Sealing arrangement

Abstract

A sealing arrangement (S1, S2) for sealing between two corrugated heat transfer plates (5, 90, 92) is provided. It includes an annular outfield gasket portion (86) surrounding an outfield gasket region (AO) and a plurality of annular annular gasket portions (49) arranged outside the outfield gasket region (AO). A first ring gasket portion (49a), a third ring gasket portion (49c) and a fifth ring gasket portion (49e) of the plurality of ring gasket portions (49) are arranged on one side of a transverse central axis (TA) of the outer field gasket region (AO). A second ring gasket portion (49b) and a fourth ring gasket portion (49d) of the plurality of ring gasket portions (49) are arranged on the other side of the transverse central axis (TA). The third ring gasket portion (49c) and the fifth ring gasket portion (49e) are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal central axis (LA) of the outer field gasket region (AO). The sealing arrangement (S1, S2) further comprises a separating means (6) extending within the outer field gasket region (AO) and closing the outer field gasket region (AO). The separating device (6) comprises a membrane (45).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing arrangement configured to seal between two corrugated heat transfer plates. The heat transfer plates and the sealing arrangement may be included in an apparatus for a heat generating process such as electrolysis. Background Art

[0002] Electrolysis is a well-known process that uses electricity to chemically decompose an electrolyte. For example, electrolysis can be used to separate water contained in an electrolyte into hydrogen and oxygen. During electrolysis, heat can be generated, which must be transferred to maintain electrolysis efficiency.

[0003] EP 4012070 discloses a heat exchanger comprising a stack of heat transfer plates. The heat exchanger is adapted to be connected to an electrolysis device so that a fluid circulating in the electrolysis device passes through the heat exchanger for temperature regulation. Typically, the temperature of the fluid increases gradually within the electrolysis device. Therefore, the heat exchanger receives relatively high-temperature fluid from the electrolysis device and transmits relatively low-temperature fluid to the electrolysis device, which means that there will be a temperature difference across the electrolysis device. This can lead to an uneven and non-optimal electrolysis process within the electrolysis device. The heat exchanger in EP 4012070 is a so-called plate and shell heat exchanger. There are several other types of heat exchangers, such as so-called plate heat exchangers. Plate heat exchangers typically include a number of corrugated heat transfer plates arranged in a stack or pack. Seals between the heat transfer plates define parallel flow channels between the heat transfer plates (one flow channel between each pair of adjacent heat transfer plates). Two fluids having different initial temperatures may be alternately supplied through every other flow channel for transferring heat from one fluid to the other. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a sealing arrangement for sealing between two corrugated heat transfer plates, thereby enabling a reliable and mechanically uncomplicated device comprising the heat transfer plates as part of a stack of corrugated heat transfer plates forming alternating first and second plate interspaces. The device can be used in a heat generation process, such as electrolysis, and can allow for more uniform and efficient cooling of a fluid, such as an electrolyte, and a product formed therefrom, thereby maintaining high process efficiency. The underlying concept of the present invention is to provide a sealing arrangement that can achieve reliable sealing in the second interspace, so that the heat generation process can be effectively maintained in the second interspace due to efficient cooling in the first interspace. The sealing arrangement allows the first interspace to be used to feed a fluid into and out of the second interspace. Thus, the underlying concept of the present invention is to provide a sealing arrangement that implements a device for performing a heat generation process, such as electrolysis, while also functioning as a conventional heat exchanger, thereby providing "integrated" cooling in the heat generation process.

[0005] The sealing arrangement may be used in an apparatus for generating hydrogen.

[0006] Since the sealing arrangement according to the invention is not arranged for use on its own, but as a component of a device as described above, the advantages of the different features and embodiments of the sealing arrangement first emerge when the sealing arrangement is installed in the device.

[0007] The sealing arrangement according to the present invention is used to seal between two corrugated heat transfer plates, which may be of the same or different types. The sealing arrangement comprises an annular outer field gasket portion surrounding an outer field gasket area and a plurality of annular ring gasket portions arranged outside the outer field gasket area. Each of the plurality of ring gasket portions surrounds a corresponding one of a plurality of ring gasket areas that are smaller than the outer field gasket area. The outer field gasket area extends in a central extension plane of the outer field gasket portion. The first, third, and fifth ring gasket portions of the plurality of ring gasket portions are arranged on one side of a transverse central axis of the outer field gasket area. The second and fourth ring gasket portions of the plurality of ring gasket portions are arranged on the other side of the transverse central axis. The third and fifth ring gasket portions are arranged on opposite sides of a longitudinal central axis of the outer field gasket area. The sealing arrangement also includes a separator extending within and enclosing the outer field gasket area. The separator comprises a membrane.

[0008] Thus, the separation device extends at least within the outer field pad area.The separation device may also extend beyond the outer field pad area and extend outside the outer field pad area if there is any particular reason for this.

[0009] The ring gasket portions may or may not be designed differently, and the ring gasket areas may or may not have the same size and / or shape.

[0010] The membrane may be permeable to hydroxide ions to enable heat generating processes, such as electrolysis, to be performed in a device comprising a sealed arrangement.

[0011] In an arrangement comprising a sealing arrangement, the outfield gasket portion will typically be pressed between two heat transfer plates at high pressure to ensure tightness of the arrangement comprising the heat transfer plates and the sealing arrangement.The outfield gasket portion should be constructed to withstand such high pressure.

[0012] It should be emphasized that an "annular" shape is not necessarily circular, but can be any "closed" shape, such as an ellipse, a polygon, or any combination thereof. Similarly, a "ring" shape is not necessarily circular, but can be any "closed" shape, such as an ellipse, a polygon, or any combination thereof. Thus, the field pad region and the ring pad region can have any shape. Furthermore, the ring pad regions may or may not be similar.

[0013] Furthermore, it should be emphasized that when it is said herein that, for example, detail A extends “along” detail B, detail A may extend directly at detail B, or at a distance from detail B, parallel or non-parallel to detail B.

[0014] The sealing arrangement according to the present invention includes at least five annular gasket portions that are configured to be individually positioned at at least five port holes in each of the two heat transfer plates. Thus, the sealing arrangement according to the present invention enables a device comprising at least five ports, which may be necessary for performing a heat generation process with integrated cooling, such as electrolysis. Furthermore, the separator device of the sealing arrangement according to the present invention encloses the outfield gasket area, which enables a device having a second gap to be partially divided into two parts by the separator device, which may be necessary for performing a heat generation process, such as electrolysis, in the second gap. Furthermore, the outfield gasket portion is configured to surround the first and second transfer holes in each of the two heat transfer plates. This enables the first and second transfer holes of the two heat transfer plates to be used to transfer fluid to the outfield gasket area on both sides of the separator device. All of this will be discussed further below.

[0015] The outfield gasket portion may include two pairs of side portions, for example, a pair of short side portions and a pair of long side portions, with the side portions of each pair being arranged on opposite sides of the outfield gasket area. The sealing arrangement may be designed such that no ring gasket portion is arranged along a side portion of one of the pair. Thus, the sealing arrangement may be such that all ring gasket portions are arranged along a side portion of the other of the pair, or possibly along corresponding imaginary extensions of the side portions. This type of configuration may be advantageous where the port holes of the heat transfer plate are often positioned along two opposing sides of the heat transfer plate.

