US3856652A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrochemical cells
Assignee: National Research Development Corp UK
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Filing: 1972-12-26
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Granted: 1974-12-24
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Expires: 1992-12-26
Abstract
Abstract A multi-bipolar electrode type of electrochemical cell which is adapted for operation with flowing electrolyte, comprises a plurality of bipolar electrode units, which can be, for example, rods, such as hollow rods, preferably horizontal, in vertical column, or groups of bipolar electrode units, which can be of geometrical shape, such as cylinders or rings, such as Lessing rings, arranged in horizontal layers one below the other separated by openwork, electrically insulating, spacers, such as nylon net. It is arranged that the electrolyte flows to bridge the spaces between adjacent electrode units, or groups of electrode units, but that any electrolyte in contact with the remainder of each electrode unit surface is kept to a very thin film. In this way electronic continuity through the cell is maintained by means of the electrolyte bridges and each electrode unit functions as a bipolar electrode.
Inventors
- 👤 M Fleischmann
- 👤 R Plimley
- 👤 C Tennakoon
- 👤 C King
- 👤 J Oldfield
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 00:12
CPC Classifications
C; C25; C25B; C25B11/00; C25B11/02; C25B11/036; C25B9/00; C25B9/70; C25B9/73; C25B9/75
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
A multi-bipolar electrode cell adapted for operation with flowing electrolyte, comprising a plurality of bipolar electrode units, or groups of bipolar electrode units, said bipolar electrode units or groups of bipolar electrode units being arranged, in operation, to be electrically in series in spaced relationship from one end of the electrode system to the other, series connections being provided, in operation of the cell, between the adjacent electrode units or groups of electrode units by flowing electrolyte substantially uniformly bridging the gaps between them, comparatively thin films of electrolyte being in contact with the remainder of the surfaces of individual electrode units.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
102 words
A multi-bipolar electrode cell adapted for operation with flowing electrolyte, comprising a plurality of bipolar electrode units, or groups of bipolar electrode units, said bipolar electrode units or groups of bipolar electrode units being arranged, in operation, to be electrically in series in spaced relationship from one end of the electrode system to the other, series connections being provided, in operation of the cell, between the adjacent electrode units or groups of electrode units by flowing electrolyte substantially uniformly bridging the gaps between them, comparatively thin films of electrolyte being in contact with the remainder of the surfaces of individual electrode units.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
A multi-bipolar electrode cell as claimed in claim 1, in which the bipolar electrode units, or groups of bipolar electrode units, are arranged one above the other and comprising means for controlling the supply of electrolyte to the electrode system so that the flow is substantially evenly distributed over the top of the uppermost electrode unit or group of electrode units.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A multi-bipolar electrode cell as claimed in claim 2, wherein the geometry of the cell permits intimate contact between reactant gas and electrolyte at said bridging paths.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
A multi-bipolar electrode cell as claimed in claim 3, wherein arrangements are made whereby reactant gas is in contra-flow to the electrolyte.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A multi-bipolar electrode cell as claimed in claim 1, wherein all of the bipolar electrode units are geometrically the same.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A multi-bipolar electrode cell as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bipolar electrode units are rods of conducting material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A multi-bipolar electrode cell as claimed in claim 6, wherein the bipolar electrode units are rods of graphite.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
A multi-bipolar electrode cell as claimed in claim 7, wherein said electrode unit rods are arranged in staggered columns so that the said bridging paths of electrolyte pass alternately from one column to the next.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
A multi-bipolar electrode cell as claimed in claim 6, wherein a plurality of columns of electrode unit rods are arranged side by side within the cell.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
A multi-bipolar electrode cell as claimed in claim 6, wherein said rods are hollow.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
A multi-bipolar electrode cell as claimed in claim 10, wherein the bipolar hollow rod electrode system is arranged for flow of fluid through the rod for heat transfer purposes.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
51 words
A multi-bipolar electrode cell as claimed in claim 1, in which the bipolar electrode units comprise rods of conducting material arranged vertically side-by-side in at least one row and in close but separated juxtaposition one to the next and electrolyte is caused to flow to form bridging paths between adjacent rods.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
A multi-bipolar electrode cell as claimed in claim 12, wherein the electrolyte is arranged to flow vertically down the bridging paths.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
39 words
A multi-bipolar electrode cell as claimed in claim 6, wherein electrolyte is introduced to each electrode unit assembly througH a perforated or like distributor permitting electrolyte to flow in substantially even distribution over the width of the electrode system.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
A multi-bipolar electrode cell as claimed in claim 1 in which each bipolar electrode unit is cylindrical and is arranged with the cylindrical surface extending vertically.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
18 words
A multi-bipolar electrode cell as claimed in claim 15, wherein said cylindrical electrode unit is a ring member.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
39 words
A multi-bipolar electrode cell as claimed in claim 15, wherein numbers of said cylindrical units are arranged in parallel rows one below the other and resting on interposed openwork insulating screens which cause said substantially uniformly distributed electrolyte flow.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-12-23 | 1978-06-24 | 1978-12-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-12-23 | 1982-06-24 | 1982-12-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-12-23 | 1986-06-24 | 1986-12-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |