Gas Patents (Class 204/256)
  • Patent number: 6977120
    Abstract: A mixed hydrogen-oxygen fuel generator system uses an electrolytic solution to generate gaseous hydrogen-oxygen fuel through the electrolysis of water. This generator system includes: at least one electrolytic cell with multiple metallic plates used as an internal isolation system in which two of the plates separately connect to both the positive and negative terminal of a DC circuit. These plates are used for the electrolysis of the electrolytic solution in the cell(s) to produce, under pressure, mixed hydrogen-oxygen fuel. The apparatus also includes a cooling system containing a water cooling tank in which there are two zones: one is the electrolytic solution circulation coil and the another is a water circulation zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventors: Nai Sung Chou, Choi Shiu Sum, Chou Te-Hung, Hui Lin
  • Patent number: 6949178
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the generation and collection of an aqueous peracid solution at the cathode of a PEM electrolyzer. The electrochemical process introduces carboxylic acid (such as distilled table vinegar, lactic acid, citric acid or combinations) to the anode and a source of oxygen to the cathode. The PEM electrolyzer has a gas diffusion cathode having a cathodic electrocatalyst that is capable of hydrogen peroxide generation. The peracid solution is generated at the gas diffusion cathode and the solution is very pure and may be used for disinfecting or sterilizing various items or solutions. In a second embodiment, the carboxylic acid may be provided directly to the cathode, such as in the form of an acid vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. K. Tennakoon, K. Scott McKenzie, Michelle Will, Elizabeth I. H. McGrew
  • Patent number: 6881511
    Abstract: Gas-diffusion electrodes containing modified carbon products are described wherein the modified carbon product is a carbon product having attached at least one organic group. The modified carbon product can be used for at least one component of the electrodes such as the active layer and/or the blocking layer. Methods to extend the service life of electrodes as well as methods to reduce the amount of fluorine containing compounds are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignees: Cabot Corporation, Edison Termoelettrica, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Tosco, Laurent Kosbach, Yuan Yu, Claudio Orecchia
  • Patent number: 6841058
    Abstract: A redox bipolar cell fabric washing system and method is disclosed that provides for washing fabrics without the use of any added detergents, fabric softeners, or bleaches, or other chemical al additives. The system includes a conventional fabric washing machine with a redox bipolar cell that through a circulation pump continuously treats the wash water by using mixed oxidants or charged wash water to remove contaminants from the fabric. The redox cell includes a housing, a plurality of cathode plates, a plurality of membranes, and a plurality of anodes proximately positioned in an alternate manner with a plurality of flow channels in the housing. The cell produces charged wash water by an electrochemical reaction utilizing electrically charged anodes and cathodes with semi permeable membranes, wherein the oxidation reduction potential of the charged wash water is continuously controlled with a sensor to determine when the fabrics are clean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventors: Brian G. Culvey, Kim Bong Jun
  • Patent number: 6841046
    Abstract: A system is for supplying a generator with hydrogen, in particular a generator of a power generating plant. The system offers a high level of safety while at the same time making handling easy. The system includes a closed system cycle for carrying water and/or gas and a hydrogen feed line, branching off from the system cycle, for the generator. The system cycle includes an electrolysis unit designed as a membrane electrolyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anwer Puthawala, Peter Schönfeld
  • Patent number: 6773561
    Abstract: Disclosed is a unit cell for use in a bipolar, filter press type electrolytic cell comprising a plurality of unit cells arranged in series through a cation exchange membrane disposed between respective adjacent unit cells, each unit cell comprising anode-side and cathode-side pan-shaped bodies having anode-side and cathode-side gas-liquid separation chambers respectively extending over the entire lengths of the upper sides of anode and cathode compartments, wherein the anode-side and cathode-side gas-liquid separation chambers have perforated bottom walls separating the anode-side and cathode-side gas-liquid separation chambers from the anode and cathode compartments, respectively, wherein a bubble removing partition wall is disposed at least in the anode-side gas-liquid separation chamber of both gas-liquid separation chambers and extends upwardly of the perforated bottom wall of the gas-liquid separation chamber and along the entire length of the gas-liquid separation chamber to partition the gas-liquid sep
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhide Noaki, Saburo Okamoto
  • Patent number: 6740436
    Abstract: A mixed hydrogen-oxygen fuel generator system uses an electrolytic solution to generate gaseous hydrogen-oxygen fuel through the electrolysis of water. This generator system includes: at least one electrolytic cell with multiple metallic plates used as an internal isolation system in which two of the plates separately connect to both the positive and negative terminal of a DC circuit. These plates are used for the electrolysis of the electrolytic solution in the cell(s) to produce, under pressure, mixed hydrogen-oxygen fuel. The apparatus also includes a cooling system containing a water cooling tank in which there are two zones: one is the electrolytic solution circulation coil and the another is a water circulation zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Natural Energy Resources
