Gas Patents (Class 204/258)
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Patent number: 5922178Abstract: A high temperature gas separation apparatus, integrated with, and enclosed by, a heat exchanger-thermal insulation, providing for counter-flow heat exchange between a cold inlet flow of a gas mixture containing one gas component and the hot return gas being depleted of the one gas component. Two adjacent heat exchanger flow channels surround a heated central gas separation unit in multiple spiral windings and provide the thermal insulation for the gas separation apparatus which operates at ambient or elevated pressure, resulting in significant savings in materials and energy cost, and greatly reduced weight for gas separation systems, such as electrochemical oxygen generators, and for hydrogen and helium separators.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1997Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Inventor: Arnold O. Isenberg
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Patent number: 5906722Abstract: Describes a method of electrochemically converting amine hydrohalide, e.g., ethyleneamine hydrochloride, into free amine, e.g., free ethyleneamine. A three compartment electrolytic cell is provided having (1) a catholyte compartment containing a cathode assembly comprising a cathode and an anion exchange membrane, (2) an anode compartment containing an anode assembly comprising either (a) a hydrogen consuming gas diffusion anode and a current collecting electrode or (b) a hydrogen consuming gas diffusion anode which is fixedly held between a hydraulic barrier and a current collecting electrode, and (3) an intermediate compartment separated from the catholyte and anode compartments by the anion exchange membrane and either (i) the hydrogen consuming gas diffusion anode or (ii) the hydraulic barrier respectively.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1997Date of Patent: May 25, 1999Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.Inventors: Peter C. Foller, David G. Roberts, Robert H. Tang
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Patent number: 5904829Abstract: Describes a method of electreochemically converting amine hydrohalide, e.g., amine hydrochloride, into free amine, e.g., free ethyleneamine. An electrolytic cell is provided having (1) a catholyte compartment containing a cathode assembly comprising a cathode and a bipolar ion exchange membrane, (2) an anode compartment containing an anode assembly comprising either (a) a hydrogen consuming gas diffusion anode and a current collecting electrode or (b) a hydrogen consuming gas diffusion anode which is fixedly held between a hydraulic barrier and a current collecting electrode, and (3) at least one pair of intermediate compartments separating the catholyte and anode compartments and separated from each other by an anion exchange membrane.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1997Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.Inventors: Peter C. Foller, David G. Roberts, Robert H. Tang
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Patent number: 5846668Abstract: Disclosed herein are an fuel cell and/or an electrolytic cell which comprises a plurality of unit cells, and one or more separator plates having one or more anode gas supply grooves and one or more cathode gas supply grooves inserted between two adjacent unit cells, at least part of the anode gas supply grooves and the cathode gas supply grooves being overlapped in the direction of the width of the separator plate, and a process of cooling and/or dehumidifying the fuel cell and/or the electrolytic cell by flowing a reaction gas thereto. The most preferable separator plate is such that the anode gas supply grooves and the cathode gas supply grooves are separated by a thin separator wall made of a metal or an electrocondutive resin.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1997Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Assignees: Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo K. K., Masahiro WatanabeInventor: Masahiro Watanabe
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Patent number: 5843292Abstract: A cell arrangement for the electrolysis of water to liberate hydrogen and oxygen gases is described. A cell unit (125) has a stacked arrangement of segmentation disks (114), a first type of (anode) cell plates (90), a second type of (cathode) cell plates (98) and separation membranes (116). Interconnecting conductive shafts (126-131) pass through holes (100, 102) of the cell plates (90,98) to have selective electrical interconnection therewith. Water and electrolyte are supplied by inlet ports (108, 110) to immerse the cell plates (90, 98). The membranes (116) normally isolate adjacent cathode and anode plates (90, 98) from the mixing of liberated oxygen and hydrogen gases while allowing ionic current to flow. By selective adjustment of the water/electrolyte pressure differential on the respective sides of the separation membranes (116), the admixture of the liberated gases can be produced. The liberated gases discharge through outlet ports (104,106).Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1996Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Hydrogen Technology Ltd.Inventor: Spiro Ross Spiros