[0016] The sealing arrangement can be such that a sixth of the plurality of ring gasket portions is disposed on the same side of the transverse central axis as the second and fourth ring gasket portions. The fourth and sixth ring gasket portions can be disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal central axis of the outfield gasket region. Such a sealing arrangement enables a device comprising at least six ports, which can be beneficial for performing heat generating processes with integrated cooling, such as electrolysis.

[0017] The sealing arrangement can be such that the seventh of the plurality of ring gasket portions is arranged on the same side of the transverse center axis as the first, third, and fifth ring gasket portions. Furthermore, the eighth of the plurality of ring gasket portions can be arranged on the same side of the transverse center axis as the second, fourth, and sixth ring gasket portions. The first and seventh ring gasket portions can be arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal center axis of the outfield gasket region. Furthermore, the second and eighth ring gasket portions can be arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal center axis of the outfield gasket region. Such a sealing arrangement enables a device comprising at least eight ports, which can be beneficial for performing heat generating processes with "integrated" cooling, such as electrolysis.

[0018] The separation device of the sealing arrangement may also include an inner field gasket portion surrounded by an outer field gasket portion and an insulating inner sheet extending between the inner field gasket portion and the outer field gasket portion. The inner field gasket portion may be bonded to the membrane. The insulating sheet may connect the inner field gasket portion and the outer field gasket portion and seal the space between the inner field gasket portion and the outer field gasket portion. As described above, in devices including a sealing arrangement, the outer field gasket portion is typically subjected to high pressure. Typically, the membrane may be fragile and easily damaged by high pressure. In devices including a sealing arrangement, the sealing arrangement includes an inner field gasket portion bonded to the membrane, and the bond between the outer field gasket portion and the membrane may be reduced or even completely eliminated. Typically, in the device, the inner field gasket portion is pressed between the two heat transfer plates with a certain pressure to seal one side of the membrane to the other side of the membrane. This certain pressure is relatively low, which means that the membrane at least partially bonded to the inner field gasket portion is subjected to less stress than a membrane bonded only to the outer field gasket portion.

[0019] The infield gasket portion can be constructed in different ways. As an example, the infield gasket portion can include two separate parallel portions that extend along the longitudinal center axis of the outfield gasket area on opposite sides of the membrane. Alternatively, the infield gasket portion can be annular and surround the infield gasket area, and the membrane can extend within the infield gasket area and enclose the infield gasket area. Such a design can eliminate the joint between the membrane and the outfield gasket portion and thus minimize the stress on the membrane. In such embodiments of the sealed arrangement, the inner sheet can also have an annular extension.

[0020] Because the outfield gasket portion and the infield gasket portion will typically be subjected to different pressures and other conditions and have different functions in an apparatus including a sealing arrangement, they may have different configurations. As an example, the outfield gasket portion and the infield gasket portion may be made of different materials. For example, the outfield gasket portion may be made of a polymer (such as rubber) and the infield gasket portion may be made of a polymer (such as thermoplastic). Alternatively, the infield gasket portion and the outfield gasket portion may be made of two different polymers.

[0021] In a sealed arrangement, the membrane may be joined to the outfield gasket portion. As an example, the membrane and outfield gasket portion may be non-permanently joined to each other by simply overlapping and squeezing between two heat transfer plates. Alternatively, the membrane may be molded into the outfield gasket portion.

[0022] However, as mentioned above, since the membrane is typically fragile, it may alternatively or additionally be bonded to the infield gasket portion. As an example, the membrane and infield gasket portion may be non-permanently bonded to each other by simply overlapping and squeezing between two heat transfer plates. Alternatively, the membrane may be molded into the infield gasket portion.

[0023] As will be discussed further below, in an apparatus for performing electrolysis, it may be necessary to isolate the heat transfer plates forming the second gap from one another. To achieve this, the sealing arrangement may be configured such that one or both of the two heat transfer plates positioned therebetween may be coated with an insulating material. Alternatively, the sealing arrangement may further include an insulating outer sheet extending outside of and connecting the outer field gasket portion and the plurality of ring gasket portions.

[0024] The sealing arrangement can be configured such that the third annular gasket portion includes an annular port hole gasket portion that protrudes further from the central extension plane of the outfield gasket portion than the outfield gasket portion in a first direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the central extension plane. Such a design can allow the port hole gasket portion to protrude through the port hole of one of the two heat transfer plates between which the sealing arrangement is configured to be positioned and form part of an isolation port for transferring fluid, as will be discussed further below.

[0025] The third annular gasket portion may further include an annular middle portion surrounding the port hole gasket portion and an annular outer portion surrounding the middle portion. The port hole gasket portion may protrude further from the central extension plane of the outfield gasket portion in the first direction than the middle portion and the outer portion. The middle portion and the outer portion may facilitate isolation between the two heat transfer plates, which may be necessary for the device to be used for electrolysis, as described above.

[0026] The outer portion may protrude further from a central extension plane of the outfield gasket portion in a first direction than the middle portion. Thereby, the outer portion may serve as a support for a gasket arrangement arranged on the outside of two heat transfer plates between which the sealing arrangement is configured to be positioned.

[0027] The third ring gasket portion may also include a number of fluid flow grooves.The fluid flow grooves may extend through the port hole gasket portion in a direction from the ring gasket area to an outside of the port hole gasket portion.

[0028] The fluid flow grooves may extend radially from the annular gasket region to the middle portion, and the number of fluid flow grooves may be one or more. The fluid flow grooves can be considered as a reduced thickness of the port hole gasket portion of the third annular gasket portion. As the name indicates, the fluid flow grooves are arranged to enable fluid flow from the annular gasket region through the port hole gasket portion of the third annular gasket portion to the middle portion of the third annular gasket portion.

[0029] The first annular gasket portion may include an annular inner portion, an annular middle portion surrounding the inner portion, and an annular outer portion surrounding the middle portion. The middle portion and the outer portion may protrude further from the central extension plane of the outfield gasket portion than the inner portion. The inner portion may facilitate isolation between the two heat transfer plates, which, as described above, may be necessary for the device to be used for electrolysis. The middle portion may seal against the two heat transfer plates, with the sealing arrangement configured to be positioned between the two heat transfer plates to form a portion of a port for transferring fluid. The outer portion may serve as a support for a gasket arrangement arranged on the outer sides (i.e., opposite sides) of the two heat transfer plates.

[0030] The first ring gasket portion may include at least one leakage groove that may extend through the outer portion from an inner side to an outer side of the outer portion.

[0031] The leakage groove can be thought of as a reduced thickness of the outer portion of the first annular gasket portion. As the name indicates, the leakage groove is arranged to allow fluid flow from the outer side of the middle portion through the outer portion of the first annular gasket portion to the outer side of the first annular gasket portion. The fluid can be one of a variety of fluids that are passed through the device to reveal leaks. Alternatively / additionally, the fluid can be a gas, such as air, to reduce or eliminate the difference between the pressure within the middle portion and the pressure on the outer side of the first annular gasket portion.

