Flow distributors for electrochemical separation
First Claim
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1. A flow distributor for electrochemical separation, comprising:
- a plurality of horizontal passages in fluid communication with an inlet fluid manifold associated with an electrochemical separation device;
a plurality of vertical passages configured to transport fluid to at least one compartment of the electrochemical separation device;
a plurality of cavities, at least one cavity of the plurality of cavities formed between adjacent vertical passages of the plurality of vertical passages; and
a plurality of protrusions mated with the plurality of cavities to form a labyrinth flow path from the inlet fluid manifold to the electrochemical separation device,wherein the labyrinth flow path is characterized by fluid flow from the inlet fluid manifold to the plurality of horizontal passages, from the plurality of horizontal passages to the plurality of cavities, around the protrusions within the cavities to the plurality of vertical passages, and from the plurality of vertical passages to the electrochemical separation device.
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Abstract
An electrochemical separation system may be modular and may include at least a first modular unit and a second modular unit. Each modular unit may include a cell stack and a frame. The frame may include a manifold system. A flow distributor in the frame may enhance current efficiency. The flow distributor may define a labyrinth flow path for improved current efficiency.
76 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A flow distributor for electrochemical separation, comprising:
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a plurality of horizontal passages in fluid communication with an inlet fluid manifold associated with an electrochemical separation device; a plurality of vertical passages configured to transport fluid to at least one compartment of the electrochemical separation device; a plurality of cavities, at least one cavity of the plurality of cavities formed between adjacent vertical passages of the plurality of vertical passages; and a plurality of protrusions mated with the plurality of cavities to form a labyrinth flow path from the inlet fluid manifold to the electrochemical separation device, wherein the labyrinth flow path is characterized by fluid flow from the inlet fluid manifold to the plurality of horizontal passages, from the plurality of horizontal passages to the plurality of cavities, around the protrusions within the cavities to the plurality of vertical passages, and from the plurality of vertical passages to the electrochemical separation device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10)
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8. A modular flow distributor for electrochemical separation, comprising:
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a first component constructed and arranged to define a plurality of vertical passages configured to transport fluid to or from at least one compartment of an electrochemical separation device and a plurality of cavities such that at least one cavity of the plurality of cavities is formed between adjacent vertical passages of the plurality of vertical passages; and a second component constructed and arranged to define a plurality of horizontal passages and comprising a plurality of protrusions, the second component configured to mate with the first component such that the protrusions are arranged with the plurality of vertical passages, the plurality of cavities, and the plurality of horizontal passages to form a labyrinth flow path between the electrochemical separation device and a fluid manifold. - View Dependent Claims (9, 11)
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Specification