WO2020009563A1

WO2020009563A1 - Apparatus for generating hydrogen by the electrolysis of water

Info

Publication number: WO2020009563A1
Application number: PCT/MY2018/000024
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cheng Teik YEAP
Original assignee: Hydro Techno Holdings Sdn Bhd
Priority date: 2018-07-06
Filing date: 2018-07-06
Publication date: 2020-01-09

Abstract

An apparatus for the production of hydrogen-water by the electrolysis of water is provided, the apparatus comprising: a first electrode assembly comprising a first tubular electrode formed from a perforated sheet of electrode material; a second electrode assembly comprising a perforated sheet of electrode material arranged with opposing edges adjacent one another to form a second tubular electrode, the second electrode assembly disposed around the first electrode assembly; a tubular insulator disposed annularly between the first and second electrode assemblies; and a retainer disposed on the outer surface of the second electrode assembly, the retainer assembly comprising a ring member extending circumferentially around the second tubular electrode and a longitudinal member extending along the opposing edges of the second tubular electrode.

Description

APPARATUS FOR GENERATING HYDROGEN BY THE ELECTROLYSIS OF WATER

The present invention relates to the generation of hydrogen from water, more particularly to an apparatus for generating hydrogen by the electrolysis of water The production of hydrogen by the electrolysis of water is known In the art, as are electrochemical apparatus fo achieving the same. Electrochemical apparatus for the production of hydrogen generally comprise an anode and a cathode. The reaction occurring at the cathode to produce hydrogen may be represented as follows:

4H+ + 4e- - 2Hi Similarly, the reaction occurring at the anode results in the production of oxygen, as follows:

2HjO ® Qz- + 4H÷ + 4e-.

Recently, considerable interest has arisen In the production of hydrogen-water, that is water containing hydrogen dissolved or dispersed therein. A number of authors have reported benefits arising from the use of hydrogen-water in the treatment or prevention of a number of conditions. Examples of such disclosures indude: Ohsawa, L, et at 'Consumption of hydrogen water prevents atherosclerosis in apoiipoprotein E knockout mice’, Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, (2008), -377(4)* pages 1195 to 1198: Ohta, S.,‘Molecular hydrogen is a novel antioxidant to efficiently reduce oxidative stress with potential for the improvement of mitochondrial diseases', Biochim!ca et Biophysics Acta (BBA) - General Subjects, (2012), 1820(5), pages 586 to 594; and Pisoschi, A. M. _< et aL The rote of antioxidants In the chemistry of oxidative stress: A review', European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, (2015), ST, pages 55 to 74, JP 2010088973 A discloses a device to provide a hydrogen-containing electrolytic water generation device which allows hydrogen gas having extremely small bubbles to be contained in hydrogen-containing electrolytic water. The device comprises a cation exchange membrane held between a positive electrode and a negative electrode. A channel for passing water is provided between the negative electrode and the cation exchange membrane. The negative electrode is formed from a mesh-like material. Hydrogen gas generated at the negative electrode is released in a state where a wetting angle of the bubbles of hydrogen gas is made small to obtain bubbles of a small size. ore recently, US 2015/388813 discloses a hydrogen-containing water generating apparatus. The apparatus includes a positive electrode, in the form of a tubula conductor having a plurality of openings in a side portion thereof. An Insulator is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the positive electrode and includes a plurality of openings. A negative electrode, in the form of a tubular conductor, is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the insulator and includes a plurality of openings in a side portion. The openings of the positive electrode and the openings of the negative electrode are larger than the openings of the insulator.

There is a need for an improved apparatus for generating hydrogen-wafer. It would be particularly advantageous if the apparatus could be compact and able to be provided in a small size and easily portable, such as a hand-held device.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for the production of hydrogen-water by the electrolysis of water, the apparatus comprising: a first electrode assembly comprising a first tubular electrode forme from perforated sheet of electrode material; a second electrode assembly comprising a perforated sheet of electrode material arranged with opposing edges adjacent one another to form a second tubular electrode, the second electrode assembly disposed around the first electrode assembly; a tubular insulator disposed annularly between the first and second electrode assemblies; and a retainer disposed on the outer surface of the second electrode assembly, the retainer assembly comprising a ring member extending circumferentially around the second tubular electrode and a longitudinal member extending along the opposing edges of the second tubular electrode. The apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention provides an improved arrangement for the retention of the electrode assemblies, in tyro leading to an Improved operation and greater operating efficiency of the apparatus when producing hydrogen.