[0032] The sealing arrangement according to the present invention can have different configurations. As an example, the outfield gasket portion may include a separate first long side portion and a second long side portion extending along the longitudinal center axis of the outfield gasket area. In addition, the outfield gasket portion may include a separate first short side portion and a second short side portion, each connected to the first long side portion and the second long side portion. The distance between the first short side portion and the second short side portion can vary along the transverse center axis of the heat transfer plate, with the distance measured parallel to the longitudinal center axis. As an example, depending on the design of the rest of the device including the sealing arrangement, the short side portions of the outfield gasket portion may protrude outward / away or inward / toward each other, as viewed from the center of the outfield gasket area. Such a sealing arrangement may be suitable for use with a plate having a device for improving the distribution and collection of a fluid flowing between two heat transfer plates, between which the sealing arrangement is configured to be positioned.

[0033] The outfield gasket portion and therefore the outfield gasket area can be symmetrical with respect to a transverse center axis of the outfield gasket area. Alternatively or additionally, the outfield gasket portion and therefore the outfield gasket area can be symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal center axis of the outfield gasket area. Furthermore, the complete sealing arrangement can be symmetrical with respect to a transverse center axis of the outfield gasket area. Alternatively or additionally, the complete sealing arrangement can be symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal center axis of the outfield gasket area. The symmetry of the sealing arrangement can enable the use of fewer types of components in a device that includes the sealing arrangement.

[0034] Still further objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and from the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying schematic diagram in which:

[0036] Figure 1a and 1b is a substantially similar perspective view schematically showing part of a device comprising a sealing arrangement according to the invention in a disassembled state and different fluid paths through the device,

[0037] Figure 2 yes Figure 1a Schematic plan view of a heat transfer plate of the apparatus,

[0038] Figure 3 yes Figure 1a a schematic plan view of a portion of the device,

[0039] Figure 4 yes Figure 1a a schematic plan view of a portion of the device,

[0040] Figure 5 yes Figure 1a Schematic partial cross-sectional perspective view of a sealing arrangement of the device in,

[0041] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Schematic partial cross-sectional view of the sealing arrangement in,

[0042] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Another schematic partial cross-sectional perspective view of the sealing arrangement in FIG.

[0043] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 Another schematic partial cross-sectional view of the sealing arrangement in,

[0044] Figure 9a and 9bis a substantially similar perspective view schematically showing part of a device including a sealing arrangement according to another embodiment of the invention in a disassembled state, and different fluid paths through the device,

[0045] Figure 10 yes Figure 9a a schematic plan view of a heat transfer plate of the device, and

[0046] Figure 11 yes Figure 9a Schematic plan view of the sealing arrangement of the device in. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Figure 1a A portion of a device 1 for producing hydrogen by electrolysis (here, alkaline water electrolysis) is shown. The device 1 comprises a stack 3 (shown only partially) of substantially similar heat transfer plates 5, each having a front side 7 and an opposite rear side 9. In the stack 3, the heat transfer plates 5 are "flipped" relative to one another, i.e., arranged with front side 7 against front side 7 and rear side 9 against rear side 9, with every other heat transfer plate 5 being inverted relative to the remaining heat transfer plates 5. This means that, relative to the remaining heat transfer plates 5, every other heat transfer plate 5 is rotated 180 degrees about the respective heat transfer plate longitudinal center axis L and then rotated 180 degrees about the respective heat transfer plate normal N ( Figure 2 ).

[0048] One of the heat transfer plates 5 is Figure 2 It is shown separately in FIG and described in more detail below. It has a first end portion 11 , a central portion 13 and a second end portion 15 arranged in series along the longitudinal central axis L of the heat transfer plate 5 . Figure 2 The boundaries between the first end portion 11, the central portion 13, and the second end portion 15 are shown with heavy hatching. The first end portion 11 includes a first port hole 17, a third port hole 19, a fifth port hole 21, and a seventh port hole 23, while the second end portion 15 includes a second port hole 27, a fourth port hole 29, a sixth port hole 31, and an eighth port hole 33. The first, third, fifth, and seventh port holes 17, 19, 21, and 23 are mirror images of the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth port holes 27, 29, 31, and 33, respectively, across the transverse center axis T of the heat transfer plate 5. The first, second, third, and fourth port holes 17, 27, 19, and 29 are mirror images of the seventh, eighth, fifth, and sixth port holes 23, 33, 21, and 31, respectively, across the longitudinal center axis L of the heat transfer plate 5. Furthermore, the first transfer holes 25 are arranged in the first half h1 of the heat transfer plate 5, and the second transfer holes 35 are arranged in the second half h2 of the heat transfer plate 5, the first half h1 and the second half h2 being arranged on opposite sides of the transverse center axis T. Figure 2Clearly, the first transfer hole 25 and the second transfer hole 35 are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal center axis L in the center portion 13 of the heat transfer plate 5 .

[0049] As is usual for heat transfer plates, the heat transfer plate 5 is embossed with a corrugated pattern of ridges and valleys about a respective central extension plane of the heat transfer plate 5 which is parallel to the Figure 2 The corrugation pattern varies across different regions of the heat transfer plate 5. For example, the central portion 13, including the heat transfer region 4, is embossed with a so-called herringbone corrugation pattern. As another example, the edge portion 37 of the heat transfer plate 5 is embossed with alternating ridges and valleys extending from the outer edge E of the heat transfer plate 5. First and second transverse ridges 80, 82 are also embossed into the heat transfer plate 5, extending along the transverse center axis T of the heat transfer plate 5 on opposite sides of the heat transfer region 4. As viewed from the center of the heat transfer plate 5, the first and second transverse ridges 80, 82 protrude outward.

[0050] The heat transfer plate 5 also includes an annular inner front field gasket groove 34 protruding outwardly from two opposing short sides, an outer front field gasket groove 36 protruding outwardly from two opposing short sides, and eight annular front ring gasket grooves 39, more specifically, first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth front ring gasket grooves 39a-39h, all of which extend along the front side 7. Some segments of the outer front field gasket groove 36 also form portions of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth front ring gasket grooves 39a-39h. Furthermore, some segments of some of the front ring gasket grooves 39a-39h also form portions of other front ring gasket grooves in the front ring gasket grooves 39a-39h. Thus, the outer front field gasket groove 36 and the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth front ring gasket grooves 39a-39h are integrally formed. The inner front field gasket groove 34 surrounds the heat transfer area 4, the first and second transverse ridges 80 and 82, and the first and second transfer holes 25 and 35. The outer front field gasket groove 36, in turn, surrounds the inner front field gasket groove 34. The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth port holes 17, 27, 19, 29, 21, 31, 23, and 33 are all arranged outside the outer front field gasket groove 36 and are surrounded by a corresponding one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth front ring gasket grooves 39a-39h. The intermediate corrugated pattern 38 is provided between the inner front field gasket groove 34 and the outer front field gasket groove 36.

