Assembly for an electrolysis cell

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (100) for an electrolysis cell, the assembly comprising: • a support (101) intended to be removably mounted within the electrolysis cell (1000); • electrodes (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) for salt electrolysis, the electrodes (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) being arranged in a region (Zl) intended to be positioned in a saline medium; • electrical connection terminals (102, 103) extending through the support (101) and fixed to the support (101); for each electrode (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d), an electrical link between the electrode (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) and one of the electrical connection terminals (102, 103), the assembly (100) for an electrolysis cell being configured to ensure sealing between the electrical link and the saline medium.

Description

Assembly for electrolysis cell Technical field of the invention

[0001] The technical field of the invention is that of salt electrolysis. More particularly, the invention relates to an assembly for an electrolysis cell comprising electrodes and electrical connection terminals. Prior art

[0002] Salt electrolysis is a method of generating chlorine from salt water, for example from a swimming pool, to disinfect it.

[0003] In the field of salt electrolysis, it is known to use electrodes within an electrolysis cell. These electrodes pass through a wall of the electrolysis cell in order to present: • a section in a saline environment where salt water circulates and where the electrolysis process takes place; and • a section outside the saline environment where the electrodes are connected to the connectors of a salt electrolyzer comprising the electrolysis cell. The wall is typically overmolded onto the electrodes (the wall may then be made of plastic), or bonded to these electrodes using resin, to ensure that the electrodes are held in place relative to the wall and to ensure a satisfactory seal of the electrolyzer connections against the saline environment.

[0004] To enable electrolysis, each electrode may include a metal plate, preferably made of titanium for its corrosion / oxidation resistance, suitable for use in saline environments. The metal plate is coated with a material suitable for electrolysis, such as a precious metal, which will be consumed in the electrolysis process. The electrolysis cell described above is typically discarded when it malfunctions or when the electrolysis-compatible material is consumed to such an extent that chlorine production is no longer satisfactory.

[0005] For environmental reasons, there is a need to recycle metal plates to form a new coating of material suitable for electrolysis, with the aim of reusing the metal plates. However, due to the bonded or molded design of the electrodes to the cell wall, it is necessary to destroy the electrolysis cell to recover the metal plates. This is unsatisfactory because it results in material loss, albeit negligible compared to the cost of the metal plates, and complicates recycling because destructive methods must be used without damaging the metal plates. Consequently, electrolysis cells are typically discarded and replaced.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to improve the durability of an electrolysis cell by allowing its maintenance and easy replacement of one or more of its electrodes. Object of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims at an assembly for an electrolysis cell which is sustainable.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to an assembly for an electrolysis cell comprising: • a support intended to be mounted removably within the electrolysis cell; • electrodes for salt electrolysis, the electrodes being arranged in a region intended to be positioned in a saline environment; • electrical connection terminals extending through the support and fixed to the support; • for each electrode, an electrical link between said electrode and one of the electrical connection terminals, the electrolysis cell assembly being configured to ensure a seal between said electrical link and the saline environment. Positioning the electrodes in the area intended for immersion in the saline solution facilitates their removal. The fact that the electrolysis cell assembly is designed to ensure a seal between the electrical connection and the saline solution protects the electrical contacts, preventing oxidation that would be detrimental to the cell's operation.

[0009] The electrolysis cell assembly may further include one or more of the following features.

[0010] According to a characteristic of the electrolysis cell assembly, the electrolysis cell assembly includes spacers connecting each of the two electrodes, and the electrolysis cell assembly is such that: • the electrodes are divided into a first set of electrodes electrically connected to a first terminal of the electrical connection terminals and into a second set of electrodes electrically connected to a second terminal of the electrical connection terminals; • the electrodes of the first set of electrodes are connected in pairs by one of the spacers; • the electrodes of the second set of electrodes are connected in pairs by one of the spacers; each spacer comprising an electrically conductive body having, for each of the two electrodes it connects, an electrical contact zone in electrical contact with said one of the two electrodes, and being configured to ensure a seal around the two electrical contact zones of its body.

[0011] This specific arrangement ensures conductivity when multiple electrodes are connected to the same electrical terminal, thereby increasing chlorine production capacity. The fact that each spacer provides a seal helps keep the electrical connections dry, preventing oxidation when the electrodes are immersed in a saline environment.

[0012] According to a characteristic of the assembly for electrolysis cell, for at least one of the spacers, the sealing around the electrical contact areas of the body of said at least one of the spacers with the two electrodes connected by said at least one of the spacers is ensured by a sealing gasket of said at least one of the spacers, said sealing gasket being integral with the body and being in contact with the two electrodes connected by said at least one of the spacers.

[0013] This has the advantage of protecting the body at its periphery between the two electrodes that the spacer connects.

[0014] According to a characteristic of the assembly for electrolysis cell, said sealing gasket is formed on said body by overmolding.

[0015] This simplifies production, as the annular seal is directly positioned in the correct location in a reproducible manner using a suitable mold. Furthermore, it also facilitates handling of the spacer during maintenance of the electrolysis cell assembly, as it behaves like a single, integrated component despite being made of different materials.

[0016] According to a characteristic of the assembly for electrolysis cell, for at least one of the spacers, the sealing around the electrical contact areas of the body of said at least one of the spacers with the two electrodes connected by said at least one of the spacers is ensured by two seals of said at least one of the spacers, each, on the one hand, in contact with the body of said at least one of the spacers and, on the other hand, in contact with one of the two electrodes connected by said at least one of the spacers.

[0017] This solution is inexpensive to manufacture because the seals can be simple ones, for example O-rings.

[0018] According to a feature of the electrolysis cell assembly, each of the two seals of said at least one of the spacers is engaged on the body of said at least one of the spacers in a removable manner.

[0019] This allows for a change of seals to increase the durability of the entire electrolysis cell assembly while retaining the body of said cell, at least one of the spacers, which is a more expensive part.

[0020] According to a feature of the electrolysis cell assembly, the body of said at least one of the spacers includes a collar, and the two joints of said at least one of the spacers are separated by the collar of the body.

