Abstract: Various blends and blend membranes from low-molecular hydroxymethylene-oligo-phosphonic acids R—C(PO3H2)x(OH)y and polymers, the group R representing any organic group, the polymers containing cation exchanger groups or their nonionic precursors of the type SO2X, X being a halogen, OH, OMe, NR1R2, OR1 with Me being any metal cation or ammonium cation, R1, R2 being H or any aryl- or alkyl group, PDX2, COX and/or basic groups such as primary, secondary or tertiary amino groups, imidazole groups, pyridine groups, pyrazole groups etc. and/or OH groups. Such membranes may also include polymers that are modified with the 1-hydroxymethylene-1,1-bisphosphonic acid group.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a flow chamber disposed between two plate elements and having a flow inlet and a flow outlet for a flow medium permeating the flow chamber and defining a main flow direction of the flow medium between the flow inlet and the flow outlet. One of the plate elements has protrusions for supporting the plate element on the other plate element in a regular grid structure, between which a network of flow channels passing through the flow chamber runs in at least one flow channel direction. The regular grid structure is configured in such a way that the grid of the flow channels has two or more flow channel directions each enclosing an angle differing from zero degrees relative to the main flow direction of the flow medium.

Abstract: The design and method of fabrication of a three-dimensional, porous flow structure for use in a high differential pressure electrochemical cell is described. The flow structure is formed by compacting a highly porous metallic substrate and laminating at least one micro-porous material layer onto the compacted substrate. The flow structure provides void volume greater than about 55% and yield strength greater than about 12,000 psi. In one embodiment, the flow structure comprises a porosity gradient towards the electrolyte membrane, which helps in redistributing mechanical load from the electrolyte membrane throughout the structural elements of the open, porous flow structure, while simultaneously maintaining sufficient fluid permeability and electrical conductivity through the flow structure.

Abstract: An electroplating method is disclosed that selectively deposits a greater thickness of a metal or alloy layer on a region of wafer that has a higher thickness loss during a subsequent chemical mechanical polish process. A paddle assembly has three rectangular sides joined at their edges to form a triangle shape from an end view, and a notch in a bottom side that faces a wafer during the plating process. The notch extends along second and third paddle sides to a height up to about 50% of the paddle thickness. The thickness in a K-block region that has two sides formed parallel to the wafer flat is selectively increased by aligning a first side of the paddle notch side directly over one K-block side and aligning a second notch side directly over a second K-block side during a paddle movement cycle. The notch may be rectangular shaped or tapered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contact bar assembly for use in a multi-cell electrolytic system for recovery of metal, to a system including the contact bar assembly, and to a method of using the assembly and system. The contact bar assembly includes a base cap board, a primary bar having a plurality of primary bar structures formed thereon, an auxiliary bar having a plurality of auxiliary bar structures formed thereon, and a top cap board, wherein the base cap board includes slots to receive the primary bar and the auxiliary bar, and wherein the top cap board includes a plurality of openings to receive the plurality of primary bar structures and the plurality of auxiliary bar structures. A system includes the contact bar assembly, an anode assembly, a cathode assembly, and a tank.

Abstract: Sealing devices are provided as configured for use with cathode devices of an electrolytic cell for production of aluminum. In particular, the seals are specifically configured to provide an outlet seal for the cathode bars. The sealing devices are made of a material that is elastic, gas-proof, and heat-proof, and can create a hermetic seal around the cathode bar in such a way as to be able to move synchronously or asynchronously with the movement of the cathode bar as it undergoes thermally induced movement during aluminum production.

Abstract: A vibration feeding device includes a mounting seat, a vibration feeding mechanism, and a pressing mechanism. The vibration feeding mechanism includes a driving member, a rotating shaft, a rotation wheel, and at least one adjusting member. The rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the driving member. The rotation wheel is non-rotatably sleeved on the rotating shaft. The at least one adjusting member is fixed between the rotating shaft and the rotation wheel to adjust an eccentricity of the rotation wheel. The vibration feeding mechanism is mounted on the mounting seat. The pressing mechanism is connected to the rotation wheel of the vibration feeding mechanism and is driven by the vibration to adjustably move close to and then away from a workpiece.

