Abstract: A process for the treatment of industrial waste water using electrocoagulation to effect separation of contaminants, which may include heavy metals, dyes, oils, fats, solvents, and salts. The process comprises passing waste water containing contaminants susceptible to electrocoagulation between pairs of electrodes within a reactor cell, energizing the electrodes with direct current, thereby breaking down and chemically altering contaminants in the electrolyzed water to form a sedimentable flocculate therein; and separating the flocculate from cleaned water. The invention also anticipates an apparatus for treating waste water which comprises: an electrocoagulation reactor cell having spaced-apart electrodes energized by direct current, a pump for passing industrial waste water through the reactor and between the electrodes, a de-foam tank, a mechanical clarifier, and a recessed-plate filter press.

Abstract: Carbonyl halide is produced from carbon monoxide and halogen produced from the electrochemical conversion of anhydrous hydrogen halide. Both the oxidation of anhydrous hydrogen halide and the formation of carbonyl halide are carried out in the anode-compartment of an electrochemical cell. This reduces the equipment and thus the capital investment necessary for carrying out these reactions. Moreover, no catalyst is needed to form halogen and subsequently make carbonyl halide, as in the prior art. In addition, the health hazards associated with making a carbonyl halide, such as phosgene, at high temperatures from chlorinated hydrocarbons with atmospheric oxygen are virtually eliminated. Furthermore, the halogen produced as a result of the oxidation of anhydrous hydrogen halide are dry, thereby eliminating the need for a preheater before the halogen is reacted with carbon monoxide.

Abstract: An electrochemical apparatus and system for extracting and recovering metals from their compounds using electrochemical cells where the anolyte 10 is connected electrically to the catholyte 11 through an independent set of electrodes 13, 14 immersed in each electrolyte and connected to each other by a conductor 16. The specification details the application of this principle to commercial size cells and systems to extract metals from solutions, from ores in-situ, from ores in heaps and fixed beds, from fine metal concentrates dissolved either at the anode cell or in a separate leaching vessel. Alkaline electrolytes are also given for the extraction and recovery of nickel and copper from their oxide ores. A method for extracting gold from ores or residues is also included.

Abstract: A metal recovery apparatus in which metal-laden fluid is cycled through an electrolytic cell at a relatively low flow rate, but fluid within the cell is forced to swirl at a relatively high speed to improve electroplating of metal on an electrode. Two fluid circuits are used to achieve the high speed within the cell: a fluid supply circuit runs fluid through the apparatus at a relatively low flow rate (about 2 to about 4 gallons per minute); a fluid circulation circuit boosts the speed of the fluid within the cell and forces it to swirl by discharging fluid drawn from the cell back into the cell at a relatively high flow rate (about 20 to about 40 gallons per minute). The apparatus includes inner and outer electrodes defining an annular space in which the fluid circulates. The outer electrode is preferably removable from the apparatus and is preferably the cathode. A seam in the cathode allows the cathode to be opened for removal of metal plated on the cathode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for generating an aqueous solution containing at least one active bromine compound comprising the steps of: electrolyzing an aqueous solution containing bromide ions until bromate ions are formed in said aqueous solution; and introducing to the aqueous solution containing bromate ions an acid to generate an aqueous solution containing at least one active bromine compound. The present invention also provides an apparatus for generating an aqueous solution containing at least one active bromine compound. The aqueous solution containing the active bromine compound(s) generated using the process and apparatus of the present invention may be used for water treatment and the recovery of precious metals such as gold.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for stripping ionic species from a porous material, such as concrete or soil, are presented. The ionic species include metals and complexes, and may include radioactive species. The contaminated medium can be in bulk or in particulate form and can be treated according to the invention in situ or in a batch container. In the method, a dc potential difference is established across the contaminated material over which an alternating current may be superimposed. Ionic species migrate within the contaminated material under the influence of the potential difference and dissolve in the electrolyte. The electrolyte can be protected from radiation degradation by use of a radioactive-resistant ion exchange material. Ionic species can be desorbed electrochemically from the electrolyte, allowing the electrolyte to be recycled for additional stripping of contaminated media. The recovered ionic species can be used as feedstock for other processes.

