Electrolytic cell

Abstract

An electrolytic cell comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet to allow the flow of fluid through the housing. An anode and a cathode are positioned within the housing, the cathode distal from the anode. Preferably, one or more bipolar electrolytic plates, spaced apart, are slideably positioned between the anode and cathode. Each electrolytic plate has four edges with three of the four edges securely fitted within the housing so as to form a seal with the housing. The fourth edge in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid therethrough. The two sides of the housing, the end caps and the top and bottom plates of the housing comprise grooves. The length of the grooves of the top and bottom plates alternate in size. The alternating top grooves, alternating bottom grooves and one of the alternating end cap grooves receive three of the four edges of each electrolytic plate. The fourth edge when fitted into a groove in the top or bottom defines a clearance between the edge of the plate and the housing. A serpentine pathway is formed by these clearances and the spaces between the electrolytic plates. The fluid flows along this pathway throughout the cell.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED CASES

[0001] This application claims priority from the U.S. provisional Patent Application 60/441,383 filed Jan. 21, 2003, contemporaneously abandoned with this filing.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrolytic cell. Particularly, the invention is directed to a compact electrolytic cell useful for on-site disinfection of contaminated waters.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The electrolytic treatment of sewage and other contaminated water mixtures to disinfect the water is known. The on-site treatment of domestic-type waste is used at those locations where there is no access to a municipal water treatment plant or equivalent facility. Examples of such locations are ships and off-shore drilling platforms. Electrolytic cells are used in the treatment of sewage and contaminated water to produce disinfectant. Typically, a measured quantity of an electrolyte, generally salt as in brine, is added to an influent waste water stream. The waste water stream is passed through a plurality of closely spaced planar, electro-catalytically active electrodes. As the current is passed through, chlorine, oxygen or other disinfecting chemicals are generated in situ to reduce the BOD (biological oxygen demand), the COD (chemical oxygen demand) and the particulate matter suspended in the water.

[0004] The effluent containing sea water, decontaminated waste water, chlorine, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, water and entrained suspended solids are removed from the cell. The disinfected wastewater stream can be discharged from the treatment vessel into a filter for removal of fibrous residual suspended solids. The effluent is then pumped overboard. Such treatment is costly and requires the use of large and heavy, space consuming equipment.

[0005] Reference is made, for example, to the following United States patents disclosing electrolytic treatment of contaminated-water: U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,525 to Clement discloses an enhanced electrolyser comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet at a common end. Electrode elements are disposed within the housing and a passageway connects the inlet to the outlet. An impermeable divider is disposed in the fluid flow passageway that defines two sections which are connected by one or more openings. The housing comprises casing members having inner shallow depressions for receiving the electrodes. U.S. Pat. No. 4,783,246 to Langeland et al. discloses a small hypochlorite electrolyzer for the on-site treatment of sewage. The electrolyzer is useful at such locations as ships and off-shore drilling platforms. The electrolyzer is operational with seawater for generating sodium hypochlorite. The electrolyzer comprises a two-piece casing which can be opened for easy access for inspection and cleaning. Plate-like bipolar electrodes are recessed in the casing. Seawater is mixed with the sewage, and the mixture is pumped into the electrolyzer. Sodium hypochlorite is generated from the seawater which reduces the biological oxygen demand (BOD) of the sewage, and purifies the sewage. The sewage is then allowed to flow overboard.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,509 to Dietrich discloses the treatment of wastewater, particularly black and gray water, produced in macerating human waste, to provide reduced total suspended solids. The wastewater includes a liquid media comprising salt-containing substance such as brine or seawater. The wastewater is electrolytically treated. In the treatment the electrolysis cell contains an anode that has a surface coating including tin dioxide. During electrolysis, the cell will produce hypochlorite while also reducing BOD and residual chlorine discharge.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,292,175 to Krause et al. teaches a compact unit for treatment of wastewater for discharge into maritime waters. The wastewater is received in a surge or retention tank and is delivered by gravity flow or pumped to a macerator. Prior to entering the macerator, salt water on a controlled flow basis is added to the wastewater in sufficient amounts to insure a high enough salt content for use as the electrolyte in an electrocatalytic cell. From the macerator the wastewater to be treated is directed into a vertically oriented, elongated, electrocatalytic cell having a plurality of parallel, closely spaced electrodes therein positioned parallel to the flow of wastewater therethrough. The wastewater is directed through the electro-catalytic unit. The end electrodes of the spaced electrode plates are connected to a source of direct current sufficient to generate chlorine, oxygen and other treating chemicals in situ. U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,459 to Sweeney teaches a small portable electrolytic cell that has an enclosed electrode in a compartment and an exposed electrode open to an electrolyte into which the cell is immersed. The cell is operable when immersed in aqueous liquid containing a chloride salt to generate chlorine or other oxidant when said exposed electrode is an anode, or to increase the pH of said liquid when said exposed electrode is a cathode.

