Abstract: An electrochemical converter is disposed within a pressure vessel that collects hot exhaust gases generated by the converter for delivery to a cogeneration bottoming device, such as a gas turbine. The bottoming device extracts energy from the waste heat generated by the converter, such as a fuel cell for the generation of electricity, yielding an improved efficiency energy system. Bottoming devices can include, for example, a gas turbine system or an heating, ventilation or cooling (HVAC) system. The pressure vessel can include a heat exchanger, such as a cooling jacket, for cooling the pressure vessel and/or preheating an input reactant to the electrochemical converter prior to introduction of the reactant to the converter. In one embodiment, a compressor of a gas turbine system assembly draws an input reactant through the pressure vessel heat exchanger and delivers the reactant under pressure to a fuel cell enclosed therein.

Abstract: The present invention is an oxygen generator including a stabilized bismuth oxide body and a plurality of first and second channels. The first channels receive a first gas containing some oxygen and the second channels are sealed at the input and outlet openings and extend generally in parallel to the first channels. Electrodes are disposed on the channel walls of the first and second channels, the electrode composition includes LXM, wherein L is lanthanum, M is manganate, and X is strontium, calcium, lead or barium. The oxygen generator may further include silver disposed over the LXM which thereby decreases the resistivity of the electrodes without the electromigration of the silver. The silver may be mixed with glass to thereby provide improved adherence of the silver to the LXM. A method of making an oxygen generator includes forming a stabilized bismuth oxide body having channels extending therethrough and forming LXM electrodes in the channels.

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.

Abstract: An electrochemical converter is disposed within a pressure vessel that collects hot exhaust gases generated by the converter for delivery to a cogeneration bottoming device, such as a gas turbine. The bottoming device extracts energy from the waste heat generated by the converter, such as a fuel cell for the generation of electricity, yielding an improved efficiency energy system. Bottoming devices can include, for example, a gas turbine system or an heating, ventilation or cooling (HVAC) system. The pressure vessel can include a heat exchanger, such as a cooling jacket, for cooling the pressure vessel and/or preheating an input reactant to the electrochemical converter prior to introduction of the reactant to the converter. In one embodiment, a compressor of a gas turbine system assembly draws an input reactant through the pressure vessel heat exchanger and delivers the reactant under pressure to a fuel cell enclosed therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing NO.sub.x from the exhaust of internal combustion engines. The apparatus has a porous absorbent body saturated with a liquid alkaline electrolyte for absorption of NO.sub.x as nitrate and nitrite, in which body electrodes are distributed pairwise for electrochemical decomposition of the nitrate and nitrite to form nitrogen. The method uses the apparatus of the invention to decompose nitrates and nitrites into diatomic nitrogen.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for conveying flowing substances with the aid of an electrochemical gas evolution cell whose cell current generates primarily a gas volume flow which secondarily causes the volume flow of a decomposer liquid into a catalytic decomposer and which thereby initiates a quantity flow of the decomposer gas which transports the flowable conveyed medium to the intended location.

Abstract: An electrowinning cell comprised of a tank; an electrolytic solution within the tank defining a solution surface at a predetermined level within the tank; a plurality of flat metallic electrode plates, each of the plates having a support beam along an edge thereof; a support assembly disposed outside the tank for supporting a plurality of the electrodes by the support beams, the support assembly dimensioned to position the electrodes in side-by-side, spaced apart, parallel relationship with a lower portion of the electrodes immersed in the electrolytic solution and an upper portion disposed above the solution surface, the upper portions of the electrodes and the solution surface forming parallel channels extending from one side of the tank to a second side of the tank; a plurality of apertures formed in the tank wall along the one side of the tank, the apertures being disposed above the solution surface and positioned wherein at least one of the plurality of apertures is located between an adjacent pair of th

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.

Abstract: 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).

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.

Abstract: A filtering mechanism for especially well suited for corrosive mists which are generated from electro-refining systems. A layer of bristles forming a brush is secured to an electrode within the electro-refining system. As the electro-refining system produces a mist of corrosive chemicals above the slurry, the mist rises through the bristles. As the mist passes through the bristles, the corrosive chemical adheres to the bristles; hence, the corrosive chemical does not pass into the surrounding environment. Periodically, the bristles are washed to remove the corrosive chemicals. In one embodiment of the invention, the edge between the electrodes and the wall of the slurry bath are partially sealed with a pliable member which assists in directing the mist through the bristles.

