Modified electrolysis cell and a housing for the same

Abstract

This invention relates to modifying a process cell that needs periodic replacement such as the electrolysis cell shown to enable quick connect/disconnect with minimal process downtime. The claimed invention not only modifies the design of the cell but also proposes a housing with a separate compartment for the cell to isolate this from the other components of the system making it easier to replace the cell without the need to disturb the other components.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A modified electrolysis cell generally having an anode chamber or a series of anode chambers and a cathode chamber or a series of cathode chambers, each chamber separated by a membrane, the chambers held together by a front panel and a rear panel wherein the improvement comprises: a platform holding the electrolysis cell, the platform having a male member attached to the electrolysis cell and a matching female member connecting to the male member by a screw-on mechanism or a twist and lock mechanism.  
     
     
         2 . The modified electrolysis cell of  claim 1  wherein the cell is made of metal or hard plastic.  
     
     
         3 . The modified electrolysis cell of  claim 1  wherein the platform is made of the same material as the cell.  
     
     
         4 . The modified electrolysis cell of  claim 1  wherein the male member of the platform is attached to the electrolysis cell by an adhesive of a similar chemical composition as the material used to construct the cell.  
     
     
         5 . The modified electrolysis cell of  claim 1  wherein the male member of the platform is made of a solid material.  
     
     
         6 . The modified electrolysis cell of  claim 1  wherein the male member of the platform is made of a material with solid surfaces having a hollow interior.  
     
     
         7 . The modified electrolysis cell of  claim 1  wherein the male member of the platform is made of a material having a solid top surface with an open base.  
     
     
         8 . The modified electrolysis cell of  claim 1  further comprising quick connect/disconnect connectors on the front panel of the cell.  
     
     
         9 . A modified electrolysis cell generally having an anode chamber or a series of anode chambers and a cathode chamber or a series of cathode chambers, each chamber separated by a membrane, the chambers held together by a front panel and a rear panel, the front panel having.connectors for the entrance and exit ports, the improvement comprising: an L shaped rear panel having a vertical and a horizontal member, the horizontal member securing to a track or a clip-on on a cell holder to keep the cell in place.  
     
     
         10 . The modified electrolysis cell of  claim 9  wherein the rear panel is made of metal.  
     
     
         11 . The modified electrolysis cell of  claim 9  wherein the connectors on the front panel are quick connect/disconnect connectors.  
     
     
         12 . A modified electrolysis cell generally having an anode chamber or a series of anode chambers and a cathode chamber or a series of cathode chambers, each chamber separated by a membrane, the chambers held together by a front panel and a rear panel, the front panel having connectors for the entrance and exit ports, the improvement comprising: a rear panel having a hook on one end and an inverted L on another end in coaxial orientation with the hook end, the hook and inverted L snuggle fitting into receiving brackets on a cell holder to hold the cell in place.  
     
     
         13 . The modified electrolysis cell of  claim 12  wherein the rear panel is made of metal.  
     
     
         14 . The modified electrolysis cell of  claim 12  wherein the connectors on the front panel are quick connect/disconnect connectors.  
     
     
         15 . A housing for an electrolysis system, comprising: 
 a main compartment enclosing components of the electrolysis system except an electrolysis cell, the main component having six walls, a top wall, a bottom wall and four side panels;    an optional second compartment enclosing a power source;    an isolated third compartment enclosing the electrolysis cell separated from the main and second compartment by a wall, the isolated third compartment having at least five walls, a top wall, a bottom wall, three side panels, an open side for easily reaching to and grasping on the electrolysis cell, the open side having an optional door to open or close the second compartment;    means for communicating the electrolysis cell to the components of the electrolysis system; and,    means for attaching the electrolysis cell to the isolated third compartment.    
     
     
         16 . The housing of  claim 15  wherein the housing is made of metal or hard plastic.  
     
     
         17 . The housing of  claim 15  wherein the optional door is a swinging, sliding or clip-on door.  
     
     
         18 . The housing of  claim 15  further comprising a female member on the bottom wall of the isolated compartment for coupling with a matching male member attached to an electrolysis cell.  
     
     
         19 . The housing of  claim 15  further comprising a track or a clip-on on the bottom wall of the isolated compartment enclosing the electrolysis cell.  
     
     
         20 . The housing of  claim 15  further comprising receiving brackets for attaching the cell to the isolated compartment.  
     
     
         21 . A housing for an electrolysis system, comprising: 
 a main compartment having a front panel and a back panel enclosing components of the electrolysis system except an electrolysis cell;    a second compartment enclosing a filter member;    a third compartment enclosing the electrolysis cell separated from the main and second compartment, the third compartment having an optional door;    means for communicating the electrolysis cell to the components of the electrolysis system; and,    means for attaching the electrolysis cell to the third compartment.    
     
     
         22 . The housing of  claim 21  wherein the front panel and the back panel snaps together.  
     
     
         23 . The housing of  claim 21  wherein the housing is made of hard plastic.  
     
     
         24 . The housing of  claim 21  wherein the optional door is a swinging, sliding or clip-on door.  
     
     
         25 . The housing of  claim 21  further comprising a female member on the bottom wall of the isolated compartment for coupling with a matching male member attached to an electrolysis cell.  
     
     
         26 . The housing of  claim 21  further comprising a track or a clip-on on the bottom wall of the isolated compartment enclosing the electrolysis-cell.  
     
     
         27 . The housing of  claim 21  further comprising receiving brackets for attaching the cell to the isolated compartment.