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Patent number: 5843297Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying out an electrolytic process produces clean gases, such as oxygen and hydrogen. For this purpose, a porous diaphragm is arranged between the cathode and the anode of an electrolyzer, and a liquid electrolyte is fixed in the pores of the cathode and anode. A first gas chamber adjoins the cathode, while a second gas chamber adjoins the anode, and an educt chamber is separated from the first gas chamber by a membrane. An aqueous, non-corrosive solution of salts of inorganic and organic acids or mixtures of water with organic additives is used as an educt, which, compared with the electrolyte, has a higher partial water vapor pressure.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1996Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Dornier GmbHInventors: Ottmar Schmid, Peter Kurzweil
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Patent number: 5837110Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 17, 1996Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: W. Clark Dean
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Patent number: 5795450Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 4, 1997Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: Shinko Pantec Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kiyoshi Hirai, Shinichi Yasui, Hiroko Kobayashi, Mamoru Nagao, Takashi Sasaki, Hiroyuki Harada
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Patent number: 5776328Abstract: Electrolyzer for the electrolysis of a solution of a salt for the production of a solution containing an acid and a solution of a base, said electrolyzer comprising at least one elementary cell divided into three compartments by two cation-exchange membranes, the first of said compartments contains the first of said membranes and a cathode for hydrogen evolution and the production of the base, a central compartment is defined by said cation-exchange membranes and has an inlet for the solution of the salt and has an outlet for the withdrawal of the solution containing the acid, a third compartment contains the second of said cation exchange membranes and an anode, said anode comprises a porous electrocatalytic sheet for hydrogen ionization and a porous rigid current collector, said third compartment further has an inlet for a hydrogen-containing gaseous stream and an outlet for the venting of the rest of gas characterized in that said current collector has a multiplicity of contact points and said porous electType: GrantFiled: May 24, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: De Nora Permelec S.p.A.Inventors: Carlo Traini, Giuseppe Faita
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Patent number: 5770326Abstract: A monolithic mass and energy transfer cell is provided. The cell comprises a monolithic ionically conductive core. The core has an outer surface including a first entrance surface and a first exit surface, which is spaced apart from the first entrance surface. A first set of passages are positioned between the first entrance surface and the first exit surface. The outer surface also includes a second entrance surface and a second exit surface, spaced apart from the second entrance surface. A second set of passages are positioned therebetween. The first set of passages are in a non-parallel relationship with the second set of passages. A first porous, electrically conductive coating is disposed within the first set of passages and a second porous, electrically conductive coating is disposed within the second set of passages. An external electric circuit is in electrical contact with the monolithic ionically conductive core.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1996Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Inventor: Santosh Y. Limaye
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Patent number: 5766427Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 26, 1997Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Forschungszentrum Julich GmbHInventors: Jurgen Mergel, Hans-Gunter Groehn, Wolfgang Westerhausen
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Patent number: 5736017Abstract: This invention has as its object to obtain a compact solid high polymer electrolytic module having a large electrolytic reaction capacity. An electrolytic membrane (20) is constituted in such a manner that strip-shaped anodes (23) and strip-shaped cathodes (22) are formed at a predetermined interval opposite to each other on both the surfaces of a belt-shaped solid high polymer electrolytic membrane (21). A frame (30) is constituted in such a manner that feeding terminals (33a, 33b) are formed on a pair of side edges (31a, 31b) of a frame member (31) having an opening (32) on one side. A plurality of frames (30) are stacked such that the openings (32) alternately face upward and downward. The electrolytic membrane (20) is folded at counter edges (31c) of the frames (30) and held between the adjacent frames (30) , thereby constituting a stereoscopically corrugated structure in a stacking direction of the frames (30).Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 1997Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tetsuo Moriguchi, Yoshiharu Takeuchi
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Patent number: 5736016Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 10, 1996Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignee: Electrosci, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey D. Allen
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Patent number: 5733422Abstract: A gas producing high pressure electrolysis tank in combination with a water tank and pressure control and recollection valve units is capable to fill and recollect electrolyte automatically in the process of gas production. The electrolysis tank has good heat dissipation effect and is divided into a plurality of densely spaced electrolysis cells so as to make the electrolysis efficiency and pressure high.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1997Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Inventor: I-Chuan Lin