[0008] Water pollution control is required for any type of vessel which moves on the water within the territorial limits, both in the United States and other countries. The standards required for discharge of effluent into maritime waters are becoming more and more stringent in terms of suspended solids content, level of BOD, COD and fecal coliform count. The on-board treatment systems generally available today are expensive, bulky and hard to maintain. Space to accommodate the treatment equipment is of a concern, especially with smaller vessels. In addition to size, another problem with prior existing units, especially electrolytic cells using seawater as its brine, is the buildup of calcareous solids and biomass agglomerates that develop on the electrolytic plates and plug the cell. Maintenance required dismantling the cell and plates that were bolted into position and scrubbing clean. It has remained a problem to develop a compact, low weight, easy to maintain unit which may be used for new vessels or to retrofit existing vessels

SUMMARY

[0009] The electrolytic cell of the present invention generates disinfectant, preferably hypochlorite, for reduction of BOD, COD, fecal coliform count, other bacteria and suspended solids to acceptable standards within a compact unit that is considerably smaller than previously known units and yet equivalent in efficiency and production. Advantageously, the electrolytical cell is easy to maintain because its electrolytic plates slide into grooves within the inner house walls and can be easily and quickly removed. Another advantage of the instant electrolytic cell is a simple, “keyed” electode connection to an outside power source. The keyed connection both simplifies and improves safety for users during onboard assembly or maintenance of the electrolytic cell.

[0010] In one aspect, the electrolytic cell comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet to allow the flow of fluid through the housing. An anode and a cathode are positioned within the housing, the cathode distal from the anode. Preferably, one or more bipolar electrolytic plates are positioned between the anode and cathode. Each electrolytic plate has four edges with three of the four edges securely fitted within the housing so as to form a seal with the housing. The fourth edge in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid therethrough. The fluid can comprise waste water or other contaminated water along with sea water as its brine. A power source is connected to the anode and the cathode.

[0011] Another embodiment of the electrolytic cell has a housing having an inlet for the influent flow and an outlet for the effluent. The fluid to be treated is allowed to flow through the housing. The six sides of the housing are made up of a bottom plate, a top plate, a first end cap, a second end cap, a first side plate and a second side plate. The first side plate defines at least one inlet and the second side plate defines at least one outlet. Additional ports adapted to receive test instrumentation and piping connections can be defined by either the first or the second side or by both sides.

[0012] The internal sides of housing can comprise grooves. In one embodiment, the grooves are located on the inner surface of the top plate, alternatively, the grooves can be positioned on the inner surface of the bottom plate or on the inner surfaces of both the top plate and the bottom plate. The inner side of the top plate and the inner side of the bottom plate each define two sets of grooves for receiving the electrolytic plates. The first set of grooves extends from the first end cap to a point distal from the second end cap. The second set of grooves extending from the second end cap to a point distal from the first end cap. The grooves of the first set are alternately aligned with the grooves of the second set. The first end cap also defines grooves for receiving a portion of the electrolytic plates and the second end cap defines grooves for receiving alternate electrolytic plates so that three edges of each electrolytic plate are friction-fitted within the grooves defined by the top plate, the bottom plate and one end cap to form a seal between the plate and the housing. The fourth edge of each electrolytic plate is in a clearance position relative to the housing. In this way, a path is formed for the serpentine flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet. A power source is connected to the anode and the cathode.

[0013] The electrolytic plates are slidable within the grooves for removal from housing. No screws, bolts or similar fasteners are required to hold the plates in place as the fluid flows through the cell. One problem with electrolytic cells, especially cells using seawater as its brine, is the buildup of calciferous solids and biomass agglomerates that develop on the electrolytic plates and plug the cell. On site maintenance requires dismantling the cell and plates and scrubbing to clean and remove the buildup. Since the electrolytic plates of this invention are not bolted but are slideable within the grooves of the housing, they slide out of the housing for ease of maintenance.