In use, an electrical current is provided to the electrodes of the apparatus tom a suitable source of electrical energy, In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an electrical suppl assembly, for example comprising a storage device for electrical energy, such as a battery. Alternatively, the electrical suppl assembly may be connectable to a remote supply of electrical energy, such as a mains electrical system.

The apparatus comprises a first electrode assembly. The first electrode assembly comprises a generally tubular electrode formed from a sheet of perforated electrode material. The tubular electrode has a circular cross-section. The sheet of electrode material Is rolled or bent to form a cylinder, that is the sheet is shaped to have two opposing edges of the sheet adjacent each other. The opposing edges of the sheet of electrode material are attached together, preferably welded together, to form a closed tubular electrode. The first electrode assembly is preferably the anode, whereby in use oxygen is formed at this electrode.

The electrode materia! of the first electrode is in the form of a perforated sheet. The sheet may have any suitable pattern of perforations. In one preferred

embodiment, the perforations in the sheet are rectangular, more preferably square.

The apparatus comprises a second electrode assembly. The second electrode assembly comprises a generall tubular electrode formed from a sheet of perforated electrode material. The tubular electrode has a circular cross-section. The sheet of electrode material is rolled or bent to form a cylinder, that is the sheet Is shaped to have two opposing edges of the sheet adjacent each other. The opposing edges of the sheet of electrode material are preferably free edges, that is are not connected to each other, resulting in the tubular electrode being open along the opposing edges. The second electrode is disposed around the outer surface of the first electrode in a concentric arrangement. The second electrode assembly is preferably the cathode, whereby in use hydrogen is formed at this electrode. The electrode material of the second electrode is in the form of a perforate sheet, The sheet may have any suitable pattern of perforations. In one preferred embodiment, the perforations in the sheet are rectangular, more preferably square.

The size and pattern of the perforations in the first electrode and the second electrode may be the same or different In one preferred embodiment, the size and pattern of the perforations in the first electrode are the same as those of the second electrode.

In one preferred embodiment, the area of the sheet of electrode material forming the first electrode is the same as the area of the sheet of electrode material forming the second electrode, such that the first and second electrodes are the same size.

The first and second electrodes comprise a sheet of electrode material. The electrode material may be any suitable material that may be employed as an electrode in the electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen. Suitable materials are known In the art. Suitable materials for forming the first and second electrodes are one or more transition metals. Suitable metals Include platinum, titanium, vanadium and palladium. Platinum electrodes are particularly suitable, in one preferred embodiment, the first and second electrodes are formed from titanium, Alternatively, the first and second electrodes may be formed fro vanadium. The first and second electrodes may be coate in one or more metals, for example plated with platinum or a mixture of platinum and iridium if formed from a metal other than platinum, ft is particularly preferred to plate the electrode of the anode, due to deposition of hydroxides occurring at the anode when the apparatus is in use. Plating the cathode is less important and the electrode forming the cathode may be unplated, leading to easier and lower cost of manufacturing the apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, both the first electrode and the second electrode are formed from titanium coated with platinum,

A tubular insulator Is disposed between the first and second electrodes. The insulator acts to separate the two electrodes. The insulator may be formed from any suitable insulating material, for example a non-conductive polymer. One preferred polymer for use in forming the tubular insulator Is polyphenylene sulphide (PPS), The insulator is generally tubular and is located in an annular cavity between the first and second electrodes. To allow the passage of ions from one electrode to the other, the insulator is most preferably perforated and comprises a plurality of openings therein. The insulator may have the same size and/or pattern of perforations as the first and/or second electrodes.

The insulator may be in contact with the surface of the first electrode and/or the surface of the second electrode. Alternatively, the insulator may be spaced from the surface of the first electrode and/or the surface of the second electrode.

The apparatus further comprises a retainer. The retainer is disposed on the outer surface of the second electrode assembly and acts to retain the first electrode, the insulator and the second electrode in position within the apparatus and maintain their shape.

The retainer comprises a ring member. The ring member extends

circumferentially around the outer surface of the second tubular electrode. The ring member may have any suitable width, sufficient to retain the second electrode in use. The ring member may foe disposed at any suitable position along the length of the second electrode assembly. Preferably, the ring member Is disposed substantially centrally, that is to extend around the circumference of the second electrode at an equal distance from each end of the electrode. The ring member acts to hold the second electrode, together with the Insulator and the first electrode therewithin, in particular to maintain the tubular form of the second electrode, the Insulator an the first electrode.