    Inventors: Nai Sung Chou, Choi Shiu Sum, Chou Te-Hung, Hui Lin
  • Patent number: 6703153
    Abstract: An electrical power generating device having a plurality of ceramic composite cells, each cell having a cathode and an anode. A thermal shell in which the ceramic composite cells are stacked or arranged in electrical series and gas parallel surrounded by shock absorbing and insulating materials, respectively, is preferably included. Also provided are an exhaust fan, thermocouple sensors, a fuel supply, a programmable computer controller with user interface, and a container supporting the assembly and having passageways for providing air ingress and egress to the device, and power output terminals for the electrical power from the device. Methods for manufacturing the ceramic composite cells are also provided, including a method for manufacturing stabilized zirconia and for use in the ceramic materials used within the ceramic composite cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: IGR Enterprises
    Inventors: Esin Cubukcu, Steve Dahar, Ravi Dodeja, Arnold Z. Gordon, Daniel Kalynchuk, Troy Shannon Prince, Justin Soltesz, Mike Waite, Sandeep Chawla
  • Patent number: 6685821
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for generating hydrogen gas at pressures high enough to fill a hydrogen storage cylinder for stationary and transportation applications. The hydrogen output of an electrochemical hydrogen gas generating device is integrated with an electrochemical hydrogen compressor operating in a high-differential-pressure mode. The compressor brings the hydrogen produced by the gas generating device to the high pressure required to fill the storage cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Giner Electrochemical Systems, LLC
    Inventors: John A. Kosek, José Giner, Anthony B. LaConti
  • Patent number: 6610193
    Abstract: This invention is directed to an integrated onboard hydrogen (H2) production and utilization system for all watercraft, which yields environmentally benign vessel power production without new infrastructure requirements. Water (H2O) is supplied to a vessel, whether ashore, docked or underway, and is systematically converted into hydrogen and oxygen. The energy required for this process may be provided by any renewable or non-renewable source. The H2 produced is either utilized at once or stored. Energy is released from the H2 by one or more power plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Have Blue, LLC
    Inventor: Craig H. Schmitman
  • Publication number: 20030150717
    Abstract: A bipolar multipurpose electrolysis cell according to the invention for high current loads comprises a clamping frame, two electrode edge plates with metal electrode sheets and supply conductor, as well as bipolar electrode plates, the latter comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Gnann, Wolfgang Thiele, Gerd Heinze
  • Patent number: 6527921
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell stack comprising stack walls and a plurality of electrolytic cells within the stack walls, each cell comprising cell members selected from an anode a cathode; a membrane separator frame formed of a non-conductive material and having a frame first planar peripheral surface; a frame second planar peripheral surface; and a central portion defining a membrane-receiving aperture; a membrane within the aperture to provide an anolyte circulation chamber and a catholyte circulation chamber distinct one from the other within the frame, an impermeable cell end wall formed of a non-conductive material between the anode and cathode and the anodes and cathodes of adjacent cells of said stack; wherein each of said anode, said cathode, said separator frame and said end wall has a portion defining an anolyte flow inlet channel, a catholyte flow inlet channel, a spent anolyte channel and a spent catholyte channel; said anolyte flow inlet channel and said spent anolyte channel are in communication with
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventors: Donald W Kirk, John W Graydon, Steven J Thorpe
  • Patent number: 6471850
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell system includes a hydrogen electrode; an oxygen electrode; a membrane disposed between the hydrogen electrode and the oxygen electrode; and a compartmentalized storage tank. The compartmentalized storage tank has a first fluid storage section and a second fluid storage section separated by a movable divider. The compartmentalized storage tank is in fluid communication with the electrochemical cell. Further, an electrochemical cell includes a hydrogen electrode; an oxygen electrode; an electrolyte membrane disposed between and in intimate contact with the hydrogen electrode and said oxygen electrode; an oxygen flow field disposed adjacent to and in intimate contact with the oxygen electrode; a hydrogen flow field disposed adjacent to and in intimate contact with the hydrogen electrode; a water flow field disposed in fluid communication with the oxygen flow field; and a media divider disposed between the oxygen flow field and the water flow field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason K. Shiepe, Trent M. Molter
  • Patent number: 6417069
    Abstract: A porous layer is formed on an Si substrate using an anodizing apparatus having a conductive partition inserted between a cathode and an anode. First, the cathode and Si substrate are brought into electrical contact through a first electrolyte, and the conductive partition and Si substrate are brought into electrical contact through a second electrolyte. A current is flowed between the cathode and the anode to form a porous layer on the Si substrate. As the first electrolyte, an electrolyte capable of forming a porous structure on the Si substrate is used. As the second electrolyte, an electrolyte substantially incapable of forming a porous structure on the conductive partition is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyofumi Sakaguchi, Satoshi Matsumura, Kenji Yamagata
