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

A combined electrically conductive current carrier, dual 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 two pairs 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 pairs of electroactive structures, the rigid support frame having:
• first and second opposed faces defining a thickness of the rigid support frame sufficient to accommodate dual circulation chambers extending therebetween,
• spaced apart opposed first and second side arms, a central arm disposed between and spaced apart from the first and second side arms, and first and second lateral cross members extending between the first and second side arms;
• first, second, third and fourth inner frame members, each inner frame member being attached to at least one of the central arm, the first side arm, the second side arm, the first lateral cross member and the second lateral cross member and cooperating with at least one of the central arm, the first side arm, the second side arm, the first lateral cross member and the second lateral cross member to define a plurality of channel defining apertures;
• first and second circulation chambers integrally formed within the rigid support frame for the circulation of electrolyte, products, and reactants;
• the first circulation chamber extending between the first and second faces of the rigid support frame, the first and third inner frame members and inner edges of the second side arm and the central arm;
• the second circulation chamber extending between the first and second faces of the rigid support frame, the second and fourth inner frame members and inner edges of the central arm and the first side arm;
• the pairs of electroactive structures including first, second, third, fourth electroactive structures, the first electroactive structure being affixed to the rigid support frame adjacent to the first face thereof and the second electroactive structure being affixed to the rigid support frame adjacent to the second face thereof, each of the first and second electroactive structures extending between the first and second inner frame members, the second side arm and the central arm;
• and
• the third electroactive structure being affixed to the rigid support frame adjacent to the first face thereof and the fourth electroactive structure being affixed to the rigid support frame adjacent to the second face thereof, each of the third and fourth electroactive structures extending between the third and fourth inner frame members, the central arm and the first side arm;
• when the combined current carrier, dual 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 and the third and fourth electroactive structures are of the same polarity;
• the polarity of the first and second electroactive structures being opposite to the polarity of the third and fourth electroactive structures;
• each electroactive structure having apertures formed therein to allow liquid and gases to pass through the electroactive structure from one side to the other.