| abstract |
The present techniques provide a new electrolyzer (66) and methods for welding components of such an electrolyzer (66). The techniques may employ conductors (98, 100, 110, 112, 118, 120), for example in the form of resistance wires, which are placed in paths around the internal structural features and edges of the components. The conductors (98, 100, 110, 112, 118, 120) may be integrated into the components during manufacture by injection molding or other casting methods, or may be adhered or otherwise attached to the surface of the components after fabrication (130). When a current, field or other excitation is applied to the conductors (98, 100, 110, 112, 118, 120) (134), the plastic surrounding the wire is melted. When this plastic is in direct contact with an adjacent component, a strong hermetic seal can be created between the two components, including the internal structural devices. As a result of the welding process, the embedded conductor becomes a permanent part of the resulting structure. |