FLUID SEPARATION CELLS AND SPACERS FOR USE IN THESE

摘要

A spacer sheet for use together with another spacer sheet between adjacent membranes (17) in a fluid separation cell, for example an electrodialysis cell, has an open centre (2), conduit passages (8 and 9) for the supply and withdrawal of fluid to the chamber formed by the open centre (2) between the membranes (17), and slots consisting of an offset slot stem (13) and a narrow mouth (14) opening into either the open centre (2) or the conduit passage (8 or 9). The slots of the 2 sheets of a spacer assembly cooperate to provide a passage for fluid between the conduit passage and the open centre. Identical spacer assemblies may be used between membranes in adjacent cell pairs by positioning them mutually perpendicular. The new spacers are suitable for use in an electrodialysis cell for use in a new method in which ions are removed from a liquid mixture comprising water and a water-miscible organic liquid. The deionised liquid is concentrated and used downhole, for example in the recovery of methane.