate

adjacent peripheral

area

of t h e

s e p a r a t o r plate, and may be integral therewith.

In the p r e f e r r e d e m b o d i m e n t , the lip 65 is adjacent to the outer p e r i m e t e r of the separator plate 5 or 51, however this is not required.

The lip 65, it will be u n d e r stood from Figure 1, fits around the outside of the sealing gasket 18,

generally

trapping

the

sealing

gasket

18

in

position

against

the

outer

13

of the cathode

perimeter

As 5 each each 5

have

bore

16 is bordered

16

intermediate

therein.

by a lip 66 extending

a

means

retaining in

position 5 of

plates for

the

against

bore

9 in

advantage

the

invention,

present

sealing

the

from

outwardly

The lip 66 c o m p r i s e s

annular

sealing

gasket

cathode

associated

the

invention

plate

4.

to the design chosen for the s e p a r a t o r and

in

gaskets

the

holding

A particular retaining

4, is that

for

positioned

the

to

laterally

plates 5 in the same direction as lip 65.

plates

separator

According

the separator 11

10

the

above, bore

a central

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

4.

plate

indicated

-

the

be formed

lips 65 and 66 may

the

with

association

therewith

associated

means

cathode

plates

simultaneously

substantially

during a stamping o p e r a t i o n .

It will outside 15

of

the

if a pressure

be

understood

annular

sealing

is created

that

the

cathode

the

electrolysis

for

Further, 20

plates

5 and

gasket

18 may

membrane

51 are be

25

the

hydrogen,

the

annular

containing

flowing

58.

jacket will

hydrogen,

will

cathode

to flow

plates

2 are

separator

dimension.

each

4,

plates 5 or

plate,

5',

and

the

In this m a n n e r will

4,

plates

in the

fluid

Rather,

tend

the

the risk that any fluid c o n t a i n -

reduce

the

through

or

space

a separator

18 is of appropriate

18 substantially

when

cathode

adjacent

against

between

3, if the gasket

ing

k,

hydrogen

invention

present

embodiment,

preferred

pressed

pressed

the sealing gaskets

plate

resistant to rupture during use.

be relatively

generally

the

to

according

apparatus

cathode

18 in place against the p r e s s u r e .

gas, the lip 65 will tend to hold the gasket Thus,

the

4 by produced

plate

to t h e

65 extends

lip

around

18,

gasket

inside

the

since

cathode

flow passage

into

into

escape plate

4,

12, as d e s c r i b e d

below.

The metal 30

such

substrate,

Preferably

the

preferably

between

is important,

35

anode porosity

from

way,

plate

2, outwardly

plate

2.

happens

It

has

without

central

through been any

preferred

the

in an

directions,

a sintered

porous

structure.

80 percent,

The

most

porosity

in a substantially

homoge-

entire

volume

unexpected so

and

substantial

in the center

13 provided

that,

open

30 and

diffusion,

substantially

found

an

50 percent.

liquid bore

have

about

and

40

it enables

the

neous

is between

about

since

and

titanium,

as

of

composed

preferably

that

way, it

is

of the a n o d e of the the not

anode

diffusion necessary

1*

-

to

provide the

through which 5

the

adjacent

membrane

of the anode 10

a

leads

to

anode

of a structure

in

including

advantages,

numerous

flow

liquid of the

interface

at the

The utilization

3.

membrane

of

distribution

regular

: First,

and

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

especially

avoided

be

may

the following each

2, and

plate

grooves

a

obtaining

anode

2 with

plate

for

grooves

-

that

3, cell

higher

the

forms

2.

plates

with

a lower current less

possibly

of one

density is

electricity

used

in the cost of g e n e r a t i n g

This results in a relative decrease

by each cell 1.

material,

is in contact

is, generally, that

so

efficiency,

membrane

the

electrolyte,

there

Thus,

of

surface

complete

a

hydrogen. since

Secondly, 2

be

can

fabrication 15

the is

to make

the

anode

also,

results

in

which,

thickness

about

between

anode

the

of

the

sides,

lowering

considerably

plates

2.

plates

2 much

Also,

a substantial 2

plates

and

millimeters

0.5

required, by

thinner

cost the

for

avoiding

the

grooves,

savings.

Preferably,

preferred

embodiment with

1.5 millimeters,

about

plates

in p r e v i o u s

than

anode plates being about 0,6 to 1.0 millimeters

most p r e f e r r e d

the

in t h i c k n e s s

however other sizes may be u s e d .