The retainer may comprise a single ring member. Alternatively, the retainer may comprise a plurality of ring members, such as two or three ring members. If a plurality of ring members Is employed, the ring members are preferably spaced apart along the length of the second tubular electrode. In a preferred embodiment, the retainer comprises a single ring member.

The retainer further comprises a longitudinal member. The longitudinal member is an elongate member extending along the opposing edges of the second tubular electrode. The longitudinal member has a width that is greater than the distance separating the opposing edges of the second electrode and sufficient to at least cover bot the opposing edges of the second electrode. Preferably, the longitudinal member is wide enough to cover an edge portion adjacent each opposing edge of the second electrode. The longitudinal member acts to stabilise the second electrode, in particular to prevent the opposing edges of the electrode deforming in use. The longitudinal member also acts to cover the opposition edges and prevent them being exposed.

The ring member and the longitudinal member are most preferably arranged such that the ring member extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal member. in one preferred embodiment, the width of the ring member is the same as the Width of the longitudinal member.

The retainer is formed as a single component, that is the rin member and the longitudinal member are formed integrally as a single component. This may be achieved by forming the ring member and the longitudinal member as separate pieces and joining them ore preferably, the retainer member is formed as a singles component, for example by stamping or moulding.

The retainer may be formed from any suitable material, in one embodiment, the retainer is formed from a metal it is preferred that the retainer is formed from a material that is not electrically conductive. Preferably, the retainer is formed from a polymer, in particular a non-conductive polymer. One preferred polymer is

0 polycarbonate. in one preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises an end cap. The end ca can provide a closure for one en of the apparatus. Preferably, the end cap is mounted by means of a threaded connection. For example, the apparatus ma be provided with a rod extending longitudinally through the electrode assemblies, the rod$ having a threaded end portion to which the end cap is secured. To prevent the end cap being removed once it is secured to the apparatus, the end cap may engage with an end of the longitudinal member of the retainer. Preferably, the engagement between the end cap and the end of the longitudinal member allows the end cap to rotate in one direction, relative to the longitudinal member, and prevents rotation of0 the end cap in the opposite direction in this way, end cap can be arranged to be threadably connected to the apparatus, with the longitudinal member preventing the end cap from being unthreaded fro the apparatus and removed. The engagement between the longitudinal member and the end cap may be any form of engagement that allows rotation of the end cap relative to the longitudinal member in only one direction. For example, one of the end cap and the end portion of the longitudinal member may be provided with a toothed portion and the other of the end cap and the end portion of the longitudinal member may be formed as a pawl engaging with the toothed portion in the manner of a ratchet. Preferably, the toothed portion Is provided on the end cap and the pawl is provided on the longitudinal member.

The appa atus co rises the first and second electrodes and the insulator, as described above. The apparatus preferably comprises a housing. The housing is provided to contain other components of the apparatus. In one preferred

embodiment, the housing is elongate. The housing may have any suitable cross- sectional shape. For example, in one preferred embodiment the housing is generally cylindrical and has a circular cross-section. Other cross-sectional shapes may also be employed, such as polygonal shapes, such as hexagonal.

The housing may be formed from any suitable material, with polymers being particularly preferred. The housing is preferably formed by moulding. One preferred material for forming the housing is polycarbonate.

Within the apparatus, the electrodes are arranged to be exposed to water in which the apparatus is immersed and to allow hydrogen produced by the operation of the apparatus to leave the apparatus and enter the surrounding water. In one preferred embodiment, the electrodes an the insulator are preferably retained to extend from the housing, in particular one end of the housing.

Electrical current is provided to the first and second electrodes during the operation of the apparatus. The electrical current is provided to each electrode by a suitable electrical connection to a power supply assembly within the apparatus, for example by a cable or wire soldered to the electrode. To provide the electrical current to each electrode, each of the first and second electrodes is preferably provided with an elongate conductor member extending from the electrode. Each conductor member engages with a recess within the housing of the apparatus. In this way the position and orientation of each electrode is maintained. s

Accordingly, a second aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for the production of hydrogen-water by the electrolysis of water, the apparatus comprising: a housing having an interior; a first electrode assembly comprising a perforated sheet of electrode material arranged with a pair of edges adjacent and opposing one another to form a first tubular electrode; a second electrode assembly comprising a perforated sheet of electrode material arranged with opposing edges adjacent one another to for a second tubular electrode, the second electrode assembly disposed around the first electrode assembly; and a tubular insulator disposed annufarly between the first and second electrode assemblies; wherein each of the first and second electrode assemblies comprises an elongate conductor member extending longitudinally from the respective first and second tubular electrodes, each elongate conductor member engaging with a receptacle in the interior of the housing.

