Method and apparatus for electrolyzing water

Claim 2

An electrolysis apparatus comprising : (a) at least one electrolysis cell (1) including an anode plate (2) and a cathode plate (3) ; (i) each of said anode and cathode plates (2 and 4) having an outer perimeter and having an open porous structure substantially permeable by a liquid , such as water ; (b) a solid electrolyte membrane (3) positioned in said cell (1) between each of said anode and cathode plates (2 and 3) ; (c) said electrolysis cell (1) having a first flow passage (6) extending generally longitudinally therethrough ; (d) -first seal means (11) substantially preventing fluid flow communication directly between said first flow passage (6) and said cathode plate (3) ; (e) said electrolysis cell (1) having a second flow passage (12) extending generally longitudinally therethrough ; (f) second seal means (17) substantially preventing fluid flow communication directly between said anode plate (2) and said second flow passage (12) ; (g) third seal means associated with said outer perimeter of said cathode plate (4), to substantially prevent fluid flow outwardly from said cathode plate (4) along said outer perimeter thereof ; and (h) fluid flow directing means providing fluid flow into said electrolysis cell (1) via said first flow passage (6) and permitting fluid flow into said open porous anode plate (2) from said first flow passage (6) ; (i) said fluid directing means permitting fluid flow substantially throughout said anode plate (2) with a portion of said fluid flow directed through said membrane (3) and into said cathode plate (4), and with a portion of said fluid flow directed outwardly of said anote plate (2) along an outer perimeter thereof ; (ii) said fluid directing means further permitting fluid flow from said anode plate (2) and membrane (3) through said cathode plate (4), into said second flow passage (12) therefrom, and out of said electrolysis cell (1) ; (i) whereby when a direct current is applied between said anode and cathode plates (2 and 3) and said fluid comprises water : a water stream may be fed into said electrolysis cell (1) by means of said first flow passage (6), and into said anode plate (2) whereat partial electrolysis may occur forming oxygen gas, said oxygen gas generally being carried outwardly from said electrolysis cell (1) by fluid flow outwardly from said anode plate (2) outer perimeter ; and, (j) whereby fluid flow and electrolyte communication from said anode plate (2) through said membrane (3) to said cathode plate (4), during electrolysis, generates hydrogen gas formation at said cathode plate, said hydrogen gas generally being removed from said electrolysis cell (1) by means of fluid flow into said second flow passage (12) and outwardly of said electrolysis apparatus.

Claim 3

An electrolysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein : (a) said anode plate (2), cathode plate (4) and membrane (3) are substantially circular ; (b) said first flow passage (6) extends generally through centers of said anode plate (2), cathode plate (4) and membrane (3) _; and (c) said second flow passage (12) extends generally parallel to, and spaced from, said first flow passage (6).

Claim 4

An electrolysis apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein : (a) said anode plate (2) is a sintered metal substrate having a porosity of between about 30 and 80 % ;

Claim 5

An electrolysis apparatus according to anyone of claim 1 to 3, wherein : (a) a side of said anode plate (2) facing said membrane (3) is substantially flat.

Claim 6

An electrolysis apparatus according to claim 4 wherein : (a) said anode plate (2) is between about 0.5 and about 1.5 millimeter thick.

Claim 7

An electrolysis apparatus according to anyone of claims 2 to 5, including : (a) a housing (43) surrounding said electrolysis cell (1) and forming a drainage jacket for receipt of fluid from said outer perimeter of said anode plate (2).

Claim 8

An electrolysis apparatus according to anyone of claims 1 to 6 wherein : (a) said third seal means includes a cathode perimeter sealing gasket (18) and a separator plate (5) ; (i) said cathode perimeter sealing gasket (18) substantially surrounding said cathode outer perimeter and preventing fluid flow therefrom ; (ii) said separator plate (5) being non-porous and positioned with a side thereof generally facing a side of said cathode plate (2) that is opposite a side of the cathode plate (4) that faces said membrane (3) ; said separator plate (5) having an outer periphery with means (65) thereon for engaging said cathode perimeter sealing gasket (18) and retaining same against said cathode plate (4) outer perimeter ; (b) whereby fluid containing hydrogen is substantially prevented from flowing outwardly from said cathode plate (4) outer perimeter by said cathode perimeter sealing gasket (18) ; and, (c) whereby said cathode perimeter sealing gasket (18) is held substantially in place by said separator plate (5).