[0051] Furthermore, the heat transfer plate 5 comprises an annular backfield gasket groove 42 extending on the back side 9. Figure 2In FIG, the rear of the back field gasket groove 42 is visible. In addition, the heat transfer plate 5 includes a third, fourth, fifth and sixth back ring gasket grooves 52, 54, 56 and 58 extending on the back side 9. Figure 2 In the figure, the respective rear faces of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth back-ring gasket grooves 52, 54, 56, and 58 are visible. Some sections of the back-ring gasket groove 42 also form portions of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth back-ring gasket grooves 52, 54, 56, and 58. Furthermore, some sections of some of the back-ring gasket grooves 52, 54, 56, and 58 also form portions of other back-ring gasket grooves 52, 54, 56, and 58. Thus, the back-ring gasket groove 42 and the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth back-ring gasket grooves 52, 54, 56, and 58 are integrally formed. The back-ring gasket groove 42 surrounds the heat transfer area 4 and the first, second, seventh, and eighth port holes 17, 27, 23, and 33. The first and second transfer holes 25, 35, and the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth port holes 19, 29, 21, and 31 are all arranged outside the back-ring gasket groove 42. The third, fourth, fifth and sixth rear ring shim grooves 52, 54, 56 and 58 surround respective ones of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth port holes 19, 29, 21 and 31. Additionally, the third rear ring shim groove 52 surrounds the first transfer hole 25, while the sixth rear ring shim groove 58 surrounds the second transfer hole 35.

[0052] Reference again Figure 1a , a stack 3 of heat transfer plates 5 is arranged between two frame plates F, only one of which is shown. The heat transfer plates 5 within the stack 3 are arranged in pairs, with heat transfer plates 5b and 5c forming one of these pairs, and heat transfer plate 5d forming one of the heat transfer plates of the other adjacent pair of these pairs. Each pair of heat transfer plates forms a first gap I1 therebetween. In addition, a second gap I2 is formed between each two adjacent pairs of heat transfer plates 5. An external heat transfer plate 5x, similar to the heat transfer plate 5, is arranged between the stack 3 and the frame plates F ( Figure 1a ) to form an additional first gap I1 (marked I1X) with the heat transfer plate 5a, and the plate pair. Thus, an additional second gap I2 (marked I2X) is formed between the heat transfer plate 5a and the heat transfer plate 5b. External heat transfer plates completely lacking holes can be arranged between the stack 3 and Figure 1a Between another frame plate that is not visible in the drawing. In addition, a gasket that is not shown can be arranged on the inner side of the frame plate F.

[0053] An annular field gasket portion 41 is disposed within each of the first gaps I1 to define a first flow channel C1 therein. An annular infield gasket portion 43 is disposed within each of the second gaps I2 to define a second flow channel C2 therein. The infield gasket portion 43 surrounds the infield gasket area AI, which is enclosed by a hydroxide ion permeable membrane 45 molded into the infield gasket portion 43 and made of a thermoplastic (here, polyethylene naphthalate - PEN). The membrane 45 extends within the infield gasket portion 43 and substantially parallel to the heat transfer plate 5 to divide the corresponding second flow channel C2 into a second primary subchannel C2P and a second secondary subchannel C2S, which extend parallel to and on opposite sides of the membrane 45.

[0054] refer to Figure 3 The field gasket portion 41 is part of a rubber gasket arrangement G, which also includes four annular ring gasket portions 47. The field gasket portion 41 is arranged in the rear field gasket groove 42 of the heat transfer plate 5, while the ring gasket portion 47 is arranged in a corresponding one of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth rear ring gasket grooves 52, 54, 56 and 58. Figure 3 Clearly, some sections of the gasket arrangement G form part of the field gasket portion 41 and part of one of the ring gasket portions 47, while other sections of the gasket arrangement G form part of two of the ring gasket portions 47. Thus, the field gasket portion 41 and the ring gasket portion 47 are integrally formed, and the gasket arrangement G is a single component.

[0055] refer to Figures 4 to 8 , the inner field pad portion 43 and the membrane 45 ( Figure 4-8 The separator 6 is part of a separator 6 which further comprises an annular isolating inner sheet 88 extending on the outside of the infield gasket portion 43 and surrounding the infield gasket portion 43. The separator 6 is in turn part of a sealing arrangement S1 which further comprises an annular outfield gasket portion 86, eight annular ring gasket portions 49 (49a-49h) and an isolating outer sheet 51. All parts of the sealing arrangement S1 are formed integrally. Furthermore, all parts of the sealing arrangement S1 are made of rubber, except for the membrane 45 and the infield gasket portion 43, the membrane 45 being here made of a polyphenylene sulfide fabric which is symmetrically coated with a mixture of polymer and zirconium oxide. The outfield gasket portion 86 surrounds an outfield gasket area AO which has a plane CP ( Figure 6) extends in the outer field gasket area AO. Like the inner field gasket portion 43, the outer field gasket portion 86 includes a first long side portion I1 and a second long side portion I2, which extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal center axis LA of the outer field gasket area AO and at a distance from each other. Furthermore, like the inner field gasket portion 43, the outer field gasket portion 86 includes a first short side portion s1 and a second short side portion s2, which extend at a distance from each other along the transverse center axis TA of the outer field gasket area AO to connect the long side portions I1 and I2. To accommodate the heat transfer plate 5, the first short side portion s1 and the second short side portion s2 protrude outward, as viewed from the center of the outer field gasket area AO. The outer field gasket portion 86 surrounds the inner field gasket portion 43. An insulating inner sheet 88 extends between the inner field gasket portion 43 and the outer field gasket portion 86 and connects them. Thus, the separator 6 encloses the outer field gasket area AO surrounded by the outer field gasket portion 86.

[0056] The eight ring gasket portions 49 are of two different types. The outer first, second, seventh, and eighth ring gasket portions 49a, 49b, 49g, and 49h are of the first type. Each of them surrounds a first ring gasket area AR1, which is arranged outside the outfield gasket area AO and is smaller than the outfield gasket area AO. The middle third, fourth, fifth, and sixth ring gasket portions 49c, 49d, 49e, and 49f are of the second type. Each of them surrounds a second ring gasket area AR2, which is arranged outside the outfield gasket area AO and is smaller than the outfield gasket area AO. The first, third, fifth, and seventh ring gasket portions 49a, 49c, 49e, and 49g are mirror images of the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth ring gasket portions 49b, 49d, 49f, and 49h, respectively, along the transverse center axis TA of the outfield gasket area AO. In addition, the first, third, second, and fourth ring gasket portions 49a, 49c, 49b, and 49d are mirror images of the seventh, fifth, eighth, and sixth ring gasket portions 49g, 49e, 49h, and 49f, respectively, along the longitudinal center axis LA of the outfield gasket area AO. The outfield gasket area AO is symmetrical with respect to the transverse center axis TA and the longitudinal center axis LA. The first, third, fifth, and seventh ring gasket portions 49a, 49c, 49e, and 49g are arranged on one side of the first short side portion s1 of the outfield gasket portion 86, with the outfield gasket area AO arranged on the other side. The second, fourth, sixth, and eighth ring gasket portions 49b, 49d, 49f, and 49h are arranged on one side of the second short side portion s2 of the outfield gasket portion 86, with the outfield gasket area AO arranged on the other side. In an alternative embodiment, the ring gasket portions can alternatively be arranged along the long side portions l1 and l2 of the outfield gasket portion 86 and arranged on its outer side.