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Patent number: 5667647Abstract: An oxygen-hydrogen gas generation apparatus in which an ion exchange film is used to prevent oxygen and hydrogen from mixing. The oxygen-hydrogen gas generation apparatus includes an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell includes an ion exchange film interposed between box-shaped structures. The box-shaped structures each have an interior surface coated with metal, a framework for holding the ion exchange film, and a gas discharge port. Oxygen gas is generated in a chamber formed by the ion exchange film and the box-shaped structures connected to a positive pole of a power supply. A hydrogen gas is generated in a chamber formed by the ion exchange film and the box-shaped structures connected to a negative pole of the power supply.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1996Date of Patent: September 16, 1997Assignee: Suga Test Instruments Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nagaichi Suga, Fujio Suga, Hiroshi Watanabe, Koichi Taniguchi
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Patent number: 5650058Abstract: The invention includes an electrolytic cell for gas-developing or gas-consuming electrolytic reactions and processes, and an electrolysis process therefor. According to the invention, the capillary slit electrode has conduits enabling the separate flow of reaction gas and electrolyte/permeate in the electrode. The electrode is preferably hydrophilic in a narrow internal region for mounting on a separator, while elsewhere it is hydrophobic. Thus electrolyte/permeate penetrates only into the region of the capillary slit electrode near the separator, while the region away from the separator remains free of electrolyte/permeate, so facilitating the unimpeded flow of the reaction gas. The invention is applicable especially in electrolytic cells for chlor-alkali or hydrogen electrolysis, and in the construction of cells for the generation of power.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1995Date of Patent: July 22, 1997Assignee: Maschinen-Und Anlagenbau Grimma GmbH (MAG)Inventors: Hanno Wenske, Hermann Matschiner, Hans Siegel
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Patent number: 5645700Abstract: An electrolytic cell for generating hydrogen peroxide is provided including a cathode containing a catalyst for the reduction of oxygen, and an anode containing a catalyst for the oxidation of water. A polymer membrane, semipermeable to either protons or hydroxide ions is also included and has a first face interfacing to the cathode and a second face interfacing to the anode so that when a stream of water containing dissolved oxygen or oxygen bubbles is passed over the cathode and a stream of water is passed over the anode, and an electric current is passed between the anode and the cathode, hydrogen peroxide is generated at the cathode and oxygen is generated at the anode.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1994Date of Patent: July 8, 1997Assignee: Eltron Research, Inc.Inventors: James H. White, Michael Schwartz, Anthony F. Sammells
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Patent number: 5595641Abstract: Electrolyzer comprising at least one elementary cell divided into electrolyte compartments by cation-exchange membranes, said compartments are provided with a circuit for feeding electrolytic solutions and a circuit for withdrawing electrolysis products, said cell is equipped with a cathode and a hydrogen-depolarized anode assembly forming a hydrogen gas chamber fed with a hydrogen-containing gaseous stream, characterized in that said assembly comprises a cation-exchange membrane, a porous, flexible electrocatalytic sheet, a porous rigid current collector having a multiplicity of contact points with said electrocatalytic sheet, said membrane, sheet and current collector are held in contact together by means of pressure without bonding.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1993Date of Patent: January 21, 1997Assignee: DeNora Permelec S.p.A.Inventors: Carlo Traini, Giuseppe Faita
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Patent number: 5505824Abstract: A propellant generator is disclosed that automatically adjusts rates of input of lean and excess reactants to compensate for changes in rates of reactions in the generator. In a particular embodiment, the invention generates propellants methane (CH.sub.4) and oxygen gas (O.sub.2) from a lean reactant carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) and an excess reactant hydrogen gas (H.sub.2) utilizing stored hydrogen gas transported to a remote site such as the surface of the planet Mars where carbon dioxide is accumulated and stored. A lean reactant flow controller measures the level of excess reactant passing through a sabatier by measuring a current consumed by an electrochemical separator that separates and pressurizes the excess reactant from a mixture of first propellant, water and excess reactant produced by the sabatier.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1995Date of Patent: April 9, 1996Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: James F. McElroy