Claim 9

An electrolysis apparatus according to claim 7 wherein : (a) said means on said separator plate (5) for retaining said cathode perimeter sealing gasket (18) in position comprises a lip member (65) on an outer periphery of said separator plate (5).

Claim 10

An electrolysis apparatus comprising : (a) a plurality of electrolysis cells (1), each cell having an anode plate (2), a cathode plate (4) and a solid electrolyte membrane (3) ; (i) each of said anode and cathode plates (2) and (4) having an outer perimeter and having an open porous structure substantially permeable by a liquid, such as water ; (ii) at least one solid electrolyte membrane (3) being positioned between said anode plate (2) and said cathode plate (4) of each cell (1) ; (b) retaining means for supporting said plurality of electrolysis cells in a series ; (c) said series of electrolysis cells having a first flow passage (6) extending generally longitudinally therethrough ; (d) first seal means (11) substantially preventing fluid flow communication directly between said first flow passage (6) and said cathode plates (4) ; (e) said electrolysis cells (1) having a second flow passage (12) extending generally longitudinally therethrough ; (f) second seal means (17) substantially preventing fluid flow communication directly between said anode plates (2) and said second flow passage (12) ; (g) third seal means associated with said outer perimeter of each of said cathode plates (4), to substantially prevent fluid flow outwardly from said cathode plates (4) along said outer perimeters thereof ; (h) separator means (5) substantially preventing fluid flow directly between adjacent electrolysis cells (1) except by means of said first and second flow passages (6 and 12) ; and (i) fluid flow directing means providing fluid flow into each electrolysis cell (1) via said first flow passage(6) by permitting fluid flow into said open porous anode plates (2) from said first flow passage (6) ; (i) said fluid flow directing means permitting fluid flow substantially throughout said anode plates (2) with a portion of said fluid flow being directed through adjacent membrane material (3) and into associated cathode plates (4) ; and with a portion of said fluid flow being directed outwardly of said anode plates (2) along outer perimeters thereof ; I (ii) said fluid flow directing means further permitting fluid flow from said anode plates (2) and membranes (3) through said associated cathode plates (4), and into said second flow passage (12) therefrom, and ultimately out of said electrolysis cells (1) ; (j) whereby when an electrical potential is applied between said anode and cathode plates (2 and 4), of each cell (1), and said fluid comprises water : a water stream may be fed into said electrolysis cells, by means of said first flow passage (6), and into said anode plates (2) whereat partial electrolysis may occur forming oxygen gas, said oxygen gas generally being carried outwardly from said electrolysis cells (1) by said fluid flow outwardly from said outer perimeters of said anode plates (2) ; and (k) whereby fluid flow and electrolyte communication from said anode plates (2), through said membranes (3), and into said cathode plates (4) during electrolysis generates hydrogen gas formation at said cathode plates (4), said hydrogen gas generally being removed from said electrolysis cells (1) by means of fluid flow into said second flow passage (12) and outwardly of said electrolysis apparatus.