20

Another substrate, to

good

is the

cooling

of

anode the

2, is generally

plates

described

anode a

plates

catalyst

2,

the

which

coating,

embodiment

preferred contacts

such

as

the

least

at

3, may

preferably

platinum,

leading

substantial

hot

easy m e t h o d

plates.

membrane

the

of

uniform,

leads to a relatively

of connection of a liquid inlet to the e l e c t r o l y t e In

quite

formation

1 without

cells

the construction

liquid diffusion within the s i n t e r e d

is that

advantage

that

Also,

spots.

25

both

on

anode

the

of

costs

it is possible designs

flat

substantially

anode

not

are

grooves

in

of

surface be

with

treated so

a manner

the that

the anode plates 2 retain their p o r o s i t y .

30

35

Referring electrolyzer,

to produce

is as follows

:

in

to

particular

hydrogen

and oxygen under

Water

is

passage

6, through

the

diffuses

into the various anode plates

in each anode plate 2.

introduced insert

Figure

1, the

according

to the

the

invention, flow

into

the

first

by arrow

67.

The w a t e r

pressure

44, as indicated

of

operation

2 from the central

bores 7 provided

This is indicated generally by arrows 68.

Generally,

~15~

in this anode

so

plates

2.

plates

2 and

It

is

The water

its

that

from

radially

and

structure,

porous

the

entire

substantially

wet

also

to the interface

diffuses

membranes

adjacent

noted

from

to

as

is conveyed

water

2 through

plate

perimeter, 5

the

manner,

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

is

water

3,

so

generally

the first flow passageway

to

as

the

outwardly

toward

volume

the

of

69 between the

wet from

prevented

6 into the cathode

of e a c h

center

its

anode

the a n o d e

membranes

3.

directly

diffusing

4 by the s e a l i n g

plates

rings 11.

The 10

of

the

apparatus, it

fluid

flow

is noted

that

between

referred when

two

the

directing

a seal

end

plate

the

various

19 and end cells

to provide ions

the

to

70,

25

under

by arrow from

72.

into

flowing

mixture

is prevented

of the sealing including 30

rings

flow

product

of

11.

passage the

effective between

is e l e c t r o l y z e d

water

the

ions

the

;

in

the

cathode

and hydrogen the

3,

58 by

the

indicated 4, the

flow

passage

12, as i n d i c a t e d

plate

38, as i n d i c a t e d

and hydrogen

gas is p r e v e n t e d

flange

seals

outer

18.

Finally, water from the cathode is

therein, and

12,

electrolysis,

by

thus

Further,

sealing

ring

k, possibly into

flowing

the

the

6 by m e a n s

plates

from

prevented

contaminating

the

arrow

electrolysis

into the first flow passage

flowing

by

The

The water and h y d r o g e n

the

of water

ions g e n e r a l l y

environment.

plates

69

gas.

second at

as

within

interfaces

at

hydrogen

aqueous

membrane

At the

jacket

from

is usually

flow. of

ions

into

dissolved

oxygen

second

the

is e v a c u a t e d

the

prevent

is produced

the mixture

Again,

generally

current

water

71, and

arrows

action

means".

2 0, an e l e c t r i c a l

<f.

pressure,

to

porous

directing

potential

through

producing

act

and

electric

hydrogen

plates

seals

portions

an

hydronium

cathode

flows,

by the

of

charge

is completed gas

and

gas

form

transmit

plate

to

sealing

application

1, so that

oxygen

the

taking 20

the

Through

through

as a "flow

is said

the

members,

flow

of passages,

to herein

regardless of the direction of a t t e m p t e d 15

fluid

by interaction

generally

is generally

membranes, Also,

for

means

the

hydrogen/water

17 positioned

in e a c h

anode plate 2.

Water 35

the

first

flow

or

which

has

that

passage not

been

has 6,

and

been

fed

which

decomposed

to

the

anode

does

not

cross

at

the

interface

plates the 69,

2,

through

membranes is

3,

discharged

- 16 -

at

the

the annular with

anode

of each

perimeter due

oxygen

the

to

2, as indicated

plate

73, into

by arrow

This water, which will have been c h a r g e d

58.

space or jacket

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

electrolysis,

be e v a c u a t e d

may

through

opening

63 in the housing 43, as indicated by arrow 64. of the above s t r u c t u r e ,

As a result

5 tion at

of

relatively

high

with

pressure

and

;

can

be p r o d u c e d

likelihood

of r u p t u r i n g

hydrogen

reduced

generally

fluid flow from

the

Thus,

problems.

1 is possible

cells

assembled

a very compact c o n s t r u c -

45, in the direction of a r r o w

insert

72, can contain a relatively high pressure of h y d r o g e n .

