Series tubular design for solid electrolyte oxygen pump

摘要

An electrochemical device is disclosed comprising a plurality of electrolytic cells, each having an oxygen ion-conducting electrolyte, an anode and a cathode associated with the electrolyte, conductive interconnecting structures electrically connecting the anode of each electrolytic cell to the cathode of an adjacent tubular cell, and sealing means positioned between the interconnecting structure and the electrolytic cells to provide a gas-tight seal therebetween. The configuration of the interconnecting structure and the placement of the seal means provides a separation between the seal and the conductive pathway of electrons between the anode and cathode to prevent corrosion or deterioration of the seal thereby compromising the pneumatic integrity of the device. Also disclosed are interconnecting and coupling structures providing the ability to manifold series of tubular electrolytic cells, the interconnecting and coupling structures being configured to maintain the electrical and pneumatic integrity of the device.