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Patent number: 5500104Abstract: A mono-polar pre-filter electrolyzer comprises a plurality of cathode elements, each of which is composed of a cathode element receiver and a cathode screen; a plurality of anode elements, which are arranged with the cathode elements alternately and face to face, and each of which is composed of an anode element receiver, a conductive anode frame screen having an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface and received in the anode element receiver, and power-supply rods positioned longitudinally in the conductive anode frame screen with spaces from the inner circumferential surface of the anode frame screen; a plurality of independent membranes, which each are positioned between one anode element and one cathode element arranged face to face; a plurality of tension rods, which pass through all above components and fix them together; an anode bus, which is positioned at the bottom of the electrolyzer; the power-supply rods extend downward from the anode element receivers to electricallyType: GrantFiled: March 23, 1995Date of Patent: March 19, 1996Inventor: Guo C. Wang
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Patent number: 5484514Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 2, 1994Date of Patent: January 16, 1996Assignee: Chlorine Engineers Corp., Ltd.Inventor: Shinji Katayama
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Patent number: 5462817Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 24, 1993Date of Patent: October 31, 1995Inventor: Michael S. Hsu
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Patent number: 5460705Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 13, 1993Date of Patent: October 24, 1995Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: Oliver J. Murphy, G. Duncan Hitchens
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Patent number: 5458755Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 8, 1993Date of Patent: October 17, 1995Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasutomo Fujiyama, Mitsuhiro Ishii, Senju Kanbe, Takao Yonehara, Toru Takisawa, Akira Okita, Kiyofumi Sakaguchi, Takanori Watanabe, Kazuo Kokumai
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Patent number: 5454917Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and process for recovering metal from a solution. This apparatus is a structure having an anode formed from a plurality of reducing metal elements and a cathode formed from a high surface area electrically conductive material such as metal wire. The reducing metal elements of the anode have a more negative standard state reduction potential than the metal to be recovered. This invention is also a process in which a metal is recovered by contacting a solution of a metal to be recovered with the apparatus of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1993Date of Patent: October 3, 1995Assignee: Cognis, Inc.Inventors: Phillip L. Mattison, William E. Friestad, John Fast
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Patent number: 5425864Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 21, 1994Date of Patent: June 20, 1995Assignee: Solvay (Societe Anonyme)Inventor: Luc Botte
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Patent number: 5425863Abstract: Electrolysis cell for the production of a gas, comprising at least two electrolysis chambers, respectively anodic (2) and cathodic (3), one at least of which is in communication, at its lower part, with an electrolyte entry pipe (5) and, at its upper part, with an electrolyte degassing chamber (7) sited above it and provided with a gas discharge opening (8) and with an electrolyte discharge opening (16), an electrolyte recycling pipe (10) connecting the degassing chamber (7) to the entry pipe (5) and including a valve (11) which is open or closed according to whether the pressure downstream (B) of the valve (11) is less than or greater than the pressure upstream (A) of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1994Date of Patent: June 20, 1995Assignee: Solvay S.A.Inventor: Luciano Chiti
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Patent number: 5423967Abstract: There are provided a gaseous-diffusion electrode which can exhibit sufficient gas-supplying ability and gas-discharging ability and an excellent durability even when partly immersed in an electrolysis solution; and an electrochemical reactor using the gaseous-diffusion electrode. A porous membrane 15 which is permeable to gas but not to an electrolysis solution is fixed to the surface of the gaseous-diffusion layer 13 of a gaseous-diffusion electrode 11 obtained by joining a reaction layer 12 supporting a catalyst metal and a gaseous-diffusion layer 13 to each other, so as to cover the surface of the gaseous-diffusion layer 13. When a gas passageway member 17 serving as gas passageway to the gaseous-diffusion layer 13 is inserted between the surface of the gaseous-diffusion layer 13 and the porous membrane 15, the gas-supplying ability and the gas-discharging ability becomes greatly improved.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1993Date of Patent: June 13, 1995Assignee: Technova Inc.Inventors: Keiji Kunimatsu, Norifumi Hasegawa, Nagakazu Furuya
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Patent number: 5401371Abstract: A hydrogen generator includes a water tank adapted to form a water chamber, and a water electrolysis cell disposed in the water tank. The water electrolysis cell includes a proton conductive membrane, an oxygen generator chamber side separator adapted to form an oxygen generator chamber, and a hydrogen generator chamber side separator adapted to form a hydrogen generator chamber, and a hydrogen outlet passage adapted to discharge generated hydrogen out of the hydrogen generator chamber. The oxygen generator chamber side separator includes a communicator passage adapted to communicate the oxygen generator chamber with the water chamber. The hydrogen generator obviates the manifolds of the conventional hydrogen generators in which the generated oxygen is likely to stagnate and hinder the water supply, and accordingly it can inhibit the hydrogen gas generating capability from deteriorating.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1993Date of Patent: March 28, 1995Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yujiro Oshima, Katsushi Abe, Kazuo Kawahara, Motonobu Akaki, Souichi Matsushita
