Abstract: A flow-frame for forming a subassembly; said sub-assembly comprising a bipolar electrode and an ion-selective membrane mounted on said flow-frame and wherein said sub-assembly may be stacked together with other such subassemblies to create an array of electrochemical cells; wherein said flow-frame is formed from an electrically insulating material and comprises at least four manifold-defining portions which also define pathways for the passage of the anolyte/catholyte. Such pathway may define a labyrinthine path which may be spiral in shape between the manifold and the chamber entry/exit port.

Abstract: A process for the fabrication of an electrochemical cell component which comprises an ion exchange membrane joined to a frame member formed from a dissimilar polymeric material, which process comprises the steps of: i) coating the border of at least one face of an ion exchange membrane with a solution in a solvent which is miscible with water of the polymeric material from which the same frame member is made, or of a polymeric material which is compatible with the polymeric frame material; ii) optionally allowing the said coated membrane to stand and/or drying the said coated membrane; iii) placing the coated face of the ion exchange membrane from step (i) or step (ii) in contact with said frame member; and iv) joining the coated ion-exchange membrane to the said frame member.