Abstract: An electrochemical cell (30, 30a, 50) comprises two electrode compartments (14, 15) defined in part by a first metal plate (31) and by a second metal plate (12), wherein the first metal plate (31) is dish-shaped and defines a peripheral rim (32), the second metal plate (12) is dish shaped and defines a rim (33) to mate with the peripheral rim of the first plate. and the cell comprises a sealing element (37) between the peripheral rims (32, 33). The cell also comprises a projecting peripheral sleeve (38) that is spaced from and outside the edge of the rim (33) of the second metal plate (12); and the cell comprises a compression sleeve (40; 52) held within the peripheral sleeve (38) and having a flat face to compress the sealing element (37), and a second face adjacent to the inner face of the peripheral sleeve (38). The compression sleeve (40; 52) is secured in position by the peripheral sleeve (38).

Abstract: An electric battery assembly (65) comprises a multiplicity of cells (10) that operate at an elevated temperature each with a metal case with a projecting flange (20), the cells being arranged in at least one stack (30). Each stack (30) locates in an aperture (36) within a generally rectangular frame (35), such that the flanges (20) of the cells (10) in the stack (30) are adjacent a wall of the frame (35). The temperature of the cells (10) can be controlled by passing a heat transfer fluid along the channels (48) defined between adjacent flanges (20) of cells (10) in the stack (30). This fluid may be air. The frame may be of insulating material, or may be of metal.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack (10) comprises a plurality of fuel cells each with a chamber (K) for electrolyte with at least one inlet (114) and at least one outlet (116), and an inlet header (45) to supply electrolyte to all the cells in parallel. Each cell comprises a first plate (12) to define the electrolyte chamber (K), a second plate (13) to define an oxidizing gas chamber (0) and a third plate (14) to define a fuel gas chamber (H), each of these plates (12-14) also defining a side chamber (36) adjacent to but sealed from the corresponding chambers (K, 0, H), so the side chambers (36) defines an electrolyte outlet channel.

Abstract: A liquid electrolyte fuel cell system (10) comprises at least one fuel cell with a liquid electrolyte chamber between opposed electrodes, the electrodes being an anode and a cathode, and means (30, 32) for supplying a gas stream to a gas chamber adjacent to the cathode and withdrawing a spent gas stream (38) from the gas chamber adjacent to the cathode, the system also comprising a liquid electrolyte storage tank (40), and means (42, 44, 47, 48) to circulate liquid electrolyte between the liquid electrolyte storage tank (40) and the fuel cells. In addition the system comprises a water storage tank (60) adjacent to the storage tank (40), and means (50, 51) for condensing water vapor from the spent gas stream (38), and for feeding (56) the condensed water vapor into the water storage tank (60). The water storage tank (60) has an overflow outlet (64); and a communication duct (68) linking the liquid electrolyte storage tank (40) and the water storage tank (60) below the level of the overflow outlet (60).

Abstract: A mount for use with a downhole tool such as, but not limited to, an electrical submersible pump (“ESP”) gauge, includes a mounting means (20) that does not use a fixed- or spring-connection between it and the outer housing of the sensitive assembly but rather makes use of a sliding joint (25). One end of the sliding joint is in communication with the sensitive assembly of the downhole tool and the other end of the sliding joint is in communication with another component of the downhole tool. The sliding joint is arranged relative to the sensitive assembly so that a radial movement of the sliding joint is restricted and an axial movement of the sliding joint is permitted. When in use, the sliding joint isolates the sensitive assembly from an axial load, thermal stress, or both axial load and thermal stress.

Abstract: A liquid electrolyte fuel cell system (10) comprises at least one fuel cell with a liquid electrolyte chamber between opposed electrodes, the electrodes being an anode and a cathode, and means (30, 32) for supplying a gas stream to a gas chamber adjacent to the cathode and withdrawing a spent gas stream (38) from the gas chamber adjacent to the cathode, the system also comprising a liquid electrolyte storage tank (40), and means (42, 44, 47, 48) to circulate liquid electrolyte between the liquid electrolyte storage tank (40) and the fuel cells. In addition the system comprises a water storage tank (60) adjacent to the storage tank (40), and means (50, 51) for condensing water vapour from the spent gas stream (38), and for feeding (56) the condensed water vapour into the water storage tank (60). The water storage tank (60) has an overflow outlet (64); and a communication duct (68) linking the liquid electrolyte storage tank (40) and the water storage tank (60) below the level of the overflow outlet (60).

Abstract: A system (10) for supplying a liquid electrolyte to cell stacks (32) arranged at a plurality of different heights comprises a plurality of constant head supply tanks (12) for containing liquid electrolyte, one for each of the different heights. Each such supply tank (12) is adapted to ensure that the surface of the liquid electrolyte is at atmospheric pressure, and to feed electrolyte to a cell stack, and incorporates an overflow duct (18) to keep the electrolyte at a constant level. For each supply tank (12) except the lowest, the overflow duct (18) supplies overflowing electrolyte to a supply tank at a lower height. The system also includes an electrolyte storage tank (20), and means (24, 26) to supply electrolyte from the storage tank (20) to the highest supply tank (12).

Abstract: A system (10) for supplying a liquid electrolyte to cell stacks (32) arranged at a plurality of different heights comprises a plurality of constant head supply tanks (12) for containing liquid electrolyte, one for each of the different heights. Each such supply tank (12) is adapted to ensure that the surface of the liquid electrolyte is at atmospheric pressure, and to feed electrolyte to a cell stack, and incorporates an overflow duct (18) to keep the electrolyte at a constant level. For each supply tank (12) except the lowest, the overflow duct (18) supplies overflowing electrolyte to a supply tank at a lower height. The system also includes an electrolyte storage tank (20), and means (24, 26) to supply electrolyte from the storage tank (20) to the highest supply tank (12).