[0014] The electrolytic plates are spaced apart to form the flow path. Each electrolytic plate comprising a front side and a back side so that the path of fluid includes the flow of fluid over each side of the electrolytic plate. Preferably, the path of the fluid flow causes the fluid to pass from one side of the plate around the edge cleared from the housing and to the other side of the plate.

[0015] Beneficially, the anode comprises an anode terminal tab and the cathode comprises a cathode terminal tab for attachment to the power source, the terminal tabs extending external to the housing, the first end cap comprising at least two slots for receiving the anode terminal tab and the cathode terminal tab. Preferably, the size of the anode terminal tab is different from the size of the cathode terminal tab and the slots are sized corresponding to the size of the tabs. Positive and negative wires extend between the power source and the anode and cathode, respectively. The wires are in direct contact with the corresponding anode tab and cathode tab without the use of intermediary connections such as bosses.

[0016] In one aspect, the size of the electrolytic cell comprises a height that is within a range of about 4 inches to about 15 inches, a width within a range of about 4 inches to about 15 inches and a length within a range of about 10 inches to about 25 inches. In an alternative embodiment, the height is within a range of about 6 inches to about 8 inches, the width is within a range of about 6 inches to about 8 inches and the length is within a range of about 10 inches to about 14 inches, preferably, the height is 7 inches, the width is 7 inches and the length is 12 inches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view, partially in section, of the electrolytic cell.

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates the inside of the top plate, depicting the alternating grooves.

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates the anode plate, depicting the anode tab and FIG. 4 illustrates the cathode plate, depicting the cathode tab.

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates the first end cap depicting the slots.

[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates the second end cap.

[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates the serpentine path of the flow of fluid.

[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates a planar view of an electrolytic plate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The present invention relates to a compact electrolytic cell used for the on-site treatment of contaminated waters. On-site refers to locations such as drilling platforms, large boats and ships. Contaminated waters can include both industrial and domestic waste waters. For the purposes of this description, the electrolytic cell will refer to domestic waste waters containing suspended solids. The term “domestic waste water”, in contrast to industrial chemical waste water, means the typical household-type waste which comprises human waste known as “black water” as well as kitchen and bath waste known as “gray water. Sewage typically comprises both black and gray water. Prior to treatment in the electrolytic cell, the waste water is passed, usually from a holding tank, to a macerating unit for reducing the particle sizes of the solids within the waste. The wastewater is then mixed with a salt-containing substance such as seawater in the macerating unit forming a reaction mixture. The reaction mixture is introduced into the electrolytic cell.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, the electrolytic cell 10 of this invention comprises a housing 20, anode 46 and cathode 42 electrodes within the housing 20 and one or more electrolytic plates 40. The electrolysis of brine flowing past the electrolytic plates 40 generates oxygenated species and sodium hypochlorite in the reaction mixture for reduction of BOD and COD. The sodium hypochlorite prevents the proliferation of algae, slime, and bacteria. The electrolytic cell can be employed at the point of water use, and eliminates the need for the storage of sodium hypochlorite at such point of use. Bacterial and marine growth are reduced.

[0026] In one aspect, the electrolytic cell 10 comprises a housing 20 having an inlet 52 for the flow of influent fluid. The fluid can comprise waste water or other contaminated water and macerated solids along with sea water as the brine. The housing 20 comprises six sides. Bolts 33, are used to attach the six sides together to form the housing 20. The six sides of the housing comprise a bottom plate 22, a top plate 24, a first end cap 30, a second end cap 32, a first side plate 26 and a second side plate 28. The first side plate 26 defines at least one inlet 52 and one or more additional ports 55 adapted to receive test instrumentation and piping connections for flushing and cleaning the cell 10. The second side plate defines at least one outlet 54 as well as additional ports 55. Plugs 56 are used for ports 55 that not in use. The outlet 54 allows the fluid flowing through the housing to exit as effluent for further treatment or discharge.