  • Publication number: 20020033333
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell for separating oxygen from the ambient air can be manufactured in a simple manner and inexpensively and both the electrodes and the electrolyte can be manufactured as thin layers. The electrochemical cell has a metallic housing plate (7), a gas-permeable carrier plate (11) located on the housing plate (7), a system of layers on the carrier plate (11), including a first electrode (13), an electrolyte (15) and a second electrode (17) exposed to the ambient air, wherein the oxygen generated is drawn off via a discharge opening at the housing plate (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Riecke
  • Patent number: 6328863
    Abstract: A bipolar electrolytic cell can include, as a manifold, a spiral manifold assembly. This spiral manifold assembly will comprise a first outer assembly member, a second outer assembly member and a center assembly member. The overall structure can provide reduced loss of metal or gas and minimal loss of electrical current during an electrolytic process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventors: Robert L. Wilhelm, William A. Nutter
  • Patent number: 6315886
    Abstract: Electropurification of contaminated aqueous media, such as ground water and wastewater from industrial manufacturing facilities like paper mills, food processing plants and textile mills, is readily purified, decolorized and sterilized by improved, more economic open configuration electrolysis cell designs, which may be divided or undivided, allowing connection as monopolar or bipolar cells. When coupled with very narrow capillary gap electrodes more economic operation particular when treating solutions of relatively low conductivity is assured. The novel cell design is also useful in the electrosynthesis of chemicals, such as hypochlorite bleaches and other oxygenated species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: The Electrosynthesis Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Guillermo Daniel Zappi, Norman L. Weinberg
  • Patent number: 6309521
    Abstract: An ozone generator which operates at constant pressures to produce a continuous flow of ozone in an oxygen stream having from 10% to 18% by weight of ozone. The ozone generator includes one or more electrolytic cells comprising an anode/anode flowfield, a cathode/cathode flowfield, and a proton exchange medium for maintaining the separation of ozone and oxygen from hydrogen. The ozone generator also has an anode reservoir which vents oxygen and ozone and a cathode reservoir which vents hydrogen. The anode reservoir can be filled from the cathode reservoir while continuing to produce ozone. The ozone generator is readily configured for self-control using a system controller programmed to operate the anode reservoir at a constant pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Lynntech Internationals, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Oliver J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6214181
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a new design of elements for ion exchange membrane electrolyzers for the electrolysis of brine to produce chlorine, hydrogen and caustic soda. This new design solves the problems affecting prior art, by both minimizing the electrolyte concentration and temperature gradients, and the pressure fluctuation resorting to components which are easy to be installed and may be obtained through automated production cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: De Nora S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luciano Iacopetti, Maurizio Marzupio
  • Patent number: 6203676
    Abstract: An ionic conduction device comprises a stack of layers, each layer comprising an electrolyte membrane having a pair of opposed surfaces, a gas permeable electrode in contact with each opposed surface, and there being a plurality of interconnects in electrical contact with the electrodes of the layers, to provide electrical continuity through the stack, wherein there is at least one gas flow path though the layers and the interconnects of the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Normalair-Garrett (Holdings) Limited
    Inventors: Robert John Phillips, Adrian Simons, Jonathan Andrew Lane, David Waller, John Derrick Sirman, John Anthony Kilner
  • Patent number: 6203675
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell and a process for converting anhydrous hydrogen halide to halogen gas using a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) or a separate membrane and electrode arrangement, such as gas diffusion electrodes with a membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: William H. Zimmerman, James Arthur Trainham, Clarence Garlan Law, Jr., John Scott Newman
  • Patent number: 6165331
    Abstract: A bipolar metal electrode for the electrolysis of hydrochloric acid, comprising a nickel alloy cathode plate and a titanium anode mesh coupled together by a hydrogen barrier, where the hydrogen barrier is an aluminum plate, where the titanium anode mesh is connected to a titanium backplate by a plurality of titanium supports and where the titanium backplate is spaced apart from the nickel alloy cathode plate by the aluminum plate. An electrolyser comprising one or more bipolar electrodes according to present invention. A method of producing chlorine from hydrochloric acid comprising providing one or more bipolar metal electrodes according to the present invention or an electrolyser according to the present invention, and contacting the one or more bipolar electrodes or the electrolyser with hydrochloric acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Cumberland Electrochemical Limited
