Electro Syn Cell
General Description
The EC ElectroSynCell has been designed on lines of the traditional plate-and-frame filter press, but there are important differences between our patented cells and other cells on the world market today.
The EC cell is composed of electrodes stacked together with ionexchange membranes or porous separators in between, if needed. The electrodes and membranes are attached to specialty designed injection-moulded frames made of polymer material in such a way that the electrolyte is circulated inside the frames between the coherent systems of electrolyte chambers (intervening space between electrodes and membranes).
Modules of the desired size are obtained by adding on frames with electrodes and membranes. The projected electrode area of such a module can be in the range from 0.04 m2 to 1.04 m2 and in certain conditions twice this. By electrically connecting several modules in series, cell systems of different sizes can be obtained. In this case. electrolyte is circulated between modules via an external parallel-feed-manifold arrangement See further the exploded view.
The cell modules and the cell systems are designed for continuous processes as well as batch operation. In production plants made up by many modules, maintenance work when required - the replacement of membranes, for example - can be done on one module at a time while the rest of the plant remains in operation. Injection moulded cell parts are available in several materials which are chosen to suit the electrolysis conditions. Typical materials are polypropylene (PP). polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).
The electrodes used in electrolysis are dependent upon the reaction to be carried out, and a wide selection of different electrodes are available, including Pt on Ti. DSA®, PbO2 on Ti. graphite, Pb, .stainless steel, Cu, Ni, Zn, Sn. Other materials for frames and electrodes, can also be supplied on request.
Optional cell configurations
Assembly variations of the EC ElectroSynCell components permits a variety of possibilities:
- Alternative 1
Conventional two-electrode membrane cell built up with two separate electrolytes. In this example only two electrolyte-distributing frames are needed: Anolyte, Catholyte, Gas, heating medium or cooling medium/Electrodialysis, Solution B, Electrodialysis, Solution A.
- Alternative 2
The cell in Alternative 1 extended with one electrode and one extra electrolyte- or gas- distributing frame. If for example two air electrodes are employed, the extra frame can be used to distribute air to these electrodes. If two solid conventional electrodes are employed, the extra frame can be used t distribute heating or cooling media in order to obtain a specific electrode temperature.
- Alternative 3
In this example the last extra frame is used to built up the cell pitch which means that four different electrolytes or gaseous flows can be distributed into four different cell chambers in the cell. Alternative 3 can be used for example to combine the electrolysis and electrodialysis functions in one cell module. Membrane gap in range of 2-7 mm.
- Alternative 4
Four compartment cell for use in electrodialysis applications. Membrane gap as in Alternative 3.
- Alternative 5
Four compartment cell with combination of electrolysis and electrodialysis. Membrane gap as in Alternative 3 and 4.
- Alternatives 6-8
Porous three-dimensional structures:
Alternatives 6-7: Two electrode membrane cell with “flow-across” pattern.
Alternative 8: Two electrode membrane cell with “flow-through” pattern.
The EC ElectroSynCell is a unique patented electrochemical cell. The expertly designed and engineered cell has extremely good flow and current distribution. The injection moulded frames and O-ring seals assure tightness to membranes and prevent leakage.
Scaling
EC ElectroSynCells can be purchased in units with a small number of electrode elements for process studies on a laboratory scale. When these tests yield satisfactory results, the cell is easily scaled up to pilot or production site, step by step as desired. Since the cell modules in a pilot or production plant are made up of the same precision manufactured electrode elements as those used in the laboratory scale, there is no risk of obtaining poorer results when the cells are scaled up.
Cell modules are easily interconnected into a multi module EC ElectroSynCell System. Interconnections and supports of approved design as well as all other service systems can be supplied with all the EC cells.
Features
The EC ElectroSynCell has a number of major benefits as regards such points as function, ease of handling and economy. Examples of economical and technical advantages of the EC ElectroSynCell System:
- Simple cell design reduces maintenance and shut-down time and ensures high availability, thereby yielding good operation economy.
- Modest capital expenditure for the cell.
- The modular system design (0.04-1.04 m2/module)
permits easy scale up with retained performance and thereby cuts economic risk connected with transfer from laboratory tests to full-size commercial operation. - Expand by simply adding modules.
- The modular design permits sizing to match production requirements.
- On-site production is now economically competitive when compared to external sources such as chlorine-alkali, especially when capacity demands are low.
- Versatile system. Easily interchangeable electrodes in many different materials are available, giving rise to numerous possible electrochemical processes using the same equipment.
- Minimal corrosion problems with choice of correct cell parts. Only plastic and electrode material in contact with electrolyte.
- Controlled and uniform flow distribution - no stagnant zones.
- Turbulent promotors providing very good mass transfer.
- Electrolyte chamber and channels designed to facilitate gas escape.
- Narrow electrode gap.
- Low voltage drop in current conductors.
- Monopolar or bipolar construction.
- Leakproof construction - environmental problems in processes invoking toxic or Hazardous substances reduced to a minimum.
- Flexible choice of material.
- The EC ElectroSynCell components are available oft-the-shelf.
- High operating reliability has been proven by hundreds of cells in operation.
Technical Data
| Dimensions (monopolar) | |
| Cell module, dimensions (max): (projected electrode area 1.04 m2) | Hight:
550 mm Width: 238 mm Length: 282 mm |
| Pipe connections: | Fittings for pipe connections outside diam. 32 mm |
| Electrical Data | |
| Projected electrode area (max): | 1.04 m2/module |
| Projected electrode area (min): | 0.04 m2/module |
| Current density (max): | 4 kA/m2 |
| Voltage
loss in current collectors: (electrode to electrode) |
20 mV at max current |
| Electrode gap: | 1-5 mm |
| Electrolyte Flow Data (gap: 5 mm) | |
| Electrolyte flow per 1.04 m2/ module: | 65-195 l/min |
| Electrolyte flow per cell: | 5-15 l/min |
| Flow rate in each cell: | 0.2-0.6 m/s |
| Pressure drop in a module: | 8-51 kPa |
| Maximum working temperature: | Dependent on choise of frame material |
| Electrolyte volume per cell: | 0.6 lit. |
| Materials | |
| Electrode materials: | Lead and lead dioxide. DSA® FOR 02 and Cl2 evalution, PbO2 on Ti, Pt or Ir on Ti. Stainless steel, steel, Zn, Ni, Cu, Sn and graphite. Others misc. alloys and porous three dimensional structures on request. |
| Injection-moulded frames and other plastic components: | PVDF, polypropylene |
| Membranes: | Ion-selective membranes |
| Gaskets (O-rings): | Fluorinated, silicone or nitrile rubber or others on request. |
| External current collector: | Copper |
| Misc: | End plate, bolts and supports are made of stainless steel. Other material on request. |
| DSA® is a Registered Trade mark of ELECTRODE Coporation | |
Note
The information on this page is presented in good faith, and all recommendations or suggestions are made without guarantee. The products are intended for use by persons having technical skill, at their own discretion and risk. ElectroCell is not responsible for any risks or liabilities which may result from the use it’s products.