[0027] The anode 46 and the cathode 42 are positioned within the housing 20 with the cathode 42 distal from the anode 46. Preferably, one or more bipolar electrolytic plates 40 are positioned between the anode 46 and cathode 42. The electrolytic plates 40 are in parallel alignment and spaced apart from each other to allow the flow of fluid between the plates 40 as seen in FIG. 7. In one aspect, the anode is a coated anode. The coating can comprise a tin oxide and a precious metal on an electro-conductive coated substrate as disclosed in Dietrich 5,364,509, herein incorporated in its entirety. The electro-conductive coated substrate can comprise a platinum group metal. Alternately the coating can comprise only tin oxide and a precious metal. Each electrolytic plate 40 has four edges 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d with three of the four edges securely fitted within the housing so as to form a seal with the housing 20. The fourth edge of the plate 40 is in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid therethrough as seen in FIG. 7.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 8, the internal walls of housing 20 can comprise grooves 23, 25. The edges 40a, 40b, 40c of the electrolytic plates 40 slide into the grooves 23, 25 on three inside walls of the housing. In one embodiment, the grooves 23, 25 are on the inner wall 27 of the top plate 24 as well as on the inner walls of both end caps 30, 32. Alternatively, the grooves 23, 25 are positioned in the bottom plate 22 and in both end caps 30, 32. In a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the inner wall 27 of the top plate 24 and the inner wall 21 of the bottom plate 22 each define two sets of grooves 23, 25 for receiving the electrolytic plates 40. The first set of grooves 23 extends from the first end cap 30 to a point distal from the second end cap 32. The second set of grooves 25 extending from the second end cap 32 to a point distal from the first end cap 30. The grooves 23 of the first set are alternately aligned with the grooves of the second set 25. The inner wall of the first end cap 30 also defines grooves 35 for receiving a portion of the electrolytic plates 40 and the inner wall of the second end cap 32 defines grooves for receiving alternate electrolytic plates 40 so that three edges 40a, 40b, 40c of each electrolytic plate are friction-fitted within the grooves defined by the top plate 24, the bottom plate 22 and one end cap 32 to form a seal between the plate and the housing. Gaskets 36 can be used for end plates 30, 32 and around the housing 20 to ensure the seal. The fourth edge 40d of each electrolytic plate is in a clearance position relative to the housing 20.

[0029] In this way, a path 27, as shown in FIG. 7, is formed for the serpentine flow of fluid from the inlet 52 to the outlet 54. Each electrolytic plate comprising a front side 40x and a back side 40y so that the path 27 of fluid includes the flow of fluid over each side 40x, 40y of the electrolytic plate 40. Preferably, the path 27 of the fluid flow causes the fluid to pass from one side of the plate 40x around the edge 40d cleared from the housing 20 and to the other side of the plate 40y. Except for the small area of the plate 40 that is within the grooves, (the grooves are approximately ⅛ inch deep, ) at least 95% of the surface area of each electrolytic plate 40 is exposed to the electrolytic substrate and therefore available for the electrolytic process that produces the hypochlorite. This allows for substantially full utilization of the electrode 40. In one embodiment, the space between the electrolytic plates 40 is within a range of {fraction (1/16)} inch to {fraction (5/16)} inch, preferably ¼ inch. This increased space allows for lower pressure drop and easier passage of fluid through the path of the cell. The size of the cell 10 remains compact and small without a loss of efficiency or capacity to produce hypochlorite because both sides of the electrolytic plate are utilized.

[0030] The electrolytic plates 40 are slidable within the grooves 23, 25 for ease of removal from housing 20. No screws, bolts or similar fasteners are required to hold the plates 40 in place as the fluid flows through the cell 10. One problem with electrolytic cells, especially cells using seawater as its brine, is the buildup of calcareous solids and biomass agglomerates that develop on the electrolytic plates and plug the cell. Maintenance required dismantling the cell and removing the plates 40 from the cell 10 to scrub clean. Since the electrolytic plates 40 of this invention 10 are not bolted in place, they 40 are easily removed by sliding out of the grooves 23, 25 once an end plate is unbolted. The manufacture and maintenance of the cell 10 is easier and less costly.

[0031] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate another benefit of the present invention. FIG. 3 depicts an anode 46 comprising an anode terminal tab 48 and FIG. 4 depicts a cathode 42 having a cathode terminal tab 44. The anode terminal tab 48 and the cathode terminal tab 44 are used for attachment of the anode 46 and cathode 42 to a power source outside of the electrolytic cell 10. The terminal tabs 44, 48 extend externally from the housing 20. The first end cap 30 comprises at least two slots 31 for receiving the anode terminal tab 48 and the cathode terminal tab 44. Advantageously, the size of the anode terminal tab 48 is different from the size of the cathode terminal tab 44 and the slots 31 are sized corresponding to the size of the tabs for ease and safety during the assembly of the cell 10. Preferably, each slot is also keyed with + and − signs 45 as additional precaution in the assembly of the cell 10. An external power source is connected to the anode 46 and the cathode 47 by means of the tabs 48, 44. Positive and negative wires extend from the power source to the anode 46 and cathode 42, respectively. The wires are in direct contact with the corresponding anode tab 48 and cathode tab 44 without the use of intermediary connections such as bosses. Screws or bolts connect the wires to the tabs 48, 44. An electric box 34 can be used to house the connection of the power source to the anode and cathode tabs 48, 44.