    Inventor: David A. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6117288
    Abstract: An electrochemical device for separating oxygen from an oxygen-containing gas comprises a plurality of planar ion-conductive solid electrolyte plates and electrically-conductive gas-impermeable interconnects assembled in a multi-cell stack. Electrically-conductive anode and cathode material is applied to opposite sides of each electrolyte plate. A gas-tight anode seal is bonded between the anode side of each electrolyte plate and the anode side of the adjacent interconnect. A biasing electrode, applied to the anode side of each electrolyte plate between the anode seal and the edge of the anode, eliminates anode seal failure by minimizing the electrical potential across the seal. The seal potential is maintained below about 40 mV and preferably below about 25 mV. A gas-tight seal is applied between the cathode sides of each electrolyte plate and the adjacent interconnect such that the anode and cathode seals are radially offset on opposite sides of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Adler, Raymond Ashton Cutler, Brett Tamatea Henderson, Jimmy Ludlow, Robin Edward Richards, Dale M. Taylor, Merrill Anderson Wilson
  • Patent number: 6110334
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrolyte cell with an end anode and an end cathode and bipolar cell elements disposed between outer cell elements comprising these and electrically connected with them and connected in series one with the other, wherein each cell element comprises one or two gas diffusion electrode(s) of which one forms simultaneously the ceiling of the subjacent electrolyte chamber and the floor of the superjacent electrolyte chamber and the end anode and the anodes of the bipolar cell elements comprise a perforated, electrically well-conducting electrode structure, wherein each electrolyte chamber is charged with electrolyte and reaction gas, such as oxygen, and a particular mixture of electrolyte and the resulting product as well as residual reaction gas are drawn off from each electrolyte chamber, wherein the cell elements are combined in the form of a stack, that [sic] the end cathode and the cathodes of the bipolar cell elements comprise a perforated, electrically well-conducting support w
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Karl Lohrberg
  • Patent number: 6042703
    Abstract: An electrochemical device for separating oxygen from an oxygen-containing gas comprises a plurality of planar ion-conductive solid electrolyte plates and electrically-conductive gas-impermeable interconnects assembled in a multi-cell stack. Electrically-conductive anode and cathode material is applied to opposite sides of each electrolyte plate. A gas-tight anode seal is bonded between the anode side of each electrolyte plate and the anode side of the adjacent interconnect. A biasing electrode, applied to the anode side of each electrolyte plate between the anode seal and the edge of the anode, eliminates anode seal failure by minimizing the electrical potential across the seal. The seal potential is maintained below about 40 mV and preferably below about 25 mV. A gas-tight seal is applied between the cathode sides of each electrolyte plate and the adjacent interconnect such that the anode and cathode seals are radially offset on opposite sides of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Adler, Raymond Ashton Cutler, Brett Tamatea Henderson, Jimmy Ludlow, Robin Edward Richards, Dale M. Taylor, Merrill Anderson Wilson
  • Patent number: 6001226
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell having split fluid and current feed. Specifically, the cathode or anode inlet and outlet fluid may be fed from both, rather than from just one end of the electrolyzer. Alternatively, or additionally, the current may be fed to the anode or cathode side of the cell at one point, but may be removed from the opposite end of cell at two points. By feeding the fluid from both ends of the electrolyzer, the internal shunt current within each manifold is reduced, while the active area in the electrolyzer is increased without increasing the overall area of the current distributors. By removing the current from the electrolyzer at two points rather than just one, the voltage required by the electrolyzer may be reduced by half than if the current were removed at just one point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Francisco Jose Freire, Dennie Turin Mah
  • Patent number: 5989407
    Abstract: The present invention provides an ozone generation and delivery system that lends itself to small scale applications and requires very low maintenance. The system includes an anode reservoir and a cathode phase separator each having a hydrophobic membrane to allow phase separation of produced gases from water. The system may be configured to operate passively with no moving parts or in a self-pressurizing manner with the inclusion of a pressure controlling device or valve in the gas outlet of the anode reservoir. The hydrogen gas, ozone gas and water containing ozone may be delivered under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Thomas D. Rogers, Oliver J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 5968325
    Abstract: An auto-electrolyte hydrogen generating reactor having a plurality of cells. The cells are stacked in series in an electronically non-conductive housing. Each cell is separate from its neighbour by electronically conductive bipolar walls. Each cell comprises an anode with a metal whose standard oxidation potential is above that of hydrogen in the same electrolyte. There is a solid electrolyte and a cathode. The cathode is an inert electronic conductor with a surface in contact with a solid electrolyte. The surface is electrochemically catalytic for the formation of hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: A.T.S. Electro-Lube Holdings Ltd.
