Abstract: An open-cell electrolyte chlorine generator such as a type used for the chlorination of various aqueous streams including swimming pools is constructed without the use of a diaphragm or membrane isolating or partitioning the electrolyte between the anode and cathode. Instead, a gas separating plate separates the electrolyte above horizontally projecting electrodes, in order to keep the different gasses generated at the different electrodes separated as they rise to the top of the cell. Aqueous buffering reagents are added to the chloride-containing electrolyte to neutralize the hydroxide anions generated at the cathode and to optimize the evolution of chlorine gas by stabilizing the pH of the electrolyte. The chlorine and hydrogen gasses produced may be separately added to the solution which is to be treated, with an optional cooling circuit taking the pre-treated solution and passing it through the cell (in heat-exchanging tubing) prior to treatment with the gasses.

Abstract: Water, such as the effluent from cooling towers, boilers, waste streams of industrial plants, hydrometallurgical processes or other sources of water solutions containing sparingly soluble solids is efficiently separated into its aqueous and solid constituents by reverse osmosis and chemical treatments effective to achieve a zero discharge of effluent and a minimum volume of sludge or a recovery of valuable solids.