[10021] The presence of the collar makes it easier to remove the seals because they are more easily accessible.

[0022] According to a characteristic of the assembly for electrolysis cells: • one of the electrodes of the first set of electrodes is a first electrode comprising a contact surface in electrical contact with the first terminal; • it includes a first sealing element to seal the contact surface of the first electrode and is clamped between the first electrode and the first terminal; • one of the electrodes of the second set of electrodes is a second electrode comprising a contact surface in electrical contact with the second terminal; • It includes a second sealing element to seal the contact surface of the second electrode and is clamped between the second electrode and the second terminal.

[0023] This ensures a seal at the corresponding electrical connection terminal and the corresponding electrode in electrical contact with that electrical connection terminal.

[0024] According to a characteristic of the electrolysis cell assembly, the electrolysis cell assembly includes: • a first assembly device ensuring that the electrodes of the first set of electrodes are held in relation to the first terminal and inducing a tightening so as to help ensure the sealing between the electrical links of the electrodes of the first set of electrodes with the first terminal in relation to the saline environment; • a second assembly device ensuring that the electrodes of the second set of electrodes are held in relation to the second terminal and inducing a tightening so as to help ensure the sealing between the electrical links of the electrodes of the second set of electrodes with the second terminal in relation to the saline environment.

[0025] This allows for satisfactory sealing with two electrical connection terminals. It also allows for the use of only two electrical connection terminals to reduce the overall size.

[0026] According to a characteristic of the assembly for electrolysis cells: • the first assembly device comprises a rod, a first support element and a second support element attached to the rod; • the rod passes through, between the first and second support elements: o the first marker; o the electrodes of the first set of electrodes spaced apart from the first terminal; and o the spacer or each spacer connecting two of the electrodes of the first set of electrodes; The complete electrolysis cell assembly includes: • a first sealing element arranged in contact with the first support element and the first terminal; and • a second sealing element arranged in contact with the second support element and one of the electrodes of the first set of electrodes distal to the first terminal; so as to participate, for each electrode of the first set of electrodes, in the sealing of the electrical link between said electrode of the first set of electrodes and the first terminal, at least one of the first and second support elements being a blind nut screwed onto the rod.

[0027] This allows the electrodes to be easily disassembled for recycling to form a new active coating.

[0028] According to a characteristic of the electrolysis cell assembly, the electrolysis cell assembly comprises as many electrical connection terminals as electrodes, each electrical connection terminal being electrically connected to only one of the electrodes, each electrical connection terminal comprising a body arranged in the region intended to receive the saline medium, said body comprising an opening leading into a housing provided in said body, said electrical connection terminal comprising an electrical contact element positioned at the housing, said electrical connection terminal comprising a sealing element arranged at the periphery of the opening, the electrode electrically connected to said electrical connection terminal being pressed against the sealing element and against the electrical contact element so that the housing is sealed against the saline medium, from which it results that the electrical contact element is dry.

[0029] This solution provides total protection of the electrical contact element for improved durability of the electrical connection terminal.

[0030] The invention also relates to an electrolysis cell comprising an assembly for an electrolysis cell as described, and a vessel for the circulation of salt water, the electrodes being arranged at least partly in the vessel.

[0031] Such an electrolysis cell can be easily repaired / maintained and has good durability.

[0032] The invention also relates to an electrolyzer comprising an electrolysis cell as described.

[0033] Such an electrolyzer can be easily repaired / maintained and has good durability.

[0034] Other advantages and features may emerge from the detailed description that follows. Brief description of the drawings

[0035] The invention will be better understood upon reading the detailed description that follows, given only as a non-limiting example and made with reference to the attached drawings listed below.

[0036] Figure 1 represents a perspective view of an assembly for an electrolysis cell according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0037] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the assembly for the electrolysis cell of Figure 1.

[0038] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the assembly for an electrolysis cell according to another particular embodiment of the invention.

[0039] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an electrical connection terminal of the electrolysis cell assembly as shown in Figure 3.

[0040] Figure 5 schematically illustrates an electrolyzer comprising an electrolysis cell including the electrolysis cell assembly of Figure 1.

[0041] Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the electrolysis cell shown in Figure 5.

[0042] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a spacer used in the electrolysis cell assembly of Figure 1.

[0043] Figure 8 schematically illustrates a variant of the spacer in Figure 7 associated with two adjacent electrodes.

[0044] Figure 9 schematically illustrates another type of spacer that can be considered within the assembly for an electrolysis cell.

[0045] Figure 10 schematically illustrates another type of spacer that can be considered within the assembly for an electrolysis cell.

[0046] Figure 11 schematically illustrates the assembly for a bipolar electrolysis cell.

[0047] In these figures, the same references are used to designate the same elements. The elements represented in the different figures are not necessarily drawn to scale in order to facilitate understanding of the figures. Detailed description

[0048] In this description, "between two values" means a range of values ​​including said two values.

[0049] An assembly 100 for an electrolysis cell 1000, for example as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 according to a first embodiment and in Figure 3 according to a second embodiment, includes a support 101 intended to be removably mounted within the electrolysis cell 1000. This support 101 supports the electrical connection terminals 102 and 103 included in the assembly 100 for the electrolysis cell 1000. The electrical connection terminals 102 and 103 extend through the support 101 and are fixed to it. For example, the support 101 can be made of a material overmolded onto the electrical connection terminals 102 and 103 to ensure a seal against a saline environment and adequate retention of the electrical connection terminals 102 and 103, or, for the same reasons, of a material bonded to the connection terminals 102 and 103 with a resin. In particular, this material forming the support 101 will, of course, be electrically insulating.

[0050] Assembly 100 for electrolysis cell 1000 includes electrodes 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d for salt electrolysis. Electrodes 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d are arranged in a region ZI (shown as dashed lines in Figures 1 and 3) of assembly 100 for electrolysis cell 1000 intended to be positioned in the saline environment.

[0051] The term "saline medium" refers to a medium containing salt. Specifically, a saline medium is salt water intended to undergo an electrolysis reaction to to produce chlorine according to a disinfectant species which is described below.