Abstract: An electrochemical strip is disclosed. The electrochemical strip includes a substrate and an electrode deposited on the substrate. The electrode includes a conductive paste layer, a first metal layer, a second metal layer, a third metal layer, and a fourth metal layer. The conductive paste is made of a material selected from the group consisting of copper paste, nickel paste, silver paste, and silver-carbon paste. The first metal layer is made of a group VIII metal. The second metal layer is made of nickel. The third metal layer is made of a group VIII metal. The fourth metal layer is made of a material selected from the group consisting of palladium, gold, and platinum.

Abstract: A turbine integrated within a hydrofoil extracts energy from a free-flowing motive fluid. In the preferred embodiment, the turbine is of the crossflow variety with runner blades coaxial to the width of the hydrofoil. The foremost edge of the hydrofoil comprises a slot covered by a continuously adjustable gate for controlling the overall drag imposed by the turbine. The hydrofoil mounts to a sailing vessel by means of a gimbal on a structure affixed to the hull, enabling the turbine to optimally respond to changes in direction of the free-flowing motive fluid and facilitating guidance and stability of the vessel.

Abstract: Methods for coating a metal substrate or a metal alloy with electrically conductive titania-based material. The methods produce metal components for electrochemical devices that need high electrical conductance, corrosion resistance and electrode reaction activities for long term operation at a low cost.

Abstract: An integrated electrode-current collector sheet includes a current collector including uneven portions disposed on at least one side of the current collector; and an active material layer disposed on the current collector, the active material layer at least partially covering the uneven portions. In addition, disclosed are a capacitive deionization device and an electric double layer capacitor including the integrated electrode-current collector sheet.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell is suitable for production of aluminium, and includes at least one collector bar made of first metal and at least one complementary bar made of a second metal having an electrical conductivity greater than the first metal and arranged adjacent to one of the side faces of the collector bar so that the external end of the complementary bar is at a specified distance from a specified end face of the block. The second end terminates so as to limit heat losses from said cell. The cell makes it possible to obtain significantly lower voltage drops while avoiding excessive heat losses through the collector bars.

Abstract: A device for a solid oxide fuel cell or a solid oxide electrolysis cell includes an integral one-piece construction of a current collector and a manifold. The device eliminates the need for a brazing or thermal bonding process for joining the manifold with the current collector, and thus makes it possible to prevent breakdown of the junction formed between the manifold and the current collector, which can lead to gas leakage through the junction, and thus can be used for a long period of time.

Abstract: The invention features the use of graphene, a one atom thick planar sheet of bonded carbon atoms, in the formation of artificial lipid membranes. The invention also features the use of these membranes to detect the properties of polymers (e.g., the sequence of a nucleic acid) and identify transmembrane protein-interacting compounds.

Abstract: A cell contacting system for an electro-chemical device which provides increased protection from damage and enables simple assembly of the electro-chemical device comprises a cover for an electro-chemical device which comprises a plurality of electro-chemical cells, wherein the cover comprises the following: a carrier element having at least one access opening which is associated with a functional element of the electro-chemical device; and at least one closure element which is held on the carrier element in such a way that the closure element is movable relative to the carrier element from a closed position, in which the closure element closes at least one access opening of the carrier element, into an open position in which the closure element exposes the at least one access opening of the carrier element so that the functional element associated with the access opening concerned is accessible from outside the electro-chemical device.

Abstract: A vitroceramic glass composition consisting of SiO2, Al2O3, and CaO or of SiO2, Al2O3, CaO and SrO or of SiO2, Al2O3 and La2O3 is provided. In addition, a method and assembly of at least two parts using said composition is provided. Also, a gasket and assembly obtained by this method as well as a high temperature electrolyzer (HTE) or solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) comprising this gasket or this assembly are provided.

Abstract: A measuring device is provided having a protective cover and a sensor arranged in the protective cover. The protective cover has a carrier tube made of metal and closed on one end. A first coating made of an aluminum non-wettable material is arranged on an outer surface of the carrier tube, and a further coating made of aluminum-wettable material is applied on the first coating.

Abstract: An electrical contact device, configured for electrical signals to be transmitted therethrough and for movable contact with an electrically conductive track, includes a composite carbon fiber material including plural carbon fiber elements aligned in substantially the same direction. At least a portion of the plural carbon fiber elements is bonded together in a semi-conductive (low-resistance) synthetic resin compound.

Abstract: Embodiments of a closed-contact electroplating cup assembly that may be rapidly cleaned while an electroplating system is on-line are disclosed. One disclosed embodiment comprises a cup assembly and a cone assembly, wherein the cup assembly comprises a cup bottom comprising an opening, a seal surrounding the opening, an electrical contact structure comprising a plurality of electrical contacts disposed around the opening, and an interior cup side that is tapered inwardly in along an axial direction of the cup from a cup top toward the cup bottom.

