Abstract: An electrodeionization apparatus and method of use includes an expanded conductive mesh electrode. The expanded conductive mesh electrode may be formed from any conductive material that is dimensionally stable and may be coated with conductive coating. The expanded conductive mesh electrodes typically have a diamond-shaped pattern of any size that provides support for an adjacent ion-permeable membrane while allowing an electrode or fluid stream to flow through. The conductive mesh electrode may also be placed against an endblock having fluid channels. These channels may be serpentine or parallel channels, which allow fluid flow to wash away any accumulation. The electrodeionization apparatus may have a protective ion-permeable membrane adjacent the electrode. The electrodeionization apparatus may also have a spacer, such as a fabric, a screen or a mesh, positioned adjacent the electrode.

Abstract: An electrodeionization apparatus and method of use includes an expanded conductive mesh electrode. The expanded conductive mesh electrode may be formed from any conductive material that is dimensionally stable and may be coated with conductive coating suitable for use in anode or cathode service. The expanded conductive mesh electrodes are formed by slitting a sheet of metal and pulling its sides in a direction perpendicular to the slits. The fabricated mesh may be flattened after stretching. The expanded conductive mesh electrodes typically have a diamond-shaped pattern of any size that provides support for an adjacent ion-permeable membrane while allowing an electrode or fluid stream to flow through. The mesh size typically has a long-wise dimension and a short-wise dimension. The conductive mesh electrode may also be placed against an endblock having fluid channels. These channels may be serpentine or parallel channels, which allow fluid flow to wash away any accumulation.

Abstract: A novel, heterogeneous ion exchange membrane, methods for making such a membrane, and devices containing such a membrane are disclosed. Such membranes comprise linear low or linear medium density polyethylene or high molecular weight high density polyethylene as a binder and can incorporate a wide variety of ion exchange resin materials. The membranes can be fabricated using extrusion or other melt processing procedures to produce a product, which upon conditioning in water, exhibits properties adapted for use in numerous applications.

Abstract: A process is provided for removing ions from water which is passed through an ion depletion compartment of an electrodeionization apparatus. The electrodeionization apparatus contains an ion depletion compartment containing mixed ion exchange resin beads and an ion concentration compartment which may contain ion exchange resin beads in a given separation stage having an anode and a cathode. The anion resin beads and cation resin beads utilized each comprise beams of substantially uniform size. A second liquid is passed through the ion concentration compartment to collect ions under the influence of DC potential which pass from the depletion compartments into the concentration compartments through ion permeable membranes. The electrodeionization apparatus can be operated continuously since resin regeneration is not required.