10

the

Further, or no cell the

water

cells

anode

2.

plates

to

possible

embodiments

5

plates annular 25

and

a more

that

such

due

5'

to

will

having

a plate

used

with any metal

inside

platinum

on t h e

coating

reduction

to

in

6 and

passages

as sealing

corrosion

of

the

This m a k e s

the

flow

passages

this

Further,

leakage.

for

12,

gaskets.

inside

pressures

risk

of the be

such

readily as

gasket

18,

anode and

in sealing

advantages

associated

desirable

less

For

apparent.

means

grooved, be

would

described

previously

retaining

conventional,

cost,

little

be

can

inexpensively and e a s i l y .

gasket

sealing

with

lead

flow

high

substantial

Applications modified

in

are

O-rings

accomplished relatively 20

will

above,

relatively

apply

without

12,

or the

metal,

generally,

embodiment,

preferred 6 and

This, indicated

As

15

titanium

for

side r e a c t i o n s .

and e l e c t r o l y t e

it

for

1, except

into contact

to come

or hydrogen

allows

chosen

design

particular

in v a r i o u s

example

separator

used

it

is b e l i e v e d

While

in most

instances,

rupturing

an

in a s s o c i a t i o n

plate.

less

for

therewith,

be

may

invention

especially

conventional

over

systems would generally result from such an a r r a n g e m e n t .

Further, to 30

combine

utilizing

retaining

4.

That

is,

be used

invention, 35

back-up

for could

separator

anode

an

for

rings

sealing

it

plate

2,

rather

than

plates.

described

means

retaining the

perimeter

rings

such

with

anode

plates

the

absence

of

the

to

of

a cell

on separator

plates,

the

as fiberglass according

retaining

invention,

with

hereinabove,

back-up

in association in

according

possible,

as

around

rings

conventional example

be

would

cathode

plate

back-up

rings

to the

means

present

mounted

on

- " -

do not necessarily

need to correspond

in the

Generally,

in the e l e c t r o l y z e r shown

plates and m e m b r a n e s

of the cathode

thicknesses

The relative thicknesses

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

drawings.

It will be u n d e r s t o o d ,

that a variety of thicknesses will be o p e r a b l e .

however,

the

In with

the

water

cell,

and

with

and

water 10

of

water,

is,

the

the 15

of

be

the

outlet

gas

mixture,

the

inlet

inlet

of

the

that

in

some

and

membranes

might have a different It the

present

to be limited bed as shown.

25

is

to

be

located

in

Further,

plates.

appropriately

assembly

be

might

with

plates

not

need

of

be

modified

;

for

That

example

than

other

the

at not

might will

It

present

or

diffusion

located.

with

used,

this

area

a ready

centers. the

the

While

passageway

the

applications may

as

a position

to

respect

of

greater

centrally

outlet

the

of

use

circular

the

evacuation

an

well

as

plates,

positioned,

understood

20

anode

of

positioned.

for

especially

passageway

passageway

non-circular

of

and

eccentrically

described

was

center

for

passageway,

preferred,

cathode

eccentrically

the

water

the

in the

located

passageway

be

may

centers

further of

inlet

cell

each

embodiment,

preferred

hydrogen

arrangement volume

thin

relatively

are

they

and can have a thickness of less than 0.5 millimeters.

5

to those r e l a t i v e

be

invention remainder

sealing

rings

shape. understood

be

invention

have

to the specific

been

that

certain

while

illustrated

and

forms or a r r a n g e m e n t

embodiments

described,

it

is n o t

of parts herein d e s c r i -

18

-

-

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

CLAIMS 1. (a) at

least

one

a cathode

cell

electrolysis

plate (3)

(i) each 5

An electrolysis apparatus comprising

of said

an

anode

plates

(2 and

and cathode

having

an

open

(b) a solid

10

cell

electrolysis

(d) first seal means (3)

substantially

in

first

a

between

said

first

(1)

between

;

flow

(6)

passage

extending

; fluid flow c o m m u n i c a t i o n

preventing

flow

cell

said

(6)

passage

and

said

cathode

plate

cell

(1) having

a second

flow

(12) e x t e n d i n g

passage

; (f) second seal means (17) substantially preventing fluid flow c o m m u n i c a t i o n between

said

anode

(2)

plate

and

seal means (4),

plate

to

associated

with

substantially

said outer fluid

prevent

second

flow

passage

(h) fluid

flow

cell

(1)

into

said

directing via

said

open

providing

fluid

flow passage

(6)

means first

anode

porous

(2)

plate

of said c a t h o d e

perimeter flow

cathode plate (4) along said outer p e r i m e t e r

(6)

said

;

