Abstract: A component for installation in a process control apparatus, such as a fuel cell block, includes two mutually parallel plates having inner surfaces facing toward each other and outer surfaces facing away from each other. Generally flat components resting on the outer surfaces of the plates define a first chamber with one of the outer surfaces and a second chamber with the other of the outer surfaces at two sides of the component. The inner surfaces of the plates enclose a third gas-tight chamber therebetween. At least one gas-tight channel extends between the plates in the plane of the plates. The at least one gas-tight channel has an inlet end communicating with an antechamber and a discharge end to be connected to at least one of the first, second and third chambers as needed.

Abstract: In a method for adjusting the removal of inert gas from a fuel cell block having a number of fuel cells, a progressive rise in a proportion of inert gas results in a cathode-side or anode-side gas mixture flowing through the fuel cells. An inert-gas-rich gas mixture is drained out as a function of a voltage drop, and the voltage drop is measured between at least two immediately adjacent fuel cells. A fuel cell block includes a number of adjacent fuel cells having electrodes and gas chambers. At least one bipolar plate contacts the electrodes of adjacent fuel cells over a large area. Two spaced-apart contacts are disposed between at least two of the adjacent fuel cells on the at least one bipolar plate. A control element for a gas mixture leaving one of the gas chambers and having a high proportion of inert gas, is adjusted by a voltage drop picked up at the contacts.