Electrolytic cell

Abstract

An electrolytic cell comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet to allow the flow of fluid through the housing. An anode and a cathode are positioned within the housing, the cathode distal from the anode. Preferably, one or more bipolar electrolytic plates, spaced apart, are slideably positioned between the anode and cathode. Each electrolytic plate has four edges with three of the four edges securely fitted within the housing so as to form a seal with the housing. The fourth edge in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid therethrough. The two sides of the housing, the end caps and the top and bottom plates of the housing comprise grooves. The length of the grooves of the top and bottom plates alternate in size. The alternating top grooves, alternating bottom grooves and one of the alternating end cap grooves receive three of the four edges of each electrolytic plate. The fourth edge when fitted into a groove in the top or bottom defines a clearance between the edge of the plate and the housing. A serpentine pathway is formed by these clearances and the spaces between the electrolytic plates. The fluid flows along this pathway throughout the cell.

1 . An electrolytic cell comprising: 
 a housing having an inlet and an outlet to allow the flow of fluid through the housing;    an anode positioned within the housing;    a cathode positioned within the housing, the cathode distal from the anode;    one or more bipolar electrolytic plates positioned between the anode and cathode, each electrolytic plate comprising four edges, three of the four edges securely fitted within the housing to form a seal with the housing, the fourth edge in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid therethrough; and    a power source connected to the anode and the cathode.    
     
     
         2 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 1  wherein the housing comprises a bottom plate, a top plate, a first end cap, a second end cap, a first side plate and a second side plate, the first side plate defining an inlet and the second side plate defining an outlet.  
     
     
         3 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 2  wherein the bottom plate defines two sets of grooves for receiving the electrolytic plates, the first set of grooves extending from the first end cap to a point distal from the second end cap, the second set of grooves extending from the second end cap to a point distal from the first end cap, the grooves of the first set alternately aligned with the grooves of the second set, the electrolytic plates friction-fitted within grooves in the bottom plate and each electrolytic plate in a clearance position relative to the housing so that a path is formed for the serpentine flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet.  
     
     
         4 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 3  wherein the first end cap defines grooves for receiving electrolytic plates and the second end cap defines grooves for receiving alternate electrolytic plates so that each electrolytic plate is fitted within the grooves defined by the bottom plate and one end cap.  
     
     
         5 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 2  wherein the top plate defines two sets of grooves for receiving the electrolytic plates, the first set of grooves extending from the first end cap to a point distal from the second end cap, the second set of grooves extending from the second end cap to a point distal from the first end cap, the grooves of the first set alternately aligned with the grooves of the second set, the electrolytic plates friction-fitted within grooves in the top plate and each electrolytic plate in a clearance position relative to the housing so that a path is formed for the serpentine flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet.  
     
     
         6 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 5  wherein the first end cap defines grooves for receiving electrolytic plates and the second end cap defines grooves for receiving alternate electrolytic plates so that each electrolytic plate is fitted within the grooves defined by the top plate and one end cap.  
     
     
         7 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 2  wherein the top plate and the bottom plate each define two sets of grooves for receiving the electrolytic plates, the first set of grooves extending from the first end cap to a point distal from the second end cap, the second set of grooves extending from the second end cap to a point distal from the first end cap, the grooves of the first set alternately aligned with the grooves of the second set, the electrolytic plates friction-fitted within grooves in the top plate and the bottom plate so that one edge of each electrolytic plate is in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet.  
     
     
         8 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 7  wherein the first end cap defines grooves for receiving electrolytic plates and the second end cap defines grooves for receiving alternate electrolytic plates so that each electrolytic plate is friction-fitted within the grooves defined by the top plate, the bottom plate and one end cap to form a seal.  
     
     
         9 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 7  wherein the electrolytic plates are slidable within the grooves for removal from housing.  
     
     
         10 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 1  wherein the first end cap comprises slots, the anode comprises an anode terminal tab and the cathode comprises a cathode terminal tab, the terminal tabs extending external to the housing through the slots of the first end cap.  
     
     
         11 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 10  wherein the size of the anode terminal tab is different from the size of the cathode terminal tab and the slots are sized corresponding to the size of the respective tab.  
     
     
         12 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 10  further comprising positive and negative wires between the power source and the anode and cathode, the wires in direct contact with the corresponding anode tab and cathode tab.  
     
     
         13 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 1  wherein each electrolytic plate comprising a front side and a back side so that the path of fluid includes the flow of fluid over each side of the electrolytic plate.  
     
     
         14 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 1  wherein at least 95% of surface area of each electrolytic plate is in contact with the fluid.  
     
     
         15 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 1  wherein the height is within a range of about 4 inches to about 15 inches, the width is within a range of about 4 inches to about 15 inches and the length is within a range of about 10 inches to about 25 inches.  
     
     
         16 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 15  wherein height is within a range of about 6 inches to about 8 inches, the width is within a range of about 6 inches to about 8 inches and the length is within a range of about 10 inches to about 14 inches.  
     