Each elongate conductor member is connected to its respective tubular electrode, so as to provide an electrical connection and to retain and support the electrode imposition within the apparatus.

Each elongate conductor member may be forme from any suitable electrically conductive material. Preferably, the conductor member is formed from the same aterial as the respective electrode.

Each elongate conductor member may have any suitable form, in particular any suitable cross-sectional shape in one preferred embodiment, each conductor member ha a circular cross-section.

As noted above, each conductor member engages with a respective receptacle within the interior of the housing. The receptacle may be of any form that functions to receive the respective conductor member and retain the respective electrode In position and allow for an electrical connection to be provided with the conductor element. For example, the receptacle can be a recess formed within the interior of the housing, in one preferred embodiment, the interior of the housing is provided with a connector body. The connector bod is preferably formed integrally with the remainder of the housing, for example by moulding. In this embodiment, the receptacles for the conductor members are provided in the connector body.

Preferably, the receptacle for each of the conductor members comprises a bore in the connector body. The end portion of the bore is preferably provided with a chamfer, to allow for easy installation of the conductor member into the bore, during assembly of the apparatus. Each conductor member extends into the bore in the connector body and contacts a respective electrical terminal at its distal end.

As mentioned above, the apparatus further comprises a power supply assembly. In operation, the power supply assembly provides electrical current to the electrodes. The power supply assembly ma be any suitable arrangement for providing the required electrical current to the electrodes. For example, the power supply assembly may comprise a battery for storing electrical energy and from which current is drawn during operation. ore preferably, the power supply assembly receives electrical power from a source remote to the device, in particular by way of a cable. The cable is preferably reieasably connected to the apparatus, in particular to the housing of the apparatus in this way, when the apparatus is not in use, the cable can be disconnected. To this end, the cable is provided with a plug to engage with a respective socket formed in the housing.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for the production of hydrogen-water by the electrolysis of water, th apparatus comprising: a housing having a socket therein for receiving a plug, the socket having a first electrical connector therein; a first electrode assembly comprising a perforated sheet of electrode material arranged with a pair of edges adjacent and opposing one another to form a first tubular electrode; a second electrode assembly comprising a perforated sheet of electrode material arranged with opposing edges adjacent one another to form a second tubular electrode, the second electrode assembl disposed around the first electrode assembly; a tubular insulator disposed annularly between the first and second electrode assemblies; and a cable assembly comprising a plug having a second electrical connector, in use the plug being inserted into the socket in the housing to have the first and second electrical connectors electrically connected; wherein the plug has an outer portion formed from a resilient material and the socket has at feast a portion of its inner surface formed from a resilient material, whereby when the plug is engaged with the socket in use a water-tight seal is formed between the resilient material of the plug and the resilient material of the socket.

In the arrangement of this aspect of the present invention, the plug forms a water-tight seal when engaged fully with the socket, by virtue of the resilient material on both the opposing portions of the plug and the socket. It has been found that the seal formed by this arrangement is significantly superior to those of the known arrangements, for example where only the plug is formed of a resilient material.

The plug is formed with at least part of the outer portion of the plug body of a resilient material. Preferably, the entire body of the plug Is formed of a resilient material

Suitable resilient materials to form a water-tight seal between the plug and the socket are known in the art and include natural and synthetic rubbers. Silicone Is one preferred material for forming the plug body. The socket is formed such that at least a portion of its interior surface is of a resilient material, that is at least a part of the interior surface of the socket that engages with th plug. In one preferred embodiment, the interior surface of the socket is lined with a resilient material.

In one embodiment, the housing comprises a housing body and a cap, the socket being provided in the cap. In this way, the housing may be farmed from a different material to the cap. In particular, this arrangement allows the cap to be formed entirely from the resilient material. This allows for a simpler manufacturing arid assembly of the product. The cap engages with the housing body. Preferably, the housing body and/or the cap are formed to allow the cap to engage with the $ housing body only in one specific orientation. This allows the correct polarity of the electrical connections with the apparatus to be ensured. This engagement also helps to prevent the cap being removed from the housing.