Abstract: A solar-powered pool skimmer is disclosed. The solar-powered skimmer may include lid having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a solar cell affixed to the upper surface of the lid. A pair of electrodes is electrically affixed to the terminals of the solar cell, and is each capable of being stored in a retracted position and moved to an extended position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are lipseal assemblies for use in electroplating clamshells which may include an elastomeric lipseal for excluding plating solution from a peripheral region of a semiconductor substrate and one or more electrical contact elements. The contact elements may be structurally integrated with the elastomeric lipseal. The lipseal assemblies may include one or more flexible contact elements at least a portion of which may be conformally positioned on an upper surface of the elastomeric lipseal, and may be configured to flex and form a conformal contact surface that interfaces with the substrate. Some elastomeric lipseals disclosed herein may support, align, and seal a substrate in a clamshell, and may include a flexible elastomeric upper portion located above a flexible elastomeric support edge, the upper portion having a top surface and an inner side surface, the later configured to move inward and align the substrate upon compression of the top surface.

Abstract: A mandrel, suitable for use when producing an electroform metal structure including, for example, a filter, includes a conductive material layer. A plurality of first photoresist pegs is located in a first area of the conductive material layer. Each of the plurality of first photoresist pegs includes a first diameter and a first center-to-center spacing relative to each other. A plurality of second photoresist pegs is located in a second area of the conductive material layer. Each of the plurality of second photoresist pegs includes a second diameter and a second center-to-center spacing. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter and the first center-to-center spacing is greater than the second center-to-center spacing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a current collector for electrochemical diaphragm or membrane-type cells, comprising a layer obtained by interlacing or weaving of a multiplicity of first sets of metal wires with a multiplicity of single metal wires or of second sets of metal wires and provided with substantially parallel corrugations. Such layer is coupled to a planar element consisting of a cloth or a flattened stocking formed by weaving of a single metal wire. The current collector is characterised by a low angular coefficient of the pressure/thickness ratio over a wide range of compression levels.

Abstract: An electropolishing system including an anode, a cathode, a rolling block and a motion controller. The anode is configured to removably retain a metal device to be electropolished, and may be formed as a bar made from a solid cylindrical piece of metal or other configurations, such as wires with hooks. The anode transfers the electricity to the metal device while grooming the surface of the metal device as it contacts the rolling block. The cathode may be configured as a mesh and completes the electrical circuit. The rolling block is formed from a relatively smooth, solid material and positioned so as to allow the metal device to roll against the surface of the block. The motion controller is configured to provide vertical and horizontal movement of the anode and metal device, using force transducers to control the compression of the metal device against the rolling block.

Abstract: Universal cell frame generic for use as an anode frame and as a cathode frame in a water electrolyzer. According to one embodiment, the universal cell frame includes a unitary annular member having a central opening. Four trios of transverse openings are provided in the annular member, each trio being spaced apart by about 90 degrees. A plurality of internal radial passageways fluidly interconnect the central opening and each of the transverse openings of two diametrically-opposed trios of openings, the other two trios of openings lacking corresponding radial passageways. Sealing ribs are provided on the top and bottom surfaces of the annular member. The present invention is also directed at a water electrolyzer that includes two such cell frames, one being used as the anode frame and the other being used as the cathode frame, the cathode frame being rotated 90 degrees relative to the anode frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic device for making a liquid/liquid or gas biphasic system using a first liquid or a gas and a second liquid, non-miscible with each other, the device having a first hydrophobic surface for the second liquid, the first liquid forming a layer (6) on said first hydrophobic surface. The device comprises means for introducing a drop (7) of the second liquid into the layer of first liquid or gas and in contact with said first hydrophobic surface, and means for displacing the drop on said first hydrophobic surface along a determined path, the device having on the path of the drop, at least one wetting defect causing, upon passing of the drop over this defect, failure of the triple line of contact of the drop on the first hydrophobic surface and inclusion of first liquid (8) or gas into the drop. The invention also relates to the associated method.

Abstract: There is provided a nanohair structure with the nanowires exposed on a nanotemplate; the method thereof; and a three-dimensional nanostructure-based sensor with ultra-sensitivity and greatly increased three-dimensional surface-to-volume ratio which immobilizes bio-nanoparticles to the nanohair structure and arranges antibodies to the nano surface with the controlled orientation by physical interaction.