[0057] Special References Figure 4 、 56, the outfield gasket portion 86 extends between parallel imaginary first and second planes p1 and p2, with a center extension plane CP positioned midway between the first and second planes p1 and p2. Furthermore, the infield gasket portion 43 extends between the first plane p1 and another parallel imaginary plane p3, with a third plane p3 extending between the center extension plane CP and the second plane p2. The first annular gasket portion 49a includes an annular inner portion 8, an annular middle portion 10 surrounding the inner portion 8, an annular outer portion 12 surrounding the middle portion 10, and a sheet portion 14 enclosing the space between the middle and outer portions 10 and 12. The inner portion 8 is a sheet extending in the center extension plane CP of the outfield gasket portion 86 and defining the first annular gasket area AR1 of the first annular gasket portion 49a. The middle portion 10 is the gasket portion extending between the first and second planes p1 and p2, while the sheet portion 14 extends in the center extension plane CP. The outer portion 12 is the gasket portion extending between the first and second planes p1 and p2. The outer portion 12 is discontinuous by being provided with two opposing leakage grooves 16. The leakage grooves 16 extend from the outside of the middle portion 10, through the outer portion 12, to the outside of the first annular gasket portion 49a. The same description applies to the second, seventh and eighth annular gasket portions 49b, 49g and 49h.

[0058] Special References Figure 4 、 78, the third annular gasket portion 49c includes an annular port hole gasket portion 18, an annular middle portion 20 surrounding the port hole gasket portion 18, and an annular outer portion 22 surrounding the middle portion 20. Here, the annular port hole gasket portion 18, the annular middle portion 20, and the annular outer portion 22 are made of the same material (here, rubber) and are integrally formed. However, in alternative embodiments, one or more of them may be formed separately. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, they may be made of different, preferably isolated, materials. The port hole gasket portion 18, which defines the second annular gasket area AR2 of the third annular gasket portion 49c, extends between a first plane p1 and another parallel imaginary fourth plane p4. The first plane p1 and the fourth plane p4 extend on opposite sides of the second plane p2. Thus, the port hole gasket portion 18 protrudes further from the central extension plane CP of the outfield gasket portion 86 in a first direction D1 perpendicular to the central extension plane CP than the outfield gasket portion 86. The middle portion 20 is a sheet extending in a central extension plane CP, while the outer portion 22 is a gasket portion extending between a first plane p1 and a second plane p2. A number (here three) of fluid flow grooves 94 are included in the third annular gasket portion 49c, more particularly in its port hole gasket portion 18. The fluid flow grooves 94 extend radially from the second annular gasket area AR2 surrounded by the port hole gasket portion 18 to the middle portion 20 of the third annular gasket portion 49c. In addition, the fluid flow grooves 94 extend radially from the sealing arrangement S1 ( Figure 4 86. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 , the fluid flow grooves 94 extend from the front side of the second annular gasket area AR2 toward the back side of the sealing arrangement S1. Here, the fluid flow grooves 94 extend from the second annular gasket area AR2 in a direction toward the outfield gasket portion 86. In alternative embodiments, they may extend differently, such as extending from the second annular gasket area AR2 in a direction away from the outfield gasket portion 86. This description also applies to the fourth, fifth, and sixth annular gasket portions 49d, 49e, and 49f.

[0059] As from Figure 4 Clearly, some sections of sealing arrangement S1 form outfield gasket portion 86 and portions of one of ring gasket portions 49, while other sections of sealing arrangement S1 form portions of two adjacent ones of ring gasket portions 49, and still other sections of sealing arrangement S1 form intermediate portion 10 and portions of outer portion 12 of one of first, second, seventh, and eighth ring gasket portions 49a, 49b, 49g, and 49h. The insulating outer sheet 51, and therefore the sealing arrangement S1, has an outer shape and outer dimensions substantially similar to those of the heat transfer plate 5. The outer sheet 51 extends around, enclosing, and connecting outfield gasket portion 86 and ring gasket portion 49, such that the outer sheet 51, outfield gasket portion 86, ring gasket portion 49, and separator 6 are integrally formed.

[0060] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 When the sealing arrangement S1 is properly engaged with the heat transfer plate 5, the inner field gasket portion 43 and the outer field gasket portion 86 are received in respective ones of the inner front field gasket groove 34 and the outer front field gasket groove 36 of the heat transfer plate 5, and the ring gasket portion 49 is received in respective ones of the front ring gasket groove 39. Arranged like this, the sealing arrangement S1 including the membrane 45 will completely cover the front side 7 of the heat transfer plate 5.

[0061] Therefore, if Figure 1a As shown in FIG, in the device 1, each of the heat transfer plates 5 is engaged on the rear side 9 with a gasket arrangement G and on the front side 7 with a sealing arrangement S1. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As well as the gasket arrangement G, the field gasket portion 41 surrounds the first, second, seventh and eighth port holes 17, 27, 23 and 33 of the heat transfer plate 5, while the ring gasket portion 47 surrounds a corresponding one of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth port holes 19, 29, 21 and 31 of the heat transfer plate 5, and two of the ring gasket portions 47 also surround a corresponding one of the first transfer hole 25 and the second transfer hole 35 of the heat transfer plate 5. Figure 2 and Figure 4 As well as the sealing arrangement S1, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ring gasket portions 49a, 49b, 49c, 49d, 49e, 49f, 49g and 49h are arranged at corresponding ones of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth port holes 17, 27, 19, 29, 21, 31, 23 and 33 of the heat transfer plate 5.

[0062] refer to Figure 1a and Figure 4, when the plurality of heat transfer plates 5, the plurality of gasket arrangements G and the plurality of sealing arrangements S1 are properly engaged with each other in the device 1, each of the port hole gasket portions 18 of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth ring gasket portions 49c, 49d, 49e and 49f will protrude through the aligned port holes of two adjacent ones of the heat transfer plates 5 arranged on the front side f of the outer sheet 51 of a corresponding one of the sealing arrangements S1, and abut the rear side of another adjacent port hole gasket portion 8. As an example, the port hole gasket portion 18' will protrude through the heat transfer plates 5c and 5b and abut the back side of the port hole gasket portion 18". As such, the port hole gasket portion 18 will form four rubber tunnels or ports through the device 1, more specifically, the second primary inlet port 57p, the second secondary inlet port 57s, the second primary outlet port 59p, and the second secondary outlet port 59s, which will be discussed further below. The fluid flow grooves 94 in the port hole gasket portion 18 of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth annular gasket portions 49c, 49d, 49e, and 49f will allow fluid to enter and exit these rubber tunnels, i.e., the second primary inlet port 57p, the second secondary inlet port 57s, the second primary outlet port 59p, and the second secondary outlet port 59s.