[0052] By electrodes 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d for salt electrolysis, it is understood that these electrodes 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d are configured for: • to allow the electrolysis reaction, each of the electrodes 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d includes for this purpose a metal plate forming a support and a coating of material suitable for electrolysis (also called active coating and which may include a metal alloy and a catalyst such as ruthenium oxide or iridium oxide) covering all or part of the metal plate; • resist corrosion, especially for the metal plate of each of the electrodes 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d. Thus, the metal plate can be made of a metal such as titanium, stainless steel, or aluminum, all of which are particularly well-suited to saline environments because they offer good resistance to corrosion and oxidation. Titanium will be preferred due to its superior resistance to corrosion and oxidation.

[0053] For each electrode 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, the assembly 100 for the 1000 electrolysis cell includes an electrical link between said electrode 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d and one of the electrical connection terminals 102, 103. The assembly 100 for the 1000 electrolysis cell is configured to ensure a seal between said electrical link and the saline environment, which is typically oxidizing / corrosive to metals.

[0054] Each electrical link is then arranged in the region intended to be positioned in the saline environment.

[0055] The fact that the electrical connection terminals 102 and 103 pass through the support 101, and that the electrodes 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d are arranged in the ZI region intended to be positioned in the saline environment, allows for the recovery / disassembly of the electrodes 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d / metal plates without destroying the entire assembly 100 for the electrolysis cell 1000 (particularly its support 101). This allows for the application of a new layer of active coating to these metal plates, enabling their reuse when they are no longer functional, for example, because the active coating has been consumed by the salt water electrolysis reaction to such an extent that chlorine production is no longer satisfactory. This thus creates a more virtuous cycle for the environment.

[0056] In other words, generally speaking, the electrodes 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d are each removable from the electrical connection terminal 102, 103 to which the corresponding electrode 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d is connected via the corresponding electrical link.

[0057] The electrodes used in electrolysis cells are, due to their intended use in a saline environment, designed to resist corrosion. Therefore, for those skilled in the art, there is no incentive to further prevent electrode corrosion: the prevailing assumption is that the choice of electrode material (particularly the metal plate) is sufficient for the application and the lifespan of the electrolysis cells. However, within the scope of this study... invention, with the aim of increasing the reuse time of the metal plates of the electrodes 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, although they already tend naturally to oppose corrosion, it is planned to seal the electrical links, to avoid the passivation of the contacts implemented within these electrical links, with respect to the saline environment in order to further increase the life of the metal plates in particular in the context where they are intended to be "recharged" with active coating for the operation of salt electrolysis.

[0058] Furthermore, avoiding passivation makes the 1000 electrolysis cell more robust, thus avoiding failures that could occur if electrical contacts passivate in the saline environment.

[0059] Enabling sealing between electrical links and the saline environment therefore improves the lifespan of the path taken by the electric current between electrodes 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d and terminals 102, 103 of electrical connection.

[0060] For example, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3, the electrical connection terminals 102, 103 each pass through the support 101 such that each presents a first portion 102a, 103a extending from a first face 101a of the support 101 (facing the ZI region intended to be positioned in the saline environment) and a second portion 102b, 103b extending from a second face 101b of the support 101 opposite the first face 101a of the support 101. It is then possible to connect the electrodes 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d reversibly (i.e., detachably) to the first portions 102a, 103a of the electrical connection terminals 102, 103 in the ZI region intended to be positioned in the saline environment, while allowing, on the other side of the support 101, to connect these electrical connection terminals 102, 103 to a control unit 2001 of an electrolyzer 2000 (for example using an electrical cable 2002) via their second part 102b, 103b (figure 5).

[0061] The invention also relates to the 1000 electrolysis cell comprising the assembly 100 for the 1000 electrolysis cell as described in this detailed description.

[0062] For example, the electrolysis cell 1000, a particular embodiment of which is illustrated in figures 5 and 6, includes a cavity 1001 in which electrodes 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d are arranged. This cavity 1001 is intended to be traversed by salt water so that the electrodes 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, in an operating configuration of the electrolysis cell 1000, can generate chlorine.

[0063] More generally, the electrolysis cell 1000 includes a vessel 1002 for the circulation of salt water, in particular allowing to delimit at least in part the aforementioned cavity 1001, the electrodes 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d being arranged at least in part in the vessel 1002, in particular on the passage of salt water.

[0064] This vessel 1002 includes an inlet 1003 for salt water, and an outlet 1004 for salt water containing the generated chlorine. For example, in figures 5 and 6, pipes 1005 and 1006 for circulating the salt water are connected respectively to the inlet 1003 and outlet 1004.

[0065] The vessel 1002 may include an opening 1007 for mounting the assembly 100 for the electrolysis cell 1000. The electrodes 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d are inserted through the opening 1007, and the support 101 is clamped against a seal 1008 of the electrolysis cell 1000, which is interposed between the support 101 and an edge 1009 of the opening 1007. The vessel 1002 includes a thread 1010 onto which a ring 1011 of the electrolysis cell 1000 is screwed. This ring 1011 rests on the support 101 so as to clamp the seal 1008 between the support 101 and the edge 1009 of the opening 1007 for sealing purposes.

[0066] The 1000 electrolysis cell can of course include a cover 1012 to protect and seal the connection (not shown) linking the terminals 102, 103 of electrical connection to an energy source for the electrodes 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d.

[0067] Such a 1000 electrolysis cell has the advantage of being easily disassembled.

[0068] The invention also relates to the electrolyzer 2000, which includes the electrolysis cell 1000 (see, for example, Figure 5). The electrolyzer 2000 includes, for example, the control unit 2001, which comprises the means for controlling and powering the electrolysis cell 1000 in order to generate the desired chlorine in the appropriate manner.

[0069] An example of implementing the first embodiment is now described in more detail. For this purpose, the assembly 100 for the electrolysis cell 1000 may include spacers 105a, 105b, each connecting two of the electrodes 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d. The electrodes 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d are divided into a first set of electrodes 104a, 104c electrically connected to a first terminal 102 of the electrical connection terminals 102, 103, and a second set of electrodes 104b, 104d electrically connected to a second terminal 103 of the electrical connection terminals 102, 103. The first and second terminals 102, 103 are, of course, separate. The electrodes 104a, 104c of the first set of electrodes are connected in pairs (i.e., in pairs / couples) by one of the spacers 105a. The electrodes 104b, 104d of the second set of electrodes are connected in pairs by one of the spacers 105b.