Suitable resilient materials for forming the inner surface of the socket are the same as indicated above for the plug. In one embodiment, the material forming the0 resilient surface of the interior of the socket is the same as that of the body of the plug. Alternatively, the materials of the resilient surface and the body of the plug ma be ifferent.

The apparatus of the present invention, in particular one embodying two of the5 three aspects described above, especially all three aspects described above, is able to he provided in a compact form, In particular a form that is hand-held and is readily portable. However, the apparatus is readily scalable and can be constructed in a range of different sizes and duties. .0 Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of

example only, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a further side view of the apparatus of Figure 1 viewed in the5 direction of arrow 11;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2 aiong the line III 111 in Figure 2:

Figure 4 is a side view of the housing body of the housing of the assembly of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4a is cross-sectional view of the housing body of Figure 4;

Figure 4b is an end view of the housing assembly of Figure 4 viewed in the direction of the arrow IV;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a seal cap of the bousing of the assembly of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 5a is side view of the seal cap of Figure 5;

Figure 5b is an end view of the seal cap of Figure 5 viewed in the direction of the arrow V in Figure 5a

Figure 6 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an electrode assembly for use in the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the retainer of the apparatus of Figures 1 to 3;

Figure 7a is a side view of the retainer of Figure 7;

Figure 7b Is a plan view of the retainer of Figure 7;

Figure 7c is an enlarged view of the end portion of the retainer of Figure 7; Figure 8 is a perspective vie of the second end cap of the apparatus of

Figures 1 to 3;

F ig ure 8a is an end view of the second end cap viewed in the direction of the arrow VIII of Figure 8;

Figure 8b is a cross-seetionai view of the second end cap of Figure 8 along the line Vliib - Vllib of Figure 8a; and

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the first end cap of the apparatus of Figures 1 to 3

Turning to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown side views of one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. The apparatus, generally indicated as 2, is generally cylindrical in form and comprises a generally cylindrical housing 4, having a first, ring-shaped end cap 6, a generally cylindrical electrode assembly 8 comprising a first electrode assembly, a generally cylindrical insulator and a second electrode assembly (shown in Figure 3 and described in more detail hereinafter), and a second end cap 10. A retainer 12 extends between the housing 4 and the second end cap 10, as described in more detail below, The assembly of Figures 1 and 2 is shown in cross-section in Figure 3.

A connecting rod 14 extends from the housing 4 iongitudinaliy through the electrode assembly 8 to the second end cap 10. The connecting rod 14 threadably engages with both the housing 4 and the second end cap 10, to hoid the housing, the end cap and the intermediate components together.

Figure 4 shows an end view of the housing 4 of the assembly of Figures 1 to 3. The housing 4 is shown in cross-section in Figure 4a, The housing 4 comprises a generally tubular housing body 20 having elongate slots 22 therein for receiving a seal cap 40, shown in Figures 5 and 5a and described in detail below. The housing body 20 Is provided with an inner body portion 24 having a central bore 26 therethrough. The central bore 26 receives the threaded end portion of the connecting rod 14, The inner body portion is provided with two bores 28a and 28b, disposed on opposite sides of the central bore 26, for receiving a respective conductor member from an electrode of the electrode assembly. Each bore 28a, 28b is formed with a tapered portion 30a 30b adjacent its opening to receive the respective conductor member and ensure ease of assembly. The Inner surface of the housing body 20 is provided with opposing recesses 32, for receiving a detent formed on an outer surface of the seal cap, as described below.

Turning to Figure S, there is shown a perspective view of the seal cap 40, Figure 5a shows side view of the seal cap 40 Figure 5b shows an end view of the sea! cap 40 in the direction of arrow V in Figure 5a. The seal cap 40 comprises a generally cylindrical cap body 42 provided with elongate engaging portions 44 for engaging with the elongate slots 22 in the housing body. A recessed portio 46 of the cap body 42 Is provided with a detent 48 for engaging with the respective recess 32 in the inner surface of the housing body 20. At a first end of the cap body, the end face 50 of the sea! cap body 42 is provided with an elongate socket 52 for receiving a plug (not shown for clarity} to provide electrical power to the assembly. The socket 52 is provided with ah inner socket 54 for receiving a jack of the plug. The cap body 42 is formed from silicone, for example by moulding. In this way, the walls of the socket 52 are formed from silicone and form a water-tight seal with the outer surface of the plug.

