Abstract: A cathode current conducting element for use in a metal e.g. aluminum reduction cell, said element comprising a plate or tile formed of electrically conductive refractory material affixed to the carbon lining of the cell and in loosely restrained engagement therewith by means of a pin embedded in the carbon lining.

Abstract: An improved cathode element for use in a metal, e.g., aluminum reduction cell, said cathode element comprising an elongated hollow body, the lower end of which is affixed to or imbedded in the floor of the cell, the upper end of which terminates proximate the anode said upper end provided with a cap element formed of an electrically conductive material said cap element being in electrically conductive communication with a body of molten metal confined within the hollow body.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anode assembly for electrolytic cells. The anode assembly includes a plurality of parallel silicon anode blades. Between each pair of silicon anode blades are electrolyte-resistant spacers and flexible gaskets with at least one flexible gasket being interposed between the spacer and the silicon anode adjacent thereto and at least one flexible gasket being interposed between the opposite surface of the spacer and the silicon anode adjacent thereto. The anode assembly further includes compressive means passing through each of the silicon anodes, through the flexible gaskets, and through the spacers, providing a compressive force thereon, and this way providing an electrolyte tight seal between the anodes, the flexible gaskets, and the spacers, and this way providing an electrolyte tight wall having silicon anodes extending therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anode assembly for electrolytic cells. The anode assembly includes a plurality of parallel silicon anode blades. Between each pair of silicon anode blades are electrolyte-resistant spacers and flexible gaskets with at least one flexible gasket being interposed between the spacer and the silicon anode adjacent thereto and at least one flexible gasket being interposed between the opposite surface of the spacer and the silicon anode adjacent thereto. The anode assembly further includes compressive means passing through each of the silicon anodes, through the flexible gaskets, and through the spacers, providing a compressive force thereon, and this way providing an electrolyte tight seal between the anodes, the flexible gaskets, and the spacers, and this way providing an electrolyte tight wall having silicon anodes extending therefrom.

Abstract: Desirable herbicidal and fertilizing effects are obtained by applying to soil an effective amount of a mixture of sodium azide with ammonia. Anhydrous or water-containing solutions of sodium azide in ammonia may be used.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bipolar electrolyzer having a horizontal hydrogen channel separate from the catholyte chamber. There are apertures between the horizontal hydrogen channel and the catholyte chamber to enable catholyte gas, i.e., hydrogen, with entrained cell liquor, to enter the channel. At one end of the channel is a gas disengaging chamber. The gas disengaging chamber includes a catholyte gas deflector interposed between the outlet of the horizontal channel and the interior of the disengaging chamber, hydrogen recovery means, and catholyte liquor recovery means. In the operation of an electrolytic cell as disclosed herein, catholyte gas, i.e., hydrogen gas with entrapped catholyte liquor, is removed from the catholyte chamber to the horizontal channel. The catholyte gas is then transported through the horizontal channel to the outlet of the horizontal channel and into the disengaging chamber.