Abstract: A cell, particularly a membrane cell, that will generally be oriented in an at least substantially vertical positioning, is provided with an array of blade electrodes. The blade electrodes are Delta shape in cross-section, having a flat back face and forwardly sloping sides meeting at a forward edge. Such electrodes can be secured to a current distributor bar, typically on a flat front face of the bar. The forward edge of an electrode blade may be placed opposite a counter electrode of the same or different structure, with a membrane separator usually interposed therebetween. Electrical connection can be made to the electrode blades from the distributor bar, and to the distributor bar through boss electrical connectors. Baffles, which may also be secured to the distributor bar, help establish a front chamber, containing the electrode blades, in front of the baffles, and a back chamber behind the baffles. Electrolyte circulates through the front chamber and recirculates through the back chamber.

Abstract: An inexpensive electrowinning electrode has a cathode that is a porous form made from conductive filaments, and an anode. The electrowinning process dissolves a contaminated metal stream into an electrolyte to form a solution flow of dissolve metal and contaminants. Next, the solution is oxidized. Then, the dissolved metals in the solution are plated onto the porous cathode.

Abstract: The printed circuit boards (LP) are conducted through treatment baths (BB1 through BB3) in vertical attitude on at least two horizontal conveying paths (TW1 through TW4) proceeding next to one another, these treatment baths being accommodated in treatment cells (BZ10 through BZ13, BZ20 through BZ23, BZ30 through BZ33) that are arranged successively and next to one another. The end walls of the treatment cells are provided with vertical slots (S) and allocated seals (D) for the passage of the printed circuit boards. The bath liquid emerging from treatment cells arranged next to one another is collected in common collecting tanks (AW1 through AW3) and is returned into the treatment cells with the assistance of pumps (P). A common treatment cell for treatment zones lying next to one another can also be provided in a common collecting tank. The conveying of the printed circuit boards on the conveying paths lying next to one another preferably ensues with a common conveyor device.

Abstract: The plate-shaped workpieces (W) are conducted through a treatment cell (BZ) containing a treatment bath in vertical attitude on a horizontal conveying path with the assistance of contacting and conveying means, the end walls of said treatment cell having vertical slots for the passage of the workpieces (W). The bath liquid emerging from the treatment (BZ) is collected in a collecting tank and is returned such into the treatment cell (BZ) with the assistance of a pump that an at least largely vertical flow direction (SR) derives at both sides of the conveying path. The bath liquid is diverted toward the surface of the workpieces (W) with guide devices (LV) arranged at both sides of the convoying path in the treatment cell (BZ). An improved ion exchange in the region of the workpieces (W) is effected by the guide devices (LV). In, for example, the electrolytic treatment of printed circuit boards, the metal deposition can thus be undertaken with high current densities.

Abstract: Methods, and various apparatus therefor, are disclosed for the electrolytic treatment of an acidic solution. Generally the method comprises: (a) providing an electrolytic cell, the cell comprising: (i) an anode chamber and an anode therein; (ii) a cathode chamber and a cathode therein; and (iii) a diaphragm. Usually the diaphragm is of a non-isotropic fibrous mat comprising 5-70 weight percent organic halocarbon polymer fiber in adherent combination with about 30-95 weight percent of finely divided inorganic particulate impacted into said fiber during fiber formation, the diaphragm having a weight per unit of surface area of about 3-12 kilograms per square meter. The method can continue by (b) introducing the acidic solution into the cell; (c) impressing a current on the anode and the cathode causing the migration of ions through the diaphragm; and (d) recovering a product of the electrolytic treatment from the anode chamber, or the cathode chamber, or from both chambers.

