Abstract: A power generation system utilizing an electrochemical cell comprising a reactive metal anode, a cathode spaced from the anode and an electrolyte comprising an aqueous solution of the hydroxide of the reactive metal is disclosed. The hydroxide concentration in the electrolyte is controlled by contacting the electrolyte with an acid anhydride to form an insoluble compound of the reactive metal. The insoluble compound is separated from the electrolyte and the electrolyte is recirculated to the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A battery system (10,110) wherein an electrolyte solution of lithium hydroxide dissolved in seawater is circulated through a battery cartridge (11,111). The system is placed under pressure. A portion of the electrolyte mixture is discharged from the system through a suitable pressure regulating valve (20) while concurrently, fresh seawater is delivered into the system as by a pressurizing pump (17). The increased pressure acts to increase the density of the gaseous portion of the ejected gas liquid mixture, reduce the volume of the gaseous portion of the ejected gas-liquid mixture, thereby reducing the total volume of the ejected mixture, and reduce the ratio of gas volume to liquid volume in the system as well as the ejected gas-liquid mixture.

Abstract: A process for electrically by-passing one of a series of electrolytic cells without interrupting current flow through the remaining cells is disclosed. The process includes inserting two conductors between the cells, remotely moving the conductors into pressurized contact with the cell preceding and the cell following the cell being disconnected and closing a switch to electrically connect the two conductors thereby by-passing the cell being disconnected.

Abstract: A remote controlled intercell connector bar jack is disclosed. The jack can have a first contactor and a second contactor spaced apart by a piston and cylinder assembly. The assembly can be remotely expanded or contracted to move the contactors away from each other or towards each other, respectively. The first contactor contacts a movable intercell connector while the second contactor contacts a fixed object such as the wall of one of two adjacent cells connected by the intercell connector. The second contactor can be a plate adapted to rest against a wall of a cell to which the intercell connector is attached and the first contactor adapted to rest against the intercell connector so that the intercell connector is jacked away from the cell wall when the assembly is remotely expanded.

Abstract: A remotely-controlled tightener for selectively tightening and loosening electrical connectors between electrolytic cells.

Abstract: An intercell connector system is disclosed. The system includes two adjacent terminals attached to two adjacent cells and intercell connector selectively overlapping the adjacent ends of the terminals. The intercell connector includes a conductive first member and a second member which are held together by a fastening device which can be selectively loosened and tightened. When the fastening device is loosened, the two members are adapted to be moved out of engagement with one of the terminals thereby disconnecting the electrical circuit between the terminals.

Abstract: A process for the start-up of membrane cells for the electrolysis of an aqueous salt solution for cells having an anode compartment containing a plurality of anodes, a cathode compartment containing a plurality of cathodes and an ion exchange membrane separating the anode compartment from the cathode compartment is comprised of the steps of:(a) feeding simultaneously the aqueous salt solution to the anode compartment and a liquid to the cathode compartment while maintaining substantially equal pressure on the membrane from each of the compartments,(b) increasing the pressure on the membrane from the anode compartment,(c) increasing the pressure on the membrane from the cathode compartment, and(d) cyclically repeating steps (b) and (c) during the start-up period.The novel process reduces wrinkling and eliminates cracking of the membrane during the start-up period of, for example, a cell for the electrolysis of alkali metal chloride brines for the production of chlorine and alkali metal hydroxides.

Abstract: A non-adherent glove-like diaphragm structure for use in an electrolysis cell. The diaphragm structure has a finger means with an open upper end, and closed lower end, and a middle section connecting the upper and lower end. The lower end is perforated so as to receive an anode riser therethrough. The diaphragm structure also includes a border for attaching the finger to the upper edge of the cathode so as to separate the cathode from the anode and the anolyte of the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A jumper system for electrically by-passing one of a series of electrolytic cells without interrupting current flow through the remaining cells is disclosed. The jumper system includes two L-shaped conductors, a switch for electrically connecting the conductors, and a contact pressuring device for remotely moving the conductors into pressurized contact with the cell preceding and the cell following the cell to be disconnected.

Abstract: A gas separation assembly for an electrolytic cell having a gas-evolving electrode and a total cell current density above 2500 amperes per square feet of internal horizontal cell area is disclosed. The assembly includes a gas collector within the gas-evolving electrode and a disengager with less than 0.13 square feet of internal, horizontal, cross-sectional disengaging area per kiloampere of total cell current.