     
         17 . An electrolytic cell for fluid disinfection, the electrolytic cell comprising: 
 a housing comprising a bottom plate, a top plate, a first end cap, a second end cap, a first side plate and a second side plate, the first side plate defining an inlet and the second side plate defining an outlet to allow the flow of fluid through the housing,;    an anode positioned within the housing;    a cathode positioned within the housing, the cathode distal from the anode;    one or more bipolar electrolytic plates positioned between the anode and cathode, each electrolytic plate comprising four edges, three of the four edges securely fitted within the housing to form seals with the housing, the fourth edge in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid therethrough;    the bottom plate defining two sets of grooves for receiving the electrolytic plates, the first set of grooves extending from the first end cap to a point distal from the second end cap, the second set of grooves extending from the second end cap to a point distal from the first end cap, the grooves of the first set alternately aligned with the grooves of the second set, the electrolytic plates friction-fitted within grooves in the bottom plate and each electrolytic plate in a clearance position relative to the housing so that a path is formed for the serpentine flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet; and    a power source connected to the anode and the cathode.    
     
     
         18 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 17  wherein the first end cap defines grooves for receiving electrolytic plates and the second end cap defines grooves for receiving alternate electrolytic plates so that each electrolytic plate is fitted within the grooves defined by the bottom plate and one end cap.  
     
     
         19 . An electrolytic cell comprising: 
 a housing having an inlet and an outlet to allow the flow of fluid through the housing, the housing comprising a bottom plate, a top plate, a first end cap, a second end cap, a first side plate and a second side plate, the first side plate defining an inlet and the second side plate defining an outlet;    an anode positioned within the housing;    a cathode positioned within the housing, the cathode distal from the anode;    one or more bipolar electrolytic plates positioned between the anode and cathode, each electrolytic plate comprising four edges, three of the four edges securely fitted within the housing to form seals with the housing, the fourth edge in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid therethrough;    the top plate defining two sets of grooves for receiving the electrolytic plates, the first set of grooves extending from the first end cap to a point distal from the second end cap, the second set of grooves extending from the second end cap to a point distal from the first end cap, the grooves of the first set alternately aligned with the grooves of the second set, the electrolytic plates friction-fitted within grooves in the top plate and each electrolytic plate in a clearance position relative to the housing so that a path is formed for the serpentine flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet; and    a power source connected to the anode and the cathode.    
     
     
         20 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 19  wherein the first end cap defines grooves for receiving electrolytic plates and the second end cap defines grooves for receiving alternate electrolytic plates so that each electrolytic plate is fitted within the grooves defined by the top plate and one end cap.  
     
     
         21 . An electrolytic cell comprising: 
 a housing having an inlet and an outlet to allow the flow of fluid through the housing, the housing comprising a bottom plate, a top plate, a first end cap, a second end cap, a first side plate and a second side plate, the first side plate defining an inlet and the second side plate defining an outlet;    an anode positioned within the housing;    a cathode positioned within the housing, the cathode distal from the anode;    one or more bipolar electrolytic plates positioned between the anode and cathode, each electrolytic plate comprising four edges, three of the four edges securely fitted within the housing to form seals with the housing, the fourth edge in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid therethrough;    the top plate and the bottom plate each defining two sets of grooves for receiving the electrolytic plates, the first set of grooves extending from the first end cap to a point distal from the second end cap, the second set of grooves extending from the second end cap to a point distal from the first end cap, the grooves of the first set alternately aligned with the grooves of the second set, the electrolytic plates friction-fitted within grooves in the top plate and the bottom plate so that one edge of each electrolytic plate is in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet; and    a power source connected to the anode and the cathode.    
     
     
         22 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 21  wherein the first end cap defines grooves for receiving electrolytic plates and the second end cap defines grooves for receiving alternate electrolytic plates so that each electrolytic plate is friction-fitted within the grooves defined by the top plate, the bottom plate and one end cap to form a seal.  
     
     
         23 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 22  wherein the electrolytic plates are slidable within the grooves for removal from housing.  
     
     
         24 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 22  wherein the anode comprises an anode terminal tab and the cathode comprises a cathode terminal tab for attachment to the power source, the terminal tabs extending external to the housing, the first end cap comprising at least two slots for receiving the anode terminal tab and the cathode terminal tab.  
     
     
         25 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 24  wherein the size of the anode terminal tab is different from the size of the cathode terminal tab and the slots are sized corresponding to the size of the tabs.  
     
     
         26 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 24  further comprising positive and negative wires between the power source and the anode and cathode, the wires in direct contact with the corresponding anode tab and cathode tab.  
     
     
         27 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 21  wherein each electrolytic plate comprising a front side and a back side so that the path of fluid includes the flow of fluid over each side of the electrolytic plate.  
     
     
         28 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 21  wherein at least 95% of surface area of each electrolytic plate is in contact with the fluid.  
     