(g) third

thereof flow and

from

from

outwardly and

;

into

said

said

electrolysis fluid

permitting said

first

fluid

flow

flow

flow

passage

;

(i) said

fluid

directing said

throughout

30

an o u t e r

generally longitudinally t h e r e t h r o u g h

(12)

25

4) having

;

directly

20

having

(11) substantially

(e) said electrolysis 15

(1)

generally longitudinally t h e r e t h r o u g h directly

and

by a liquid

each of said anode and cathode plates (2 and 3) (c) said

(2)

plate

structure

porous

, such as water ; electrolyte m e m b r a n e (3) positioned

permeable

anode

including

;

and

perimeter

(1)

:

means

anode

plate

directed

through

said

(4),

with

portion

and

a

permitting (2) with

membrane of

a portion

(3)

said

and

fluid

into

of said anote plate (2) along an outer p e r i m e t e r (ii) said

fluid

said

anode

plate

(4),

directing plate into

means (2)

said

out of said electrolysis

and

further

cell (1)

flow ;

(3)

passage

fluid

cathode

flow plate

directed

outwardly

thereof

;

permitting

membrane

second

of said said

flow

substantially

fluid

through (12)

flow

said

from

cathode

therefrom,

and

19

-

(i) whereby

when

cathode

plates

stream first 5

carried

10

electrolysis, said

(1)

hydrogen

cell

by

means

flow

fluid

of

cathode from

cathode

said flow

second

said

(4), during

plate

said

removed

anode

said

from

at

into

and,

;

formation

being

generally

gas

gas

partial

gas g e n e r a l l y (1) by fluid flow

communication

(3) to said

said

oxygen

electrolysis

electrolyte

membrane

said

generates

hydrogen

cell

and

flow

fluid

(2) through

plate

said

said

of

(2) whereat

plate

gas,

oxygen

from

outwardly

anode

a water

:

means

by

from said anode plate (2) outer p e r i m e t e r

outwardly (j) whereby

forming

occur

may

said

(1)

cell

electrolysis

into

and

water

comprises

and

anode

said

between

applied fluid

said

said

into (6),

passage

electrolysis being

fed

is

current 3) and

(2 and

be

may flow

a direct

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

-

plate,

electrolysis passage

(12)

and outwardly of said electrolysis a p p a r a t u s .

15

(a) said anode plate (2), cathode ly circular (b) said

:

(3) are s u b s t a n t i a l -

plate (4) and membrane

; flow

first

(6) extends

passage

anode plate (2), cathode

(12) extends

centers

through

generally

(3)

plate (4) and m e m b r a n e

flow passage

(c) said second 20

1, wherein

according to claim

An electrolysis apparatus

2.

and

;

parallel

generally

of said

to, and s p a c e d

from, said first flow passage (6).

3. wherein (a) said

An

electrolysis

claim

to

according

apparatus

1 or

2,

: anode

plate

of between about 30 and 80 % 25

k.

An electrolysis

1 to 3, wherein

metal

(2) is a sintered

substrate

a. p o r o s i t y

having

; apparatus

to

according

anyone

of c l a i m

:

(a) a side of said anode plate

(2) facing

(3) is s u b s t a n t i a l l y

said m e m b r a n e

flat.

An electrolysis

5.

30

(a) said

anode

plate

(2)

apparatus

is between

about

according 0.5

k wherein

to claim

and

about

:

1.5 m i l l i m e t e r

thick.

An electrolysis

6.

2 to 5, including (a) a 35

housing

drainage

apparatus

according

to

anyone

of c l a i m s

:

(43) jacket

surrounding for

receipt

said of

electrolysis fluid

from

cell said

(1) outer

and

forming

perimeter

a of

20

-

-

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

said anode plate (2).

7.

An electrolysis

1 to 6 wherein (a) said 5

: seal

third

(i) said cathode

a 10

thereof

side

(2)

periphery

with

perimeter

sealing

15

flowing

means

(65)

thereon

said

on

perimeter

sealing

plate

plate

(4) that

faces

an

outer

having

cathode

said

engaging

against

same

said

is

substantially (4)

plate

prevented

outer

from by

perimeter

and,

j

sealing gasket (18) is held s u b s t a n t i a l l y

plate (5).