Abstract: An electrode, electrochemical cell, and electrochemical processes are disclosed. The electrode is a porous, multi-layered electrode which can have an element in flexible, strip form wound around a central, usually flat plate core, which core may serve as a current distributor. In any form, each layer can be represented by a very thin, highly flexible metal mesh. This can be a fine, as opposed to a coarse, mesh which has extremely thin strands and small voids. The electrode will have an active coating. For utilizing this electrode, the cell in one form will be a monopolar cell providing upward, parallel electrolyte flow through the porous, multi-layered electrode. A representative cell can have such electrode at least substantially filling an electrode chamber. The cells can be contained in a cell box that will provide the desired flow-through relationship for the electrolyte to the electrode.

Abstract: The cylinder running surfaces of an internal combustion engine are treated with pretreatment and coating baths by using flush-in devices (5, 11) with lances insertable into the cylinder bores (1'). The flush-in devices (5, 11) can be successively connected via manifold devices (10, 12) with reservoirs (V.sub.1 to V.sub.5 ; B.sub.1 to B.sub.3) for different bath liquors. Thus, each flush-in device (5, 11) serves for the successive introduction of different bath liquors into the cylinder bores (1').

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and process for electroplating that has plating drums whereby the plating drums are filled, and emptied of parts at each individual plating cell and the parts are cleansed by spraying, wiping and/or drying and whereby only cleansed parts are transported from plating cell to plating cell. This results in less contamination and higher efficiencies in plating.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously anodizing the heads of several aluminum pistons includes a plating tank with an array of apertures extending through one side wall, one aperture for each piston; a fixture on the wall providing a cylindrical bore aligned with each aperture adapted to receive a piston; and a plurality of actuators which, when pivoted and locked into alignment with the fixture bores, operate to secure individual pistons in their respective apertures. A masking/sealing assembly within each fixture bore ensures that each aperture is sealed upon the securing of a piston therein, with only the piston's head and peripheral land being placed in fluid communication with the interior of the plating tank. A remote storage tank provides a supply of an electrolyte which is circulated by a fluid supply network between the storage tank and the thus-sealed plating tank during electrolysis. After the desired coating is achieved, the electrolyte is drained from the tank.

Abstract: A method for continuously treating a water body, comprising a step of using a substantially sealed processing tank, at a top and a bottom portions of which a water outlet and a water inlet are arranged respectively, and in an interior space of which three or more conductive plates substantially in parallel relation with the tank bottom and substantially in parallel relation with one another for upwardly forming a substantially closed S-shaped one-way flow path in said processing tank, wherein said conductive plates are made of a conductive material having a resistivity ranged from 1.59 .mu..OMEGA.to 1300 .mu..OMEGA.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for generating a mixed oxidant gas for treating bodies of water comprises an anode chamber that is defined by an anode plate at one end, a permeable membrane at an opposite end, and a first sealing gasket interposed therebetween. A cathode chamber is adjacent the anode chamber and is defined by a cathode plate at one end, the permeable membrane at an opposite end, and a second sealing gasket interposed therebetween, the first and second gaskets being separated by the permeable membrane. An anolyte reservoir is external from the anode chamber for accommodating a volume of anolyte therein, and is connected to the anode chamber to circulate anolyte thereto and to receive mixed oxidant gas therefrom. A catholyte reservoir is external from the cathode chamber for accommodating a volume of catholyte therein, and is connected to the cathode chamber to circulate catholyte thereto and to receive gas therefrom.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell comprising bipolar electrodes is employed for electrochemical deposition of copper, zinc, lead, nickel or cobalt. An interior space is provided between the cathode side and the anode side of a bipolar electrode. The electrolyte can flow substantially without an obstruction through the interelectrode space between adjacent electrodes. The current densities in the interelectrode space amount to 800 to 8000 A/m.sup.2. Gas is evolved on the anode side of the bipolar electrodes and causes liquid to flow along the anode side. In the middle of the height of the anode side that liquid flow has a vertical component having a velocity of 5 to 100 cm/second. Electrolyte solution flows from the upper edge portion of the anode side to a return flow space, in which the solution flows downwardly. From the return flow space the solution is returned to the lower portion of the interelectrode space.