The second end of the cap body 42 is provided with a recess 56 The recess 56 receives a pair of elongate, generally Z-shaped copper terminals 58a, 58b. The terminals 58a, 58b are connected to the respective component of the inner socket 54, for example by welding or soldering, and provide an electrical connection between the jack of the plug inserted in the inner socket 54 an the ends of the respective con uctor members.

The surface of each engaging portion 44 is provided with a rounded detent 60.

The sea! cap 40 is surrounded by the ring portion of the first en cap 8, as shown in Figure 1 to 3. The first end cap 8 is shown in Figure 9 and described in more detail below. The first end cap 8 is reieasably secured to the seal cap 40 by engaging with the rounded detents 60 on the outer surface of the engaging portions 44,

Turning to Figure 8, there i shown a perspective cross-sectional view of the electrode assembly 8 of the apparatus of Figures 1 to 3. The electrode assembly 8 is generally cylindrical and comprises an outer electrode 70, an insulator 72 arranged concentrically within the outer electrode 70, and an inner electrode 74 arranged concentrically within the insulator 72, Each of the outer and inner electrodes 70, 74 is forme from a sheet of mesh of titanium, having a plurality of generally square openings therein and rolled into a cylinder, with the longitudinal or major edges of the sheet opposing each other to form a slit. The insulator 72 is formed from a mesh of an Insulating polymer. The openings in the insulator 72 are smaller and more numerous than those in the outer and inner electrodes 70, 74. In operation, the insulator 72 holds the inner and outer electrodes in position and apart, while allowing the components of electrolysis to move through the fluid between the electrodes 70, 74. Each of the inner and outer electrodes 70, 74 is provided with an elongated Z- shaped conductor member 70a, 74a, The conductor members 70a_s 74a are connected at one end portion to the respective electrode 7Q, 74, for example by soldering, so as to provide an electrically conductive connection. The second end of 5 each conductor member 70a. 74a extends within the respective bores 28a, 28b in the inner body portion 24 of the housing body 20 and contact the respective copper terminal 58a, 58b in the seal ca 40. In this way, In use, the conductor members supply electrical energy from the plug engaged with the sea! cap to the respective electrode 70, 74. id Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the retainer 12. The retainer 12 is shown in side view and plan view in Figures 7a and 7b. The retainer 12 comprises an elongate longitudinal member 80 extending longitudinally between the housing 4 and the second end cap 10, as can be seen in Figures 1 to 3. As described above, the outer electrode 70, is formed from a sheet of electrode material rolled Into a cylinder, 15 with the longitudinal or major edges of the sheet opposing each other to form a slit.

The longitudinal member 80 of the retainer 12 extends along the opposing major edges of the sheet of the outer electrode 70. The longitudinal member 80 is sufficiently wide to extend across the slit between the opposing major edges of the sheet and to extend over an edge portion adjacent each major edge. In this way, the 20 longitudinal member 80 covers the major edges of the sheet and the gap

therebetween, in this way, the shape and form of the second electrode is maintained, while also protecting the edges of the electrode material from exposure and possible damage.

The longitudinal member 80 has a first end 82 having a chamfer thereon. The 25 first end 82 abuts the end of the housing 4, as shown in Figure 1.

The longitudinal member 80 comprises a second end 84, shown in detail in Figure 7o. The second end 84 is formed with chamfer provided with a pawl member 86. The second end 84 engages with the second end cap 10 as described in more detail below.

30 The longitudinal member 80 Is provided with a elongate detent 88 extending centrally along the longitudinal member. The elongate detent 88 lies in the slit between the opposing major edges of the outer electrode 70. This f urther serves to retain the form and shape of the outer electrode. The detent 88 further prevents rotation of the retainer 12 relative to the electrode assembly 8,

The retainer 12 further comprises a retaining ring 90 extending

circumferentially around the outer electrode 70. The retaining ring 90 is disposed centrally along the electrode assembly 6 between the housing 4 and the second en cap 10. The retaining ring 90 provides further support to the electrode assembly .

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the second end cap 10. The second end cap 10 comprises a circular end 102 having a plurality of holes in the form of elongate slots 104 formed therein, as can be seen in the end view shown in Figure 8a, In use, water within the apparatus can be removed by draining through the slots 104.

A cylindrical boss 106 extends centrally from the end 102 an is provided with a central bore 108 having a thread formed therein for receiving the threaded end portion of the connecting rod 14, A cylindrical cap wall 110 extends from the outer edge of the end 102 to form an annular space between the inner surface of the cap wail 1 10 and the boss 106. The cap wall 110 is formed with a plurality of teeth 11 on its edge portion.

