Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus comprises an electrochemical cell having fluid orifices to receive input fluid and release output fluid, the input fluid having a first level of a microorganism. First and second electrodes are about a water-splitting membrane in the electrochemical cell. A valve controls the flow of fluid through fluid orifices of the electrochemical cell. A power supply supplies a current to the first and second electrodes. A control module comprises program code to operate the valve to flow the input fluid into a fluid orifice of the electrochemical cell and provide a residence time of the fluid in the cell of at least 0.05 minutes, while controlling the power supply to supply to the first and second electrodes, a current having a current density of from about 0.01 to about 20 mA/cm2.

Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus comprises an electrochemical cell having fluid orifices to receive input fluid and release output fluid, the input fluid having a first level of a microorganism. First and second electrodes are about a water-splitting membrane in the electrochemical cell. A valve controls the flow of fluid through fluid orifices of the electrochemical cell. A power supply supplies a current to the first and second electrodes. A control module comprises program code to operate the valve to flow the input fluid into a fluid orifice of the electrochemical cell and provide a residence time of the fluid in the cell of at least 0.05 minutes, while controlling the power supply to supply to the first and second electrodes, a current having a current density of from about 0.01 to about 20 mA/cm2.

Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus for treating a fluid comprises an electrochemical cell having fluid orifices to receive and release fluid, and a fluid passageway connecting the orifices with a water-splitting ion exchange membrane is exposed to the fluid in the passageway. First and second electrodes are positioned about the membrane. The apparatus also comprises a controller to control and operate a power supply and valve system. The power supply supplies a current to the first and second electrodes at sufficiently high current density to result in bacteriostasis, deactivation, or a reduction in the microorganisms in the fluid. The controller can also operate a set of cells to deionize fluid and regenerate the cells.

Abstract: A cartridge for an ion exchanging electrochemical cell, the cartridge comprising at least one spiral wound, textured, bipolar ion exchange membrane having (i) an anion exchange layer abutting a cation exchange layer with continuous contact between the anion exchange layer and the cation exchange layer; and (ii) an exposed textured surface having a pattern of texture features. A method of manufacturing a cartridge for an ion exchange electrochemical cell comprises winding the textured, bipolar ion exchange membrane into a spiral wound membrane.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell 102 comprises an ion exchange membrane 10 having anion and cation exchange materials. The membrane 10 can have separate anion and cation exchange layers 12, 14 that define a heterogeneous water-splitting interface therebetween. In one version, the membrane 10 has a textured surface having a pattern of texture features 26 comprising spaced apart peaks 28 and valleys 30. The membranes 10 can also have an integral spacer 80. A cartridge 100 can be fabricated with a plurality of the membranes 10 for insertion in a housing 129 of the electrochemical cell 102. The housing 129 can also have a detachable lid 96 that fits on the cartridge 100. The electrochemical cell 102 can be part of an ion controlling apparatus 120.

Abstract: A valve for controlling fluid flow has a housing with a plurality of ports. A movable element has a movable surface with an opening, and is capable of moving between (i) a first position in which the opening is aligned to at least one of the ports such that fluid can pass between ports, and (ii) a second position which blocks the passage of fluid between the ports. At least one rim seal encircles each of the ports, each opening, or both. A floating seal is positioned between the movable surface and the housing and is in contact with the at least one rim seal. The floating seal has a passage that aligns with the opening of the movable surface and at least one of the ports when the movable element is in the first position, and a continuous sealing surface about the passage that is sufficiently long to close off the opening of the movable surface as the movable element moves from the first position to the second position, thereby reducing leakage of fluid between the movable surface opening and the ports.