    Inventors: Colin William Oloman, Jonathan Wing-Fai Ho, Jielin Song
  • Patent number: 5849164
    Abstract: A cell, particularly a membrane cell, that will generally be oriented in an at least substantially vertical positioning, is provided with an array of blade electrodes. The blade electrodes are Delta shape in cross-section, having a flat back face and forwardly sloping sides meeting at a forward edge. Such electrodes can be secured to a current distributor bar, typically on a flat front face of the bar. The forward edge of an electrode blade may be placed opposite a counter electrode of the same or different structure, with a membrane separator usually interposed therebetween. Electrical connection can be made to the electrode blades from the distributor bar, and to the distributor bar through boss electrical connectors. Baffles, which may also be secured to the distributor bar, help establish a front chamber, containing the electrode blades, in front of the baffles, and a back chamber behind the baffles. Electrolyte circulates through the front chamber and recirculates through the back chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald R. Pohto
  • Patent number: 5837110
    Abstract: A spherical section electrochemical cell stack is disclosed for generating a product gas such as oxygen from a supply fluid such as water. In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a spherical section top end plate; a spherical section bottom end plate; one or more spherical section electrochemical cells secured between the top and bottom end plates so that curvature dimensions of the top and bottom end plates and cell are in parallel alignment to thereby minimize any distances between the end plates and cell; and a spherical section pressure header secured to the bottom end plate so that curvature dimensions of the bottom end plate and pressure header are in opposed alignment to thereby define an integral high pressure chamber between the bottom end plate and pressure header. The integral high pressure chamber may be filled with a drying and/or filtering agent so that the product gas may pass through the chamber before leaving the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: W. Clark Dean
  • Patent number: 5795450
    Abstract: A simple and efficient apparatus for producing hydrogen and oxygen is disclosed, wherein resistance to the flow of deionized water, oxygen gas, and hydrogen gas does not increase, and the amount of electric energy required for electrolysis can be reduced. A bipolar-type apparatus for producing hydrogen and oxygen, wherein a main water feeding path is formed in the approximate center of electrode plates in the axial direction, and an anode chamber and a cathode chamber are formed on opposing surfaces of the electrode plates to store porous conductors. A secondary water feeding path for the anode chamber directs water from the main water feeding path to the anode chamber. On the cathode side of the apparatus, a hydrogen gas collecting chamber is formed, a plurality of radial hydrogen gas paths are formed from the cathode chamber to the hydrogen gas collecting chamber, and a hydrogen gas discharging path are formed to axially hydrogen gas collecting chambers in each electrode plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Shinko Pantec Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Hirai, Shinichi Yasui, Hiroko Kobayashi, Mamoru Nagao, Takashi Sasaki, Hiroyuki Harada
  • Patent number: 5766427
    Abstract: An electrolyzer has a metal fitting for supply or discharge or electricity or discharge of gas produced in the electrolyzer and into which, from the passage forming system within the electrolyzer has an electrically insulating tube extending into the metal fitting and hermetically sealed with respect to it, at the end electrode through which the electrically insulating tube passes, or the passage system so that parasitic currents are led along this schematically insulating tube for a length sufficient to render the parasitic losses significant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Forschungszentrum Julich GmbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Mergel, Hans-Gunter Groehn, Wolfgang Westerhausen
  • Patent number: 5736016
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell for generating a mixed oxidant gas for treating bodies of water comprises an anode chamber that is defined by an anode plate at one end, a permeable membrane at an opposite end, and a first sealing gasket interposed therebetween. A cathode chamber is adjacent the anode chamber and is defined by a cathode plate at one end, the permeable membrane at an opposite end, and a second sealing gasket interposed therebetween, the first and second gaskets being separated by the permeable membrane. An anolyte reservoir is external from the anode chamber for accommodating a volume of anolyte therein, and is connected to the anode chamber to circulate anolyte thereto and to receive mixed oxidant gas therefrom. A catholyte reservoir is external from the cathode chamber for accommodating a volume of catholyte therein, and is connected to the cathode chamber to circulate catholyte thereto and to receive gas therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Electrosci, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Allen
  • Patent number: 5571390