Abstract: The process for producing a proton conductive polymer electrolyte membrane of the present invention includes the steps of: irradiating resin fine particles with radiation; graft-polymerizing a vinyl monomer having a sulfonic acid group precursor and a vinyl monomer having a carbonyl group equivalent with the resin fine particles in a solid-liquid two-phase system to obtain a finely particulate graft polymer; preparing a casting solution of a polymer having a phosphoric acid group or a phosphonic acid group and the graft polymer, and forming a cast membrane from this solution; drying the cast membrane to obtain a film; converting the sulfonic acid group precursor into a sulfonic acid group; and forming a crosslinked structure between the carbonyl group equivalents. In the solid-liquid two-phase system, a liquid phase includes the vinyl monomers and a solvent for the monomers, and a solid phase includes the resin fine particles.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention provides an electrolytic cell contact bar having a first pole and a pair of second poles. The second poles are opposite in charge to the first pole and each of the pair of second poles are adjacent to and parallel to the first pole. In various embodiments, the contact bar may include an electrode holder capable of holding at least one electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of providing an electric current taker made from silver and having a highly electroconductive contact surface into an aluminium support bar to be used in electrolysis.

Abstract: In the method and system, a number of electrolytic cells are arranged as a cell group, which cells are separated by a number of partition walls; in each cell, a number of anodes and cathodes are arranged in an alternating order, so that in each cell, next to each anode, there is arranged a cathode, and so that in each cell, each individual anode is fitted in the same anode line with the anode of the adjacent cell, and in each cell, each individual cathode is fitted in the same cathode line with the cathode of the adjacent cell, and each anode is galvanically connected to at least one cathode of the adjacent cell. The flowing direction of the current passing in the cell group is deviated in different directions in order to make the current flow mainly in the direction of the cell group.

Abstract: A conductive contact ring for an electroplating or electrodeposition process on a cylindrical surface includes a frame defining an opening through which the object can be passed and an array of electrically conductive fibers spanning the opening. The frame is electrically conductive and is connected to a DC power source in the process. Two or more contact rings can be used in a process to provide consistent electrical contact with the surface sliding therethrough. A single contact ring can have first and second groups of filaments spaced from each other along the axial length of the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (50) and a method for short-circuiting a specified electrolysis in a row of electrolysis cells intended for the production of aluminum. This device includes a bridging member (60) including at least two opposite contact arms and at least one bridging conductor electrically that electrically connects the contact arms. The contact arms are shaped like a wedge. The device further includes a clasping member (70) including a frame and a least two opposite thrust members. The clasping member (70) is fit to embrace the bridging member (60) so that each thrust member bears on each contact arm and so that, upon moving the contact arms with respect to the clasping member, each thrust member urges the corresponding contact arm towards the conductors (201, 202) inserted between the contact arms, so as to create and secure a short-circuit. The invention makes it possible to short-circuit electrolysis cells with increased amperages.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seal (10) inserted between two elements (4?, 6) having different coefficients of thermal expansion, said seal comprising: a first and a second metallic contact portion (16a, 16b) spaced along an axial stacking direction (8) orthogonal with respect to a radial direction (20); tight connection means (14) between the portions (16a, 16b), allowing a relative movement between same along a radial direction; and a first and a second sliding part (24a, 24b) respectively coupled in translation along the radial direction with the portions (16a, 16b), and stacked so as to be able to slide in relation to each other along the radial direction.

Abstract: A method is provided of treating liquid tailings using electro-kinetics by creating a variable voltage between two electrodes in the tailings. Flocculation and water release from the tailings is induced by establishing an electrical field between the two electrodes. The electrodes are connected to an electrical power source having the variable voltage to create a cathode and an anode. Compacting the flocculation solids and removing further water released from the compacting solids allows for the creation of a compacted material having a desired load bearing capacity.

Abstract: A handling device for hoods of an aluminum production cell by fused bath electrolysis, including a positioning device and a hood-gripping device. The positioning device includes a vertical guide device, a mobile support mounted on the guide device so that it can be moved in at least a vertical direction during use, an articulated arm, a first framework mounted on the articulated arm so that it can pivot about a first rotation axis A substantially horizontal during use, a motor to make the first framework pivot about the first rotation axis A, a second framework mounted on the first framework so that it can be moved along the first translation axis B that is substantially horizontal during use, and means of displacing the second framework along the first translation axis B. The hood-gripping system is fixed to the second framework and includes a set of gripping devices designed to grip a set of hoods at a number of fixing points.

