Electrochemical cell with elastomeric cap

Abstract

An electrochemical cell having co-axial inner and outer electrodes separated by an ion-permeable tube that defines inner and outer passageways for liquid flow lengthwise of the electrodes. The ion-permeable tube has elastomeric caps attached at each end. The elastomeric caps have rims that engage the inner walls of the electrochemical cell to separate the inner and outer passageways and the electrochemical products derived at the inner and outer electrodes.

1 . An electrochemical cell comprising: 
 opposing first and second heads respectively having inlet ports and outlet ports, each of the heads having an inner cylindrical wall;    an outer electrode secured to the opposing first and second heads;    an inner electrode co-axial with the outer electrode;    an ion-permeable tube supported co-axially between the inner electrode and the outer electrode to define an inner passageway and an outer passageway, the ion-permeable tube having a first and second end; and    a first and second elastomeric cap respectively attached to the first and second end of the ion-permeable tube, the first and second elastomeric cap having a rim respectively engaging the inner cylindrical wall of the opposing first and second heads providing liquid-tight sealing therewith and separating the inner and outer passageways.    
     
     
         2 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 1 , wherein the outer electrode is a metal tube.  
     
     
         3 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 1 , wherein the inner electrode is a metal rod.  
     
     
         4 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 1 , wherein the outer electrode is a cathode and the inner electrode is an anode.  
     
     
         5 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 1 , wherein the inner electrode is a cathode and the outer electrode is an anode.  
     
     
         6 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 1 , wherein the ion-permeable tube is fabricated of a porous ceramic material.  
     
     
         7 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 1 , wherein the first head is one-piece and the second head is one-piece.  
     
     
         8 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 1 , wherein the first elastomeric cap is one-piece and the second elastomeric cap is one-piece.