Abstract: A bipolar electrolytic cell can include, as a manifold, a spiral manifold assembly. This spiral manifold assembly will comprise a first outer assembly member, a second outer assembly member and a center assembly member. The overall structure can provide reduced loss of metal or gas and minimal loss of electrical current during an electrolytic process.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ion exchange membrane type electrolyzer, which comprises electrodes at opposed positions via an ion exchange membrane, spacers are mounted in dot-like arrangement on openings of electrode surface to maintain spacing between the ion exchange membrane and surface of at least one of the electrodes.

Abstract: An improved electrochemical system includes at least two cells. Each cell defines an anolyte chamber and a catholyte chamber, and includes at least an anode electrode adjacent to the anolyte chamber, and a cathode electrode adjacent to the catholyte chamber. At least one unitary one piece double electrode plate is provided having an electrically conducting frame. At least two single electrode plates are provided, each including an electrically conducting frame for supporting an anode electrode or a cathode electrode. A separator is between the catholyte and anolyte chambers and has at least a peripheral frame formed of a compressible elastomer. An anolyte chamber forming frame formed of a compressible elastomer and a catholyte chamber forming frame member formed of a compressible elastomer are provided within each cell. The anolyte and catholyte chamber forming frame members and the peripheral frame of the separator are compressed to form fluid tight seals when the electrochemical system is assembled.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell is disclosed which comprises: (a) an electrolyte; and (b) a plurality of bipolar electrodes surrounded by the electrolyte and electrically connected in series during operation of the cell, the bipolar electrodes each comprising a cathode side, an anode side, and an electrically conductive connection between the cathode side and the anode side, wherein the cathode side and the anode side of at least one of the bipolar electrodes are movable and mechanically separable with respect to each other so that one of the two electrode sides can be removed from the cell, while the other electrode side remains in the cell.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new design of elements for ion exchange membrane electrolyzers for the electrolysis of brine to produce chlorine, hydrogen and caustic soda. This new design solves the problems affecting prior art, by both minimizing the electrolyte concentration and temperature gradients, and the pressure fluctuation resorting to components which are easy to be installed and may be obtained through automated production cycles.

Abstract: An improved electrochemical system, comprising (a) at least two cells in parallel electrical connection to constitute at least two cell stacks, each cell defining an anolyte chamber and a catholyte chamber, and including at least an anode electrode adjacent to the anolyte chamber, and a cathode electrode adjacent to the catholyte chamber; (b) at least one unitary one piece double electrode plate having an electrically conducting frame, the anode electrode in one of the at least two cells being supported on a first portion of the electrically conducting frame, and the cathode electrode in one of the other of the at least two cells being supported on a second portion of the electrically conducting frame spaced from the first portion; (c) at least two single electrode plates, each single electrode plate including an electrically conducting frame for supporting an anode electrode or a cathode electrode wherein the first and second portions of the double electrode plate include at least opposed faces; (d) a me

Abstract: A bipolar metal electrode for the electrolysis of hydrochloric acid, comprising a nickel alloy cathode plate and a titanium anode mesh coupled together by a hydrogen barrier, where the hydrogen barrier is an aluminum plate, where the titanium anode mesh is connected to a titanium backplate by a plurality of titanium supports and where the titanium backplate is spaced apart from the nickel alloy cathode plate by the aluminum plate. An electrolyser comprising one or more bipolar electrodes according to present invention. A method of producing chlorine from hydrochloric acid comprising providing one or more bipolar metal electrodes according to the present invention or an electrolyser according to the present invention, and contacting the one or more bipolar electrodes or the electrolyser with hydrochloric acid.

