DRUCKSTEUERUNGSANLAGE FÜR WASSER-ELEKTROLYSEZELLEN

Apparatus and a process for providing oxygen and hydrogen at a desired minimum pressure from an electrolyser comprising an anolyte solution having an anolyte liquid level; a catholyte solution having a catholyte liquid level; oxygen generated at an oxygen pressure above said anolyte; hydrogen generated at a hydrogen pressure above said catholyte for passage through hydrogen outlet means; the method comprising raising the oxygen pressure above the anolyte to effect a positive liquid level pressure differential between said catholyte level and said anolyte level to a pre-selected value to effect closure of said hydrogen outlet means and an increase in the hydrogen pressure to a value to effect opening of said hydrogen outlet means to provide hydrogen at said desired minimum pressure. The hydrogen is provided on demand at a readily available pressure suitable for use, such as in the case of hydrogen in metal hydride production or supply to a compressor for subsequent higher pressure utility; and oxygen for breathing assistance and sanitization purposes. The pressure differential across the cell membrane is low or negligible, notwithstanding the hydrogen and oxygen product pressure.