[0063] When the apparatus 1 is ready for use, the heat transfer plates 5 and the interposed gasket arrangement G and sealing arrangement S1 are compressed between the frame plates F so as to form the first flow channel C1 and the second flow channel C2, and port means for conveying the first and second fluids through the apparatus 1. In this way compressed, the heat transfer plates 5 of each of the pairs, such as heat transfer plates 5b and 5c, abut each other in the contact area, while contact between adjacent pairs of heat transfer plates 5, such as heat transfer plates 5c and 5d, is prevented by the presence of the sealing arrangement S1 between the plate pairs. This separation or isolation between the plate pairs is necessary for the apparatus 1 to work properly for electrolysis, as will be discussed further below. The compression is achieved by some fastening means, such as bolts and nuts, not shown or further described herein. Reference Figure 4 , the port device includes a first inlet port device 53 and a first outlet port device 55 for a first fluid, and a second inlet port device 57 and a second outlet port device 59 for a second fluid. In turn, the first inlet port device 53 includes a first primary inlet port 53p and a first secondary inlet port 53s, the first outlet port device 55 includes a first primary outlet port 55p and a first secondary outlet port 55s, the second inlet port device 57 includes a second primary inlet port 57p and a second secondary inlet port 57s, and the second outlet port device 59 includes a second primary outlet port 59p and a second secondary outlet port 59s.

[0064] refer to Figure 1a, a first fluid (which is a cooling fluid, for example deionized water) is fed into the apparatus 1 via a first inlet device 61 and fed out of the apparatus 1 via a first outlet device 63. The first inlet device 61 comprises a first main inlet 61p and a first secondary inlet 61s, while the first outlet device 63 comprises a first main outlet 63p and a first secondary outlet 63s. Figure 1b , a second fluid, which is an electrolyte, for example a mixture of water and an alkaline agent such as potassium hydroxide, is supplied into the apparatus 1 via second inlet means 65 and is supplied out of the apparatus 1 via second outlet means 67. The second inlet means 65 comprises a second primary inlet 65p and a second secondary inlet 65s, whereas the second outlet means 67 comprises a second primary outlet 67p and a second secondary outlet 67s.

[0065] The first fluid path P1 for conveying the first fluid through the device 1 comprises a first primary fluid path P1p and a first secondary fluid path P1s. Figure 1a and Figure 4 As shown in dashed lines, a first primary fluid path P1p extends from a first primary inlet 61p into a first primary inlet port 53p, through a first flow channel C1, into a first primary outlet port 55p and to a first primary outlet 63p. A first secondary fluid path P1s extends from a first secondary inlet 61s into a first secondary inlet port 53s, through a first flow channel C1, into a first secondary outlet port 55s and to a first secondary outlet 63s. A second fluid path P2 for conveying a second fluid through the apparatus 1 comprises a second primary fluid path P2p and a second secondary fluid path P2s. Figure 1b and Figure 4 and dotted line, the second main fluid path P2p extends from the second main inlet 65p to the second main inlet port 57p, to the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1, through the corresponding first transfer holes 25 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plates 5a, 5c, ...), to the second main sub-channel C2P, through the second main sub-channel C2P, through the corresponding second transfer holes 35 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plates 5a, 5c, ...), to the first gap I2 outside the first flow channel C1, to the second main outlet port 59p and to the second main outlet 67p. The second secondary fluid path P2s extends from the second secondary inlet 65s to the second secondary inlet port 57s, into the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1, through the corresponding second transfer holes 35 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plates 5b, 5d, ...), into the second secondary sub-channel C2S, through the second secondary sub-channel C2S, through the corresponding first transfer holes 25 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plates 5b, 5d, ...), into the first gap I1s outside the first flow channel C1, into the second secondary outlet port 59s and to the second secondary outlet 67s.

[0066] Reference again Figure 4 , a first fluid (i.e., cooling fluid) is conveyed through the device 1 in ports 53s, 53p, 55s, and 55p, while a second fluid (i.e., electrolyte) is conveyed through the device 1 in ports 57p, 57s, 59p, and 59s. Ports 53s, 53p, 55s, and 55p are arranged at a greater distance from the longitudinal center plane of the device 1 than ports 57p, 57s, 59p, and 59s. This means that the cooling fluid is conveyed on the outside of the electrolyte.

[0067] Thus, a method for electrolysis is performed using apparatus 1. The method comprises the following steps: applying an electric current to apparatus 1 to convert every other heat transfer plate of apparatus 1 (including heat transfer plates 5a and 5c) into an anode, and converting the remaining heat transfer plates of apparatus 1 (including heat transfer plates 5b and 5d) into cathodes. As mentioned above, a sealing arrangement S1 is arranged between the heat transfer plates 5, separating the heat transfer plates 5, in the second interspace I2 of apparatus 1, i.e., between heat transfer plates 5a and 5b, between heat transfer plates 5c and 5d, etc., and divides the second flow channel C2 into a second primary subchannel C2P and a second secondary subchannel C2S. Thus, electrolysis can be performed within the second flow channel C2 of apparatus 1. As also explained above, ports 57p, 57s, 59p, and 59s for the second fluid (i.e., electrolyte) are "lined" with rubber, which minimizes the risk of short circuits between heat transfer plates 5, 5a, which could cause malfunction of apparatus 1.

[0068] As described above, there are two fluid paths for the second fluid (i.e., electrolyte) through the device 1. Therefore, the method includes the steps of supplying a first portion of the second fluid into the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1 and through the first transfer holes 25 of the heat transfer plates 5a, 5c, etc. into the second main sub-channel C2P, and supplying a second portion of the second fluid into the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1 and through the second transfer holes 35 of the heat transfer plates 5b, 5d, etc. into the second secondary sub-channel C2S. In addition, the method includes the steps of supplying the first and second portions of the second fluid through the second flow channel C2, whereby water in the electrolyte is separated into hydrogen and oxygen, and a primary fraction is formed in the second main sub-channel C2P, and a secondary fraction is formed in the second secondary sub-channel C2S, the primary fraction containing more oxygen and less hydrogen than the secondary fraction. A primary fraction of the second fluid is supplied through the second transfer holes 35 of heat transfer plates 5a, 5c, etc., into the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1. A secondary fraction of the second fluid is supplied through the first transfer holes 25 of heat transfer plates 5b, 5d, etc., into the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1. The primary fraction and the secondary fraction are separately discharged from the apparatus 1 via the second primary outlet 67p and the second secondary outlet 67s, respectively. When electrolysis is performed in the second flow channel C2, heat is generated. The method includes the following steps: supplying the first fluid (i.e., deionized water) through the first flow channel C1 (i.e., on both sides of the electrolysis channel C2) to efficiently and evenly transfer the heat generated by the electrolysis from the apparatus 1.

[0069] The hydrogen and oxygen obtained during electrolysis are released in gaseous form as hydrogen bubbles and oxygen bubbles, which, guided by the heat transfer corrugation pattern in the heat transfer area 4 of the heat transfer plate 5, strive to rise, while the second fluid in liquid form descends, so as to generate recirculation in the second flow channel C2. Figure 4 In the second secondary sub-channel C2S, hydrogen bubbles rise within the outer longitudinal portions of the heat transfer area 4 of the heat transfer plates 5b, 5d, etc., while the second fluid, in liquid form, descends within the central longitudinal portions. The protruding second transverse ridges 82 help distribute the second fluid entering from the second transfer holes 35 across the width of the heat transfer plates 5b, 5d, etc., while the protruding first transverse ridges 80 help collect the second fluid across the heat transfer plates 5b, 5d, etc. and transport it toward the first transfer holes 25. In the second primary sub-channel C2P, oxygen bubbles rise within the central longitudinal portions of the heat transfer area 4 of the heat transfer plates 5a, 5c, etc., while the second fluid, in liquid form, descends within the outer longitudinal portions. The protruding first transverse ridges 80 help distribute the second fluid entering from the first transfer holes 25 across the width of the heat transfer plates 5a, 5c, etc., while the protruding second transverse ridges 82 help collect the second liquid across the heat transfer plates 5a, 5c, etc. and transport it toward the second transfer holes 35.