Abstract: A bipolar type ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell comprising an anode compartment frame which comprises an anode plate and an anode back plate arranged in substantially parallel with each other with a spacing, and a conductive anode supporting member arranged between the anode plate and the anode back plate, and a cathode compartment frame which comprises a cathode plate and a cathode back plate arranged in substantially parallel with each other with a spacing, and a conductive cathode supporting member arranged between the cathode plate and the cathode back plate, so that the anode back plate and the cathode back plate are connected back to back to form a partition wall for a bipolar electrolytic cell, wherein(a) the spacing between the anode plate and the anode back plate is wider than the spacing between the cathode plate and the cathode back plate,(b) the anode supporting member and/or the cathode supporting member, is arranged in plurality, and(c) between the adjacent anode and/or cathode supporting

Abstract: A monopolar or bipolar filter press electrolyzer. The bipolar filter press electrolyzer can contain a bipolar electrode consisting of a planar metal anode and planar metal cathode electrically connected to respective planar current collectors which can be electrically connected by welding either directly or through an intermediate metal layer different than said metal anode or cathode, or by adhesive bonding utilizing an electrically conductive adhesive. The cell frames can be a molded thermoplastic polymer or laminated thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer sheets. The bipolar electrode assemblies can include at least a pair of thermoplastic or thermosetting cell frame units which can be assembled with either a single gasket or a polymer adhesive.

Abstract: A column packing for use in the scrubbing of gases by aqueous liquid, the packing comprising material that is electrically conductive and material that is non-conductive with such materials being intimately mixed with each other, such that the packing as a whole provides the gas-liquid surface for absorption and the conductive material in particular serves as a bipolar electrode for electrolysis.

Abstract: A composite membrane is disclosed fabricated by depositing an inorganic ion-conducting thin film on a cation-selective organic polymer membrane substrate using Pulse Laser Deposition (PLD) or reactive magnetron sputtering. The fabricated membrane combines the advantages of the polymeric membrane including flexibility and low electrical resistance, with the advantages of the inorganic membrane film including resistance to fouling, high selectivity for alkali metal ions over hydrogen ions and resistance to oxidizing chemicals; electromembrane systems and processes for example alkali metal sensing electrodes and other membrane-based electrochemical detectors, electrolytic and electrodialytic systems incorporate such membranes thus improving their performance in terms of current efficiency, salt to acid conversion ratio, reliable operation and membrane life.

Abstract: Metallized cation-exchange membrane The present invention relates to a membrane/electrode composite comprising a membrane comprising a polymeric cation exchanger containing carboxylic acid, phosphonic acid or sulfonic acid groups, which cation exchanger is soluble in a solvent, where on at least one side of the membrane there are applied finely divided metals which catalyze the formation of water from H.sub.2 and O.sub.2. The part of the membrane covered with metal is porous, but contains no closed pores, and the metal can also be present in the pores.

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 apparatus for producing hydrogen and oxygen having a pressure vessel surrounding a bipolar-type water electrolytic cell The electrolytic cell contains a plurality of joined solid electrolyte membrane units, and each solid electrolyte membrane unit contains a solid electrolyte membrane, porous conductors in contact with opposing surfaces of the solid electrolyte membrane, and bipolar-type electrode plates in contact with each porous conductor, wherein each electrode plate is capable of performing as an anode and a cathode. A gap is present between the interior of the pressure vessel and the exterior of the water electrolytic cell to form a water pressure regulating chamber, and water of a preselected pressure can be fed into the water pressure regulating chamber such that the pressure differential between the pressure inside the water electrolytic cell and the pressure inside the water pressure regulating chamber is maintained within the pressure differential tolerance range of the water electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A filter press electrolyzer, such as for use in a chlor-alkali cell, has electrode assemblies which include a pan-shaped structure. The pan members have a planar floor and an upright side around the peripheral edge of the floor. The upright side terminates upwardly in a rim. The pan members are elongate, thereby providing long, at least substantially parallel sides at long pan edges as well as short sides at the top and bottom of the pan. On the pan floor are a series of parallel, rigid stand-offs, which project upwardly from the floor. These hold electrodes away from the back of the pan. These electrodes are typically large, somewhat flexible and at least substantially planar members, usually made of metal mesh. The stand-offs can include principal stand-offs located at the central area of the pan, plus additional stand-offs, typically one each at the top and bottom of the pan.