    Abstract: A bipolar type ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell has gas-liquid separating chambers which minimizes a pressure fluctuation in compartment frame units, deterioration of ion exchange membranes and a voltage variation in the compartment units.Upper portions of back plates 5, 3a are outwardly bent at a higher position than meshed electrode plates of each of anode and cathode compartment frames to form inversed U-shape portions; U-shaped channel members 10 are respectively placed in and fixed to the inversed U-shape portions so that spaces are formed, as passages 12, in association with the back plates, and areas defined by the inversed U-shape portions and the U-shaped channel members are gas-liquid separating chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuhito Kimura, Mikio Suzuki, Takahiro Uchibori
  • Patent number: 5567284
    Abstract: An electrochemical actuator forms a sealed gas space inside of which there are a plurality of cells. Each cell has a solid electrode made from an electrochemically reversibly oxidizable material and a counter electrode. By applying a reversible direct current, an electrochemical reaction is initiated which results in a pressure increase or decrease in the gas space that can be used for generating movement. The manufacture of the actuator is simplified and manufacturing costs are lowered by providing a stackable spacer frame for each cell which is constructed of a material that is a relatively good heat conductor and an electric isolator. The rim of a metallic cell cup is attached to the spacer frame and a matrix soaked with an electrolyte is placed inside the cup. Each cell further has a solid electrode, a separator and a counter electrode which, together with the spacer frame, are assembled into a cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Friwo Silberkraft Gesellschaft fuer Batterietechnik mbH
    Inventors: Helmut Bauer, Foad Derisavi-Fard, Uwe Eckoldt, Ralf Gehrmann, Heribert Kickel
  • Patent number: 5565072
    Abstract: A membrane electrochemical cell, in particular a fuel cell, of an improved type comprising a multiplicity of cell elements, each element made up of bipolar plates, current collectors, electrodes and membranes, wherein the function of electric current transmission through the cell elements, the release of heat towards the outside environment, the distribution of electric current to the electrodes and membranes, the removal of heat from the electrodes and membranes and the distribution of the reactants and products are performed by distinct components, in particular bipolar plates for the first two and porous electroconductive collectors for the others. The bipolar plates may have flat surfaces without grooves and are preferably manufactured with aluminum, titanium or alloys thereof, through cheap mass productions techniques; the bipolar plates are used together with collectors provided with deformability, residual resiliency and high porosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: De Nora Permelec S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Faita, Claudio Manteggaza
  • Patent number: 5565073
    Abstract: In the disclosed electrochemical cell for the production of an alkaline solution of peroxide, especially on-site production, the electrolyte is divided into an aqueous alkaline catholyte and an aqueous alkaline anolyte, and the cathode is a gas-diffusion electrode. The active material of the electrolyte side of the gas-diffusion cathode comprises a particulate catalyst support material having a surface area of about 50 to about 2000 m.sup.2 /g, and, deposited on the particles of this support material, 0.1 to 50 weight-%, based on the weight of the active layer, of gold or gold alloy poly-crystal particles having an average size .gtoreq.5 but less than about 20 nanometers. These poly-crystal gold or gold alloy particles have a structure consisting essentially of combined individual monocrystals and are substantially selectively catalytic for the reduction of oxygen to peroxide ion or hydrogen peroxide (e.g. HOO.sup..theta.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventors: Mark E. Fraser, Alan S. Woodman, Everett B. Anderson, E. Jennings Taylor
  • Patent number: 5484514
    Abstract: An electrolyzer having a partition plate produced by forming thin plates. The electrolyzer includes a vertical electrolyzer unit which has a partition plate formed by superimposing a pair of anode- and cathode-side partitions provided with mutually fittable recesses and projections, and an electrode plate connected to the projections on each side of the partition plate to define an electrolytic chamber. A gas-liquid separating chamber having a discharge opening is provided in the upper part of the electrolyzer unit such that the cross-sectional area of the gas-liquid separating chamber is larger at a part closer to the discharge opening than at a part remoter from the discharge opening, thereby preventing the fluctuation of pressure in the electrolytic chamber caused by pulsation occurring in the gas-liquid separating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Chlorine Engineers Corp., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Katayama
  • Patent number: 5462817
    Abstract: A high temperature electrochemical converter provides regenerative heating of electrochemical converter reactants to an operating temperature using an exhaust flow. Additionally, a radiant thermal integration configuration transfers heat from an electrochemical converter assembly to power a bottoming plant, thereby achieving flexible and efficient system design. In a fuel cell operating mode, for example, it facilitates the recovery of waste heat of the fuel cell reaction for integration with bottoming thermodynamic devices, such as a gas or steam turbine. The radiant thermal integration is accomplished by efficient radiative heat transfer between the external columnar surface of the converter assembly and the heat transfer assembly containing the working medium of a heat sink or a heat source device, and by a regenerative process where incoming reactants are heated to the converter operating temperature by outgoing exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Michael S. Hsu