An electrolysis

means

cathode

retaining

p e r i m e t e r sealing gasket (18)

8.

said

;

cathode

said cathode p e r i m e t e r

20

with

(5)

plate for

and

hydrogen said

from

in place by said s e p a r a t o r (a) said

separator

(18)

of

;

positioned

and

cathode

said

gasket

containing

outwardly

said cathode (c) whereby

;

the

plate (4) outer p e r i m e t e r

fluid

(b) whereby

of

side

a

surrounding

fluid flow therefrom

non-porous

facing

a side

(3)

membrane

cathode

being

generally

is opposite

that

said

(5)

plate

(18) substantially

gasket

and preventing

outer p e r i m e t e r

separator

gasket

sealing

perimeter

;

sealing

perimeter

said cathode

a cathode

includes

means

(18) and a s e p a r a t o r plate (5)

(ii) said

of c l a i m s

to anyone

according

apparatus

(18)

gasket

(5)

plate

separator

in

to claim

according

apparatus

for

retaining

comprises

position

7 wherein

:

said

cathode

lip

member

a

(65) on an outer periphery of said separator plate (5).

9.

25

(a) a plurality

An electrolysis apparatus comprising of

cells

electrolysis

(1),

cell

each

of said anode and

perimeter

and cathode

having

an

porous

permeable by a liquid, such as water 30

least

one

solid

between

said

anode

(ii) at

cell (1) (b) retaining in a series 35

electrolyte plate

(3)

plate

;

(2) and (4) having an o u t e r

plates

open

an anode

having membrane

(2), a cathode plate (^) and a solid e l e c t r o l y t e (i) each

:

structure

substantially

;

membrane

(2) and said

(3)

cathode

being plate

positioned (4) of e a c h

;

means

for

supporting

said

plurality

of

electrolysis

cells

;

(c) said series of electrolysis cells having a first flow passage (6) e x t e n d i n g

21

-

longitudinally

generally

(d) first seal means W 5

said

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

therethrough

(11) substantially

between

directly

-

first

;

flow

cathode

(e) said

cells

electrolysis

between

directly (12)

a second

(1) having

said

anode

(12) e x t e n d i n g

flow passage

; preventing fluid flow c o m m u n i c a t i o n second

flow

perimeter

of

said

(2) and

plates

seal

said

said

with

associated

means

cathode

from

(4),

plates

cathode

adjacent

plates (k) cells

electrolysis

flow

cell

(1) via said

first

fluid

prevent outer by

except

outwardly thereof

perimeters of

means

said

first

fluid

flow

into

passage (6) by permitting

each

fluid

flow directing said

throughout flow and of

directed

being into

said

fluid

flow

fluid

from (12)

flow

thereof

;

(i)

and

cathode

plates

(4),

and

:

by means (2)

plates a

water

of

said

whereat

oxygen cells

of

out

ultimately

said

with said

(3)

second

said

fluid

material

(3)

a portion

anode

plates

fluid

flow

through

said

permitting

membranes into

said

flow

passage

electrolysis

cells

;

and cathode

35

(2)

(j) whereby when an e l e c t r i c a l water

of

further

means

directing

and

and

outwardly

said

;

of

membrane ;

into

flow s u b s t a n t i a l l y

portion

directed

plates

therefrom,

a

(4)

plates

anode

said

associated

30

flow

with

adjacent

cathode

(2) along outer p e r i m e t e r s (ii) said

(2)

plates

being

fluid

permitting

through

associated fluid

means

anode

and

electrolysis

open porous anode plates (2) from said first flow passage (6) (i) said

;

; and

providing

flow

flow

of

each

fluid flow directly b e t w e e n

preventing

(1)

means

directing

outer

said

along

second flow passages (6 and 12) (i) fluid

said

to substantially

(h) separator means (5) substantially

25

passage

;

(g) third

20

plates

;

(f) second seal means (17) substantially

15

said

(6) and

passage

generally longitudinally t h e r e t h r o u g h

10

fluid flow c o m m u n i c a t i o n

preventing

gas (1)

by

(2 and k), of each stream first

partial

flow

may

fluid

being flow

be

passage

electrolysis

generally said

potential

may

carried

is

applied

between

said

anode

cell (1), and said fluid c o m p r i s e s fed

into

said

electrolysis

and

into

said

(6), occur

forming

outwardly

outwardly

from

from said

anode

oxygen

gas,

cells, plates said

said

electrolysis

outer

perimeters

22

-

of said anode plates (2) (2),

plates (4) 5

cathode said

hydrogen (1)

cells

electrolysis

into

hydrogen

gas

(3),

generates

said

(4),

plates

and

membranes

electrolysis

during

communication

electrolyte

said

through

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

and

;

and

flow

fluid

(k) whereby

-

of

means

by

said

cathode

plates at

said

removed

from

into

flow

fluid

anode

formation being

generally

gas

said

from

said

second

flow passage (12) and outwardly of said electrolysis a p p a r a t u s .