Abstract: A pressurized or forced circulation electrolysis cell comprising a cell housing containing at least one pair of electrodes which is a cathode and an anode, a current collector and an ion exchange membrane having a surface area of at least about 40 ft.sup.2 having the improvement which comprises an electrically conductive, hydraulically permeable resilient mattress substantially coplanar with and contacting on one side the current collector and coplanar with and contacting on the other side an electrode. The mattress comprises at least six non-aligned layers of woven and crimped metal fibers having a resiliency product of greater than 100 (inches).sup.2 /psi according to the formula:RP=10,000.times.NS.times.CHwherein RP represents the resiliency product in (inches).sup.2 /psi, NS is the negative slope of the mattress height versus compressive load of the mattress, and CH is the compressive height over the range that the mattress will be compressed in millimeters.

Abstract: A bipolar type ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell has gas-liquid separating chambers which minimizes a pressure fluctuation in compartment frame units, deterioration of ion exchange membranes and a voltage variation in the compartment units.Upper portions of back plates 5, 3a are outwardly bent at a higher position than meshed electrode plates of each of anode and cathode compartment frames to form inversed U-shape portions; U-shaped channel members 10 are respectively placed in and fixed to the inversed U-shape portions so that spaces are formed, as passages 12, in association with the back plates, and areas defined by the inversed U-shape portions and the U-shaped channel members are gas-liquid separating chambers.

Abstract: Economical, pollution-free treatment of textiles occurs in a low voltage electrochemical cell that mercerizes (or scours), sours, and optionally bleaches without effluents and without the purchase of bulk caustic, neutralizing acids, or bleaches. The cell produces base in the cathodic chamber for mercerization and an equivalent amount of acid in the anodic chamber for neutralizing the fabric. Gas diffusion electrodes are used for one or both electrodes and may simultaneously generate hydrogen peroxide for bleaching. The preferred configuration is a stack of bipolar electrodes, in which one or both of the anode and cathode are gas diffusion electrodes, and where no hydrogen gas is evolved at the cathode.

Abstract: A cell structure for electrolyzer units and fuel cells, comprising an electrolyte-permeable diaphragm, one metallic, electrolyte-permeable electrode respectively on either side of the diaphragm, an electrically conductive bipolar cell partition respectively which bounds the cell, one electrically conductive structure respectively between the electrode and the cell partition which acts as an elastic spacer and current supply, and a frame construction which encloses the cell on the circumference side. The diaphragm is constructed as a flat plate, with layer-type electrodes resting directly on it and integrally connected with it. The cell partitions are constructed of sheet metal, if necessary, with spacers. The spaces between the electrodes and the cell partitions are at least partially filled with lamellar structures which are axially and perpendicularly fluid-permeable and rest against the electrodes.

Abstract: A novel bipolar electrode module is provided. Such module includes a generally-rectangular, plate-like metallic cathode, a generally-rectangular, plate-like metallic anode, the plate-like metallic cathode and anode being disposed in edge-to-edge butting relationship, thereby to align the plate-like metallic cathode to lie in the same plane as the plate-like metallic anode; and the butting relationship between the plate-like metallic anode and the plate-like metallic cathode being provided by a coextensive joint between the respective abutting edges of the plate-like metallic anode and the plate-like metallic cathode, the joint comprising a mechanical integration fit between a plurality a plurality of male tongues on an edge of one metallic plate and a similar plurality of female grooves in an edge of the other metallic plate. The joint provides: structural rigidity for the module; and electrically-conducting zone of low resistance; and no increase in module thickness.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bipolar, filter press type electrolytic cell comprising a plurality of unit cells which are arranged in series through a cation exchange membrane disposed between respective adjacent unit cells, each unit cell containing anode-side and cathode-side gas-liquid separation chambers respectively disposed in anode-side and cathode-side non-current-flowing spaces and extending over the entire upper-side lengths of anode and cathode compartments. This electrolytic cell can be utilized to stably perform, for a prolonged period of time, the electrolysis of an aqueous alkali metal chloride solution at low cost without causing not only a leakage of an electrolytic solution but also vibration of the cell and formation of a gas zone in the upper portion of the anode and cathode compartments even in the electrolysis conducted at a high current density and at a high alkali concentration.

Abstract: In an electrolyzer having bipolar cells, which are arranged in a row and consist each of two metallic partitions, spring-elastic electrodes bearing on the partitions, and a diaphragm which is disposed between the electrodes and is spaced from the electrodes by spacers, contact between the spring-elastic electrodes and the diaphragm is prevented by disposing the spacers of each cell directly opposite to each other and aligned with the spacers of the other cells.