[0032] Another important aspect of this invention is its size. The electrolytic cell 10 is compact and yet maintains an efficiency equivalent to larger and bulkier cells. The size of the electrolytic cell 10 comprises a height that is within a range of about 4 inches to about 15 inches, a width within a range of about 4 inches to about 15 inches and a length within a range of about 10 inches to about 25 inches. In an alternative embodiment, the height is within a range of about 6 inches to about 8 inches, the width is within a range of about 6 inches to about 8 inches and the length is within a range of about 10 inches to about 14 inches, preferably, the height is 7 inches, the width is 7 inches and the length is 12 inches. The size of the cell depends on the amount of contaminated water required to be disinfected. Cells 10 within the greater size range are utilized for bigger vessels or where more waste water is produced. The production of the cell is increased in the cells by adding additional electrolytic plates 40 thereby increasing the capacity of the cell to produce the disinfectant, sodium hypochlorite for example. The test examples below compare a prior patented larger cell with the compact cell of this invention.

EXAMPLE 1

[0033] The cell used for testing as the control was the existing technology cell depicted and described in reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 in U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,509. The size of the example 1 cell is 8½ inches in length by 2½ inches in width (or depth) and 48 inches in height. The anode coating is that described in this patent. The cell was operated in the vertical position, at 11.3 to 11.8 amps, and with an effluent salt concentration of approximately 12 grams per liter NaCl. The total flow to the cell was one gallon per minute divided equally between synthetic seawater (29 gram per liter (NaCl) brine, 1200 ppm Magnesium, and 400 ppm Calcium) and standard potable service water. Operating duration was 9 hours with overall voltage of 82 volts. At these conditions the cell effluent contained 235 to 250 ppm available chlorine as measured by colorimetric titration with sodium thiosulfate. The resulting cell chlorine current efficiency was 43%.

EXAMPLE 2

[0034] The cell used for testing as depicted and described in this patent application by FIGS. 1-8. The size of the example 2 cell is 9½ inches in length by 5½ inches in width (or depth) and 5½ inches in height. The test cell consisted of one terminal anode, one terminal cathode, and eleven bipolar plates coated with a precious metal oxide (same as the anode coating used in example 1) to serve as the anode portion of the electrode. The cell was operated at 10 amps, and with an effluent salt concentration of approximately 13 grams per liter NaCl. The total flow to the cell was 1.1 gallons per minute divided equally between synthetic seawater (29 grams per liter (NaCl) brine, 1200 ppm Magnesium, and 400 ppm Calcium) and standard potable service water. Operating duration was 8 hours with overall voltage of 48 volts. At these conditions the cell effluent contained approximately 297 ppm available chlorine as measured by calorimetric titration with sodium thiosulfate. The resulting cell chlorine current efficiency was 46%.

[0035] The electrolytic cell of this invention, as used for test example 2, is smaller and simpler in design, and yet achieves an equivalent efficiency and production of hypochlorite as prior electrolytic cells, as depicted in example 1. Efficiency is not lost by shrinking or miniaturizing the cell.

[0036] The foregoing description is illustrative and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and variations in the method, systems and other details will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is intended that all such variations and modifications which fall within the scope or spirit of the appended claims be embraced thereby.

Claims

1. An electrolytic cell comprising:

a housing having an inlet and an outlet to allow the flow of fluid through the housing;

an anode positioned within the housing;

a cathode positioned within the housing, the cathode distal from the anode;

one or more bipolar electrolytic plates positioned between the anode and cathode, each electrolytic plate comprising four edges, three of the four edges securely fitted within the housing to form a seal with the housing, the fourth edge in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid therethrough; and

a power source connected to the anode and the cathode.

2. The electrolytic cell of claim 1 wherein the housing comprises a bottom plate, a top plate, a first end cap, a second end cap, a first side plate and a second side plate, the first side plate defining an inlet and the second side plate defining an outlet.