[0070] In general, by "the electrodes of a set (the first set and / or the second set) of electrodes are connected two by two by one of the spacers", it is understood that these electrodes are staggered along a separation axis and that for any pair of adjacent electrodes along this axis, there is the presence of a spacer which connects, electrically as described below, the two electrodes of this pair of electrodes.

[0071] To this end, each spacer 105a, 105b comprises an electrically conductive body 106 having, for each of the two electrodes it connects, an electrical contact area 107a, 107b in electrical contact with said one of the two electrodes it connects. Furthermore, each spacer 105a, 105b is configured to provide a seal around the two electrical contact areas 107a, 107b of its body 106.

[0072] For example, the electrically conductive body 106 is made of titanium, this allowing it to be protected when the body 106 is exposed to a saline environment. Preferably, the body 106 is made of the same material as the metal plates of the electrodes 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d.

[0073] More specifically, it is possible to define: • a first arrangement comprising the electrodes 104a, 104c of the first set of electrodes and the spacer(s) 105a which allow the electrodes 104a, 104c of the first set of electrodes to be connected in pairs; • a second arrangement comprising the electrodes 104b, 104d of the second set of electrodes and the spacer(s) 105b which allow the electrodes 104b, 104d of the second set of electrodes to be connected in pairs.

[0074] In Figures 1 and 2, each of the first and second electrode sets comprises two electrodes (where applicable, 104a, 104c or 104b, 104d) separated by one of the corresponding spacers 105a, 105b. The number of electrodes shown in Figures 1 and 2 is purely illustrative. More generally, each of the first and second electrode sets can comprise n electrodes, where n is an integer greater than or equal to two. In this case, n-1 spacer(s) are used for each electrode set.

[0075] One advantage of this multi-electrode solution, with electrodes connected to a single electrical terminal, is that it improves chlorine generation capacity while also increasing efficiency. Indeed, the larger the electrode surface area exposed to the saline environment, the greater the chlorine generation capacity. However, the larger a given electrode, the greater the ohmic losses with distance from the electrical terminal to which it is connected; therefore, for reasons of efficiency, a multi-electrode solution (with electrodes connected to the same electrical terminal), whose combined surface area is equivalent to that of a single electrode, is preferred over a single-electrode solution.

[0076] It has been mentioned above that each spacer 105a, 105b is configured to ensure a seal around the two electrical contact areas 107a, 107b of its body 106. The purpose of this seal is to prevent the passage of salt water at an interface between the body 106 of the spacer 105a, 105b and the corresponding electrodes in order to oppose the corrosion of the electrical contact areas 107a, 107b of the body 106 of this spacer 105a, 105b and of corresponding portions of the electrodes in contact with the body 106 of this spacer 105a, 105b.

[0077] At the point of an electrical contact, with one of the electrical connection terminals or with one of the spacers, the metal plate can directly ensure contact for an effective connection (in this case the active coating does not cover the entire metal plate), although contact can also be ensured by the active coating.

[0078] Various forms of spacer 105a, 105b adapted to the implementation of these electrical connection and sealing functions are now described.

[0079] At least one of the spacers 105a, 105b may include two seals 108a, 108b. In this case, the sealing around the electrical contact areas 107a, 107b of the body 106 of said at least one of the spacers 105a, 105b with the two electrodes connected by said at least one of the spacers 105a, 105b is ensured by the two seals 108a, 108b of said at least one of the spacers 105a, 105b, each, on the one hand, in contact with the body 106 of said at least one of the spacers 105a, 105b and, on the other hand, in contact with one of the two electrodes connected by said at least one of the spacers 105a, 105b. The two electrodes connected by at least one of the spacers 105a, 105b are then each in contact with one of the corresponding seals 108a, 108b. Such a spacer 105a, 105b is illustrated in particular in Figures 2, 7 according to one specific embodiment, in Figure 8 according to another specific embodiment, and in Figure 9 according to yet another specific embodiment.The two seals 108a, 108b then allow to form locally a suitable seal, in particular when they are tightened by and between the body 106 and the corresponding electrode.

[0080] For example, the seals 108a, 108b are annular seals, preferably toroidal (figures 2, 7 and 8), in order to surround the corresponding electrical contact area 107a, 107b of the body 106. In figure 9, the seals 108a, 108b are annular seals overmolded onto the body 106 of the spacer 105a, 105b.

[0081] One aim being to be able to easily replace the electrodes of assembly 100 for electrolysis cell 1000, it may be necessary to change the seal(s) 108a, 108b, either preventively or when they are damaged, in order to protect the electrical contact area(s) 107a, 107b. For this purpose, each of the two seals 108a, 108b of at least one of the spacers 105a, 105b can be removably engaged on the body 106 of at least one of the spacers 105a, 105b. Each of the two seals 108a, 108b can be held by friction on at least one of the spacers 105a, 105b. This is notably the case in Figures 2, 7, and 8.

[0082] As illustrated by way of example in Figures 2 and 7, the body 106 of said at least one of the spacers 105 may include a collar 109, and the two seals 108a, 108b of said at least one of the spacers 105a, 105b are separated by the collar 109 from the body 106. Combined with the fact that the two seals 108a, 108b are removable, this makes it easier to remove them for replacement if necessary.

[0083] Thus, the body 106 of said one minus one of the spacers 105a, 105b can be seen as a part presenting successively, from one of its two electrical contact zones 107a and towards the other of its two electrical contact zones 107b: • a first cylindrical part of a first diameter comprising said one of its two 107a electrical contact zones; • a second cylindrical part having a second diameter strictly greater than the first diameter; • a third cylindrical part having a third diameter strictly smaller than the second diameter (and preferably equal to the first diameter) and comprising the other of its two zones 107b of electrical contact; The change in diameter between the second diameter and the first and third diameters forming the aforementioned collar 109. Thus, the seals 108a, 108b can be compressed appropriately between the collar 109 and the corresponding electrode.