Abstract: A bipolar-electrode electrolytic cell is disclosed, which is to be used in electrolysis of an electrolytic solution having a high electric resistance and including at least two diaphragms positioned to form a plurality of electrode compartments comprising two outer compartments defined between the side walls of the electrolytic cell and the diaphragms positioned closest to the cell walls having a single electrode and at least one electrode compartment having two same-polar electrodes on both sides thereof, each of said electrodes being placed on a diaphragm such that different-polar electrodes are positioned at opposing sides of the diaphragm, wherein the distance between same-polar electrodes within the same compartment is sufficiently large such that electrolysis therebetween does not substantially occur and wherein two of said electrodes at the terminal ends of the series connected electrolytic cell, an anode and a cathode, being further electrically connected to an anode collector and a cathode collector,

Abstract: The invention is an electrode at least having a primary hydraulically permeable electrode member with a multiplicity of spaced apart depressions projecting a predetermined distance from the plane of the electrode. The invention also includes an electrolytic cell using the electrode and a method for electrolyzing an electrolyte using the cell.

Abstract: A bipolar-electrode type electrolytic cell for production of ozone is disclosed, including a plurality of solid electrolyte electrodes comprising a solid electrolyte ion exchange membrane having provided on opposing sides thereof an anode and a cathode, said electrodes positioned to form a plurality of electrode compartments between adjacent solid electrolyte electrodes, such that the anodes face each other to form anode compartments and the cathodes face each other to form cathode compartments, and between the side walls of the electrolytic cell and the solid electrolyte electrodes positioned closest to the cell side walls, wherein each of the anodes and the cathodes provided on the solid electrolyte electrodes are electrically connected to a different-polar electrode, respectively, which face the same direction and are present on adjacent solid electrolyte electrodes.

Abstract: A bipolar, filter press type cell is disclosed having a liquid permeable diaphragm which is particularly suited for the electrolysis of a brine solution to produce chlorine and caustic or the electrolysis of an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide to produce an aqueous alkaline hydrogen peroxide solution. The cell can include a multiplicity of cell units extending generally in a vertical as well as a horizontal direction. A porous, self-draining electrode assembly includes a current distributor in contact with a side of the electrode opposite the electrolyte active side of the electrode.

Abstract: A porous diaphragm is disclosed for use in an electrochemical cell having at least one electrode characterized as porous and self-draining. The diaphragm provides a way of obtaining uniformity of flow of an electrolyte through the diaphragm even when exposed to varying electrolyte head pressures. The porous diaphragm of the invention has a plurality of layers of a microporous polyolefin film or a composite comprising the microporous polyolefin film and a support fabric resistant to deterioration upon exposure to an aqueous solution of an ionizable compound.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of carrying out a mobile atom insertion reaction, such as a hydrogen insertion reaction, for the synthesis of reduced, hydrogenated compounds. Such reactions include the production of ammonia and hydrazine from nitrogen, formic acid and methanol from carbon dioxide, and hydrogen peroxide from oxygen. The insertion reactions are carried out at a bipolar mobile atom transmissive membrane comprising a membrane formed of a mobile atom pump material, as a hydrogen pump material, conductive atom transmissive means on one surface of the membrane and conductive atom transmissive means on the opposite surface of the membrane. The mobile atom, such as hydrogen, diffuses across the membrane, to provide a source of hydrogen on the insertion reaction side of the membrane. The insertion reaction side of the membrane is positively biased with respect to a counterelectrode so that a reactant molecule, such as carbon dioxide, is electrosorbed on that surface of the membrane.