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Patent number: 5393392Abstract: A polarographic electrochemical cell for the measurement of oxygen in ppb. The cathode in the system is a non-depleting carbon polytetrafluoroethylene electrode catalytically specific for oxygen reduction. The anode is a composite nickel matrix. The reaction at the anode is an electrochemical oxidation reaction but there are no soluble byproducts that contaminate the electrode. The reaction at the anode is a simple oxidation, state-of-change of the nickel in the nickel composite matrix.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1994Date of Patent: February 28, 1995Assignee: Delta F CorporationInventor: Robert J. Masi
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Patent number: 5366606Abstract: The present invention provides an electrolytic gas generator for generating fluorine and other chemicals and more particularly, to a more efficient electrolyzer having reduced resistance between the cathode and anode and which prevents the migration of gas between the anode compartment and the cathode compartment.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1993Date of Patent: November 22, 1994Assignee: Florida Scientific Laboratories Inc.Inventor: Gregorio Tarancon
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Patent number: 5366605Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a process for disinfecting polluted water to supply water suitable for drinking, swimming water, or industrial use. The apparatus and process according to the invention disinfect water by using ClO.sub.2 as a disinfectant. The ClO.sub.2 is generated by an electrolytic generator comprising an anodic cell and a cathodic cell having an anode and a neutral electrode in the anodic cell and a cathode in the cathodic cell. A sensing element is arranged in the reactor to detect the ClO.sub.2 content in the disinfected water. A monitor connected to the sensing element and a regulator for the electric power source adjusts the voltage and current supplied to the anode of the electrolytic generator in response to the signal from the sensing element so as to continuously provide a suitable amount of ClO.sub.2 to effectively disinfect the polluted water. The apparatus and process of the present invention reduces electric power consumption.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1993Date of Patent: November 22, 1994Assignee: Xiangshun SongInventor: Baicheng Wang
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Patent number: 5334295Abstract: An oxygen sensor for measuring oxygen in the ppb range. The sensor comprises an electrochemical cell. The oxygen is metered to the cathode based on gaseous phase diffusion to provide a measurement proportional to volumetric concentration. Hydrogen is metered to the anode in an amount in excess of the oxygen being reduced at the cathode. A current is generated which is linear to the volumetric concentration of the oxygen in the sample gas. The concentration of the oxygen is measured based on the current generated.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1993Date of Patent: August 2, 1994Assignee: Delta F. CorporationInventors: John P. Gallagher, deceased, Robert J. Masi
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Patent number: 5324396Abstract: There is provided improvements in systems and methods for the recovery of ferrous or non-ferrous metals in an electrolytic cell system. The improvements include an automated process and system and an electrolytic cell which includes means for removing a plated metal from the anode/cathode to permit it to settle at the floor of the cell and means for removing the settled metal therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1993Date of Patent: June 28, 1994Inventors: Philippe Ferron, Camil Prince
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Patent number: 5314591Abstract: An electrolyzer includes a stack composed of a plurality of upright electrolytic cell units, each unit including an electrolytic cell unit frame bounding a pair of electrode sheets. Each pair of electrode sheets are anode-side and cathode-side partitions having opposed recesses and projections that are engaged in nesting relationship with each other. A gas-liquid separation chamber is provided which is integral with an upper edge of the electrolytic cell unit frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1992Date of Patent: May 24, 1994Assignee: Chlorine Engineers Corp., LtdInventors: Shinji Katayama, Yoshinari Take
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Patent number: 5279260Abstract: A water to fuel electrolysis system for providing hydrogen and oxygen gases to a steam boiler for the production of heat and steam.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1992Date of Patent: January 18, 1994Inventor: John F. Munday
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Patent number: 5256273Abstract: An oxygen sensor for measuring oxygen in the ppb range. The sensor comprises an electrochemical cell. The oxygen is metered to the cathode based on gaseous phase diffusion to provide a measurement proportional to volumetric concentration. Hydrogen is metered to the anode in an amount in excess of the oxygen being reduced at the cathode. A current is generated which is linear to the volumetric concentration of the oxygen in the sample gas. The concentration of the oxygen is measured based on current generated.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1992Date of Patent: October 26, 1993Assignee: Delta F CorporationInventors: John P. Gallagher, deceased, Robert J. Masi
