Modular electrochemical systems and methods

摘要

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 distribution system in the frame may enhance current efficiency. Spacers positioned between modular units may also enhance current efficiency of the system.

主权项

1. An electrochemical separation system, comprising:
a first electrode; a second electrode; a first electrochemical separation modular unit having a first cell stack defining a plurality of alternating depleting compartments and concentrating compartments supported by a first frame, each of the depleting compartments comprising ion exchange membranes constructed and arranged to provide a fluid flow in a first direction, and each of the concentrating compartments comprising ion exchange membranes constructed and arranged to provide a fluid flow in a second direction that is different from the first direction, wherein each of the alternating depleting compartments and concentrating compartments is constructed and arranged to provide a fluid contact of greater than 85% of the surface area of the ion exchange membranes of each of the alternating ion diluting compartments and ion concentrating compartments, the first electrochemical separation modular unit positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode; a second electrochemical separation modular unit, adjacent to and in cooperation with the first electrochemical separation modular unit, having a second cell stack defining a plurality of alternating depleting compartments and concentrating compartments supported by a second frame, the second electrochemical separation modular unit positioned between the first electrochemical separation modular unit and the second electrode; and at least one blocking spacer or blocking membrane constructed and arranged to promote multi-pass flow through the plurality of depleting compartments in the system and to redirect a fluid flow through at least one of the first cell stack and the second cell stack.