     
         29 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 21  wherein the height is within a range of about 4 inches to about 15 inches, the width is within a range of about 4 inches to about 15 inches and the length is within a range of about 10 inches to about 25 inches.  
     
     
         30 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 21  wherein height is within a range of about 6 inches to about 8 inches, the width is within a range of about 6 inches to about 8 inches and the length is within a range of about 10 inches to about 14 inches.  
     
     
         31 . An electrolytic cell comprising: 
 a housing having an inlet and an outlet to allow the flow of fluid through the housing, the housing comprising a bottom plate, a top plate, a first end cap, a second end cap, a first side plate and a second side plate, the first side plate defining an inlet and the second side plate defining an outlet;    an anode positioned within the housing;    a cathode positioned within the housing, the cathode distal from the anode;    one or more bipolar electrolytic plates positioned between the anode and cathode, each electrolytic plate comprising four edges, three of the four edges securely fitted within the housing to form seals with the housing, the fourth edge in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid therethrough;    the top plate and the bottom plate each defining two sets of grooves for receiving the electrolytic plates, the first set of grooves extending from the first end cap to a point distal from the second end cap, the second set of grooves extending from the second end cap to a point distal from the first end cap, the grooves of the first set alternately aligned with the grooves of the second set, the electrolytic plates slide-ably friction-fitted within grooves in the top plate and the bottom plate so that one edge of each electrolytic plate is in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet;    a power source connected to the anode and the cathode;    the anode comprising an anode terminal tab and the cathode comprising a cathode terminal tab for attachment to the power source.    
     
     
         32 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 31  wherein the first end cap defines grooves for receiving electrolytic plates and the second end cap defines grooves for receiving alternate electrolytic plates so that each electrolytic plate is slide-ably friction-fitted within the grooves defined by the top plate, the bottom plate and one end cap to form a seal.  
     
     
         33 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 31  wherein the size of the anode terminal tab is different from the size of the cathode terminal tab.  
     
     
         34 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 31  wherein the first end cap defines at least two slots for receiving the anode terminal tab and the cathode terminal tab, the slots sized so that the corresponding terminal tab is sealingly fitted within the slot.  
     
     
         35 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 31  further comprising positive and negative wires between the power source and the anode and cathode, the wires in direct contact with the corresponding anode tab and cathode tab.  
     
     
         36 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 31  wherein each side plate defines two or more ports into the housing, the ports adapted to receive test instrumentation and piping connections.  
     
     
         37 . An electrolytic cell for disinfection of sewage, the cell comprising: 
 a housing having an inlet and an outlet adapted to allow the flow of sewage and brine fluids through the housing for disinfection, the housing comprising a bottom plate, a top plate, a first end cap, a second end cap, a first side plate and a second side plate, the first side plate defining an inlet and the second side plate defining an outlet;    an anode positioned within the housing;    a cathode positioned within the housing, the cathode distal from the anode;    one or more bipolar electrolytic plates positioned between the anode and cathode, each electrolytic plate comprising four edges, three of the four edges securely fitted within the housing to form seals with the housing, the fourth edge in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluids therethrough;    the top plate and the bottom plate each defining two sets of grooves for receiving the electrolytic plates, the first set of grooves extending from the first end cap to a point distal from the second end cap, the second set of grooves extending from the second end cap to a point distal from the first end cap, the grooves of the first set alternately aligned with the grooves of the second set, the electrolytic plates friction-fitted within grooves in the top plate and the bottom plate so that one edge of each electrolytic plate is in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluids from the inlet to the outlet; and    a power source connected to the anode and the cathode.    
     
     
         38 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 37  wherein the first end cap defines grooves for receiving electrolytic plates and the second end cap defines grooves for receiving alternate electrolytic plates so that each electrolytic plate is friction-fitted within the grooves defined by the top plate, the bottom plate and one end cap to form a seal.  
     
     
         39 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 37  wherein the electrolytic plates are slidable within the grooves for removal from housing.  
     
     
         40 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 37  wherein the anode comprises an anode terminal tab and the cathode comprises a cathode terminal tab for attachment to the power source, the terminal tabs extending external to the housing, the first end cap comprising at least two slots for receiving the anode terminal tab and the cathode terminal tab.  
     
     
         41 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 37  further comprising positive and negative wires between the power source and the anode and cathode, the wires in direct contact with the corresponding anode tab and cathode tab.  
     
     
         42 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 37  wherein each electrolytic plate comprising a front side and a back side so that the path of fluid includes the flow of fluid over each side of the electrolytic plate and at least 95% of surface area of each electrolytic plate is in contact with the fluids.  
     
     
         43 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 37  wherein the height is within a range of about 4 inches to about 15 inches, the width is within a range of about 4 inches to about 15 inches and the length is within a range of about 10 inches to about 25 inches.  
     
     
         44 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 43  wherein height is within a range of about 6 inches to about 8 inches, the width is within a range of about 6 inches to about 8 inches and the length is within a range of about 10 inches to about 14 inches.