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Patent number: 5254233Abstract: A monopolar ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell assembly comprising a plurality of unit electrolytic cells connected electritically in parallel to one another, each formed by clamping an anode compartment frame and a cathode compartment frame with an ion exchange membrane interposed therebetween, the anode and cathode compartment frames each having a feeding and discharging system for an electrolyte and a discharging system for generated gas, wherein:(a) an anode is made of a foraminous plate fixed to the anode compartment frame so that it is close to or in contact with the ion exchange membrane, and electricity is supplied to the foraminous plate via power supply rods and/or power supply ribs from a power source located outside the cell,(b) a cathode is made of flexible foraminous metal plate having good conductivity with an electric resistance at 20.degree. C. of not higher than 10 .mu..OMEGA..Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1992Date of Patent: October 19, 1993Assignee: Asahi Glass Company Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Nakao, Hidenori Shibata, Takeo Aikawa, Takahiro Uchibori, Hiroki Yano
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Patent number: 5242564Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for removing gas-liquid mixtures from electrolysis cells divided into compartments, particularly membrane type cells, without producing pressure fluctuations, wherein each compartment of said cells is characterized in that it is provided with two different ducts for removing the mixture after separation into liquid-rich and gas-rich phases, each duct being connected with its first end to the upper part of the cell, while the other end of the gas-rich phase duct (4) is inserted into the liquid-rich phase duct (3) so that liquid is present only in the portion of the duct comprised between the connection to the cell and the point of inlet of the gas-rich phase. In the subsequent portion the flow consists in the gas-liquid mixture which is forwarded to a gas-disengaging vessel.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1992Date of Patent: September 7, 1993Assignee: S.E.R.E. S.r.l.Inventor: Carlo Traini
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Patent number: 5225060Abstract: Disclosed is a bipolar, filter press type electrolytic cell comprising a plurality of unit cells which are arranged in series through a cation exchange membrane disposed between respective adjacent unit cells, each unit cell containing anode-side and cathode-side gas-liquid separation chambers respectively disposed in anode-side and cathode-side non-current-flowing spaces and extending over the entire upper-side lengths of anode and cathode compartments. This electrolytic cell can be utilized to stably perform, for a prolonged period of time, the electrolysis of an aqueous alkali metal chloride solution at low cost without causing not only a leakage of an electrolytic solution but also vibration of the cell and formation of a gas zone in the upper portion of the anode and cathode compartments even in the electrolysis conducted at a high current density and at a high alkali concentration.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1992Date of Patent: July 6, 1993Assignee: Asahi Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuhide Noaki, Saburo Okamoto
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Patent number: 5221452Abstract: A monopolar ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell assembly comprising a plurality of unit electrolytic cells connected electritically in parallel to one another, each formed by clamping an anode compartment frame and a cathode compartment frame with an ion exchange membrane interposed therebetween, the anode and cathode compartment frames each having a feeding and discharging system for an electrolyte and a discharging system for generated gas, wherein:(a) an anode is made of a foraminous plate fixed to the anode compartment frame so that it is close to or in contact with the ion exchange membrane, and electricity is supplied to the foraminous plate via power supply rods and/or power supply ribs from a power source located outside the cell,(b) a cathode is made of flexible foraminous metal plate having good conductivity with an electric resistance at 20.degree. C. of not higher than 10 .mu..OMEGA..Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1991Date of Patent: June 22, 1993Assignee: Asahi Glass Company Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Nakao, Hidenori Shibata, Takeo Aikawa, Takahiro Uchibori, Hiroki Yano
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Patent number: 5196104Abstract: A water to fuel production apparatus including a tank divided into compartments for producing hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis, where the gases do not mix until they enter a gas turbine engine.In another embodiment the hydrogen and oxygen gases mix in a venturi at the end of a turbine.In both embodiments the turbine has an impeller end to draw both or one of the gases into the turbine.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1992Date of Patent: March 23, 1993Inventor: John F. Munday