[0070] It should be emphasized that the second fluid is referred to as the second fluid, even if the properties of the second fluid change as the second fluid is fed through the device, and that both the primary fraction and the secondary fraction of the second fluid are referred to as the second fluid, even if their individual components are different and distinct from each other and from the original second fluid. It should be emphasized that all components necessary for the device to function properly, such as power supplies, connections, wiring, control units, valves, pumps, gaskets, sensors, tubing, dosing equipment, etc., are not described herein or shown in the figures. Furthermore, the properties of the various components of the device that are not relevant to the present invention are not described or shown herein.

[0071] Figure 9a Schematically, part of another device 2 for producing hydrogen by electrolysis is shown. There are similarities between devices 1 and 2, and the above description is also valid to some extent for device 2. Device 2 comprises a stack 3 of heat transfer plates of a first type 90 and of heat transfer plates of a second type 92. Figure 10 1. One of the heat transfer plates 90 is shown separately in FIG. The heat transfer plates 90 and 92 are different from the heat transfer plate 5 of the device 1, which means that other components of the device 2 are also different from the corresponding components of the device 1. For example, the device 2 includes a plurality of sealing arrangements S2 that are different from the sealing arrangement S1. Figure 11 One of the sealing arrangements S2 is shown separately in . In the following, we will focus on the main differences of the sealing arrangement S2 compared to the sealing arrangement S1 .

[0072] refer to Figure 10 The heat transfer plate 90 includes a first end portion 11 having a first port hole 17, a third port hole 19, and a fifth port hole 21, and a second end portion 15 having a second port hole 27, a fourth port hole 29, and a sixth port hole 31. The heat transfer plate 90 also includes a first transfer hole 25 and a second transfer hole 35 disposed on the same side of the longitudinal center axis L of the heat transfer plate 90. The respective centers of the first port hole 17 and the second port hole 27 are disposed along the longitudinal center axis L. The first, third, and fifth port holes 17, 19, and 21, as well as the first transfer hole 25, are mirror images of the second, fourth, and sixth port holes 27, 29, and 31, respectively, and the second transfer hole 35, across the transverse center axis T of the heat transfer plate 90. Furthermore, the third port hole 19 and the fourth port hole 29 are mirror images of the fifth port hole 21 and the sixth port hole 31, respectively, across the longitudinal center axis L.

[0073] Among other things, heat transfer plate 92 differs from heat transfer plate 90 in that first and second transfer holes 25 , 35 are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal center axis L on heat transfer plate 92 compared to heat transfer plate 90 .

[0074] refer to Figure 11Sealing arrangement S2 includes an annular outfield gasket portion 86 and six annular ring gasket portions 49 (49a-49f). The annular outfield gasket portion 86 surrounds the outfield gasket area AO. Of the six annular ring gasket portions 49 (49a-49f), the central first and second ring gasket portions 49a, 49b are of the first type described above, and the outer third, fourth, fifth, and sixth ring gasket portions 49c, 49d, 49e, and 49f are of the second type described above. The first, third, and fifth ring gasket portions 49a, 49c, and 49e are mirror images of the second, fourth, and sixth ring gasket portions 49b, 49d, and 49f, respectively, along the transverse center axis TA of the outfield gasket area AO. Furthermore, the third and fourth ring gasket portions 49c and 49d are mirror images of the fifth and sixth ring gasket portions 49e and 49f, respectively, along the longitudinal center axis LA of the outfield gasket area AO.

[0075] refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 In device 2, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth ring gasket portions 49a, 49b, 49c, 49d, 49e and 49f are arranged at corresponding ones of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth port holes 17, 27, 19, 29, 21 and 31 of the heat transfer plates 90 and 92.

[0076] There is a single first fluid path P1 for conveying the first fluid through the device 2. Figure 9a As shown in dashed lines, a first fluid path P1 extends from the first inlet 61 into the first inlet port 53, through the first flow channel C1, into the first outlet port 55 and to the first outlet 63. A second fluid path P2 for conveying a second fluid through the device 1 comprises a second primary fluid path P2p and a second secondary fluid path P2s. Figure 9band dotted line, the second main fluid path P2p extends from the second main inlet 65p to the second main inlet port 57p, to the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1, through the corresponding first transfer holes 25 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., heat transfer plate 92), to the second main sub-channel C2P, through the second main sub-channel C2P, through the corresponding second transfer holes 35 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., heat transfer plate 92), to the first gap I1s outside the first flow channel C1, to the second main outlet port 59p and to the second main outlet 67p. The second secondary fluid path P2s extends from the second secondary inlet 65s to the second secondary inlet port 57s, into the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1, through the corresponding second transfer holes 35 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., heat transfer plate 90), into the second secondary sub-channel C2S, through the second secondary sub-channel C2S, through the corresponding first transfer holes 25 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., heat transfer plate 90), into the first gap I1s outside the first flow channel C1, into the second secondary outlet port 59s and to the second secondary outlet 67s.

[0077] Thus, in device 2, the first fluid is conveyed in ports 53 and 55, while the second fluid is conveyed in ports 57p, 57s, 59p, and 59s. Ports 57p, 57s, 59p, and 59s are arranged at a greater distance from the longitudinal center plane of device 2 than ports 53 and 55. This means that the second fluid is conveyed on the outside of the first fluid.

[0078] The above-described embodiments of the present invention should be regarded as examples only. A person skilled in the art realizes that the discussed embodiments can be modified in many ways without departing from the concept of the present invention.

[0079] In the embodiments described above, the sealing arrangement includes six or eight ring gasket portions. However, the sealing arrangement according to the present invention may include more or fewer ring gasket portions, or even an odd number of ring gasket portions, for example, in connection with an apparatus having a second inlet port device that does not include a second primary inlet port and a second secondary inlet port, as in the embodiments described above, but instead includes only a single second inlet port that communicates with the second primary outlet port and the second secondary outlet port.

[0080] In the embodiments described above, the sealing arrangement comprises an infield gasket portion and an outfield gasket portion, and the membrane is joined to the infield gasket portion. In alternative embodiments, the infield gasket portion may be omitted, and the membrane may instead be joined to the outfield gasket portion, possibly by molding.

[0081] The membrane may be joined to the inner or outer field spacer portion by means other than molding, such as by gluing, clamping or pressing.

[0082] In the embodiments described above, the heat transfer plates are "turned" relative to each other. The sealing arrangement according to the invention can also be designed to be included in a stack with heat transfer plates that are "rotated" relative to each other.

[0083] The membrane may be of other types than those described above, in particular in devices of other types than those described above. As an example, the membrane may be permeable to protons or anions other than hydroxide ions, or other ions than hydroxide ions.

