Internal flow control in electrolytic cells
AssigneeMIOX Corporation
InventorsJustin Sanchez, Rodney E. Herrington
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Method and apparatus for controlling two phase flow in electrolytic cells. The present invention is directed to any electrolytic cell, including but not limited to upflow electrolytic cells that comprise parallel electrodes in a vertical orientation. Fluid control strips are preferably added between the anode and cathode electrodes to control flow of fluid and gas bubbles generated between the electrodes in order to avoid the detrimental effects of gas bubbles on the conductivity of the fluid solution, and thereby increase production and operational efficiency of the electrolytic cell.
Claims23
An electrolytic cell comprising:
- an anode;
- a cathode;
- an inlet and an outlet defining a general flow direction of solution in said electrolytic cell;
- and
- a first separator disposed between the anode and cathode, said first separator oriented substantially transversely to said general flow direction and comprising a width less than a width of said anode and said cathode;
- wherein said first separator enhances separation of the liquid solution and gas produced by electrolysis of the solution.
A method for enhancing electrolysis efficiency, the method comprising the steps of:
- flowing solution in an electrolytic cell in a general flow direction;
- interrupting a flow of the solution with a separator oriented substantially perpendicular to the general flow direction and comprising a width less than a width the electrolytic cell;
- causing the solution to flow at an angle or transverse to the general flow direction;
- electrolyzing the solution, thereby forming one or more oxidants and a gas;
- separating the gas from the solution, thereby decreasing the gas concentration in the solution;
- and
- collecting the gas near an outlet port of the electrolytic cell while the solution continues to flow in the electrolytic cell.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.