Integrally combined current carrier circulation chamber and frame for use in unipolar electrochemical devices

A combined electrically conductive current carrier, circulation chamber, and rigid support frame for use in a unipolar electrochemical apparatus, comprising:

• a one-piece, integrally formed, rigid support frame configured to support a pair of opposed, spaced apart, electroactive structures disposed in a unipolar arrangement, the rigid support frame being electrically conductive and capable of carrying current to the pair of electroactive structures, the rigid support frame having:
• first and second opposed faces defining a thickness of the rigid support frame sufficient to accommodate a circulation chamber extending therebetween,
• spaced apart opposed first and second side arms and first and second lateral cross members extending between the first and second side arms, one of the first and second side arms is configured to receive power from a power source;
• a first inner frame member attached to at least one of the second and first side arms and the second lateral cross member, the first inner frame member cooperating with the at least one of the second and first side arms and the second lateral cross member to define a first channel defining aperture;
• a second channel defining aperture disposed near the second lateral cross member and between the first and second side arms;
• a second inner frame member attached to at least one of the first and second side arms and the first lateral cross member, the second inner frame member cooperating with the at least one of the first and second side arms and the first lateral cross member to define a third channel defining aperture;
• a fourth channel defining aperture disposed near the first lateral cross member and between the first and second side arms;
• a circulation chamber integrally formed within the rigid support frame for the circulation of electrolyte, products, and reactants, the circulation chamber extending between the first and second faces of the rigid support frame, the first and second inner frame members and inner edges of the first and second side arms,
• one or more intermediate lateral cross members extending between the first and second side arms, the one or more intermediate lateral cross members being in physical and electrical contact with the first and second side arms and being releasably detachable from the first and second side arms;
• the pair of electroactive structures comprising a first electroactive structure and a second electroactive structure, the first electroactive structure affixed to the rigid support frame adjacent to the first face thereof, the first electroactive structure extending between the first and second inner frame members and the first and second side arms,
• the second electroactive structure affixed to the rigid support frame adjacent to the second face thereof, the second electroactive structure extending between the first and second inner frame members and the first and second side arms,
• each electroactive structure having apertures formed therein to allow liquid and gases to pass through the electroactive structure from one side to the other;
• when the combined current carrier, circulation chamber, and rigid support frame is operatively connected to the unipolar electrochemical apparatus and power is applied, the first and second electroactive structures are of the same polarity.