3. The electrolytic cell of claim 2 wherein the bottom plate defines two sets of grooves for receiving the electrolytic plates, the first set of grooves extending from the first end cap to a point distal from the second end cap, the second set of grooves extending from the second end cap to a point distal from the first end cap, the grooves of the first set alternately aligned with the grooves of the second set, the electrolytic plates friction-fitted within grooves in the bottom plate and each electrolytic plate in a clearance position relative to the housing so that a path is formed for the serpentine flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet.

4. The electrolytic cell of claim 3 wherein the first end cap defines grooves for receiving electrolytic plates and the second end cap defines grooves for receiving alternate electrolytic plates so that each electrolytic plate is fitted within the grooves defined by the bottom plate and one end cap.

5. The electrolytic cell of claim 2 wherein the top plate defines two sets of grooves for receiving the electrolytic plates, the first set of grooves extending from the first end cap to a point distal from the second end cap, the second set of grooves extending from the second end cap to a point distal from the first end cap, the grooves of the first set alternately aligned with the grooves of the second set, the electrolytic plates friction-fitted within grooves in the top plate and each electrolytic plate in a clearance position relative to the housing so that a path is formed for the serpentine flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet.

6. The electrolytic cell of claim 5 wherein the first end cap defines grooves for receiving electrolytic plates and the second end cap defines grooves for receiving alternate electrolytic plates so that each electrolytic plate is fitted within the grooves defined by the top plate and one end cap.

7. The electrolytic cell of claim 2 wherein the top plate and the bottom plate each define two sets of grooves for receiving the electrolytic plates, the first set of grooves extending from the first end cap to a point distal from the second end cap, the second set of grooves extending from the second end cap to a point distal from the first end cap, the grooves of the first set alternately aligned with the grooves of the second set, the electrolytic plates friction-fitted within grooves in the top plate and the bottom plate so that one edge of each electrolytic plate is in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet.

8. The electrolytic cell of claim 7 wherein the first end cap defines grooves for receiving electrolytic plates and the second end cap defines grooves for receiving alternate electrolytic plates so that each electrolytic plate is friction-fitted within the grooves defined by the top plate, the bottom plate and one end cap to form a seal.

9. The electrolytic cell of claim 7 wherein the electrolytic plates are slidable within the grooves for removal from housing.

10. The electrolytic cell of claim 1 wherein the first end cap comprises slots, the anode comprises an anode terminal tab and the cathode comprises a cathode terminal tab, the terminal tabs extending external to the housing through the slots of the first end cap.

11. The electrolytic cell of claim 10 wherein the size of the anode terminal tab is different from the size of the cathode terminal tab and the slots are sized corresponding to the size of the respective tab.

12. The electrolytic cell of claim 10 further comprising positive and negative wires between the power source and the anode and cathode, the wires in direct contact with the corresponding anode tab and cathode tab.

13. The electrolytic cell of claim 1 wherein each electrolytic plate comprising a front side and a back side so that the path of fluid includes the flow of fluid over each side of the electrolytic plate.

14. The electrolytic cell of claim 1 wherein at least 95% of surface area of each electrolytic plate is in contact with the fluid.

15. The electrolytic cell of claim 1 wherein the height is within a range of about 4 inches to about 15 inches, the width is within a range of about 4 inches to about 15 inches and the length is within a range of about 10 inches to about 25 inches.

16. The electrolytic cell of claim 15 wherein height is within a range of about 6 inches to about 8 inches, the width is within a range of about 6 inches to about 8 inches and the length is within a range of about 10 inches to about 14 inches.

17. An electrolytic cell for fluid disinfection, the electrolytic cell comprising:

a housing comprising a bottom plate, a top plate, a first end cap, a second end cap, a first side plate and a second side plate, the first side plate defining an inlet and the second side plate defining an outlet to allow the flow of fluid through the housing,;

an anode positioned within the housing;

a cathode positioned within the housing, the cathode distal from the anode;

one or more bipolar electrolytic plates positioned between the anode and cathode, each electrolytic plate comprising four edges, three of the four edges securely fitted within the housing to form seals with the housing, the fourth edge in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid therethrough;

the bottom plate defining two sets of grooves for receiving the electrolytic plates, the first set of grooves extending from the first end cap to a point distal from the second end cap, the second set of grooves extending from the second end cap to a point distal from the first end cap, the grooves of the first set alternately aligned with the grooves of the second set, the electrolytic plates friction-fitted within grooves in the bottom plate and each electrolytic plate in a clearance position relative to the housing so that a path is formed for the serpentine flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet; and

a power source connected to the anode and the cathode.