  • Patent number: 5460705
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the production of ozone utilizing an anodic electrocatalyst and a membrane and electrode assembly formed by bonding a polytetrafluoroethylene-containing, proton exchange polymer-impregnated, gas diffusion cathode to a proton exchange membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver J. Murphy, G. Duncan Hitchens
  • Patent number: 5458755
    Abstract: An anodization apparatus for anodizing the surface of a semiconductor substrate by supporting the semiconductor substrate between a pair of electrodes in an electrolytic solution and applying a voltage across the pair of electrodes. The anodization apparatus includes an elastic sealing member for supporting a peripheral portion of the semiconductor substrate such that a surface portion of a semiconductor substrate remains exposed, a support jig which includes a tapered hollow portion for supporting the sealing member, and a device for introducing a fluid of gas or liquid into the tapered hollow portion. When the fluid is introduced, the sealing member is pressed against and brought into hermetic contact with the tapered hollow portion and with the entire peripheral portion of the semiconductor substrate such that the electrolytic solution is separated into electrically isolated parts by coordination between the semiconductor substrate, the sealing member, and the support jig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasutomo Fujiyama, Mitsuhiro Ishii, Senju Kanbe, Takao Yonehara, Toru Takisawa, Akira Okita, Kiyofumi Sakaguchi, Takanori Watanabe, Kazuo Kokumai
  • Patent number: 5427658
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell comprises an anode plate, a cathode plate, and a permeable membrane interposed between the anode and cathode plate. An anode sealing gasket is interposed between the anode plate and the permeable membrane forming an anode chamber, the anode sealing gasket may comprise a bipolar electrode. A cathode sealing gasket is interposed between the cathode plate and the permeable membrane forming a cathode chamber. An anolyte reservoir external to the anode chamber supplies anolyte to and removes mixed oxidant gases from the anode chamber. An anolyte make-up tank external to the anolyte reservoir and anode chamber supplies anolyte solution to the anolyte reservoir. The anolyte solution is transferred from the anolyte make-up tank, to the anolyte reservoir, and into the anode chamber by gravity. A catholyte reservoir external to the cathode chamber supplies catholyte to and removes gases from the cathode chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Electrosci Incorporated
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Allen
  • Patent number: 5425864
    Abstract: Electrolyser for the production of a gas, comprising a battery (1) of electrolysis cells with membranes, in which the separation between the anode (8) and the cathode (28) is greater than the thickness of the membrane (4), an electrolyte degassing chamber (15), in communication with the upper part of the anodic (or cathodic) chambers (3), and an electrolyte recycling pipe (20, 21) joining the degassing chamber (15) to electrolyte distributors (10, 11, 12, 13) which are in communication with the anodic (cathodic) chambers (3) of the cells, the recycling pipe (20, 21) having a head loss coefficient which is equal, at most, to the overall coefficient of the head losses of the anodic (cathodic) chambers (3), of the distributors (10, 11, 12, 13) and of the degassing chamber (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Solvay (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventor: Luc Botte
  • Patent number: 5411655
    Abstract: A method for conversion of comminuted cellulosic agricultural wastes into a form edible by ruminant animals comprises treating such wastes, e.g., straw, corn stalks and husks, cotton wastes, peanut shells, saw dust, grains (corn, sorghum), etc. by treating with an aqueous solution of a mixed oxidant gas, at a pH of about 7-9, to produce a total water content of less than 20%, a pH of about 7.5-8.3, and NaOH content of less than 5.0% in the waste. The mixed-oxidant gas is produced by a novel electrolytic cell having an anode compartment, cathode compartment and membrane separating the compartments to permit a limited flow of electrolyte therebetween. The anode compartment contains a plurality of anodes and bi-polar electrodes supported in a substantially co-planar relation spaced laterally from each other. The anodes are electrically connected and the bi-polar electrodes are insulated therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventor: Charles T. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 5399250
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ion exchange membrane type electrolyzer producing chlorine and metal alkali hydroxide. The features include the unit electrolyzer comprises an anode partition wall made of titanium; a cathode partition wall made of nickel; an electrical conduction plate of appropriate dimension for electrical connection; and a current distribution frame. The electrical connection between each unit electrolyzer is provided by spring type metal plates explosively welded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Han Yang Chemical Corp.