Abstract: A separating plant for separating metals from an electrolyte which contains metal, particularly for coating steel strip, includes successively arranged vertical coating cells in which the strip to be coated is guided from an upper deflection roller and/or current-carrying roller to a lower deflection roller and from there to another upper deflection roller and/or current-carrying roller. The upwardly or downwardly travelling strip portion passes through a gap between vertically arranged anodes and an electrolyte flow which is circulated by means of pumps is fed into the gap, preferably in a direction opposite the strip travel direction. Two oppositely arranged walls of each coating cell are constructed as anode plates and adjacent anode plates of successive coating cells form a separating chamber.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for electrolytically surface-coating special metal workpieces in which the electrolyte is conveyed in a controlled circuit in and around the electrolysis region in that most of it is conveyed at a high flow rate, at a higher inlet pressure, through the space between a cathodically connected workpiece and an anode and a smaller proportion of it is conveyed at a lower flow rate upwards to the rear of the anode away from the cathode. After leaving the electrolysis region the electrolyte is taken into a separate overflow tank and/or in the feed back system.

Abstract: A fluidized bed electrowinning system and method includes a fluidized bed reaction vessel in which a fluidized bed of conductive particles serves as the cathode for the electrowinning reaction, the anodes being in the form of hollow tubes of electrochemically active material inserted into the fluidized bed and separated therefrom by a membrane. The catholyte and anolyte are separately supplied from an electrolyte supply tank, the catholyte being pumped through the conductive particles to form the fluidized bed and the anolyte being supplied to individual anodes, and are commingled at the top of the reaction vessel before return to the supply tank. Removal of particles from the tank occurs through a part in the side of the tank, the removed particles normally being recycled through a selector valve back into the tank to maintain continuous operation.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided for removal of metals such as copper, lead, silver, tellurium, platinum, palladium or nickel from dilute solutions of the metal. The cell comprises a porous tubular support (18) which is provided with a cathode comprising a porous carbon fiber material (19), a current feeder (15) for the cathode, a tubular anode (12) spaced from said cathode, a current feeder (16) for the anode, the anode and the cathode being enclosed by a non-porous outer casing (11). In use the dilute solution from which the metal is to be removed is introduced into the cell through an inlet (13) and flows through the porous carbon fiber cathode to an outlet (14). The cell is useful for removing harmful metals from wastes so that they are environmentally acceptable for disposal and for recovery of valuable metals.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of chlorine directly at the site where it is intended to be used and at the required rate. Hazards associated with the transport and storage of large quantities of liquefied chlorine under pressure are thus eliminated. The chlorine is produced electrochemically from a chloride containing electrolyte which is maintained at a pH no higher than 6, where the chlorine compounds are present as chloride and hypochlorous acid.

Abstract: The apparatus allows at least two film processor fixing solution tanks for black and white films with silver-based coating to be connected to a silver recovery unit. To that end, an intermediate storage tank is connected between the fixing solution tanks and the silver recovery unit. The intermediate storage tank is divided by an impervious internal partition into two chambers of equal size. The pipes connect the overflows of the fixing solution tanks to the inlets of the first chamber. Another pipe connects the outlet to the silver recovery unit. The return pipes connect the outlets of the second chamber to the inlets of the fixing solution tanks. A pipe connects the silver recovery unit to the inlet of the second chamber.