Abstract: An electrochemical converter assembly having one or more converter elements having a peripheral edge. The converter element includes a series of electrolyte plates having an oxidizer electrode material on one side and a fuel electrode material on the opposing side, and a series of interconnector plates, alternately stacked with the electrolyte plates, that provide electrical contact with the electrolyte plates. The interconnector plate has a textured pattern that forms reactant-flow passageways. The converter assembly has a low pressure drop configuration that includes at least one passageway which is disposed generally in the central region of the converter element, for introducing one input reactant thereto, and at least one second passageway, for introducing the other reactant. A third passageway, outwardly spaced from the second passageway removes spent fuel from the reactant-flow passageways, and thus from the converter element.

Abstract: The printed circuit boards (LP) are conducted through treatment baths (BB1 through BB3) in vertical attitude on at least two horizontal conveying paths (TW1 through TW4) proceeding next to one another, these treatment baths being accommodated in treatment cells (BZ10 through BZ13, BZ20 through BZ23, BZ30 through BZ33) that are arranged successively and next to one another. The end walls of the treatment cells are provided with vertical slots (S) and allocated seals (D) for the passage of the printed circuit boards. The bath liquid emerging from treatment cells arranged next to one another is collected in common collecting tanks (AW1 through AW3) and is returned into the treatment cells with the assistance of pumps (P). A common treatment cell for treatment zones lying next to one another can also be provided in a common collecting tank. The conveying of the printed circuit boards on the conveying paths lying next to one another preferably ensues with a common conveyor device.

Abstract: An electrolytic processing tank contains alternating cathodes and anodes. Each anode carries a sealing unit on either side thereof. The sealing units include flexible U-shaped sealing members which are in surface contact with neighboring cathodes. A sealing member which is T-shaped as seen in an end view is positioned adjacent the end of each anode. Each T-shaped member has a leg whose thickness is the same as that of the anodes, and a crosspiece which extends partway along the leg. The leg is aligned with a neighboring anode, and the end of the leg remote from the crosspiece abuts the anode. The crosspiece projects beyond the opposite end of the leg to form a flexible flap which establishes a seal with a wall of the processing tank. The crosspieces of neighboring T-shaped members overlap one another.

Abstract: A hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell that uses an electrolysis unit that is sealed and has protection from explosions and corrosion. It has a plate structure that produces maximum efficiency of hydrogen production and can adjust the output to better match the needs of a given engine. The unit has an automatic fill system to keep the electrolyte solution at the proper levels for efficient hydrogen production, and the temperature of the electrolysis chamber remains low, thereby reducing the problems of cooling the chamber and the risk of melting the chamber. The device has an extraction chamber that is baffled to prevent backwash of electrolyte solution out of the electrolyte chamber. The device has an explosion preventer that reduces the explosion risk by working the produced gasses through a neutral fluid.

Abstract: A center post electrochemical cell stack is disclosed for generating a product gas such as oxygen gas from a supply fluid such as water. The invention could be used to generate oxygen on board a space or aircraft and includes: a frame having a base plate and a wall affixed to the base plate so that the wall and base plate define a cell chamber for housing at least one electrochemical cell; and a T-cap having a top plate and a center post affixed to and projecting away from the top plate, wherein the top plate is secured to the wall of the frame to close the cell chamber and the center post passes through a central throughbore in an electrochemical cell within the chamber and is adjustably secured to the base plate of the frame. Consequently, the T-cap and frame cooperate to contain pressure generated by operation of the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: Electrolytic gas producer apparatus is provided wherein a water inlet has a pressure sensor and solenoid valve control passes water through a filter by pump to a reservoir. Cell chambers maintain electrolyte by supply pump and solenoid valve delivering to the cell via solenoid valves responsive to a level sensor. Gas outlet apertures extend into a polling manifold via solenoid valves and thence to a wash tank. The gas is removed from the tank via a manifold to a vacuum pump which draws the gas through a first filter including a drain line and a secondary filter for residual moisture removal. After the pump the gas passes under water in a flashback arrester filled with metal mesh. The gas then travels to a moisture removing filter and delivery pumps for delivery via intermediate solenoid valves, an outlet manifold, and final solenoid valves which control delivery to an electronically monitored outlet flashback arrester comprising infrared sensors to detect and signal a flashback condition.

Abstract: A turbine power system that includes a compressor for compressing a first medium, and an electrochemical converter in communication with the compressor and adapted to receive the first medium and a second medium. The converter is configured to allow an electrochemical reaction between the first and second mediums, thereby generating electricity and producing exhaust having a selected elevated temperature. The power system further includes a turbine in fluid communication with the electrochemical converter and adapted to receive the converter exhaust, such that the turbine converts the electrochemical converter exhaust into rotary energy and electricity. The system can further include a steam generator and a steam turbine that produces electricity. The electrochemical converter is utilized herein as an electrochemical combustor-replacement (ECCR) or as a fuel cell for combustor-replacement (FCCR).