Abstract: Electrode containers and associated methods are provided. In one embodiment, an electrode container includes sides and a top, and the top includes an opening adapted to receive a rod of an electrode. A plurality of flexible members are interconnected about the perimeter of the opening, wherein at least some of the plurality of flexible members overlap with one another. In one embodiment, a method includes removing an electrode from a metal electrolysis cell and placing the electrode into a container, where the placing step includes the steps of engaging at least one lever of a top flap of the container with a surface of the electrode and, concomitant to the engaging step, moving the top flap from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A reactor cover, and a hydrogen generating apparatus and a fuel cell power generation system having the reactor cover are disclosed. The reactor cover includes a base panel; a control unit, which is coupled to one side of the base panel, and which regulates a reaction for generating the hydrogen; a circuit pattern buried in the base panel in electrical connection with the control unit; and an electrode pad formed on the other side of the base panel in electrical connection with the circuit pattern. In the reactor cover, the base panel and the control unit may be integrated, to eliminate unnecessary wiring, prevent short-circuiting, and consequently provide a reactor cover that can be fabricated and used more easily.

Abstract: A stencil with pattern includes a porous material and a masking pattern layer disposed on the porous material. The masking pattern layer includes a patterned mask area covering a portion of the porous material. When electroplating or etching is performed, the stencil with pattern is laminated with a workpiece so that the patterned mask area covers a portion of a working surface of the workpiece, and is placed into an electroplating tank or etch tank. The portion of the working surface not covered by the patterned mask area undergoes electroplating or etching reaction, resulting in electroplated or etched pattern on the workpiece. There may also be a screen structure interposed between the porous material and the masking pattern layer. The method of forming a pattern on a workpiece using the stencil with pattern has advantages of simplified process, significant time-to-product reduction, and product yield enhancement.

Abstract: Electrolytic process apparatus comprises a voltage source for electrically coupling to first and second electrodes, a detection circuit electrically coupled to the voltage source and a guard for providing a barrier between the first and second electrodes. The guard is arranged to permit current to travel within an electrolyte between the electrodes. The guard includes a guard conductor arranged to be electrically isolated from the electrodes. The guard conductor is arranged to be electrically coupled to the detection circuit such that the detection circuit can detect the presence of a current path between the guard conductor on the one hand and either electrode on the other hand.

Abstract: An electrolytic oxide reduction system according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of anode assemblies and an anode shroud for each of the anode assemblies. The anode shroud may be used to dilute, cool, and/or remove off-gas from the electrolytic oxide reduction system. The anode shroud may include a body portion having a tapered upper section that includes an apex. The body portion may have an inner wall that defines an off-gas collection cavity. A chimney structure may extend from the apex of the upper section and be connected to the off-gas collection cavity of the body portion. The chimney structure may include an inner tube within an outer tube. Accordingly, a sweep gas/cooling gas may be supplied down the annular space between the inner and outer tubes, while the off-gas may be removed through an exit path defined by the inner tube.

Abstract: Methods for preparing an implant coated with a conversion electron emitting source (CEES) are disclosed. The typical method includes cleaning the surface of the implant; placing the implant in an activating solution comprising hydrochloric acid to activate the surface; reducing the surface by H2 evolution in H2SO4 solution; and placing the implant in an electroplating solution that includes ions of the CEES, HCl, H2SO4, and resorcinol, gelatin, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, before tin plating, a seed layer is formed on the surface. The electroplated CEES coating can be further protected and stabilized by annealing in a heated oven, by passivation, or by being covered with a protective film. The invention also relates to a holding device for holding an implant, wherein the device selectively prevents electrodeposition on the portions of the implant contacting the device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for tapping molten metal from below a molten electrolyte layer less dense than the metal is described. The apparatus comprises a pipe comprising a protruding enlarged wall portion at an operative end which is immersed in the molten electrolyte and metal during tapping operation. The enlarged wall portion helps to minimize entrainment of electrolyte residue from the electrolyte/metal interface during tapping. The orientation of the enlarged wall portion may be in the general direction of the crucible.

Abstract: The invention concerns a capping board assembly and its multiple connectable sections. Each pair of sections is connected with an interlocking joint, each of which comprises at least one projection and at least one recess that cooperate and prevent the longitudinal and lateral movement of the sections. Each interlocking joint is reinforced by a rod embedded within the section and extending within the projection. The rod has a tip that anchors the projection. The interlocking joints allow precision assembly of the sections of the capping board which greatly benefits strength, installation, replacement and transportation.