Abstract: A combination seal and tentering member suitable for use as a gasket in an electrolytic cell of the filter press type and suitable for tentering a membrane used in the electrolytic cell. The seal/tentering member used in the filter press type electrolytic cell includes a first portion generally rectangular in cross section, having parallel top and bottom walls and first and second vertical parallel side walls, and a second flange portion integral with the first portion generally rectangular in cross section having a top and bottom wall and first and second parallel side walls, said second portion having top and bottom walls of a smaller length such that the seal/tentering member forms a "P-shaped" parameter viewed in cross section, said bottom of first portion and top of second portion being a contiguous boundary and said first side wall of said second portion and said first side wall of said first portion is substantially the same wall.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell comprising a housing containing a plurality of alternating anode units and cathode units and an ion permeable membrane sheet disposed therebetween and having in direct contact with the opposite sides of the membrane sheet a porous anode and a porous cathode, said cathode units comprising a pair of spaced foraminous cathodes of the same polarity forming a space for catholyte therebetween and means for flowing aqueous electrolyte through the catholyte space of the cathode unit and means for removing electrolysis products, the anode units comprising a pair of spaced foraminous anodes forming a space for anolyte therebetween, means for flowing aqueous halide solution through the said anolyte space and means for removing electrolysis products therefrom and means for uniformly compressing the units and membranes together and to a novel method of generating halogens by electrolysis of aqueous halide solutions.

Abstract: Apparatus for the electrolysis of solutions. The apparatus comprises bipolar elements formed of a conductive plate peripherally surrounded by an insulating frame provided with feeding and discharging channels along peripheral zones of the frame. A cavity is formed with the conductive plate as the bottom and the frame as wall. Separating elements can be inserted between the bipolar elements. The separating elements consist of a porous diaphragm and an insulating frame also having feeding and discharging channels. Electrodic structures, consisting of cut and expanded metal sheets, nets or other material having high internal porosity may fill up the remaining space between two lateral bipolar elements and a central separating element.

Abstract: An electrode which comprisesa wall of plastics material,an electrically-conductive electrode surface on one side of the wall and displaced therefrom,an electrically-conductive electrode surface on the opposite side of the wall and displaced therefrom,at least one electrically-conductive connecting member in electrical contact with one of the electrode surfaces,at least one electrically-conductive connecting member in electrical contact with the other of the electrode surfaces,and in which the electrically-conductive connecting members are embedded in the wall of plastics material and are in electrical contact with each other.Also, an electrolytic cell comprising a plurality of said electrodes.

Abstract: A bipolar type electrolyzer unit cell includes an anode-side pan-shaped body and a cathode-side pan-shaped body which each comprise a hooked frame, frame wall, and partition wall and are disposed back to back; rod shaped frames inserted between the hooked flange and the frame wall in each body, and a bipolar type of electrolyzer in which a plurality of the unit cells is arranged in series.

Abstract: A flat plate bipolar electrolytic cell frame unit has a plurality of connectors removably attachable to the centerboard. Anode and cathode plate supports or ribs have outer plate supporting edges and are cooperable with the connectors, when the latter are secured to the centerboard, to enable adjustment of the ribs to preselected positions whereat their edges define preselected planes, such that when the anode and cathode plates are subsequently welded to said edges and assembled with the connectors to the centerboard, the anode and cathode plates of adjacent bipolar cell units are parallel and closely spaced by a predetermined distance. The connectors are removably secured to the centerboard and the ribs are welded at their adjusted positions to their respective connectors. Thereafter the welded together connectors and ribs are removed from the centerboard to enable unencumbered welding of the anode and cathode plates to said edges of the anode and cathode ribs respectively.

Abstract: An improved frame useful in a filter press type electrolytic cell having a channel of U-shaped configuration and filled with a mixture of a thermosetting resin and a filter. The frames can be used in an electrolytic cell for the electrolysis of brine to produce chlorine and caustic.

Abstract: A bipolar electrolytic cell comprises a plurality of side-by-side cell units, each unit having parallel anode and cathode plates spaced by a centerboard and electrically connected by a bipolar connection comprising a plurality of copper rods extending through the centerboard and shielded at their opposite ends from electrolyte in the cell by protective covers projection welded to opposite sides of the centerboard. The cover for one end of each rod comprises a cup having the base of its opening shaped to conform closely to the one end and frictionally welded thereto.A plurality of similar spacer and ring assemblies are arranged over opposite sides of the centerboard. Each assembly comprises a spacer projection welded to an associated side of the centerboard and to the inner periphery of a ring extending around the spacer. The spacers at one side of the centerboard may comprise the protective covers at said one side.