Abstract: A perforated support for helping prevent damage to a non-adherent membrane in a chlorine gas-producing cell configuration having downwardly open, gas-trapping pockets adjacent such a membrane in the upper end of a chlorine-producing anolyte chamber. The cathode chamber can be at a greater pressure than the anode chamber to force the diaphragm against the support.

Abstract: A casing suitable for covering a substantially rectangular electrode for a diaphragm-type electrolytic cell comprises a closed end, an open end, and two closed, reinforced sides.The casing is formed of a single flexible material which is folded or sealed to provide a plurality of fingers each having a closed end and then sealed to form two closed sides, such casing preferably having reinforced edges.

Abstract: A membrane cell for the electrolysis of aqueous salt solutions is provided in which the foraminous metal anode is enclosed in the membrane. Spacing means are provided to separate the portions coated with an electrocatalytically active material from the membrane. The spacing means may be a nonconducting material or the coated surface of the anode may be faced away from the membrane to permit the anode structure to serve as the spacing means. To provide a low cell voltage and permit efficient hydrogen gas release from the caustic solution, the cathode is spaced apart from the membrane.

Abstract: A method is provided for renewing the permeability of a porous diaphragm comprised of a synthetic fluorocarbon resin having ion exchange properties which comprises feeding an alkaline solution of an alkali metal chloride having a pH of from about 9 to about 12 to the anode compartment. A first portion of the alkaline brine passes through the porous diaphragm and a second portion contacts the porous diaphragm and is then removed from the anode compartment.

Abstract: A membrane cell for the electrolysis of aqueous salt solutions is provided in which the foraminous metal anode is enclosed in the membrane. Spacing means are provided to separate the portions coated with an electrocatalytically active material from the membrane. The spacing means may be a nonconducting material or the coated surface of the anode may be faced away from the membrane to permit the anode structure to serve as the spacing means. To provide a low cell voltage and permit efficient hydrogen gas release from the caustic solution, the cathode is spaced apart from the membrane.

Abstract: An electrode-separator combination unit for use in an electrolytic cell having planar interleaved electrodes and a method of assembling such a unit. Electrodes are individually enclosed in a closed envelope of separator material to form individual electrolyte chambers. The separator can be perforated and electrical conductors, fluid supply conduits and fluid outlet conduits can be sealingly passed through the perforations to allow supply of raw materials to the enclosed electrodes and to allow removal of products therefrom.

Abstract: An expandable electrode assembly is provided having two opposed working faces of flexible electrically conductive material, said faces defining a riserless open chamber therebetween, a plurality of spring means interposed between the working faces for biasing the faces a limited distance away from each other and for allowing inward movement of the faces toward each other in response to inward force applied to the working faces, and an electrical conductor means affixed to one edge of each of the planar faces to a supportive backplate without limiting the inward movement of the edge of the faces opposite the one edge.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for facilitating electrode installation in diaphragm type electrolytic cells. The apparatus includes a vacuum generator for pulling the diaphragm against a first electrode during insertion between two other spaced electrodes. The method relates to the use of a pressure differential to pull the diaphragm against the electrode during assembly of the cell.

Abstract: A method of restoring elasticity to heat sealed portions of an elecrolytic diaphragm comprised of a perfluorosulfonic acid resin in the alkali metal ion form comprises contacting the heat sealed sections with an aqueous fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for securing a fabricated diaphragm to each of a section of electrodes. A diaphragm encloses each electrode and has an open end adjacent to the electrode plate. The apparatus comprises two bars, one positioned along a first side and one positioned along a third side of the electrode section. A plurality of elements are attached to each of the bars. The elements are positioned between adjacent electrodes and secure one edge of each of two adjacent diaphragms. The elements may be interconnected to provide additional sealing of the diaphragm. A rod is positioned along the second and fourth sides of the electrode section to seal the outer edge of the diaphragm enclosing the external electrodes of the section.The apparatus is employed in electrolytic diaphragm cells for producing chlorine and caustic soda by the electrolysis of alkali metal chloride solutions.A method is provided for employing the apparatus to effectively seal the diaphragm to the electrode section.