Abstract: An electrochemical etching process carried out in an etching system including an electrolysis vessel which is provided thereinside with facing wall surfaces defining therebetween an etching solution flow region. A semiconductor substrate to be etched and a counter electrode are mounted respectively on the facing wall surfaces. A flow stream generating section for the etching solution is formed separate from the etching solution flow region and includes a device for generating the flow stream of the etching solution. The flow stream generating section is connected to the etching solution flow region in such a manner that the etching solution flow in a direction generally parallel with the facing wall surfaces inside the electrolysis vessel. An electric potential is applied between the semiconductor substrate and the counter electrode to accomplish an electrochemical etching on the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: An oxygen-hydrogen gas generation apparatus in which an ion exchange film is used to prevent oxygen and hydrogen from mixing. The oxygen-hydrogen gas generation apparatus includes an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell includes an ion exchange film interposed between box-shaped structures. The box-shaped structures each have an interior surface coated with metal, a framework for holding the ion exchange film, and a gas discharge port. Oxygen gas is generated in a chamber formed by the ion exchange film and the box-shaped structures connected to a positive pole of a power supply. A hydrogen gas is generated in a chamber formed by the ion exchange film and the box-shaped structures connected to a negative pole of the power supply.

Abstract: In an electrolysis apparatus according to the invention for producing hydrogen by decomposing electrolysis liquid with the aid of electric current into hydrogen and oxygen in a pressurized electrolytic cell (11), an electrolytic cell (11) is placed within a liquid-filled pressure shell (10) maintained pressurized with the pressure of a gas produced in electrolysis. The liquid can be selected, for instance, among the following group: silicon oils or fats, fluorized oils, crude oil-based or synthetic oils, or water.

Abstract: An electrochemical remediation apparatus comprising a cylindrical tank having a plurality of vertical anodes suspended downwardly from a dome-shaped lid and positioned around the circumference of the tank spaced radially inwardly from the inner sidewalls of the tank. A single cathode is positioned at the axis of the cylindrical tank and removably mounted to the lid. A cylindrical metal ion permeable membrane is positioned between the anodes and the cathode. A plurality of nozzles spaced circumferentially around the tank directs pressurized fluid into the tank at a direction having radial, axial and circumferential components. A mixture of water, acid and contaminated earth consisting of approximately 50% contaminated earth is poured into the region between the membrane and the tank sidewalls. The mixture is incubated and fluidized, and contact between metals in the mixture and the anodes causes the metal contaminants to act as sacrificial anodes and thereby to ionize.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode preferably an insoluble electrode for an electrolytic cell. The electrode is located within an enclosure defining a chamber, a wall of said enclosure being formed by a membrane allowing ions to pass therethrough. The enclosure has an opening for feeding electrolyte, an opening for evacuating electrolyte and means conducting the upward current of electrolyte with a velocity in the vicinity of the electrode of at least 0.01 m/s. The invention relates also to plants and processes using such electrode for the plating or deplating of metal strips.

Abstract: This electrolytic apparatus for a welding machine uses an electrolytic cell, a mixing tank and a multi-control switch. The electrolytic cell is composed of several pieces of electrode plates which are assembled in a row, the farthest side of which is connected to the positive and negative poles of electrolysis power. After electrolysis, the gas proceeds in a storage tank and the liquid is guided back into the electrolytic cell for recycling use. The fuel gas then goes into a first chamber to get rid of water. In the meantime, part of the fuel gas will be combined with carbohydrate dissolvent to alter its fuel composition and then be recombined with the rest of the gas to provide a desired fuel. This way, the heat of the gas can be heightened, flame temperature can be lowered, and the output ratio for the fuel gas can be controlled and adjusted to attain a welding gun's flame within a comprehensive scope of temperature and heat.

Abstract: An improved surface treatment system, assembly, workstation, method, and liquid for plating and the like. The assembly includes a member defining a fluid passage within the interior surface of a workpiece which is connected to a treating liquid feed channel and a treating liquid discharge channel. Desirably, the assembly includes a sealing mechanism at least partially insertable into the opening of the sealing mechanism to avoid leakage.

