A fixed, hollow, cylindrical, open ended electrically conductive cathode concentrically surrounds a hollow, cylindrical, electrically conductive anode. The anode is fixed upon an electrically conductive axle so as to allow the anode and axle to rotate inside the cathode. Electrically non-conductive brushes are mounted on the anode and rotate therewith, sweeping over the radially inner surface of the cathode. A water inlet housing at one end of the cathode and a water exhaust housing at the other end of the cathode cooperate to divert a stream of water in which salt has been dissolved between the anode and the cathode, the housings also supporting the conductive axle and allowing it to rotate. An electric motor rotates the axle.

An electrochemical cell has an annular flow passage for electrolyte solution. The cell is designed such that, in an intermediate zone, the passage is of constant cross-section (to achieve high electrolytic activity) and, in end zones, the passage progressively increases in cross-section to a maximum value (to lower the current density in regions in which unwanted deposition of salts may preferentially occur). The cross-sectional shape of the passage along its length also assists in reducing turbulence in the flow thereby reducing the rate of deposition of salts. Owing to the low rate of deposition, it is possible to maintain the electrodes relatively clean by current reversal at relatively infrequent intervals. That enables the cell to be used for longer periods between cleaning operations.

An apparatus for electrolyzing fluids is disclosed. The resulting electrolyzed fluids are particularly suited for treating physiological materials such as whole blood, plasma, or cell isolates in order to reduce the effect of harmful microorganisms. A container holds the fluid and a power supply provides a source of electrical current to an anode and a cathode positioned within the container. The anode comprises a base material selected from titanium and niobium. An outer layer of platinum is bonded to the base. The anode comprises a cylindrical shape. The cathode is also connected to the power supply and comprises titanium and has a substantially cylindrical shape. The cathode is positioned concentrically in relation to the anode. The spacing between the cathode and the anode is not greater than a preferred amount. Moreover, the voltage potential between the cathode and the anode is not greater than a preferred amount.

An apparatus for electrochemical purification of water and for regulation of acid-alkaline properties, Red-Ox characteristics and catalytic activity of water that can be used for obtaining washing and disinfecting solutions. The apparatus includes at least one electrochemical cell which contain vertical coaxial cylindrical and rod electrodes made from material nonsoluble during electrolysis and an ultrafiltration ceramic diaphragm installed in the bushings between the electrodes to create inter-electrode space in the electrode chambers. The lower and upper bushings have a channels for the treated solution supply into and discharge from the electrode chambers. The channels are connected to the feeding and discharging adjustment lines. There is also a metering pump on the water line for sodium chloride dosing into the water to be treated. The water line contains a flow regulator connected to the feeding and discharging adjustment lines. Poles of the power supply are connected to the electrodes. The feeding line is connected to the inlet of the negative electrode chamber and the output of the negative electrode chamber is connected to the inlet of the positive electrode chamber by a special line which has an adjustment for discharging a part of the degasified treated solution from the chamber of the negative electrode. A catalyst chamber can be installed on the special line. The catalyst chamber contains a mixture of particles of carbon and manganese dioxide. A separator with a tangential inlet is used for discharging a part of the degasified processed solution.

A cell and a method of operation are disclosed whereby sea water may be electrolyzed to form an aqueous hypochlorite solution with reduced formation of interfering deposits on the electrodes. The cell design and method of operation ensure suspension of particulate matter in the electrolyte and also allow intermittent backwashing to remove any accumulations of contaminants.