Claim 11

An electrolysis apparatus comprising : (a) a plurality of electrolysis cells (1), each cell having an anode plate (2), a cathode plate (4) and a solid electrolyte membrane (3) ; (i) each of said anode and cathode plates (2) and (4) having an outer perimeter and having an open porous structure substantially permeable by a liquid, such as water ; (ii) at least one solid electrolyte membrane (3) being positioned between said anode plate (2) and said cathode plate (4) of each cell (1) ; (b) retaining means for supporting said plurality of electrolysis cells in a series ; (c) said series of electrolysis cells having a first flow passage (6) extending generally longitudinally therethrough ; (d) first seal means (11) substantially preventing fluid flow communication directly between said first flow passage (6) and said cathode plates (4) ; (e) said electrolysis cells (1) having a second flow passage (12) extending generally longitudinally therethrough ; (f) second seal means (17) substantially preventing fluid flow communication directly between said anode plates (2) and said second flow passage (12) ; (g) third seal means associated with said outer perimeter of each of said cathode plates (4), to substantially prevent fluid flow outwardly from said cathode plates (4) along said outer perimeters thereof ; (h) separator means (5) substantially preventing fluid flow directly between adjacent electrolysis cells (1) except by means of said first and second flow passages (6 and 12) ; and (i) fluid flow directing means providing fluid flow into each electrolysis cell (1) via said first flow passage(6) by permitting fluid flow into said open porous anode plates (2) from said first flow passage (6) ; (i) said fluid flow directing means permitting fluid flow substantially throughout said anode plates (2) with a portion of said fluid flow being directed through adjacent membrane material (3) and into associated cathode plates (4) ; and with a portion of said fluid flow being directed outwardly of said anode plates (2) along outer perimeters thereof ; I (ii) said fluid flow directing means further permitting fluid flow from said anode plates (2) and membranes (3) through said associated cathode plates (4), and into said second flow passage (12) therefrom, and ultimately out of said electrolysis cells (1) ; (j) whereby when an electrical potential is applied between said anode and cathode plates (2 and 4), of each cell (1), and said fluid comprises water : a water stream may be fed into said electrolysis cells, by means of said first flow passage (6), and into said anode plates (2) whereat partial electrolysis may occur forming oxygen gas, said oxygen gas generally being carried outwardly from said electrolysis cells (1) by said fluid flow outwardly from said outer perimeters of said anode plates (2) ; and (k) whereby fluid flow and electrolyte communication from said anode plates (2), through said membranes (3), and into said cathode plates (4) during electrolysis generates hydrogen gas formation at said cathode plates (4), said hydrogen gas generally being removed from said electrolysis cells (1) by means of fluid flow into said second flow passage (12) and outwardly of said electrolysis apparatus.

Claim 12

An electrolysis apparatus according to claim 9 wherein : (a) said anode plates (2), cathode plates (4) and membranes (3) are substantially circular ; (b) said first flow passage (6) extends generally through centers of said anode plates (2), cathode plates (4) and membranes (3) ; and (c) said second flow passage (12) extends generally parallel to, and spaced from, said first flow passage (6).

Claim 13

An electrolysis apparatus comprising : (a) at least one electrolysis cell (1) including an anode plate (2) and a cathode plate (4) ; (i) each of said anode and cathode plates (2 and 4) having an outer perimeter and having an open porous structure substantially permeable by a liquid, such as water ; (b) a solid electrolyte membrane (3) positioned in said cell (1) between each of said anode and cathode plates (2 and 4) ; ; (c) said electrolysis cell (1) having a first flow passage (6) extending generally longitudinally therethrough ; said first flow passage (6) including a first bore (7) extending through said anode plate (2), a second bore (8) extending through said membrane (3) and a third bore (9) extending through said cathode plate (4) ; (d) first seal means (11) substantially preventing fluid flow communication directly between said first flow passage (6) and said cathode plate (4) ; ; (i) said first seal means comprising an O-ring seal (11) positioned in said first flow passage third bore (7) ; (e) said electrolysis cell (1) having a second flow passage (18) extending generally longitudinally therethrough ; (f) second seal means substantially preventing fluid flow communication directly between said anode plate and said second flow passage (12) ; (g) third seal means (17) associated with said outer perimeter of said cathode plate (4), to substantially prevent fluid flow outwardly from said cathode plate along said outer perimeter thereof ; said third seal means including a cathode perimeter sealing gasket (18) and a separator plate (5) ; (i) said cathode perimeter sealing gasket substantially surrounding said cathode outer perimeter and substantially preventing fluid flow therefrom ; (ii) said separator plate (5) being substantially non-porous and being generally positioned with a side thereof facing a side of the cathode plate (4) that is opposite a side of the cathode plate that faces said membrane (3) ; said separator plate (5) having an outer periphery with means (65) thereon for engaging said cathode perimeter sealing gasket and supporting same against said cathode plate (4) outer perimeter ; and (h) retaining means (66) mounted on said separator plate (5) for supporting said first seal means (11) in position.