Abstract: The present invention is a circular structural frame particularly suitable for use in an electrochemical cell. The frame comprises an organic plastic or metallic member with a plurality of horizontally and vertically spaced-apart shoulders protruding outwardly from opposing generally spherical anolyte and catholyte surfaces of the plastic member. Each of the shoulders annularly encircles and supports an electrically conductive insert extending from an exterior face of a shoulder on the catholyte surface of the plastic member, through the plastic member, to an exterior face of a shoulder on the anolyte surface of the plastic member.An electrically conductive substantially completely hydraulically impermeable anolyte cover is matingly affixed to the anolyte surface of the plastic member and adapted to minimize contact between the anolyte and the plastic member. The anolyte cover is resistant to the corrosive effects of the anolyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrodes having fibers which provide large surface areas, high bond strength between the core fibers and metallic coatings thereon, and efficient electrical connections; electro-chemical cells including such electrodes; and processes for forming and utilizing the electrodes and cells of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is a structural frame particularly suitable for use in an electrochemical cell. The frame comprises an organic plastic member with a plurality of horizontally and vertically spaced-apart shoulders protruding outwardly from opposing generally coplanar anolyte and catholyte surfaces of the plastic member. Each of the shoulders annularly encircles and supports an electrically conductive insert extending from an exterior face of a shoulder on the catholyte surface of the plastic member, through the plastic member, to an exterior face of a shoulder on the anolyte surface of the plastic member.An electrically conductive substantially completely hydraulically impermeable anolyte cover is matingly affixed to the anolyte surface of the plastic member and adapted to minimize contact between the anolyte and the plastic member. The anolyte cover is resistant to the corrosive effects of the anolyte.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell comprising a housing containing a plurality of alternating anode units and cathod units and an ion permeable membrane sheet disposed therebetween and having in direct contact with the opposite sides of the membrane sheet a porous anode and a porous cathode, said cathode units comprising a pair of spaced foraminous cathodes of the same polarity forming a space for catholyte therebetween and means for flowing aqueous electrolyte through the catholyte space of the cathode unit and means for removing electrolysis products, the anode units comprising a pair of spaced foraminous anodes forming a space for anolyte therebetween, means for flowing aqueous halide solution through the said anolyte space and means for removing electrolysis products therefrom and means for uniformly compressing the units and membranes together and to a novel method of generating halogens by electrolysis of aqueous halide solutions.

Abstract: The invention is an electrochemical terminal unit suitable for use in monopolar or bipolar electrochemical cells comprising:an electric current transmission element in the form of a substantially planar, continuous electrically conductive body having a plurality of bosses on at least one face of electric current transmission element;a metal liner having a profile matching the face of the electric current transmission element having the plurality of bosses;wherein said metal liner is made from a corrosion resistant metal and disposed over the opposite surfaces of said electric current transmission element;foraminous electrode components disposed over said liner and resting over said raised portions, said electrode components and said metal liner being connected together at least a portion of said bosses; andan electrical connection means for connecting a pole of an electric current power supply on at least one of the edges of said electric current transmission element.

Abstract: An electrode, for use in an electrolytic cell, which electrode is associated with a reference electrode adjacent to a surface of said electrode, in which the electrode comprises at least two spaced apart members, at least one of which is foraminate and which comprises an operative electrode surface, and in which the reference electrode is positioned between and spaced apart from said members.A reference electrode may be associated with an anode, and a reference electrode may be associated with a cathode, and the potentials associated with various cell parameters may be monitored, for example over potentials at the anodes and cathodes.

Abstract: An electrode for an electrolyzer comprising at least two mechanically joined parts (1, 2) between which electrical connection is maintained by means of several elastic, thin and electrically conductive louvers (4), positioned at an angle to the surfaces, which louvers are pressed to contact with the surfaces of the electrode parts by means of a mechanical joint (6) between the parts.

Abstract: A bipolar electrolytic cell assembly of the filter press-type comprising a first frame member, a second frame member, a separator interposed between the first and second frames to space apart an anode and cathode and a pre-compressed seal means interposed between at least the first or second frame member and the separator.