Abstract: A process is described for the production of chlorine directly at the site where it is intended to be used and at the required rate. Hazards associated with the transport and storage of large quantities of liquefied chlorine under pressure are thus eliminated. The chlorine is produced electrochemically from a chloride containing electrolyte which is maintained at a pH no higher than 6, where the chlorine compounds are present as chloride and hypochlorous acid.

Abstract: A fuel mixture combusting virtually free of pollutants and, in addition, requiring only very small quantities of combustible hydrocarbons is produced by introducing liquid fuel, low-nitrogen air and water into a chamber (9) provided with at least one ultrasonic oscillator (7); by decomposing the fuel introduced and at least partially decomposing the water by cavitation; by dispersing the water and the air in the decomposed fuel; and by at least partially electrolytically decomposing the water. The fuel mixture has a foam-like consistency, is very easily combustible and can be stored for a longer time.

Abstract: A liquid decontamination method and apparatus uses a series of pulsed electrical arcs across electrodes placed within a liquid stream which passes through a decontamination module. Sufficient energy is delivered by a pulse generator to the electrodes whereby lethal ultraviolet radiation and mechanical shock waves are created by the arcs within the decontamination module. A plurality of modules can be operated in parallel or in series to vary the capacity of the apparatus. Gas is injected through one of the electrodes to facilitate the generation of arcs within the liquid.

Abstract: This electrolytic apparatus for a welding machine uses an electrolytic cell, a mixing tank and a multi-control switch. The electrolytic cell is composed of several pieces of electrode plates which are assembled in a row, the farthest side of which is connected to the positive and negative poles of electrolysis power. After electrolysis, the gas proceeds in a storage tank and the liquid is guided back into the electrolytic cell for recycling use. The fuel gas then goes into a first chamber to get rid of water. In the meantime, part of the fuel gas will be combined with carbohydrate dissolvent to alter its fuel composition and then be recombined with the rest of the gas to provide a desired fuel. This way, the heat of the gas can be heightened, flame temperature can be lowered, and the output ratio for the fuel gas can be controlled and adjusted to attain a welding gun's flame within a comprehensive scope of temperature and heat.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing electrolytically and collecting separately two gases includes an electrolytic tank, a power supply unit, and two gas tanks. The electrolytic tank has a casing with an open top, a plurality of electrode plates which are spaced parallelly in the casing and which are connected electrically to the power supply unit, and a lid member disposed on the open top of the casing. The lid member has first and second cavities in its upper face and a plurality of partition plates and press plates depending alternatively from its lower face. A plurality of clearances are formed between the partition and press plates. Each of the press plates abuts against a top edge of a respective one of the electrode plates. The first and second cavities are formed respectively with a plurality of first and second through holes which are staggered with one another so that the first and second cavities can be communicated alternatively with the clearances.

Abstract: In a tank confined electrolysis process, such as electrowinning or electrorefining, having circulated electroplating solution containing sulfuric acid, a multi-element cover system is applied below the electrode conductor connections and above the surface of the electrolyte bath. This cover is evacuated in the interstices below the cover and above the bath at a rate exceeding the stoichiometric ratio causing any leakage to occur into the volume overlying the bath thereby preventing acid aerosol from escape. The rate of evacuation is restricted so that humidity is maintain under the cover and over the surface of the bath to prevent the formation of crystals formed from aerosol droplets which become supersaturated. In a preferred embodiment, a circular weir in combination with gas discharge over the weir to a downcomer is disclosed. Entrainment of air over the weir and into the downcomer is disclosed to provide sufficient pumping for evacuation.

Abstract: An electrolytic pre-enrichment of a feed stream to a combined electrolysis nd catalytic exchange ("CECE") heavy water production process. A deuterium enriched liquid or vapour stream from electrolytic cells is applied as a feed to the first stage of a CECE deuterium enrichment process. By deploying a portion of available electrolytic cell capacity in the pre-enrichment stage, advantages are achieved, particularly where available electrical power fluctuates or when a "turned down" CECE process is desired.

Abstract: An electrochemical converter assembly that significantly reduces the size of the dedicated thermal processing heat exchangers associated with the converter. This reduction is achieved by heating the input reactants of the electrochemical converter assembly inside the axial manifolds. This heating configuration thus relies upon an effective heat transfer mechanism located within the manifolds, and particularly within the manifold surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, the heating of the reactants occurs at the entrance region of the planar gap formed between the interconnector plates and the electrolyte plates. This heating is facilitated by the conduction of heat through the highly thermally conductive interconnector plate to an extended heating surface disposed within the manifold.