Claim 14

An electrolysis apparatus comprising : (a) at least one electrolysis cell (1) including an anode plate (2) and a cathode plate (4) ; (i) each of said anode and cathode plates (2 and 4) having an outer perimeter and having an open porous structure substantially permeable by a liquid, such as water ; (b) a solid electrolyte membrane (3) positioned in said cell (1) between each of said anode and cathode plates (2 and 4) ; ; (c) said electrolysis cell (1) having a first flow passage (6) extending generally longitudinally therethrough ; said first flow passage (6) including a first bore (7) extending through said anode plate (2), a second bore (8) extending through said membrane (3) and a third bore (9) extending through said cathode plate (4) ; (d) first seal means (11) substantially preventing fluid flow communication directly between said first flow passage (6) and said cathode plate (4) ; ; (i) said first seal means comprising an O-ring seal (11) positioned in said first flow passage third bore (7) ; (e) said electrolysis cell (1) having a second flow passage (18) extending generally longitudinally therethrough ; (f) second seal means substantially preventing fluid flow communication directly between said anode plate and said second flow passage (12) ; (g) third seal means (17) associated with said outer perimeter of said cathode plate (4), to substantially prevent fluid flow outwardly from said cathode plate along said outer perimeter thereof ; said third seal means including a cathode perimeter sealing gasket (18) and a separator plate (5) ; (i) said cathode perimeter sealing gasket substantially surrounding said cathode outer perimeter and substantially preventing fluid flow therefrom ; (ii) said separator plate (5) being substantially non-porous and being generally positioned with a side thereof facing a side of the cathode plate (4) that is opposite a side of the cathode plate that faces said membrane (3) ; said separator plate (5) having an outer periphery with means (65) thereon for engaging said cathode perimeter sealing gasket and supporting same against said cathode plate (4) outer perimeter ; and (h) retaining means (66) mounted on said separator plate (5) for supporting said first seal means (11) in position.

Claim 15

An electrolysis apparatus according to claim 11 wherein : (a) said means on said separator plate for engaging said cathode perimeter sealing gasket and supporting same against said cathode plate outer perimeter comprises a lip member (65) on an outer periphery of said separator plate (5) ; and (b) said retaining means comprises an annular ring (66) mounted on a central portion of said separator plate and oriented to retain said first seal means (11) in position.

Claim 16

An electrolysis apparatus comprising : (a) at least one electrolysis cell including an anode plate (2) and a cathode plate (4) ; (i) each of said anode and cathode plates (2 and 4) having an outer perimeter ; (ii) said cathode plate (4) having an open porous structure substantially permeable by a liquid, such as water ; (b) a solid electrolyte membrane (3) positioned in said cell between each of said anode and cathode plates (2 and 4) ; (c) said electrolysis cell having a first flow passage (6) extending generally longitudinally therethrough ; (d) an evacuation conduit (12) providing for fluid flow from said cathode plate (4) outwardly from said electrolysis cell substantially without flow communication into an interface between said anode plate (2) and said membrane (3) ; (e) first seal means (11) substantially preventing fluid communication directly between said first flow passage (6) and said cathode plate (4) ; (f) cathode plate outer perimeter seal means (18) substantially preventing fluid flow directly outwardly from said cathode plate along said outer perimeter thereof ; said cathode plate (4) outer perimeter seal means including a cathode perimeter sealing gasket (18) and a separator plate (5) ; (i) said cathode perimeter sealing gasket (18) substantially surrounding said cathode outer perimeter and substantially preventing fluid flow directly therefrom ; (ii) said separator plate (5) being non-porous and being positioned with a side thereof generally facing a side of said cathode plate (4) that is opposite a side of the cathode plate (4) facing said membrane (3) ; said separator plate (5) having an outer periphery with means thereon for engaging said cathode perimeter sealing gasket (18) and retaining same against said cathode plate outer perimeter ; (g) fluid flow directing means providing for fluid flow into said electrolysis cell via said first flow passage (6) and directing fluid flow to said interface between said anode plate (2) and said membrane (3) ; (i) said fluid flow generally directing means permitting a first portion of fluid directed to said interface to then flow outwardly from said cell, without substantial passage through said membrane (3) and into each cathode plate (4) ; and (ii) said fluid flow directing means further permitting a second portion of fluid directed to said interface to then flow through said membrane and into said cathode plate and then into said evacuation conduit for evacuation from said electrolysis cell (1) ; (h) whereby when an electric potential is applied between said anode and cathode plates (2 and 4), and said fluid comprises water : a water stream may be fed into said electrolysis cell (1), by means of said first flow passage (6), and to an interface between said anode plate and membrane wherea.t partial electrolysis may occur forming oxygen gas that may be evacuated from said cell in the first portion of fluid ; and (i) whereby, during electrolysis, fluid flow and electrolyte communication through said membrane and into said cathode plate may result in hydrogen formation in said cathode plate, said hydrogen gas generally being removed from said electrolysis cell by fluid flow into said evacuation conduit.

