(GB2085475-B)      Electrochemical cell assembly has a number of cells in stacked, series connected arrangement, each cell having an ion exchange membrane positioned between and in contact with catalytic electrodes, a number of electrically conductive bipolar plates separating adjacent membranes, each of the plates having a number of electrode contacting projections on opposite faces which define a number of fluid distributing channels each bipolar element contacting the electrodes associated with adjacent membranes. Each bipolar element includes an outlet manifold communicating with the fluid distributing channels to form a common outlet manifold for the cell assembly. A conductive fluid is introduced to each cell passing through the fluid distributing channels and into contact with an electrode, with excess fluid passing out of the cell into the outlet manifold.    The manifold walls of each bipolar element are lined with insulating material to prevent current flow between conductive manifold walls through conductive fluid in the common manifold, preventing shunt current flow between the cells and manifold.    Used in fuel cell batteries or, partic. in chloride electrolyser cell assemblies. The arrangement minimises the shunt currents which flow between the electrodes of adjacent cells through the moving conductive fluid and the fluid pool in the manifold of the bipolar cell assembly through the introduction of the conductive fluid at the top of the elongate outlet manifold which results in cascaded flow, interrupting the current path, while the insulating lining of the manifold interrupts the shunt currents between the fluid manifold walls through the conductive fluid in the manifold. (8pp)    (DE3140347-C)      In a gp. of series-connected cells, partic. for CL2 prodn., each cell contains an ion exchange membrane between catalytic electrodes, several electrically conductive bipolar plates sepg. adjacent membranes, each with several electrode-contacting projections on opposite sides forming several fluid distribution channels, and an outlet collection chamber (33) in each of the bipolar elements connected to the channels, forming a common collection chamber for the gp. Excess liq. passes into the chamber shunt current flow between cells and chambers is prevented by an insulation lining (35) on each collection chamber wall.    ADVANTAGE -   Parasitic shunt. currents are minimised. (8pp)