Abstract: A water purifier comprising an electrolytic cell housed in an enclosure and an attaching apparatus. The enclosure attaches over an outlet fitting of a water circulation line in a swimming pool by the attaching apparatus. The attaching apparatus and the enclosure define apertures and outlet openings, respectively, having increasing areas in the direction of the water flow. This configuration increases flow rates through the apertures and outlet openings; the increased flow rates break off scale formations extending into the center of the apertures and outlet openings and thereby prevent scale from clogging the purifier. The attaching apparatus also can be coupled directly to the water circulation line and can be adjusted to accommodate fittings and circulation lines of various sizes.

Abstract: Device for the electrochemical treatment, in particular localized, of a conducting substrate, which comprises a casing provided with an opening and delimiting a space, an electrode arranged in this space and intended to be connected to one of the terminals of a source of electric current, the conducting substrate being intended to be connected to the other terminal of this source, and an electrolyte inlet and an electrolyte outlet, both communicating with the said space, characterized in that it moreover comprises a body made of absorbent, flexible material which does not conduct electricity and which is permeable to gases and liquids, this body being in contact with the said electrode and closing off the said opening, projecting beyond the latter, a first pump mounted on the said electrolyte inlet and a second pump mounted on the said electrolyte outlet, the flow rate of the second pump being greater than that of the first pump and fixed in relation to that of the first pump, so as to create an underpressure

Abstract: An electrolytic chlorine gas generating system is disclosed. The system includes an electrolytic cell generating the chlorine gas, a brine tank supplying saturated brine to the anode compartment of the cell, and an acid feed tank containing hydrochloric acid at sufficient concentration to maintain the anolyte brine at less than about pH 4.0. In operation, the brine tank contains solid sodium chloride which dissolves in the brine and replenishes the anolyte brine solution as chloride ion is consumed during electrolysis. The acid feed tank is in fluid communication with the brine tank so that the brine is maintained at a constant volume during electrolysis. A caustic system is also disclosed including a means for controlling caustic delivery.

Abstract: In a wet processing apparatus, an electrolytic cell, a first storing cell for storing anode active water of the electrolytic cell, a first processing cell for processing a target with the anode active water of the first storing cell, a second storing cell for storing cathode active water of the electrolytic cell, and a second processing cell for processing a target with the cathode active water of the second storing cell are provided. Also, a first reactivating feedback path is provided between the first processing cell and an anode region of the electrolytic cell, and a second reactivating feedback path is provided between the second processing cell and a cathode region of the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simultaneously anodizing the heads of several aluminum pistons includes a plating tank having an array of apertures extending through one of its side walls, one aperture for each piston; and means for securing the head of each piston in its respective aperture. A seal disposed in each aperture ensures that the aperture is sealed upon the securing of the piston therein, with only the piston's head being placed in fluid communication with the interior of the plating tank. An acid electrolyte is directed into the plating tank through electrically-conductive sparging nozzles positioned therein opposite the heads of the pistons, thereby forming an electrolytic cell with the pistons as anodes and the sparging nozzles as cathodes. A power supply simultaneously applies a current to the cell, i.e., across the electrolyte via the pistons and sparger nozzles, to effect electrolytic coating of each piston's head.

Abstract: An electroplating cell includes a floor, ceiling, front wall, and back wall forming a box having first and second opposite open ends. A rack for supporting an article to be electroplated is removably positioned vertically to close the first open end and includes a thief laterally surrounding the article to define a cathode. An anode is positioned vertically to close the second open end, with the assembly defining a substantially closed, six-sided inner chamber for receiving an electrolyte therein for electroplating the article. The article and surrounding thief are coextensively aligned with the anode, with the floor, ceiling, front and back walls being effective for guiding electrical current flux between the cathode and the anode. In a preferred embodiment, the cell is disposed as an inner cell inside an outer cell substantially filled with the electrolyte, and a paddle is disposed inside the inner cell for agitating the electrolyte therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for electrodepositing metals onto a substrate or the like which creates a uniform laminar flow of the electroplating solution across the surface of the substrate. Specifically, the plating bath according to this invention utilizes an insert plate with a plurality of conical-shaped apertures and a cylindrical tunnel plate to create and maintain a laminar flow of the solution across the surface of the substrate. Additionally, every plate in the invention can be separately and slidably removed to facilitate easy disassembly for cleaning and user customization to achieve the various results and specifications desired by the user.