18. The electrolytic cell of claim 17 wherein the first end cap defines grooves for receiving electrolytic plates and the second end cap defines grooves for receiving alternate electrolytic plates so that each electrolytic plate is fitted within the grooves defined by the bottom plate and one end cap.

19. An electrolytic cell comprising:

a housing having an inlet and an outlet to allow the flow of fluid through the housing, the housing comprising a bottom plate, a top plate, a first end cap, a second end cap, a first side plate and a second side plate, the first side plate defining an inlet and the second side plate defining an outlet;

an anode positioned within the housing;

a cathode positioned within the housing, the cathode distal from the anode;

one or more bipolar electrolytic plates positioned between the anode and cathode, each electrolytic plate comprising four edges, three of the four edges securely fitted within the housing to form seals with the housing, the fourth edge in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid therethrough;

the top plate defining two sets of grooves for receiving the electrolytic plates, the first set of grooves extending from the first end cap to a point distal from the second end cap, the second set of grooves extending from the second end cap to a point distal from the first end cap, the grooves of the first set alternately aligned with the grooves of the second set, the electrolytic plates friction-fitted within grooves in the top plate and each electrolytic plate in a clearance position relative to the housing so that a path is formed for the serpentine flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet; and

a power source connected to the anode and the cathode.

20. The electrolytic cell of claim 19 wherein the first end cap defines grooves for receiving electrolytic plates and the second end cap defines grooves for receiving alternate electrolytic plates so that each electrolytic plate is fitted within the grooves defined by the top plate and one end cap.

21. An electrolytic cell comprising:

a housing having an inlet and an outlet to allow the flow of fluid through the housing, the housing comprising a bottom plate, a top plate, a first end cap, a second end cap, a first side plate and a second side plate, the first side plate defining an inlet and the second side plate defining an outlet;

an anode positioned within the housing;

a cathode positioned within the housing, the cathode distal from the anode;

one or more bipolar electrolytic plates positioned between the anode and cathode, each electrolytic plate comprising four edges, three of the four edges securely fitted within the housing to form seals with the housing, the fourth edge in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid therethrough;

the top plate and the bottom plate each defining two sets of grooves for receiving the electrolytic plates, the first set of grooves extending from the first end cap to a point distal from the second end cap, the second set of grooves extending from the second end cap to a point distal from the first end cap, the grooves of the first set alternately aligned with the grooves of the second set, the electrolytic plates friction-fitted within grooves in the top plate and the bottom plate so that one edge of each electrolytic plate is in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet; and

a power source connected to the anode and the cathode.

22. The electrolytic cell of claim 21 wherein the first end cap defines grooves for receiving electrolytic plates and the second end cap defines grooves for receiving alternate electrolytic plates so that each electrolytic plate is friction-fitted within the grooves defined by the top plate, the bottom plate and one end cap to form a seal.

23. The electrolytic cell of claim 22 wherein the electrolytic plates are slidable within the grooves for removal from housing.

24. The electrolytic cell of claim 22 wherein the anode comprises an anode terminal tab and the cathode comprises a cathode terminal tab for attachment to the power source, the terminal tabs extending external to the housing, the first end cap comprising at least two slots for receiving the anode terminal tab and the cathode terminal tab.

25. The electrolytic cell of claim 24 wherein the size of the anode terminal tab is different from the size of the cathode terminal tab and the slots are sized corresponding to the size of the tabs.

26. The electrolytic cell of claim 24 further comprising positive and negative wires between the power source and the anode and cathode, the wires in direct contact with the corresponding anode tab and cathode tab.

27. The electrolytic cell of claim 21 wherein each electrolytic plate comprising a front side and a back side so that the path of fluid includes the flow of fluid over each side of the electrolytic plate.

28. The electrolytic cell of claim 21 wherein at least 95% of surface area of each electrolytic plate is in contact with the fluid.

29. The electrolytic cell of claim 21 wherein the height is within a range of about 4 inches to about 15 inches, the width is within a range of about 4 inches to about 15 inches and the length is within a range of about 10 inches to about 25 inches.

30. The electrolytic cell of claim 21 wherein height is within a range of about 6 inches to about 8 inches, the width is within a range of about 6 inches to about 8 inches and the length is within a range of about 10 inches to about 14 inches.