As noted above, the second end 84 of the longitudinal member 80 of the retainer 12 Is provided with a paw! member 86. In the assembled position shown in Figures 1 to 8, the second end 84 of the retainer 12 engages with the second end cap 10 such that the pawl member 88 engages with the teeth 112 on the edge portion of the cap wail 110. The teeth 112 and pawl member 86 are formed with angled surfaces that allo the second end cap 16 to be rotated in one direction, such that the thread in the bore 108 of the boss 106 is tightened onto the end portion of the connecting rod 14, but engagement of the pawi member 86 with the teeth 112 prevents rotation of the end cap in the reverse direction. In this way, the second end cap 10 may be secured to the connecting rod 14 by a threaded connection, bu removal of the second end cap 10 is prevented.

Finally, Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the first end cap 6 of the apparatus of Figures 1 to 3, The first end cap 6 has a generally hexagonal form for decorative purposes. The first end; cap 8 comprises an open end 122. A cap wall 124 extends from the edge of the open end 122 and forms a ring. The edge of the cap wall 124 is provided with opposing tabs 128, the inner surfaces of which are provided with recesses to releasably engage with the rounded detents 60 on the outer surface of the seal cap 40. An elongate tab 128 extends from the cap wall 124 and provides a clip by which the apparatus may be secured in the manner of a pen clip.

As shown in Figure 3, the apparatus may be provided with a releasable elongate cover 200 to extend over the apparatus from the second end cap 10 to the housing 4. The cover 200 acts to protect the electrode assembly 8 when the apparatus is not In use.

When it is desired to use the apparatus to produce hydrogen water, the first end cap 6 and the cover 200 are removed. A plug is inserted into the socket 52 in the seal cap 40 to provide an electrical supply to the apparatus. The apparatus 2 is then immersed in water, with the second end cap and the electrode assembly 8 fully immersed. Water enters the electrode assembly both through the openings in the electrodes 70, 74 and the insulator 72, as well as the slots 104 in the second end cap, Hyrdogen is produced as a result of electrolysis of the water in the electrode assembly 8 according to the reaction mechanism set out above. The mesh structure of the electrodes 70, 74 and the insulator 72 allows the hydrogen produced to dissipate into the surrounding water. Once operation has been completed, the electrical supply is switched off, the plug is removed from the socket 52 and water is drained from the apparatus through the slots 104 in the second end cap. The first end cap 6 and the cover 200 may then be replaced.

Claims

IS

1 , An apparatus for the production of hydrogen-water by the electrolysis of water, the apparatus comprising: a first electrode assembly comprising a first tubular electrode formed from a perforated sheet of electrode material; a second electrode assembly comprising a perforated sheet of electrode material arranged with opposing edges adjacent one another to form a second tubular electrode, the second electrode assembly disposed around the first electrode assembly; a tubular insulator disposed annularly between the first and second electrode assemblies; and a retainer disposed on the outer surface of the secon electrode assembly, the retainer assembly comprising a ring member extending circumferentially around the second tubular electrode and a longitudinal member extending along the opposing edges of the second tubular electrode.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1. wherein opposing edges of the perforated sheet of the electrode material of the first electrode assembly are attached together to form a closed tubular electrode.

3. The apparatus according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the perforations in the sheet of electrode material of the first electrode assembl are square.

4, The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the opposing edges of the sheet of electrode material of the second electrode assembly are free edges.

5, The apparatu according to any preceding claim, wherein the perforations in the sheet of electrode material of the first electrode assembly are square.

6 The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the size and/or pattern of the perforations In the first electrode are the same as the size and/or pattern of the perforations in the second electrode.

7. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the Insulator is formed from a non-con ucfive polymer.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the non-conductive polymer is polyphenylene sulphide (PPS). 9, The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the insulator is perforated.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the size and/or pattern of the perforations i the insulato are the same as the size and/or pattern of perforations in one or both of the first and second electrodes. 11 The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the ring member of the retainer is disposed substantially centrally.

12. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the retainer comprises a single ring member.

13. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the longitudinal member of the retainer has a width sufficient to cover an edge portion adjacent each opposing edge of the second electrode.

14. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the ring member extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal member.