[0084] According to another embodiment, for example of the type shown in Figure 8, the body 106 of at least one of the spacers 105a, 105b may be a part, for example cylindrical and in particular formed by a right cylinder (i.e., with a cross-section in the shape of a circle), comprising two opposite faces, each comprising an annular groove (or channel) in which one of the corresponding seals 108a, 108b is engaged. According to this embodiment, it is visible in Figure 8: • the two opposing electrical contact zones 107a, 107b protected by the seals 108a, 108b; • Two regions 110a, 110b of the body 106, each coplanar with one of the two electrical contact zones 107a, 107b, and separated from said one of the two electrical contact zones 107a, 107b by the annular groove; Thus, it is understood here that the two regions 110a, 110b will each come into contact with one of the two electrodes 104a, 104c connected by said at least one of the spacers 105a, 105b, and will thus participate in the electrical connection with these two electrodes. Over time, in the event of corrosion of these regions 110a, 110b, it is irrelevant that they may no longer be able to make satisfactory electrical contact with the electrodes, since this will then be satisfactorily achieved via the opposing electrical contact zones 107a, 107b.Preferably, the regions 110a, 110b of the body 106 are set back from its two electrical contact zones 107a, 107b so as to always remain at a distance from the electrodes with which the two electrical contact zones 107a, 107b are in contact: this ensures that the contact with the corresponding electrodes is made dry by the two electrical contact zones 107a, 107b.

[0085] According to figure 9, the two seals 108a, 108b overmolded on the body 106 are not removable, this makes it easier to handle the spacer 105a, 105b when dismantling the assembly 100 for electrolysis cell 1000 (no risk of loss of the seals 108a, 108b).

[0086] According to another embodiment, one or more spacers 105a, 105b may include a sealing gasket 108 around its body 106, this sealing gasket 108 being in contact with the two electrodes that the spacer 105a, 105b connects. This allows the body 106 to be protected radially around its periphery between the two electrodes that the body 106 electrically connects.

[0087] In other words, for at least one of the spacers 105a, 105b, the seal around the electrical contact areas 107a, 107b of the body 106 of said at least one of the spacers 105a, 105b with the two electrodes connected by said at least one of the spacers 105a, 105b is ensured by the sealing gasket 108, in particular an annular gasket, of said at least one of the spacers 105a, 105b, said sealing gasket 108 being integral with the body 106 and being in contact with the two electrodes connected by said at least one spacers 105a, 105b. Such an embodiment is notably visible in figure 10 showing a spacer 105a, 105b whose body 106 is intended to be in electrical contact with the two electrodes 104a, 104c via its electrical contact zones 107a, 107b and is surrounded by the sealing gasket 108.

[0088] The sealing gasket 108 is preferably formed on the body 106 by overmolding. For this purpose, the sealing gasket 108 can be made of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (also known by the abbreviation NBR for "Nitrile Butadiene Rubber") or of fluorinated rubber (a fluoroelastomer material based on fluorocarbons, also known as FKM). FKM has the advantage of good chemical resistance to salt water and is therefore preferred.

[0089] Alternatively, the sealing gasket 108 can be engaged on the body in a removable manner.

[0090] What applies to said at least one of the spacers 105a, 105b may apply to several of the spacers 105a, 105b or to each of the spacers 105a, 105b.

[0091] The method of sealing between adjacent electrodes within the same electrode set has been described above. It follows from the above that, for each of the first and second electrode sets, one of the electrodes in the relevant electrode set may be in electrical contact with one of the corresponding electrical connection terminals, and that this electrical contact must be kept dry when the assembly 100 for the 1000 electrolysis cell is used in a saline environment. For this purpose, for example, as shown in Figure 2, the assembly 100 for the 1000 electrolysis cell may be such that: • one of the electrodes 104a of the first set of electrodes is a first electrode 104a comprising a contact surface 111 in electrical contact with the first terminal 102; • it includes a first sealing element 112 for sealing (for example arranged peripherally) the contact surface 111 of the first electrode 104a and clamped between the first electrode 104a and the first terminal 102 (for this purpose, the first sealing element 112 can be arranged peripherally / around the contact surface 111 of the first electrode 104a to ensure a seal around the contact surface 111 of the first electrode 104a); • one of the electrodes 104b of the second set of electrodes is a second electrode 104b comprising a contact surface 113 in electrical contact with the second terminal 103; • It includes a second sealing element 114 for sealing the contact surface 113 of the second electrode 104b and clamped between the second electrode 104b and the second terminal 103 (for this purpose, the second sealing element 114 can be arranged on the periphery / around the contact surface 113 of the second electrode 104b to ensure a seal around the contact surface 113 of the second electrode 104b).

[0092] The first sealing element 112 and the second sealing element 114 can each be an annular seal, in particular an O-ring.

[0093] The first and second arrangements have been described above. Of course, in order to ensure a satisfactory seal between the electrodes and a corresponding spacer; and / or between one of the electrodes and the first or second corresponding terminal, there is a need to maintain these first and second arrangements within the assembly 100 for cell 1000 of electrolysis.

[0094] For this purpose, the set 100 for a 1000 electrolysis cell may include: • a first assembly device 115 ensuring that the electrodes 104a, 104c of the first set of electrodes are held in relation to the first terminal 102 and inducing a tightening so as to help ensure the sealing between the, in particular each of the, electrical links of the electrodes 104a, 104c of the first set of electrodes with the first terminal 102 in relation to the saline environment; • a second assembly device 116 ensuring that the electrodes 104b, 104d of the second set of electrodes are held in relation to the second terminal 103 and inducing a tightening so as to help ensure the sealing between the, in particular each of the, electrical links of the electrodes 104b, 104d of the second set of electrodes with the second terminal 103 in relation to the saline environment.

[0095] In particular, the first clamping device 115 can induce the clamping of the spacer or each spacer 105a connecting two of the electrodes 104a, 104c of the first set of electrodes, and where applicable of the first sealing element 112 in order to form sealed interfaces to keep the electrical connections with the first terminal 102 dry.

