ELECTROLYTIC CELL STACK WITH PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE INTERLOCK SEALING GASKET

摘要

An electrolytic cell employs a plastic molded frame component with raised ridges on one surface to create seal with a proton exchange membrane and on the opposite surface a groove with an interlocking feature for accepting a tabbed elastomer gasket. The gasket and frame design when combined with a proton exchange membrane can be stacked in multiple layers using mechanical hardware. The frame captures the softer elastomeric sealing material preventing elastomeric creep and loss of positive seal caused by the relaxation of mechanical hardware under load and internal pressure fluctuations. The addition of the ridged sealing surface provides positive surface contact with the polymeric membrane to further prevent the loss of seal under mechanical load. The interlocking feature reduces assembly time and improves assembly accuracy.