Claim 17

An electrolysis apparatus comprising : (a) at least one electrolysis cell including an anode plate (2) and a cathode plate (4) ; (i) each of said anode and cathode plates (2 and 4) having an outer perimeter ; (ii) said cathode plate (4) having an open porous structure substantially permeable by a liquid, such as water ; (b) a solid electrolyte membrane (3) positioned in said cell between each of said anode and cathode plates (2 and 4) ; (c) said electrolysis cell having a first flow passage (6) extending generally longitudinally therethrough ; (d) an evacuation conduit (12) providing for fluid flow from said cathode plate (4) outwardly from said electrolysis cell substantially without flow communication into an interface between said anode plate (2) and said membrane (3) ; (e) first seal means (11) substantially preventing fluid communication directly between said first flow passage (6) and said cathode plate (4) ; (f) cathode plate outer perimeter seal means (18) substantially preventing fluid flow directly outwardly from said cathode plate along said outer perimeter thereof ; said cathode plate (4) outer perimeter seal means including a cathode perimeter sealing gasket (18) and a separator plate (5) ; (i) said cathode perimeter sealing gasket (18) substantially surrounding said cathode outer perimeter and substantially preventing fluid flow directly therefrom ; (ii) said separator plate (5) being non-porous and being positioned with a side thereof generally facing a side of said cathode plate (4) that is opposite a side of the cathode plate (4) facing said membrane (3) ; said separator plate (5) having an outer periphery with means thereon for engaging said cathode perimeter sealing gasket (18) and retaining same against said cathode plate outer perimeter ; (g) fluid flow directing means providing for fluid flow into said electrolysis cell via said first flow passage (6) and directing fluid flow to said interface between said anode plate (2) and said membrane (3) ; (i) said fluid flow generally directing means permitting a first portion of fluid directed to said interface to then flow outwardly from said cell, without substantial passage through said membrane (3) and into each cathode plate (4) ; and (ii) said fluid flow directing means further permitting a second portion of fluid directed to said interface to then flow through said membrane and into said cathode plate and then into said evacuation conduit for evacuation from said electrolysis cell (1) ; (h) whereby when an electric potential is applied between said anode and cathode plates (2 and 4), and said fluid comprises water : a water stream may be fed into said electrolysis cell (1), by means of said first flow passage (6), and to an interface between said anode plate and membrane wherea.t partial electrolysis may occur forming oxygen gas that may be evacuated from said cell in the first portion of fluid ; and (i) whereby, during electrolysis, fluid flow and electrolyte communication through said membrane and into said cathode plate may result in hydrogen formation in said cathode plate, said hydrogen gas generally being removed from said electrolysis cell by fluid flow into said evacuation conduit.