    Inventors: Sang Bong Moon, Ju Hwan Jo, Jun Seon Choi, Ho Cheol Shin, Jung Hee Han
  • Patent number: 5225061
    Abstract: A novel bipolar electrode module is provided. Such module includes a generally-rectangular, plate-like metallic cathode, a generally-rectangular, plate-like metallic anode, the plate-like metallic cathode and anode being disposed in edge-to-edge butting relationship, thereby to align the plate-like metallic cathode to lie in the same plane as the plate-like metallic anode; and the butting relationship between the plate-like metallic anode and the plate-like metallic cathode being provided by a coextensive joint between the respective abutting edges of the plate-like metallic anode and the plate-like metallic cathode, the joint comprising a mechanical integration fit between a plurality a plurality of male tongues on an edge of one metallic plate and a similar plurality of female grooves in an edge of the other metallic plate. The joint provides: structural rigidity for the module; and electrically-conducting zone of low resistance; and no increase in module thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Inventor: Goethe O. Westerlund
  • Patent number: 5139635
    Abstract: Electrolyser for the production of a gas, comprising a stack of vertical frames (1, 2) defining electrolysis chambers (4, 5), a degassing chamber (17) above the stack, a conduit for allowing electrolyte to enter (23) the degassing chamber, a vertical pipe (18) connecting the degassing chamber to the lower part of the electrolysis chambers and a nozzle (20) arranged around the pipe and connecting the degassing chamber to the upper part of the electrolysis chambers, the pipe (18) communicating with the degassing chamber (17) through a connecting conduit (19, 21) passing through the nozzle (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Solvay et Cie
    Inventor: Lido Signorini
  • Patent number: 5112463
    Abstract: Apparatus for efficiently electrolyzing water comprising an electrolysis cell and gas-liquid separating mechanism, wherein the electrolysis cell is composed of a plurality of compartments, each of which has two plate electrodes with a membrane assembly sandwiched therebetween, the plate electrodes and the membrane assembly are spaced by a concavo-convex ion net and a concavo-convex nichel net respectively so that the spacing between the two electrodes is greatly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: XueMing Zhang
    Inventors: XueMing Zhang, Shucheng Zhang, Shuxia Zhang, Congshan Liu, Haibuo Zhang, Wenrong Li, Qingyan Ji, Shufang Zhang, Shuwei Zhang
  • Patent number: 5089107
    Abstract: An autoelectrolytic hydrogen generator system constituted by one or a plurality of similar cells wherein a galvanic arrangement of magnesium and aluminum plates of sacrificial elements as anode; stainless steel as cathode and sea water as electrolyte, by its very nature is made to develop a voltage when connected in short circuit causing a current to flow within the system and hydrogen production of hydrogen in situ and on demand by the electrolytic action at one pole, the cathode, and additional hydrogen by the electrochemical reaction at the other pole, the anode. Surplus electric energy of the system applied to a optional electrolyzer will also be made to produce additional hydrogen at its two sacrificial aluminum electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Inventor: Francisco Pacheco
  • Patent number: 5087344
    Abstract: An electrolysis cell for gas-evolving electrolytic processes using at least one electrode having electrode elements arranged parallel is described; the electrode elements have a thickness of up to three times the mean bubble separation diameter and have a capillary gap with respect to one another such that a motion of the gas bubbles through the electrode is brought about substantially in the direction or in the opposite direction of the electric field between the reaction surfaces of the anode and cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Heraeus Elektroden GmbH
    Inventors: Hanno Wenske, Arnold Gallien, Wolfgang Hanke, Wolfgang Lampe, Lothar Illgen