[0096] More specifically, the second clamping device 116 can induce the clamping of the spacer or each spacer 105b connecting two of the electrodes 104b, 104d of the second set of electrodes, and where appropriate of the second sealing element 114 in order to form sealed interfaces to keep the electrical links with the second terminal 103 dry.

[0097] Thus, in addition to holding, the first and second assembly devices 115, 116 allow the first arrangement and the second arrangement to be tightened respectively against the first terminal 102 and the second terminal 103 to adequately compress, where appropriate, the seals 108a, 108b, 108, the first and second sealing elements 112, 114 in order to keep the aforementioned electrical links dry.

[0098] A particular realization of the first assembly device 115 is now described.

[0099] The first assembly device 115 may include a rod 118, a first support element 119 and a second support element 120 attached to the rod 118.

[0100] The rod 118 passes between the first and second support elements 119, 120: • the first marker 102; • electrodes 104a, 104c of the first set of electrodes staggered from the first terminal 102; and • the or each spacer 105a connecting two of the electrodes 104a, 104c of the first set of electrodes (more particularly, for the or each spacer 105a, the rod 118 passes through the body 106 of said spacer 105a, the seals 108a, 108b of said spacer 105a or the sealing seal 108 of said spacer 105a which then surround the rod 118).

[0101] The 100-piece set for the 1000 electrolysis cell includes: • a first sealing element 121 arranged in contact with the first support element 119 and the first terminal 102 (the first sealing element 121 is notably traversed by the rod 118 which it surrounds); and • a second sealing element 122 arranged in contact with the second support element 120 and one of the electrodes 104c of the first set of electrodes distal to the first terminal 102 (the second sealing element 122 is notably traversed by the rod 118 which it surrounds); so as to participate, for each electrode 104a, 104c of the first set of electrodes, in the sealing of the electrical link between said electrode 104a, 104c of the first set of electrodes and the first terminal 102.At least one of the first and second support elements 119, 120 is a blind nut screwed onto the rod 118, so as not to have to seal the thread of the rod 118, the other of the first and second support elements 119, 120 preferentially coming from the material with the rod 118 and being preferentially screwed to the first terminal 102.

[0102] In fact, the first and second support elements 119, 120 serve to ensure the tightening of the first arrangement.

[0103] In particular, as illustrated in Figure 2, the second support element 120 can be the cap nut screwed onto the rod 118, which compresses the second sealing element 122. The first support element 119 can then be fixed relative to the rod 118 and screwed to the first terminal 102 using a screw 135 in order to compress the first sealing element 121 and prevent rotation of the rod.

[0104] The presence of the first and second sealing elements 121, 122 prevents salt water from infiltrating through the rod 118, thus keeping the corresponding electrical connections dry. In other words, with a different type of first assembly device 115 that provides clamping without passing through the spacers 105a, the seals 108a, 108b, or the annular seal 108, and the first sealing element 112 could be sufficient to keep the corresponding electrical connections dry.

[0105] In fact, the first and second sealing elements 121, 122 allow, when compressed, to close and seal a bolt formed by the first and second support elements 119, 120 and the rod 118. As a result, the electrical contact areas 107a, 107b and the contact surface 111 remain dry.

[0106] The first sealing element 121 and the sealing element 122 can each be an annular seal, in particular an O-ring.

[0107] The corollary also applies to the second assembly device 116. In other words, the second assembly device 116 may comprise a rod 123, a first support element 124, and a second support element 125, all fixed to the rod 123. The rod 123 passes between the first and second support elements 124 and 125: • the second terminal 103; • electrodes 104b, 104d of the second set of electrodes staggered from the second terminal 103; and • the or each spacer 105b connecting two of the electrodes 104b, 104d of the second set of electrodes (more particularly, for the or each spacer 105b, the rod 123 passes through the body 106 of said spacer 105b, the seals 108a, 108b of said spacer 105b or the sealing seal 108 of said spacer 105b which then surround the rod 123). The set 100 for a 1000 electrolysis cell then includes: • a first sealing element 126 arranged in contact with the first support element 124 and the second terminal 103 (the first sealing element 126 is notably traversed by the rod 123 which it surrounds); and • a second sealing element 127 arranged in contact with the second support element 125 and one 104d of the electrodes of the second set of electrodes distal to the second terminal 103 (the second sealing element 127 is notably traversed by the rod 123 which it surrounds); so as to participate, for each electrode 104b, 104d of the second set of electrodes, in the sealing of the electrical link between said electrode 104b, 104d of the second set of electrodes and the second terminal 103. At least one of the first and second support elements 125, 126 is a blind nut screwed onto the rod 123, so as not to have to seal the thread of the rod 123, the other of the first and second support elements 125, 126 being preferably made of material with the rod 123 and being preferably screwed to the second terminal 103.

[0108] In fact, the first and second support elements 125, 126 serve to ensure the tightening of the second arrangement.

[0109] In particular, as illustrated in Figure 2 and applicable to the second assembly device 116, the second support element 125 can be the cap nut screwed onto the rod 123, which allows the second sealing element 127 to be compressed. The first support element 124 can then be fixed relative to the rod 123 and screwed onto the second terminal 103 using a screw 136 in order to compress the first sealing element 126 and prevent rotation of the rod 123.

[0110] Applicable to rod 118 and rod 123, each may include a flat 137 serving as a keying feature during the assembly of the cell 100 for electrolysis cell 1000, allowing the corresponding shaped electrodes to be inserted onto the rod 118, 123 to facilitate assembly. The flat 137 also prevents the electrodes passing through the rod 118, 123 from rotating around the rod itself.

[0111] Each cap nut can be associated with a locking device 134, for example, engaged on a head, particularly a hexagonal one, of the cap nut and in the distal electrode of the corresponding terminal. The role of the locking device 134 is to prevent the cap nut from loosening due to vibrations induced by the flow of salt water through the electrolysis cell 1000; this therefore contributes to keeping the electrical contact areas and the corresponding contact surface dry.