31. An electrolytic cell comprising:

a housing having an inlet and an outlet to allow the flow of fluid through the housing, the housing comprising a bottom plate, a top plate, a first end cap, a second end cap, a first side plate and a second side plate, the first side plate defining an inlet and the second side plate defining an outlet;

an anode positioned within the housing;

a cathode positioned within the housing, the cathode distal from the anode;

one or more bipolar electrolytic plates positioned between the anode and cathode, each electrolytic plate comprising four edges, three of the four edges securely fitted within the housing to form seals with the housing, the fourth edge in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid therethrough;

the top plate and the bottom plate each defining two sets of grooves for receiving the electrolytic plates, the first set of grooves extending from the first end cap to a point distal from the second end cap, the second set of grooves extending from the second end cap to a point distal from the first end cap, the grooves of the first set alternately aligned with the grooves of the second set, the electrolytic plates slide-ably friction-fitted within grooves in the top plate and the bottom plate so that one edge of each electrolytic plate is in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet;

a power source connected to the anode and the cathode;

the anode comprising an anode terminal tab and the cathode comprising a cathode terminal tab for attachment to the power source.

32. The electrolytic cell of claim 31 wherein the first end cap defines grooves for receiving electrolytic plates and the second end cap defines grooves for receiving alternate electrolytic plates so that each electrolytic plate is slide-ably friction-fitted within the grooves defined by the top plate, the bottom plate and one end cap to form a seal.

33. The electrolytic cell of claim 31 wherein the size of the anode terminal tab is different from the size of the cathode terminal tab.

34. The electrolytic cell of claim 31 wherein the first end cap defines at least two slots for receiving the anode terminal tab and the cathode terminal tab, the slots sized so that the corresponding terminal tab is sealingly fitted within the slot.

35. The electrolytic cell of claim 31 further comprising positive and negative wires between the power source and the anode and cathode, the wires in direct contact with the corresponding anode tab and cathode tab.

36. The electrolytic cell of claim 31 wherein each side plate defines two or more ports into the housing, the ports adapted to receive test instrumentation and piping connections.

37. An electrolytic cell for disinfection of sewage, the cell comprising:

a housing having an inlet and an outlet adapted to allow the flow of sewage and brine fluids through the housing for disinfection, the housing comprising a bottom plate, a top plate, a first end cap, a second end cap, a first side plate and a second side plate, the first side plate defining an inlet and the second side plate defining an outlet;

an anode positioned within the housing;

a cathode positioned within the housing, the cathode distal from the anode;

one or more bipolar electrolytic plates positioned between the anode and cathode, each electrolytic plate comprising four edges, three of the four edges securely fitted within the housing to form seals with the housing, the fourth edge in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluids therethrough;

the top plate and the bottom plate each defining two sets of grooves for receiving the electrolytic plates, the first set of grooves extending from the first end cap to a point distal from the second end cap, the second set of grooves extending from the second end cap to a point distal from the first end cap, the grooves of the first set alternately aligned with the grooves of the second set, the electrolytic plates friction-fitted within grooves in the top plate and the bottom plate so that one edge of each electrolytic plate is in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluids from the inlet to the outlet; and

a power source connected to the anode and the cathode.

38. The electrolytic cell of claim 37 wherein the first end cap defines grooves for receiving electrolytic plates and the second end cap defines grooves for receiving alternate electrolytic plates so that each electrolytic plate is friction-fitted within the grooves defined by the top plate, the bottom plate and one end cap to form a seal.

39. The electrolytic cell of claim 37 wherein the electrolytic plates are slidable within the grooves for removal from housing.

40. The electrolytic cell of claim 37 wherein the anode comprises an anode terminal tab and the cathode comprises a cathode terminal tab for attachment to the power source, the terminal tabs extending external to the housing, the first end cap comprising at least two slots for receiving the anode terminal tab and the cathode terminal tab.

41. The electrolytic cell of claim 37 further comprising positive and negative wires between the power source and the anode and cathode, the wires in direct contact with the corresponding anode tab and cathode tab.

42. The electrolytic cell of claim 37 wherein each electrolytic plate comprising a front side and a back side so that the path of fluid includes the flow of fluid over each side of the electrolytic plate and at least 95% of surface area of each electrolytic plate is in contact with the fluids.

43. The electrolytic cell of claim 37 wherein the height is within a range of about 4 inches to about 15 inches, the width is within a range of about 4 inches to about 15 inches and the length is within a range of about 10 inches to about 25 inches.

44. The electrolytic cell of claim 43 wherein height is within a range of about 6 inches to about 8 inches, the width is within a range of about 6 inches to about 8 inches and the length is within a range of about 10 inches to about 14 inches.