Abstract: Unitary, cast structural element for solid polymer electrolyte filter pass electrolysis cell which incorporates into a single unit the central barrier between the peripheral boundaries for the adjacent anode compartment and adjacent cathode compartment of two electrolysis cells located on opposite sides of the central barrier. Also incorporated into the single cast structural element are anode bosses and cathode bosses extending outwardly from opposite sides of the central barrier. These bosses not only serve as mechanical support for their respective flat plate anode and cathode, but also they serve as stand-off means and electrical current collectors and dispersers from the cathode of one electrolysis cell to the anode of the next cell. Simplicity of design coupled with incorporation of many functional elements into one part eliminates many cell warpage problems, inherent high voltage problems and solid polymer electrolyte membrane "hot spot" problems.

Abstract: A generic, simple, economical method for making and assembling either a monopolar or bipolar filter press type electrochemical cell unit. The first feature is making a novel central cell element. This cell element is an integrally formed, unitary, cast structural element for filter press electrolysis cell which incorporates into a single cell unit the central barrier between the peripheral boundaries for the adjacent anolyte compartment and adjacent catholyte compartment of two electrolysis cells located on opposite sides of the central barrier. Also incorporated into the single cast structural element are anode bosses and cathode bosses extending outwardly from opposite sides of the central barrier. These bosses not only serve as mechanical support for their respective flat plate anode and cathode elements, but also they serve as stand-off means and electrical current collectors and dispersers from the cathode of one electrolysis cell to the anode of the next cell.

Abstract: Unitary, cast structural element for filter press electrolysis cell which incorporates into a single unit the central barrier between the peripheral boundaries for the adjacent anode compartment and adjacent cathode compartment of two electrolysis cells located on opposite sides of the central barrier. Also incorporated into the single cast structural element are anode component bosses and cathode component bosses extending outwardly from opposite sides of the central barrier. These bosses not only serve as mechanical support for their respective flat plate anode component and cathode component, but also they serve as stand-off means and electrical current collectors and dispersers from the cathode component of one electrolysis cell to the anode component of the next cell. Simplicity of design coupled with incorporation of many functional elements into one part eliminates many cell warpage problems, inherent high voltage problems and membrane "hot spot" problems.

Abstract: A bipolar electrode has plate-like anode and cathode parts. The anode and cathode parts are secured together, edge-to-edge, to form a single element in one plane by an intermediate connecting piece. The intermediate connecting piece itself is a composite element having parts of materials which are compatible with the respectively adjacent anode and cathode. The two parts of the composite element are joined together by hot isostatic pressure, explosion-plating or diffusion-welding into the composite body, the resultant composite body then permitting welding of the respective anode and cathode plates to the respective anode part and cathode part of the composite element or body.

Abstract: Unitary, cast structural element for filter press depolarized electrolysis cell which incorporates into a single unit the central barrier between the peripheral boundaries for the adjacent anode compartment and adjacent cathode compartment of two electrolysis cells located on opposite sides of the central barrier. At least one of such compartments also contains a gas chamber. An oxygen-containing gas may be fed into a depolarized cathode chamber or an hydrogen-containing gas may be fed into a depolarized anode chamber. Also incorporated into the single cast structural element are anode bosses and cathode bosses extending outwardly from opposite sides of the central barrier. These bosses not only serve as mechanical support for their respective flat plate anode and cathode, but also they serve as stand-off means and electrical current collectors and disperses from the cathode of one electrolysis cell to the anode of the next cell.

Abstract: Especially for bipolar membrane electrolysis cells, cathodic current collectors (8) are required which have a high electrical conductivity, a large contact surface area and a sufficient porosity to ensure the passage of reaction educts and products, for example, water and gas. At the same time, they should be chemically, mechanically and thermally stable. No protective voltage should be required while the cells are closed down. The current collector consists of graphite powder (12) of high purity, having particle sizes in the range from 10 .mu.m-200 .mu.m, and carbon fibres (13) which are irregularly distributed therein and have lengths from 1 mm to 30 mm, the graphite powder/carbon fibre mass ratio being in the range from 10:1 to 30:1. The binder used is polyvinylidene fluoride. For producing the current collector, the binder is dissolved in, for example, dimethylformamide.