[0112] The seals 108a, 108b, the sealing seal 108, the first and second sealing elements 112, 114, the first and second sealing elements 121, 126, 122, 127 have been mentioned above, all of which are intended to be in contact with the saline environment; for this purpose, it is preferred that any of them and preferably each of them be made of FKM or NBR.

[0113] The rods 113, 118, and the first and second support elements 119, 124, 120, 125 can be made of polypropylene (also known by the abbreviation PP) or polyetheretherketone (also known by the abbreviation PEEK, corresponding in English to "PolyEtherEtherKetone").

[0114] PP has the advantage of good chemical resistance to salt water.

[0115] PEEK offers the advantage of good chemical resistance to salt water and good mechanical strength. PEEK is therefore preferred to PP because it provides long-lasting tensile strength for tightening and creep resistance. Of course, the rods 113, 118, and the first and second support elements 119, 124, 120, 125 can be made of titanium to increase robustness, at the expense of the production cost of the assembly 100 for the electrolysis cell 1000.

[0116] Preferably, the electrodes are arranged so as to present an alternation of electrodes from the first set of electrodes and electrodes from the second set of electrodes as illustrated in figures 1 and 2. This results in a limited footprint.

[0117] To limit this bulk, the electrodes can each have a shoulder at the electrical connection terminal to which they are connected for the passage of the arrangement connected to the other electrical connection terminal.

[0118] When electrodes 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d exhibit an elongation as illustrated for example in figure 1, one or more systems 117 maintain their spacing.

[0119] In particular, the first and second terminals 102, 103 can be formed from a metal preferably identical to that of the spacers 105a, 105b and / or to that of the metal plates.

[0120] The first and second terminals 102, 103 can pass through the support 101 according to its thickness for example in a substantially parallel manner (i.e. parallel or parallel at plus or minus 10 degrees) to a direction of elongation of the electrodes 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d in order to limit the lateral bulk of the electrolysis cell 1000.

[0121] According to the second embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, the assembly 100 for the electrolysis cell 1000 can comprise as many electrical connection terminals 102 as there are electrodes 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d. Each electrical connection terminal 102 is electrically connected to only one of the electrodes 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d. Each electrical connection terminal 102 comprises a body 128, for example made of PP or PEEK, arranged in the region intended to receive the saline medium, said body 128 comprising an opening 129 leading into a housing 130 formed in said body 128. Said electrical connection terminal 102 comprises an electrical contact element 131 positioned at the housing 130 (in particular at least partially within the housing 130). Said terminal 102 of electrical connection comprising a sealing element 132, such as a seal, for example O-ring, the material of which may be as described for the seal 108 above, arranged at the periphery of the opening 129.The electrode 104a, electrically connected to the electrical connection terminal 102, is pressed against the sealing element 132 and against the electrical contact element 131, so that the housing 130 is sealed against the saline environment, and consequently, the electrical contact element 131 remains dry. For example, the electrical contact element 131 may be a spring blade housed partly within the housing 130 and partly in a volume outside the housing 130 and surrounded by the sealing element 132. The assembly 100 for the electrolysis cell 1000 may include a clamping member 133 that ensures that each electrode 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d is pressed against its corresponding sealing element 132 and against its corresponding electrical contact element 131. The electrical contact element 131 can be connected through the body 128 and the support to the second part 102b of the electrical connection terminal 102.The electrical contact element 131 has an adaptability because it allows contact to be made via a spring element because the position of the electrode at its contact is given by the support area ensuring the compression of the sealing element 132.

[0122] In general, it follows from what has been described above that each electrical link between the corresponding electrode and the corresponding electrical connection terminal can be a direct contact or can include intermediate conductive elements such as at least body 106 between 105 a, 105b and at least one other electrode.

[0123] Figures 1 and 3 show a 100-cell electrolysis assembly for 1000 cells adapted for monopolar operation, for example adapted to an operating amperage between 10 amps and 30 amps.

[0124] The assembly 100 for electrolysis cells can also be adapted for bipolar operation, as illustrated in Figure 11. For this purpose, the assembly 100 for electrolysis cells 1000 can include one or more The 138 electrodes are floating, i.e., not connected to either of the electrical connection terminals 102, 103. Each floating electrode is then held between two electrodes 104a, 104b, each of which is electrically connected to one of the electrical connection terminals 102, 103. In this case, each floating electrode presents two faces, one serving as the anode and the other as the cathode. This allows for a reduction in the cross-section of the upstream wiring (i.e., at the electrical connection terminals) while still allowing the use of a low amperage, for example, between 5 and 10 amps. Several floating electrodes can be arranged in series between two adjacent electrodes, each electrically connected to one of the electrical connection terminals 102, 103. Any mechanical means of securing the floating electrodes relative to the electrodes connected to the electrical connection terminals can be used.Each floating electrode may include a metal plate as described and the active coating covering all or part of the metal plate.

[0125] The chlorine generated by electrolysis of salt water during the use of the 1000 electrolysis cell is notably a disinfectant species formed by the HOC1 / C1O- couple. 2 gaseous product / generated by electrolysis dissolves into HOC1 / C1O- depending on the pH of the salt water.

[0126] The present invention finds an industrial application in the field of chlorine generation by electrolysis, in particular in the field of swimming pools and more generally in the field of disinfection, especially of aquatic environments.

[0127] For example, a 1000 electrolysis cell according to the invention can be used to disinfect water in applications such as drinking water, swimming pool water, industrial water (pharmaceutical and food industries), fish farming water, the chlorine production industry, etc.

Claims

Demands 1. Assembly (100) for electrolysis cell (1000) comprising: • a support (101) intended to be mounted removably within the electrolysis cell (1000); • electrodes (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) for salt electrolysis, the electrodes (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) being arranged in a region (Zl) intended to be positioned in a saline environment; • electrical connection terminals (102, 103) extending through the support (101) and fixed to the support (101); • for each electrode (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d), an electrical link between said electrode (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) and one of the electrical connection terminals (102, 103), the assembly (100) for electrolysis cell (1000) being configured to ensure a seal between said electrical link and the saline environment.