Abstract: An electroplating console for small production runs having the plating capability of four or less finishes. The console has a compact design occupying no more than 22 square feet and comprises closed loop water purification that eliminates the need for sewer line connections.

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.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell for gas-emitting or gas dissipating electrolytic processes using at least one electrode having a capillary structure in its edge region (51, 52) on the reaction side such that the gas (6) and electrolyte (L) are substantially conveyed there transversely to the electrode and in which there is a capillary slit adjoining this edge region which offers substantially less resistance to the conveyance of the gas and electrolyte along the vertical electrode plane than the edge region. The preferred embodiment are a plurality of foil-like (44), mutually supported, shaped electrode components. The process of the invention for running the electrolysis cell makes full use of its ejector effect, i.e. it supplies itself with electrolyte when the level of electrolyte in the cell is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying water is provided for use in both recreational and industrial settings. The present invention significantly lessens or eliminates the need to use toxic chemicals in the purification process and achieves purification by altering the molecular structure of the water to free radical forms of oxygen.

Abstract: Electrolyte cell for Hypo-Halogenite generation comprising a closed chamber made of a base (1) above which an electrode chamber (2) is placed. The base (1) has means to install it in a hydraulic system where the electrolyte inlet (13) and outlet (14) are located giving the electrolyte an inverted "U"-shape course between the inlet (13) and the outlet (14). The chamber (2) has an internal set of electrodes (4) over which electrolysis occurs and whose terminals (5, 6) communicate outside through a hole (68) in the electrode chamber. The base (1) has an internal transversely placed vertical barrier (15) made of two transversal walls separated by a top gutter (16) with a centralized vertical passing slit (17) running from the top to its mid-height, so that the base (1) is divided into two symmetrically equal sub-chambers, an inlet chamber adjacent to the inlet hole (13) and an outlet chamber adjacent to the outlet hole (14).

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.

Abstract: A process and system for removing trace amounts of oxygen as an impurity in inert gases is disclosed. The process and system involve an electrochemical cell containing an oxygen ion transporting, solid state metal oxide electrolyte having a high thermodynamic potential and having only one thermodynamically stable valence state for the metal ion component of the electrolyte. The electrolyte is coated with a perovskite anode and a metallic cathode. Operation is conducted at high voltages, e.g., 1.5 volts and above, at elevated temperatures. Purification of inert gases to an oxygen content of about 1 ppm is readily achievable.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus includes a casing having a large opening at the bottom, a substrate being electroplated in the casing, a plating solution injector penetrating through an upper part of the casing for introducing a plating solution into the casing, an exhaust port penetrating through an upper part of the casing for draining the plating solution, a vertically movable substrate stage disposed beneath the casing for holding the substrate and having an opening smaller than the substrate, and a spin chuck for carrying the substrate to the substrate stage. In this apparatus, initially, the substrate is put on the spin chuck. Then, the substrate stage moves up and closes the casing from the bottom, and the substrate is electroplated in the casing. After the electroplating, the substrate stage moves down, and the substrate is transferred to the spin chuck. Automatic transfer of the substrate is possible using a uniaxial robot that moves only in the vertical or horizontal directions.

Abstract: This invention provides an electrochemical water treatment device for producing hydroxyl free radicals and decomposing by oxidation chemical substances dissolved in water. It utilizes a novel electrode which is capable of operation at sufficiently positive anodic potential to produce hydroxyl radicals.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for the separation of immiscible liquids of different specific gravities, using gravity. The process of separation is facilitated, and separation quality is improved by using the process of electrolysis within a gravity separator.

Abstract: This invention discloses cross-flow electrochemical reactor cells containing oxygen permeable materials which have both electron conductivity and oxygen ion conductivity, cross-flow reactors, and electrochemical processes using cross-flow reactor cells having oxygen permeable monolithic cores to control and facilitate transport of oxygen from an oxygen-containing gas stream to oxidation reactions of organic compounds in another gas stream. These cross-flow electrochemical reactors comprise a hollow ceramic blade positioned across a gas stream flow or a stack of crossed hollow ceramic blades containing a channel or channels for flow of gas streams. Each channel has at least one channel wall disposed between a channel and a portion of an outer surface of the ceramic blade, or a common wall with adjacent blades in a stack comprising a gas-impervious mixed metal oxide material of a perovskite structure having electron conductivity and oxygen ion conductivity.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell for electrolytic treatment of aqueous solutions, particularly for cyanide detoxification or oxidation, has a solution container with a cell housing mounted on it, in which an electrode stack is located. Solution is delivered to the cell housing in the region of its housing bottom by a circulation device, and after passing through the electrode stack by an overflow over the side walls of the cell housing, is delivered to a cascadelike drain container with its own overflow for the sake of degassing; after passing through the second overflow, the now largely degassed solution is returned to the solution container and recirculated. The invention provides a compact structural form with a pressure-free recirculation system and simple maintenance of the electrode stack or individual electrodes.