Abstract: An improved electrolyte circulation manifold system for use in a copper electrowinning cell which includes an array of alternating cathode and anode plates positioned within a holding tank is disclosed. The manifold system itself includes a first manifold section positioned within the holding tank adjacent to a first lateral edge portion of each cathode plate and anode plate in the array. The first manifold section includes a first plurality of holes formed along it's length so that each hole is oriented in a horizontal plane and a single hole is positioned between and facing each anode plate and an adjacent cathode plate. A second manifold section is positioned within the holding tank adjacent to a second lateral edge portion of each cathode plate and anode plate in the array.

Abstract: A geographically distributed apparatus and process for detritiating heavy water is provided. The apparatus and process provide a remote site enrichment plant for producing an enriched stream of DT/D.sub.2 gas and a hydriding unit for forming a hydride of the DT/D.sub.2 gas for transportation. Pure tritium gas is produced at a local tritium extraction plant by reforming DT/D.sub.2 in a de-hydriding unit and passing the gas mixture through a chain of cryogenic distillation columns. The invention provides a safe and cost-effective method of detritiating heavy water.

Abstract: An anodization apparatus for anodizing the surface of a semiconductor substrate by supporting the semiconductor substrate between a pair of electrodes in an electrolytic solution and applying a voltage across the pair of electrodes. The anodization apparatus includes an elastic sealing member for supporting a peripheral portion of the semiconductor substrate such that a surface portion of a semiconductor substrate remains exposed, a support jig which includes a tapered hollow portion for supporting the sealing member, and a device for introducing a fluid of gas or liquid into the tapered hollow portion. When the fluid is introduced, the sealing member is pressed against and brought into hermetic contact with the tapered hollow portion and with the entire peripheral portion of the semiconductor substrate such that the electrolytic solution is separated into electrically isolated parts by coordination between the semiconductor substrate, the sealing member, and the support jig.

Abstract: Thick layers of hard dense chromium coatings are formed on metal substrates by an electrolytic brush plating operation in which a lead-tin anode is closely positioned to a cathodic workpiece in full anode wrap relationship and the surface of the cathodic workpiece is wiped by an open construction wiper to remove hydrogen bubbles and/or outwardly extending dendritic coating material with minimum contact with and force upon the coating surface. The open wiper construction allows free access to the coated surface at all times of fresh undepleted coating electrolyte and allows hydrogen bubbles and dendritic material to be discharged unimpeded from the wiper structure.