15. The apparatus according to an preceding claim, wherein the width of the ring member is the same as the width of the longitudinal member,

16. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the retainer is formed from a non-conductive polymer.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the polymer is polycarbonate.

18. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising an end cap.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the end cap is secured by a threaded connection.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the end cap engages with an end of the longitudinal member of the retainer

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the engagement between the end cap and the longitudinal member allows the end cap to rotate in one direction relative to the longitudinal member and prevents rotation of the end cap in the opposite direction.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein one of the end cap and the end portion of the longitudinal member is provided with a toothe portion and the other of the end cap and the end portion of the longitudinal member is formed with a pawl engaging with the toothed portion In the manner of a ratchet.

23. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the pawl is provided on the end portion of the longitudinal member.

24. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein each electrode is provided with an elongate conductor member extending from the electrode. 25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein each conductor member is circular in cross-section.

28 The apparatus according to either of claims 24 or 25, further comprising a housing having an interior, each elongate conductor member engaging with a receptacle in the interior of the housing 27 The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the interior of the housing is provided with a connector body , the receptacles for the first and second conductor members being provided in the connector body.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein each receptacle comprises a bore in the connector body. 29. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the end portion of each bore is provided with a chamfer.

30. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a housing having a socket therein for receiving a plug, the socke having a first e!ectrioal connector therein; a cable assembly comprising a plug having a second electrical connector, in use the plug being inserted into the socket in the housing to have the first and second electrical connectors electrically connected; wherein the plug has an outer portion formed from a resilient material and the socket has at least a portion of its inner surface formed from a resilient material, whereby when the plug Is engaged with the socket in use a water-tight seal is formed between the resilient material of the plug and the resilient material of the socket.

31. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the interior surface of the socket is lined with a resilient material. 32. The apparatus according to either of claims 30 or 31 , wherein the plug body is formed from silicone.

33. The apparatus according to any of claims 30 to 32, wherein the housing comprises a housing body and a cap, wherein the socket Is provided in the cap.

34. The apparatus according to any of claims 30 to 33, wherein the cap engages with the housing body In only one orientation.

35. An apparatus fo the production of hydrogen-wate by the electrolysis of water, the apparatus comprising: a housing having an interior; a first electrode assembly comprising a perforated sheet of electrode material arranged with a pair of edges adjacent and opposing one another to form a first tubular electrode: a second electrode assembly comprising a perforated sheet of electrode material arranged with opposing edges adjacent one another to form a second tubular electrode, the second electrode assembly disposed around the first electrode assembly; and a tubular insulator disposed annu!ar!y between the first and second electrode assemblies; wherein each of the first and second electrode assemblies comprises an elongate conductor member extending longitudinally from the respective first and second tubular electrodes, each elongate conductor member engaging with a receptacle in the interior of the housing 36. The apparatus according to clai 3S, wherein each conductor member is circular in cross-section.

37 The apparatus according to either of claims 35 or 36, wherein the interior of the housing is provided with a connector body, the receptacles for the first and second conductor members being provide in the connector body. 38, The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein each receptacle comprises a bore in the connector body.

39. The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein the end portion of each bore is provided with a chamfer.

40. An apparatus for the production of hydrogen-water by the electrolysis of water, the apparatus comprising: a housing having a socket therein for receiving a plug, the socket having a first electrical connector therein; a first electrode assembly comprising perforated sheet of electrode material arranged with a pair of edges adjacent and opposing one another to form a first tubular electrode: a second electrode assembly comprising a perforated sheet of electrode materiel arranged with opposing edges adjacent one another to form a second tubular electrode, the secon electrode assembly disposed around the first electrode assembly; a tubular insulator disposed annulariy between the first and second electrode assemblies; and a cable assembly comprising a plug having a second electrical connector, in use the plug being inserted into the socket in the housing to have the first and second electrical connectors electrically connected; wherein the plug has an outer portion formed from a resilient material and the socket has at least a portion of its inner surface formed from a resilient material, whereby when the plug is engaged with the socket in use a water-tight seal is formed between the resilient material of the plug and the resilient material of the socket.

The apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the interior surface of the socket

Is lined with a resilient material. 42. The apparatus according to either of claims 40 or 41 , wherein the plug body is formed from silicone.

43. The apparatus accordin to any of claims 40 to 42, wherein the housing comprises a housing body and a cap, wherein the socket is provided in the cap.

44. The apparatus according to any of claims 40 to 43, wherein the cap engages with the housing body in onl one orientation.