[0084] In the embodiments described above, contact between adjacent pairs of heat transfer plates is prevented by the presence of a sealing arrangement between the plate pairs, the sealing arrangement comprising an insulating outer sheet connecting the second annular field gasket portion and the second annular ring gasket portion. In alternative embodiments, the insulating outer sheet may be omitted, and the heat transfer plates may instead be suitably partially coated with an insulating material to prevent contact between adjacent pairs of heat transfer plates.

[0085] The sealing arrangement may be included in an apparatus for another type of electrolysis besides alkaline water electrolysis (e.g., chlor-alkali electrolysis). Furthermore, the sealing arrangement may be included in an apparatus for applications other than electrolysis, such as an apparatus in the form of a fuel cell. It should be emphasized that the attributes first, second, third, ..., primary, secondary, and A, B, C, ..., etc., are used herein merely to distinguish between items, and do not convey any type of relative order between items, nor do they confer any particular characteristics upon the items.

[0086] It should be emphasized that “receiving”, “supplying”, “connecting” etc. throughout the text respectively mean “directly or indirectly receiving” and “directly or indirectly supplying” and “directly or indirectly connecting”.

[0087] It should be emphasized that details not directly relevant to the present invention have been omitted, and the figures are schematic and not drawn to scale. It should also be noted that some of the figures are more simplified than others. Thus, some components may be shown in one figure but omitted in another.

Claims

1. A sealing arrangement (S1, S2) for sealing between two corrugated heat transfer plates (5, 90, 92), the sealing arrangement (S1, S2) comprising an annular outfield gasket portion (86) and a plurality of annular ring gasket portions (49), the annular outfield gasket portion (86) surrounding an outfield gasket area (AO) extending in a central extension plane (CP) of the outfield gasket portion (86), the plurality of annular ring gasket portions (49) being arranged outside the outfield gasket area (AO), each of the plurality of ring gasket portions (49) surrounding a respective one of a plurality of ring gasket areas (AR1, AR2) smaller than the outfield gasket area (AO), a first ring gasket portion (49a) of the plurality of ring gasket portions (49) , the third ring gasket portion (49c) and the fifth ring gasket portion (49e) are arranged on one side of the transverse center axis (TA) of the external field gasket area (AO), the second ring gasket portion (49b) and the fourth ring gasket portion (49d) of the multiple ring gasket portions (49) are arranged on the other side of the transverse center axis (TA), the third ring gasket portion (49c) and the fifth ring gasket portion (49e) are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal center axis (LA) of the external field gasket area (AO), wherein the sealing arrangement (S1, S2) also includes a separation device (6) extending within the external field gasket area (AO) and enclosing the external field gasket area (AO), and the separation device (6) includes a membrane (45).

2. The sealing arrangement (S1, S2) according to claim 1, wherein The sixth ring gasket portion (49f) among the multiple ring gasket portions (49) is arranged on the same side of the transverse center axis (TA) as the second ring gasket portion (49b) and the fourth ring gasket portion (49d), and the fourth ring gasket portion (49d) and the sixth ring gasket portion (49f) are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal center axis (LA) of the outfield gasket area (AO).

3. The sealing arrangement (S1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The seventh ring gasket portion (49g) among the multiple ring gasket portions (49) is arranged on the same side of the transverse central axis (TA) as the first ring gasket portion (49a), the third ring gasket portion (49c) and the fifth ring gasket portion (49e), and the eighth ring gasket portion (49h) among the multiple ring gasket portions (49) is arranged on the same side of the transverse central axis (TA) as the second ring gasket portion (49b), the fourth ring gasket portion (49d) and the sixth ring gasket portion (49f), the first ring gasket portion (49a) and the seventh ring gasket portion (49g) are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal central axis (LA) of the outfield gasket area (AO), and the second ring gasket portion (49b) and the eighth ring gasket portion (49h) are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal central axis (LA) of the outfield gasket area (AO).

4. The sealing arrangement (S1, S2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The separator device (6) further includes an infield spacer portion (43) surrounded by the outfield spacer portion (86) and an insulating inner sheet (88) extending between the infield spacer portion (43) and the outfield spacer portion (86), wherein the infield spacer portion (42) is bonded to the membrane (45).

5. The sealing arrangement (S1, S2) according to claim 4, wherein The infield pad portion (43) is annular and surrounds an infield pad area (AI), and wherein the membrane (45) extends within the infield pad area (AI).

6. The sealing arrangement (S1, S2) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein The outfield spacer portion (86) and the infield spacer portion (43) are made of different materials.

7. The sealing arrangement (S1, S2) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein The membrane (45) is molded into the infield spacer portion (43).

8. The sealing arrangement (S1, S2) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an isolating outer sheet (51) extending outside the outfield gasket portion (86) and the plurality of ring gasket portions (49) and connecting the outfield gasket portion (86) and the plurality of ring gasket portions (49).

9. The sealing arrangement (S1, S2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The third annular gasket portion (49c) includes an annular port hole gasket portion (18) that protrudes further from the central extension plane (CP) of the outfield gasket portion (86) in a first direction (D1) perpendicular to the central extension plane (CP) than the outfield gasket portion (86).

10. The sealing arrangement (S1, S2) according to claim 9, wherein The third annular gasket portion (49c) further comprises an annular middle portion (20) surrounding the port hole gasket portion (18) and an annular outer portion (22) surrounding the middle portion (20), wherein the port hole gasket portion (18) protrudes further from the central extension plane (CP) of the outfield gasket portion (86) in the first direction (D1) than the middle portion (20) and the outer portion (22).

11. The sealing arrangement (S1, S2) according to claim 10, wherein The outer portion (22) protrudes further from the central extension plane (CP) of the outfield pad portion (86) in the first direction (D1) than the middle portion (20).

12. The sealing arrangement (S1, S2) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein The third annular gasket portion (49c) includes a number of fluid flow grooves (94) extending through the port hole gasket portion (18) in a direction from the annular gasket area (AR2) to an outside of the port hole gasket portion (18).

13. The sealing arrangement (S1, S2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first annular spacer portion (49a) includes an annular inner portion (8), an annular middle portion (10) surrounding the inner portion (8), and an annular outer portion (12) surrounding the middle portion (10), wherein the middle portion (10) and the outer portion (12) protrude further from the central extension plane (CP) of the outfield spacer portion (86) than the inner portion (8).

14. The sealing arrangement (S1, S2) according to claim 13, wherein The first ring gasket portion (49a) includes at least one leakage groove (16) extending through the outer portion (12) from the inner side to the outer side of the outer portion (12).

15. The sealing arrangement (S1, S2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The outfield pad portion (86) includes a separate first long side portion (l1) and a second long side portion (l2) extending along the longitudinal center axis (LA) of the outfield pad area (86), and a separate first short side portion (s1) and a second short side portion (s2) each connecting the first long side portion (l1) and the second long side portion (l2), wherein the distance between the first short side portion (s1) and the second short side portion (s2) varies along the transverse center axis (TA) of the heat transfer plate (5, 90, 92), and the distance is measured parallel to the longitudinal center axis (LA).

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