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Patent number: 5186806Abstract: A solid state electrolyte cells apparatus and method of producing is disclosed. The apparatus can be used for separating oxygen from an oxygen-containing feedstock or as a fuel cell for reacting fluids. Cells can be stacked so that fluids can be introduced and removed from the apparatus through ceramic distribution members having ports designed for distributing the fluids in parallel flow to and from each cell. The distribution members can also serve as electrodes to membranes or as membrane members between electrodes. The distribution member design does not contain any horizontal internal ports which allows the member to be thin. A method of tape casting in combination with an embossing method allows intricate radial ribs and bosses to be formed on each distribution member. The bosses serve as seals for the ports and allow the distribution members to be made without any horizontal internal ports.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1990Date of Patent: February 16, 1993Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Douglas J. Clark, Leo M. Galica, Robert W. Losey, Jerry W. Suitor
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Patent number: 5181995Abstract: A porous or nonporous hydrophilic, insoluble electrolyte allows a reducing condition to be produced at a negative electrode from a low content of moisture in the electrolyte and reduces oxidants by catalyzed production of water. A constant current with a low voltage is applied between a positive catalyzed electrode and a negative catalyzed electrode, each separated by a hydrophilic, insoluble, cationic exchange electrolyte therebetween containing moisture. The cell may consist of corrugated sheets of electrolyte, opposite sides of which may carry the catalytic electrode material; air to be treated is moved across the negative electrode only.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1990Date of Patent: January 26, 1993Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: Joseph T. Kummer
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Patent number: 5149413Abstract: An improved high-efficiency electrochemical motor is disclosed that uses hydrogen gas in a gas-tight pump housing to convert electrical energy to mechanical work. The motor consists of an electrolytic membrane with pervious electrodes on both sides separated by the thickness of the electrolytic membrane such that the gas, being electrochemically reversibly active, enters into an anodic reaction on one side of the membrane where the gas molecules are converted to ions transportable through the electrolytic membrane and a cathodic reaction at the opposite electrode where the ions are reconverted to gas molecules. By applying a reversible electric current to the electrodes to transport the ions through the electrolytic membrane, the gas is pumped reversibly from one gas-tight chamber to another. A diaphragm disposed in a gas-tight motor housing moves from one motor housing partition to the other in response to an imbalance in the pressure of the gas.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1990Date of Patent: September 22, 1992Inventor: Henri J. R. Maget
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Patent number: 5139635Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 14, 1990Date of Patent: August 18, 1992Assignee: Solvay et CieInventor: Lido Signorini
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Patent number: 5112463Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 18, 1991Date of Patent: May 12, 1992Assignee: XueMing ZhangInventors: XueMing Zhang, Shucheng Zhang, Shuxia Zhang, Congshan Liu, Haibuo Zhang, Wenrong Li, Qingyan Ji, Shufang Zhang, Shuwei Zhang
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Patent number: 5087344Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 26, 1990Date of Patent: February 11, 1992Assignee: Heraeus Elektroden GmbHInventors: Hanno Wenske, Arnold Gallien, Wolfgang Hanke, Wolfgang Lampe, Lothar Illgen
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Patent number: 5066378Abstract: Operation of diaphragm monopolar electrolyzers for chlor-alkali electrolysis is improved by providing at least part of the anodes in their upper portion with hydrodynamic baffles capable of generating a plurality of lifting and downcoming recirculation motions of the mixed anolyte-gas phase and of the anolyte separated from gas, respectively, which baffles are characterized by their superior edge or overflow holes located under the free surface of the anolyte, resulting in a reduction of the cell voltage and an increase in the faradic efficiency and the quality of the products.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1989Date of Patent: November 19, 1991Assignee: DeNora Permelec S.p.A.Inventor: Giovanni Meneghini
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Patent number: RE34213Abstract: A compact, electrochemical converter can be achieved using thin plates of electrolyte and interconnector. Impermeable, straight, thin plates of solid-oxide electrolyte are fabricated by high energy plasma spray methods under controlled temperature conditions. Thin sheets of nickel alloys or silicon carbide or platinum alloys can be used to form the interconnector. The electrolyte and interconnector plates can be assembled into a converter stack at an elevated temperature such that upon cooling and during subsequent operational temperature excursions, the electrolyte plates will remain in compression. The stacks can be connected together to form modules which can be used as stand-alone electricity generators or used in combined cycle, cogeneration and gasifier systems.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1990Date of Patent: April 6, 1993Inventor: Michael S. Hsu