10. An electrolysis apparatus according to claim 9 wherein : (a) said 10

anode

(2), cathode

plates

stantially circular (b) said

flow

first

(3) are

(4) and m e m b r a n e s

plates

sub-

; (6) extends

passage

generally

anode plates (2), cathode plates (^) and m e m b r a n e s (3) (12) extends

(c) said second flow passage

of said

centers

through

and

;

parallel to, and s p a c e d

generally

from, said first flow passage (6).

15 (a) at

least

11.

An electrolysis apparatus comprising

one

electrolysis

plate (4)

a cathode

said

(i) e a c h o f

(1)

(b) a solid

anode

plates

(2 and

and cathode an

having

(c) said

cell

electrolysis

(1)

generally

longitudinally

including

a

a second

bore

first

plates (2 and 4)

bore

having

a

(7)

;

(8) extending

said

(d) first seal means (11) substantially 30

(4)

said

between

first

flow

said

first

seal

means

an

comprising

in said first flow passage third bore (7) electrolysis

cell

(1) having

a second

generally longitudinally t h e r e t h r o u g h 35

anode

extending

passage

(6)

plate

(2),

(3) and

a third

;

fluid flow c o m m u n i c a t i o n

(6)

and

said

cathode

plate

;

(i) said (e) said

(6)

flow

first

preventing passage

(1) b e t w e e n

cell

membrane

said

through

substantially

passage

through

extending

an o u t e r

;

flow

first

therethrough

4) having

in said

bore (9) extending through said cathode plate (4) directly

and

;

(3) positioned

membrane

electrolyte

(2)

plate

structure

porous

open

each of said anode and cathode

25

an

permeable by a liquid, such as water

20

anode

including

;

and

perimeter

cell

:

(f) second

seal

means

substantially

O-ring

seal

(11)

positioned

; flow

passage

(18) e x t e n d i n g

;

preventing

fluid

flow

communication

23

-

between

directly (g) third

seal

cathode 5

said anode (17)

means (4),

plate

said

cathode

seal

means

plate

said

cathode

perimeter

said

cathode

outer

cathode that 15

cathode

outer

sealing

;

said

outwardly

from

said

third

thereof

sealing

gasket and

;

(18)

gasket

substantially

substantially

with

(4)

that

a side

and

surrounding

preventing

fluid

and

being

with

perimeter

(3)

means (66) mounted

the

thereon

and

gasket

of

for

of

cathode

the plate

(5) having

plate

separator

(65)

a side

facing

a side said

;

means

sealing

non-porous

thereof

is opposite

said m e m b r a n e periphery

substantially

said cathode plate (4) outer p e r i m e t e r (h) retaining

of

perimeter

flow

perimeter

perimeter

(5) being

plate

plate

outer

an

fluid

prevent

perimeter

positioned

faces

outer

(12)

;

separator

generally

said

flow passage

;

(i) said

(ii) said

with

cathode

a

plate (5)

flow therefrom 10

associated

along

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

and said second

plate

to substantially

including

a separator

-

said

engaging

supporting

same

against

and

;

on said separator

plate (5) for s u p p o r t i n g

said first seal means (11) in position.

12.

20

according to claim

apparatus

11 wherein :

(a) said means on said separator plate for engaging said cathode p e r i m e t e r sealing

supporting

comprises

said separator (b) said

and

gasket

perimeter

25

An electrolysis

plate (5)

retaining

a central

a

means

lip ;

said

against

member

(65)

on

cathode

an

outer

plate

outer

periphery

of

mounted

on

and

comprises

of said

portion

same

annular

an

separator

and

plate

(66)

ring

oriented

to retain

said

first seal means (11) in position.

13.

An electrolysis

apparatus

comprising

:

(a) at least one electrolysis cell including an anode plate (2) and a c a t h o d e plate (4) 30

(i) each

; of said

perimeter

(b) a 35

solid

and

cathode

(2 and

4) having

plate (4) having an open porous structure

by a liquid, such as water

electrolyte

membrane

each of said anode and cathode (c) said electrolysis

plates

an o u t e r

;

(ii) said cathode permeable

anode

(3)

substantially

;

positioned

plates (2 and 4)

in

said

cell

between

;

cell having a first flow passage (6) extending g e n e r a l l y

24

-

longitudinally t h e r e t h r o u g h conduit

(d) an evacuation

5

(4)

flow

communication

; said

into

seal

between

directly W

outer

plate

fluid

flow

outer

perimeter

flow

first

between

said fluid

preventing (6)

passage

means

said

including plate (5)

anode

plate

and

communication

said

cathode

plate

outer plate

is opposite

membrane with

(3)

