Cell flow distributors
AssigneeAllied Chemical Corporation
InventorsNoel Y. Rothmayer, Preston Keusch, Dietrich E. Kattermann
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Abstract
A distributor comprising two substantially parallel covering sheets separated by a plurality of inserts provides uniform fluid flow through a cell and, consequently, improved cell efficiency. Additionally, the distributor, positioned between a cell's fluid inlet port and membrane spacer, reduces membrane flexing along the line where the spacer and adjoining gasket interface, thus diminishing the incidence of early membrane failure.
Claims13
An improved cell including two substantially rectangular, substantially parallel membranes of substantially equal size separated by a gasket in the form of a four-sided frame having a substantially rectangular outer perimeter of dimensions substantially the same as those of said membranes, a substantially rectangular cutout, a fluid inlet port on one side and a fluid outlet port on an opposite side, said membranes also separated by a substantially rectangular membrane spacer substantially coplanar with and surrounded by the gasket, wherein the improvement comprises an inlet distributor in communication with and adjoining the inlet port for directing the fluid through the cell, the distributor comprising:
- (a) a covering comprising two substantially parallel closely spaced, flexible sheets, the ends of the sheets opposite the inlet port grasping a first edge of the spacer;
- and
- (b) a plurality of inserts disposed between and joined to the sheets and so dimensioned and positioned that the flow of fluid through the cell is substantially uniform.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.