Claim 18

An electrolysis apparatus comprising : (a) at least one electrolysis cell including an anode plate (2) and a cathode plate (4) ; (i) each of said anode and cathode plates (2 and 4) being generally circular in configuration and having an outer perimeter ; (ii) each of said anode and cathode plates having an open porous structure substantially permeable by a liquid, such as water ; (b) a solid electrolyte membrane position in said cell between each of said anode and cathode plates ; (i) said membrane (3) being generally circular and having a larger diameter than said anode plate (2), so that said membrane (3) can be arranged adjacent said anode plate (2) with a perimeter of the membrane (3) extending beyond a perimeter of the anode plate (2) ; (ii) said cathode plate (4) having a smaller diameter than said anode plate (2) ; (c) said electrolysis cell having a first flow passage (6) extending generally longitudinally therethrough ; said first flow passage including a first bore (7) extending through said anode plate (2), a second bore (8) extending through said membrane (3) and a third bore (9) extending through said cathode plate (4) ; (d) first seal means (11) substantially preventing fluid flow communication directly between said first flow passage (6) and said cathode plate (4) ; (e) said electrolysis cell having a second flow passage (12) extending generally longitudinally therethrough ; (f) second seal means (17) substantially preventing fluid flow communication directly between said anode plate (2) and said second flow passage (12) ; (g) third seal means associated with said outer perimeter of said cathode plate (4), to substantially prevent fluid flow outwardly from said cathode plate (4) along said outer perimeter thereof ; said third seal means including a cathode perimeter sealing gasket (18) and a separator plate (5) ; (i) said cathode perimeter sealing gasket (18) substantially surrounding said cathode outer perimeter and preventing fluid flow therefrom ; (ii) said separator plate (5) being non-porous and having a generally circular configuration of larger diameter than said cathode plate (4), but not larger in diameter than said anode plate (2), said separator plate (5) having means (65) thereon for retaining said cathode perimeter sealing gasket (18) against said cathode plate- outer perimeter and for sealingly supporting said cathode perimeter sealing gasket (18) between said separator plate (5) and a portion of said membrane (3) extending beyond said cathode plate (4) ; (h) retaining means (66) mounted on said separator plate (5) for supporting said first seal means (11) in position ; (i) first flow means for evacuating fluid containing oxygen, generally formed at an interface between said anode plate (2) and said membrane (3) during electrolysis cell operation, from said electrolysis cell (1) without substantial passage into said second flow passage (12), and (ii) second flow means for evacuating fluid containing hydrogen, formed at said cathode plate (4), from said electrolysis cell by passage into said second flow passage (12).

Claim 19

An electrolysis apparatus comprising : (a) at least one electrolysis cell including an anode plate (2) and a cathode plate (4) ; (i) each of said anode and cathode plates (2 and 4) being generally circular in configuration and having an outer perimeter ; (ii) each of said anode and cathode plates having an open porous structure substantially permeable by a liquid, such as water ; (b) a solid electrolyte membrane position in said cell between each of said anode and cathode plates ; (i) said membrane (3) being generally circular and having a larger diameter than said anode plate (2), so that said membrane (3) can be arranged adjacent said anode plate (2) with a perimeter of the membrane (3) extending beyond a perimeter of the anode plate (2) ; (ii) said cathode plate (4) having a smaller diameter than said anode plate (2) ; (c) said electrolysis cell having a first flow passage (6) extending generally longitudinally therethrough ; said first flow passage including a first bore (7) extending through said anode plate (2), a second bore (8) extending through said membrane (3) and a third bore (9) extending through said cathode plate (4) ; (d) first seal means (11) substantially preventing fluid flow communication directly between said first flow passage (6) and said cathode plate (4) ; (e) said electrolysis cell having a second flow passage (12) extending generally longitudinally therethrough ; (f) second seal means (17) substantially preventing fluid flow communication directly between said anode plate (2) and said second flow passage (12) ; (g) third seal means associated with said outer perimeter of said cathode plate (4), to substantially prevent fluid flow outwardly from said cathode plate (4) along said outer perimeter thereof ; said third seal means including a cathode perimeter sealing gasket (18) and a separator plate (5) ; (i) said cathode perimeter sealing gasket (18) substantially surrounding said cathode outer perimeter and preventing fluid flow therefrom ; (ii) said separator plate (5) being non-porous and having a generally circular configuration of larger diameter than said cathode plate (4), but not larger in diameter than said anode plate (2), said separator plate (5) having means (65) thereon for retaining said cathode perimeter sealing gasket (18) against said cathode plate- outer perimeter and for sealingly supporting said cathode perimeter sealing gasket (18) between said separator plate (5) and a portion of said membrane (3) extending beyond said cathode plate (4) ; (h) retaining means (66) mounted on said separator plate (5) for supporting said first seal means (11) in position ; (i) first flow means for evacuating fluid containing oxygen, generally formed at an interface between said anode plate (2) and said membrane (3) during electrolysis cell operation, from said electrolysis cell (1) without substantial passage into said second flow passage (12), and (ii) second flow means for evacuating fluid containing hydrogen, formed at said cathode plate (4), from said electrolysis cell by passage into said second flow passage (12).

Claim 22

A methode according to claim 15 wherein : (a) said anode plate (2) is provided with two, opposite, substantially flat sides, one of which abuts said membrane (3).