Abstract: Method and device for pickling, and possibly for degreasing, of elongate metal items, in particular wires, strips and steel section. These items are placed in an electrolyte solution through which an electric current is passed by means of electrodes, said items being moved preferably in a substantially continuous manner lengthwise through at least two successive separate baths of an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution and/or a chlorine mineral salt solution. At least one electrode is placed in each bath and an electric voltage is applied to these electrodes so that the sign of the voltage on the electrode of one of the baths is always different from the sign of the voltage on the electrode of the adjacent bath, the baths being substantially insulated from each other so that the electric current flows between two adjacent baths mainly via that part of the item being moved between said two adjacent baths.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus capable of forming a film of a uniform thickness on a substrate for printed wiring irrespective of a size of the substrate. Insoluble anode plates are arranged in a plurality of pairs in an electroplating tank in a manner to be juxtaposed to each other along a transfer passage along which the substrate is horizontally transferred and electrically independent from each other for every pair. The insoluble anode plates in each pair are arranged so as to be vertically spaced from each other with the transfer passage being interposed therebetween and are independently connected to an anode terminal of each of rectifiers. Cathode terminals of the rectifiers are electrically connected together to clips for holding the substrate. Electroplating on the substrate is carried out by feeding only the insoluble anode plates contained in a plane of projection of the substrate defined in a vertical direction of the substrate with electricity.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus positively biases an anode with respect to a work dipped in an electrolyte in an electrolysis vessel for depositing metal on the work, and an inert ambience is created over the electrolyte so that the electrolyte is never oxidized.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell comprises an anode plate, a cathode plate, and a permeable membrane interposed between the anode and cathode plate. An anode sealing gasket is interposed between the anode plate and the permeable membrane forming an anode chamber, the anode sealing gasket may comprise a bipolar electrode. A cathode sealing gasket is interposed between the cathode plate and the permeable membrane forming a cathode chamber. An anolyte reservoir external to the anode chamber supplies anolyte to and removes mixed oxidant gases from the anode chamber. An anolyte make-up tank external to the anolyte reservoir and anode chamber supplies anolyte solution to the anolyte reservoir. The anolyte solution is transferred from the anolyte make-up tank, to the anolyte reservoir, and into the anode chamber by gravity. A catholyte reservoir external to the cathode chamber supplies catholyte to and removes gases from the cathode chamber.

Abstract: Electrolysis cell for the production of a gas, comprising at least two electrolysis chambers, respectively anodic (2) and cathodic (3), one at least of which is in communication, at its lower part, with an electrolyte entry pipe (5) and, at its upper part, with an electrolyte degassing chamber (7) sited above it and provided with a gas discharge opening (8) and with an electrolyte discharge opening (16), an electrolyte recycling pipe (10) connecting the degassing chamber (7) to the entry pipe (5) and including a valve (11) which is open or closed according to whether the pressure downstream (B) of the valve (11) is less than or greater than the pressure upstream (A) of the valve.

Abstract: Electrolyser for the production of a gas, comprising a battery (1) of electrolysis cells with membranes, in which the separation between the anode (8) and the cathode (28) is greater than the thickness of the membrane (4), an electrolyte degassing chamber (15), in communication with the upper part of the anodic (or cathodic) chambers (3), and an electrolyte recycling pipe (20, 21) joining the degassing chamber (15) to electrolyte distributors (10, 11, 12, 13) which are in communication with the anodic (cathodic) chambers (3) of the cells, the recycling pipe (20, 21) having a head loss coefficient which is equal, at most, to the overall coefficient of the head losses of the anodic (cathodic) chambers (3), of the distributors (10, 11, 12, 13) and of the degassing chamber (15).

Abstract: An electroplating plant for the electrolyte deposition of metals on flat components such as printed circuit boards and the like, oriented parallel to the direction of feed and continuously supplied via a system for the transmission and supply of cathode current to the boards. The apparatus has at least one pair of electrolytic cells. Each of the cells is provided with a feed aperture and the aperture for the outflow of the electrolytic solution supplied continuously by a pump drawing the same from a recovery tank. Each cell is provided with anodes and a passage for regulating the flow the electrolytic solution. Each cell has its outflow aperture located opposite that of another cell in order to provide an empty space through which the board passes; the board to be thus placed in contact with the electrolytic solution.

Abstract: An electrochemical processor having a first frustoconical chamber for receiving a workpiece to be processed. A plurality of sources of process fluids are connected to the frustoconical chamber for sequentially cleaning, providing an electrolyte and sealing the surface of the workpiece. A first valve arrangement connected to the chamber and responsive to a signal from a central processing unit allows the selected fluid to recirculate to provide agitation and at the same time if need to either chill or heat the selected fluid to aid in the desired function of the selected fluid. A second valve arrangement responsive to a signal from the central processing unit allows the selected fluid to drain from the chamber for return to the original supply source or a second frustoconical chamber for processing workpieces in parallel with the first frustoconical chamber.