(18)

gasket

perimeter

plate

(4)

plate

outer

sealing

said

along

perimeter (18)

gasket

and

sealing gasket (18) substantially s u r r o u n d i n g and

substantially

fluid

preventing

; (5)

being

generally a side

the

positioned

being

a side of said cathode

facing

of

and

non-porous cathode

plate

(4) facing

plate

said

said separator plate (5) having an outer p e r i p h e r y

;

thereon

means

cathode

perimeter

perimeter

a side thereof

(4) that

said

preventing

;

separator

with

(18) substantially

cathode

cathode

a

flow directly t h e r e f r o m (ii) said

from said

;

perimeter

cathode

seal means

outwardly

thereof

(i) said cathode

20

without

substantially

;

perimeter

directly

a separator 15

interface

substantially

said

cell

said c a t h o d e

;

(f) cathode

-seal

(11)

means

for fluid flow from

electrolysis

an

(2) and said m e m b r a n e (3) (e) first

10

outwardly

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

(12) providing from

plate

-

and

for

engaging

retaining

same

said

cathode said

against

perimeter

cathode

sealing outer

plate

;

(g) fluid flow directing means providing for fluid flow into said e l e c t r o l y s i s 25

cell

via

said

interface

first

flow

passage

between

said

anode

(i) said fluid flow generally of

fluid

said 30

directed

cell,

without

plate

said

fluid

flow

of

fluid

portion

substantial

said

membrane

evacuation (1)

;

directing directed and

conduit

into for

(2)

interface

and then

to

passage

flow

through

flow

to

membrane

said (3)

;

a first p o r t i o n from

outwardly said

membrane

; and further

said

interface

said

said

permitting

means to

fluid

directing

directing means

(3) and into each cathode plate (4) (ii) said

35

to

(6) and

cathode

evacuation

permitting to then

plate

from

and

said

a

flow

second through

into

said

electrolysis

cell

then

25

-

when

(h) whereby

cathode

and

a water

stream

and

plate

gas

of fluid

;

(i) whereby, 10

flow that

in the

said cell

from

said a n o d e forming

occur

may

first

portion

said

and

membrane

in said

formation

said

into

cathode

said

from

communication

flow and e l e c t r o l y t e

fluid

electrolysis,

removed

being

electrolysis

:

(1), by m e a n s

between

(6), and to an interface

be e v a c u a t e d

water

comprises cell

anode

and

during

hydrogen

fluid

electrolysis

partial

said

between

applied

said

said

into

wherea.t

may

is

and

k),

fed

passage

membrane

oxygen

through

be

may

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

potential

and

(2

plates

of said first 5

electric

an

-

cathode

plate

said

hydrogen

plate,

cell

electrolysis

fluid

by

in

result

may

gas g e n e r a l l y into

flow

said

evacuation c o n d u i t .

14.

An electrolysis apparatus

:

comprising

(a) at least one electrolysis cell including an anode plate (2) and a c a t h o d e 15

plate (4)

; of said

(i) each

and

anode

circular in configuration of

(ii) each

said

structure 20

solid

(b) a

cathode

substantially

cathode

membrane

(i) said

diameter of

25

the

arranged membrane

plate (2)

longitudinally first

bore

W

;

anode

said

that

so

;

each

a larger (3)

membrane

with

(2)

plate

having

a perimeter

plate (4) having a

smaller

diameter

a perimeter of the

anode

than

said a n o d e

cell having a first flow passage (6) extending g e n e r a l l y

therethrough through

(d) first seal means directly

said

and

beyond

between

said

;

through

first

flow

first anode

passage

plate

(3) and a third

(2),

including

a second

a

bore

bore (9) e x t e n d i n g

;

(11) substantially said

said

said membrane

through said cathode plate (4) 35

water

between

(3) extending

(7) extending

(8) extending

as

porous

;

(c) said electrolysis 30

such

cell

circular

(2),

plate

adjacent

open

;

generally

anode

said

;

;

(ii) said cathode plate (2)

being

said

than

be

can

(3)

in

position

of said anode and cathode plates

a liquid,

by

generally

an

having

plates

permeable

membrane

electrolyte

4) being

and having an outer p e r i m e t e r

and

anode

(2 and

plates

flow

preventing passage

(6)

fluid flow c o m m u n i c a t i o n and

said

cathode

plate

26

-

(e) said

cell

electrolysis

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

flow

second

a

having

-

generally longitudinally t h e r e t h r o u g h

(12)

passage

extending

;

(f) second seal means (17) substantially preventing fluid flow c o m m u n i c a t i o n between

directly 5

(12)

seal means (4),

plate cathode 10

anode

to

means

with

associated

substantially (4)

plate

plate (5)