Abstract: A system to monitor, control and management of a plant where hydrometallurgical processes of electrowinning or electrorefining of non ferrous metals which enables measuring the process variables which comprises: at least one group of electrolytic cells, said cells having means for the collection and transmission of the variables of the process; a plurality of electrodes (5) installed in the interior of each electrolytic cell, making up, alternately, anodes and cathodes of basic cells; a plurality of electrode (5) hanger bars forming, alternately, hanger bars for electrical contact of anodes (20) and hanger bar for electrical contact of cathodes (18); a plurality of support electrical insulators (15) which are positioned in the upper portion of the lateral walls between two adjacent cells; a plurality of electrical bus bars (6) which are fitted on top of each support electrical insulator (15) and underneath the plurality of electrodes (5); a plurality of electrical spacer insulators (16) each spacer insulator

Abstract: A fluorine gas generator is provided with which the gases used and/or generated, in case of leakage thereof, can be prevented from mixing together as far as possible and, even in case of gas leakage into the outside of the generator system, the leakage gas can be treated safely and in which the maintenance, exchange and other operations are easy to carry out. The generator comprises a box-shaped body containing an electrolyzer for fluorine gas generation, and the box-shaped body is divided into two or more compartments, including a compartment containing the electrolyzer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a contact bar for use on a capping board of a given length in order to electrically connect a plurality of anodes and cathodes extending in spaced apart, alternate positions in adjacent electrolytic cells all along the capping board. The contact bar extends over the length of the capping board and is of a given average cross-section. This contact bar comprises a central core that is made of an insulating material and extends all over its length. This contact bar also comprises a plurality of contact pieces that are made of an electrically conductive material and are positioned in spaced apart positions all along the core, each of the pieces defining a segment on which only a short number of the anodes and cathodes are connected.

Abstract: A structure, method of manufacturing a structure, and methods of using a structure including a graphene sheet is disclosed. According to one aspect, the grapheme sheet is provided, on one of the faces of the structure, with a plurality of metal pins. The metal pins being separated from one another by a dielectric medium chosen from air and dielectric materials. The method including the steps of synthesizing, by vapor phase catalytic growth, the graphene sheet on a plurality of metal pins that are disposed on a membrane made from dielectric material or integrated in the membrane. The growth being catalysed by the metal pins. According to some aspects, the membrane is removed from the structure. The structure may be used, for example, in the fields of micro- and nanoelectronics, micro- and nanoelectronic engineering, spintronics, photovoltaics, light emitting diode display, or the like.

Abstract: The invention provides a self supporting isobaric structure for electrolyte aeration in an electrodeposition cell for electrolytic refining or winning of non-ferrous metals, and a method of fabrication thereof. The structure is constructed using thermoplastic material pipes the external surface of which is wrapped in a thermosetting polymer composite material and one or more successive wrapped layers of fiber glass mats, thus forming a structural monoblock. The pipes are arranged in a reticular layout having a generally rectangular frame that follows the contour of the cell, transverse structural elements that connect the longer sides of the frame and tubular elements connecting the shorter sides of the rectangular frame. The tubular element provide a means for gas diffusion and aeration in the cell. Furthermore, the invention provides pipe couplings that allow shorter elements to be connected together in order to achieve the reticular configuration.

Abstract: An insulating spacer 30 comprises a plurality of unit spacers 40, and a flexible coupling portion 41 for coupling the unit spacers 40 along the axial direction thereof, wherein the unit spacer 40 comprises a plurality of annular plates 42 and 43 each having an insertion hole 44 for inserting the auxiliary anode 11, and a coupling frame 45 for coupling the annular plates 42 and 43 in the axial direction of the auxiliary anode 11 while opening the outer circumference side thereof. The auxiliary anode unit 10 is constituted by inserting the insulating spacer 30 into the auxiliary anode 11, and since each unit spacer 40 is coupled, the distal end of the auxiliary anode 11 is naturally located in proximity to the insertion hole 44 provided in the next unit spacer 40 when the auxiliary anode 11 penetrates one unit spacer 40. Accordingly, the auxiliary anode 11 can be inserted into the insulating spacer 30 by series of works, and as a result, the auxiliary anode unit 10 can be manufactured with good workability.