A bipolar cell comprising a plurality of spaced electrode plates defining a sinuous flow path therethrough, wherein the flow path sweeps out the entire space between adjacent plates so as substantially to prevent the formation of stagnant areas and thus minimize the growth of precipitate between the plates.

An electrochemical cell assembly comprises stacked bipolar substantially square parallel planar electrodes. The corners and edges of the electrodes with bordering insulative spacers in juxtaposition with the chamber walls define four electrolyte circulation manifolds. Electrolyte channelling means permit the introduction of electrolyte into one or two of the manifolds and the withdrawal of electrolyte from at least one other manifold. The electrodes are separated from one another by the insulative spacers which are also channelling means disposed to provide electrolyte channels across the interfaces of adjacent electrodes.

There is disclosed a bipolar electrolytic cell comprising a row of spaced-apart electrodes which include at least one bipolar intermediate electrode. There are an inlet for the supply of electrolyte liquid and an outlet for the discharge of treated liquid, the cell being such that liquid can flow from the inlet to the outlet via a path in which it passes in succession through all the spaces between the electrodes in the row, in each case across the faces of the two electrodes on opposite sides of the space. There is a coating of electrically insulating material on that external surface of each of the electrodes which is on the outside of the row, the insulating material for example being a plastics material such as nylon.

A divided electrochemical cell assembly comprises stacked bipolar substantially square parallel planar electrodes and membranes. The corners and edges of the electrodes with bordering insulative spacers in juxtaposition with the chamber walls define four electrolyte circulation manifolds. Anolyte and catholyte channeling means permit the separate introduction of anolyte and catholyte into two of the manifolds and the withdrawal of anolyte and catholyte separately from at least two other manifolds. The electrodes and membranes are separated from one another by the insulative spacers which are also channeling means disposed to provide electrolyte channels across the interfaces of adjacent electrodes and membranes.