(i) said cathode (ii) said

cathode

a

said

but

outwardly thereof

perimeter

sealing

plate not

of (5)

diameter

larger

(65)

means

having

said

sealing

gasket

for (18)

sealingly

of said m e m b r a n e

;

cathode plate

(2),

retaining

said

cathode

supporting said

between

(66) mounted

said

cathode plate

separator

(5)

beyond said c a t h o d e

(3) extending

on said separator

said first seal means (11) in position flow means at

membrane lysis

and

;

(h) retaining means

formed

(18)

thereon for

perimeter

and

said

anode

plate_ outer

(i) first

third

a generally

having than

than

in d i a m e t e r

larger

and

non-porous

p e r i m e t e r sealing gasket (18) a g a i n s t

plate (4)

said

gasket

said cathode

and a portion

said

and preventing fluid flow therefrom

(5) being

plate

separator

perimeter

;

from

sealing gasket (18) substantially s u r r o u n d i n g

perimeter

configuration

(4),

plate

flow

passage

of said c a t h o d e

perimeter

perimeter

flow

second

;

separator

circular

25

said

fluid

outer

said cathode outer p e r i m e t e r

20

and

said outer

prevent

said

along

including

a separator

15

(2)

plate

;

(g) third

seal

said

an

for evacuating

interface

(1)

cell

without

; fluid containing said

between

(3) during electrolysis

plate (5) for s u p p o r t i n g

anode

oxygen, plate

cell operation,

substantial

passage

(2)

generally and

said

from said e l e c t r o -

into

said

second

flow

passage (12), a n d (ii) second 30

formed

flow at

means said

for

cathode

evacuating plate

W,

fluid from

hydrogen,

containing said

electrolysis

by passage into said second flow passage (12).

15. A method for electrolysis of water to produce and oxygen t h e r e f r o m (a) 35

;

said method comprising the steps of

cell

hydrogen

:

providing at least one electrolysis cell (1) including a solid e l e c t r o l y t e membrane

(3)

positioned

between

and an open porous cathode plate (b)

an

open ;

porous

anode

plate

(2)

-27

0 2 3 9 1 6 9

-

(2) and said cathode

(i) said anode plate

(3)

opposite sides of said membrane (b) wetting,

with

water,

of

surfaces

(3)

and 4) which abut said membrane 5

(i) said

wetting

radially

from

being

(c) passing a current gas 10

at

said

by providing

a central

an outer perimeter

said

plate

(4)

and

plates

; anode

cathode

(2

of water

of

anode

said

substantially (2)

plate

toward

and

;

and

cell (1) to generate

oxygen

gas

at

said

hydrogen

anode

plate

(2).

16. (a) said

anode

A methode plate

(2)

is

according to claim provided

with

15 wherein

two,

flat sides, one of which abuts said m e m b r a n e 15

mutually

conveyance

through said electrolysis

cathode

(4) contacting

;

portion

thereof

plate

(3).

opposite,

: substantially

1/2 0 2 3 9 1 6 9 >J «4 ID CO CO 00

(M CN

S o S

>4-

C^ CO

O «4-

CD CO

CJ> %J

2 S CO

«oo

in

cm. ffl.

&

a

s

^CO

i>

Jg2<^

?o>> «-

cm ^

0 2 3 9 1 6 9 2/2

CO

0 2 3 9 1 6 9 J

)

Category D,A

European Patent Office

DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT Citation of document with indication, where appropriate, of relevant passage* US aT71

A -

4 210

* Abstract; US

-

A -

4 312

* Claim US

-

A -

511

(CAMPBELL

1;

736

(MENTH

452

(MORRIS

fig.

et

4 *

fig.

et

1 *

4 560

* Claim

. Application number

EUROPEAN SEARCH R E P O R T

et

2 *

al . )

al . )

Relevant to claim 1-6, 9,10, 15

EP 8 7 2 0 0 5 0 5 . 3 CLASSIFICATION OF THE APPLICATION (Int. CM) C 25

B

C 25

B 13/08

1/10

1,3,15

1,9,15

TECHNICAL FIELDS SEARCHEO(lnt.CM) C 25

B

The preeent search report hat been drawn up for all claim* .

Place of search VIENNA SI 3

Date of completion of trie search 25-06-1987

CATEGORY OF CITED DOCUMENTS X : particularly relevant if taken alone Y : particularly relevant if combined with another document of the same category A : technological background O : non-written disclosure P : intermediate document

Examiner LUX

T : theory or principle underlying the invention E : earlier patent document, but published on, or after the filing date D : document cited in the application L : document cited for other reasons & : member of the same patent family, corresponding document