Abstract: A ventilation system for ventilating a process tank (30, 31, 32) containing a liquid (L.sub.1, L.sub.2 or L.sub.3) which produces noxious fumes or vapors. A hood (33, 34 or 35) is provided which has one or more open slots (33A) for continuous venting of the surface of the tank (33) and a door (37) which covers a second slot (33B) which is activated only when there are additional fumes, particularly when fixture or workpiece, such as fixture (12), is removed from the tank (30). The hoods are designed for automatic operation of the doors. The hood is particularly useful for the plating industry or other industries where noxious fluids in tanks need to be vented.

Abstract: An electro-chemical cell suitable for chromic acid regeneration or the electro-chemical treatment of methane sulphonic acid has several plate shaped bipolar electrodes which are spaced by means of frames to form an electrolyte space between every two adjacent electrodes. The electrolyte spaces are closed at the sides and at the bottom so they are impermeable to liquids and adjacent bipolar electrodes are electrically insulated against each other. The electrodes are tightly secured against the frame by means of hose-shaped sealing elements that can expand if internal pressure is applied, these sealing elements each being located in a fixed position in a U-shaped groove inside the frames. The cell is not sealed at the liquid surface of the electrolyte, however, it can be equipped with a cover, depending on the application. In order to remove an electrode, the sealing pressure is decreased by means of a pressure reduction in the interior of the sealing elements.

Abstract: A system adapted for use in decomposing water and separating an oxygen rich gaseous stream and a hydrogen rich gaseous stream. The system comprises an enclosure containing a decomposition zone, an oxygen separation zone and a hydrogen separation zone. The decomposition zone comprising an inlet for supplying a flow of water vapor, a plurality of conductive tubes arranged in a spaced array and connected in a parallel circuit including a source of electrical energy capable of supplying energy to all of the conductive tubes. The tubes in the array are elongated circular structures and preferably spaced less than one-eighth inch from each other.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A multi-compartment electroplating system for electroplating two or more objects simultaneously such that the electrodeposited material is substantially uniform in thickness and composition. Electroplating solution is circulated between a reservoir and a multi-compartment tank which has one cathode-paddle-anode (CPA) assembly for each compartment. Each CPA assembly has an anode, a cathode adapted for holding a wafer and employing a single thieving electrode which covers all of the floor of the compartment not covered by the wafer, and a paddle. Also included is a cover which houses a single linear motor for driving all of the paddles in synchrony.

Abstract: An ion conducting device having a plurality of solid electrolyte plates arranged into a stack, each electrolyte plate having electrode material adherent to a significant portion thereof. A plurality of individual spacers are disposed between adjacent electrolyte plates in the stack, each spacer spacing successive electrolyte plates apart, and defining a plurality of chambers in the spaces between adjacent electrolyte plates. The electrode material on the electrolyte plates is electrically connected whereby electrode material on every other successive plate is connected in series, from one end of the stack to the other, whereupon the electrical path wraps around the stack and extends back along the stack and connects in series the electrodes not previously connected.

Abstract: An electrolyzer is formed by electrolytic cells, electrically connected in serious. Each cell is provided with inlets and outlets for filling with electrolyte into which dip the positive oxygen electrode and negative pressurized hydrogen electrode with an inner outlet of hydrogen. The hydrogen electrodes are formed by at least one inner layer, by covering layer and by the metallic coating. Said inner layers have the value of hydrogen overvoltage at the highest 0.25 V, said covering layer has the hydrogen overvoltage between 0.3 and 0.4 V and said metallic coating has the hydrogen overvoltage between 0.5 and 1.5 V. The hydrogen electrodes, formed as non-polarizable reversible systems are connected through their inner hydrogen outlets with the inlet of the hydrogen receptacle on condition given byV.sub.O <1/2V.sub.HwhereV.sub.O is the volume of the part of the electrolyte reservoir which is filled with oxygenV.sub.H is the volume of the hydrogen receptaclewhere by the oxygen electrodes are polarizable.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.