2. Assembly (100) for an electrolysis cell (1000) according to claim 1, comprising spacers (105a, 105b) connecting each of two of the electrodes (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d), and wherein: • the electrodes (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) are distributed into a first set of electrodes (104a, 104c) electrically connected to a first terminal (102) of the electrical connection terminals (102, 103) and into a second set of electrodes (104b, 104d) electrically connected to a second terminal (103) of the electrical connection terminals (102, 103); • the electrodes (104a, 104c) of the first set of electrodes are connected in pairs by one of the spacers (105a); • the electrodes (104b, 104d) of the second set of electrodes are connected in pairs by one of the spacers (105b); each spacer (105a, 105b) comprising an electrically conductive body (106) having, for each of the two electrodes it connects, an electrical contact zone (107a, 107b) in electrical contact with said one of the two electrodes, and being configured to ensure a seal around the two electrical contact zones (107a, 107b) of its body (106).

3. Assembly (100) for electrolysis cell (1000) according to claim 2, wherein, for at least one of the spacers (105a, 105b), the sealing around the electrical contact areas (107a, 107b) of the body (106) of said at least one of the spacers (105a, 105b) with the two electrodes connected by said at least one of the spacers (105a, 105b) is ensured by a sealing gasket (108) of said at least one of the spacers (105a, 105b), said sealing gasket (108) being integral with the body (106) and being in contact with the two electrodes connected by said at least one of the spacers (105a, 105b).

4. Assembly (100) for electrolysis cell (1000) according to claim 3, in which said sealing joint (108) is formed on said body (106) by overmolding.

5. Assembly (100) for electrolysis cell (1000) according to claim 2, wherein, for at least one of the spacers (105a, 105b), the sealing around the electrical contact areas (107a, 107b) of the body (106) of said at least one of the spacers (105a, 105b) with the two electrodes connected by said at least one of the spacers (105a, 105b) is ensured by two seals (108a, 108b) of said at least one of the spacers (105a, 105b), each, on the one hand, in contact with the body (106) of said at least one of the spacers (105a, 105b) and, on the other hand, in contact with one of the two electrodes connected by said at least one of the spacers (105a, 105b).

6. Assembly (100) for electrolysis cell (1000) according to claim 5, in which each of the two seals (108a, 108b) of said at least one of the spacers (105a, 105b) is engaged on the body (106) of said at least one of the spacers (105a, 105b) in a removable manner.

7. Assembly (100) for electrolysis cell (1000) according to claim 6, wherein the body (106) of said at least one of the spacers (105a, 105b) comprises a collar (109), and wherein the two joints (108a, 108b) of said at least one of the spacers (105a, 105b) are separated by the collar (109) from the body (106).

8. Assembly (100) for electrolysis cell (1000) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein: • one of the electrodes (104a) of the first set of electrodes is a first electrode (104a) comprising a contact surface (111) in electrical contact with the first terminal (102); • it includes a first sealing element (112) to seal the contact surface (111) of the first electrode (104a) and clamped between the first electrode (104a) and the first terminal (102); • one of the electrodes (104b) of the second set of electrodes is a second electrode (104b) comprising a contact surface (113) in electrical contact with the second terminal (103); • it includes a second sealing element (114) to seal the contact surface (113) of the second electrode (104b) and clamped between the second electrode (104b) and the second terminal (103).

9. Assembly (100) for electrolysis cell (1000) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, comprising: • a first assembly device (115) ensuring that the electrodes (104a, 104c) of the first set of electrodes are held relative to the first terminal (102) and inducing a tightening so as to contribute to ensuring the seal between the electrical links of the electrodes (104a, 104c) of the first set of electrodes with the first terminal (1 2) with respect to the saline medium; • a second assembly device (116) ensuring that the electrodes (104b, 104d) of the second set of electrodes are held in relation to the second terminal (103) and inducing a tightening so as to help ensure the sealing between the electrical links of the electrodes (104b, 104d) of the second set of electrodes with the second terminal (103) with respect to the saline environment.

10. Assembly (100) for electrolysis cell (1000) according to claim 9, wherein: • the first assembly device (115) comprises a rod (118), a first support element (119) and a second support element (120) attached to the rod (118); • the rod (118) passes through, between the first and second support elements (119, 120): o the first terminal (102); o the electrodes (104a, 104c) of the first set of electrodes staggered from the first terminal (102); and o the spacer or each spacer (105a) connecting two of the electrodes (104a, 104c) of the first set of electrodes; the assembly (100) for electrolysis cell (1000) comprising: • a first sealing element (121) arranged in contact with the first support element (119) and the first terminal (102); and • a second sealing element (122) arranged in contact with the second support element (120) and one of the electrodes (104c) of the first set of electrodes distal to the first terminal (102); so as to participate, for each electrode (104a, 104c) of the first set of electrodes, in the sealing of the electrical link between said electrode (104a, 104c) of the first set of electrodes and the first terminal (102), at least one of the first and second support elements (119, 120) being a blind nut screwed onto the rod (118).

11. Assembly (100) for an electrolysis cell (1000) according to claim 1, comprising as many electrical connection terminals (102) as electrodes (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d), each electrical connection terminal (102) being electrically connected to only one of the electrodes (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d), each electrical connection terminal (102) comprising a body (128) arranged in the region intended to receive the saline medium, said body (128) comprising an opening (129) leading into a housing (130) formed in said body (128), said electrical connection terminal (102) comprising an electrical contact element (131) positioned at the housing (130), said electrical connection terminal (102) comprising an element (132) sealing element arranged at the periphery of the opening (129), the electrode (104a) electrically connected to said terminal (102) of electrical connection being pressed against the sealing element (132) and against the electrical contact element (131) so that the housing (130) is sealed against the saline environment, from which it follows that the electrical contact element (131) is dry.

12. Electrolysis cell (1000) comprising an assembly (100) for electrolysis cell (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and a vessel (1002) for the circulation of salt water, the electrodes (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) being arranged at least in part in the vessel (1002).

13. Electrolyzer (2000) comprising an electrolysis cell (1000) according to claim 12.

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