Abstract: Monopolar, bipolar, and hydrid filter press electrolytic cells for electrolytic processes utilizing a novel method of introducing and removing electrical energy are disclosed. The invention contemplates a novel low pressure, high surface contact area connecting means for joining the anode element and cathode element of electrode assemblies. The invention also contemplates a low pressure, high surface contact area contact of the current distributor member to the back plate.

Abstract: A combination seal and membrane tentering member suitable for use in an electrolytic cell of the filter press type. The seal/tentering member for a filter press type electrolytic cell includes an inflatable gasket member interposed between a first and second insulator members, said insulator members having a recess defining a compartment adapted for receiving the inflatable gasket member, said insulator members interposed between a pair of cell frame flanges and a membrane member interposed between the insulator members. Aqueous alkali metal chloride solution may be electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: An easily transportable electrolytic cell and associated processing apparatus is modularly constructed and supported in modular support sections that are easily separated and loaded onto transport vehicles for transport to distant remote sites where the electrolytic cell module and the processing apparatus module are reassembled and the apparatus is put into operation where the product chemical produced by the electrolytic cell is utilized.

Abstract: A method and device for installing gasket members between two adjacent flat plate structures including removably attaching a gasket member on each side of a frame member to form a frame member and gasket member assembly, interposing the frame member and gasket member assembly between at least two cell frame members disposed adjacent to each other, and contacting the flat plate structures with the frame member and gasket member assembly such that the gasket members adhere diametrically opposed to each other on the flat plate structures. The frame member includes a rib portion around the outer periphery of the frame member, the rib portion forming a pair of shoulders opposite each other and facing away from each other and adapted for receiving a pair of gasket members such that the gasket members contact the rib portion and protrude a predetermined distance beyond the shoulder members.

Abstract: An apparatus in the form of a disk for the separation of oxygen from gases, or for the pumping of oxygen, uses a substantially circular disk geometry for the solid electrolyte with radial flow of gas from the outside edge of the disk to the center of the disk. The reduction in available surface area as the gas flows toward the center of the disk reduces the oxygen removal area proportionally to provide for a more uniform removal of oxygen.

Abstract: The invention is a dampening device for use in a vertically disposed electrochemical cell unit of the type at least having: (a) a peripheral flange which defines at least one electrode chamber, said peripheral flange having a upper, substantially horizontally disposed flange portion, a lower substantially horizontally disposed flange portion, and two disposed side flange portions; and (b) at least one outlet port passing through the upper horizontally disposed flange portion or through one of the two vertical side flange portions or through the lower flange portion and connecting the exterior of the cell with the electrode chamber.

Abstract: A process control system for a filter press membrane electrochemical cell is provided that utilizes a microcomputer for multi-tasking functions to concurrently execute four programs to control the cell operation and self-correct out-of-tolerance conditions or shut cell operation down if not corrected within the allotted time period. A core process control program intercommunicates with a timer program, an alarm monitoring program and at least one sequence program in the process control system.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell which comprises at least one anode and at least one cathode, an inlet channel through which liquor may be charged to the electrolytic cell, and an outlet channel through which liquor may be removed from the electrolytic cell, in which the outlet channel is operatively connected to the inlet channel, and in which the inlet channel comprises an ejector. The inlet and outlet channels may be formed in a unit made up of a plurality of shaped sheets, e.g. of electrically non-conducting plastics material, which together form the inlet and outlet channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical process for deoxygenating deionized water utilizing a membrane electrolyzer and optionally a catalytic reactor, characterized in that operation is carried out at ambient temperature avoiding the need for the addition of substances, dangerous for the health of the operators, able to pollute the enviornment or cause undesired increase of the concentration of dissolved salts.

Abstract: A filter press type electrolytic cell for continuous operation with renewable sacrificial electrodes. Said device enables cells of the filter press type to be fitted with a sacrificial electrode formed from metallic particles or generally from particles which are consumed during the electrolysis, and which can be continuously renewed.The modified cells according to the invention can be used successfully for electro-organic processes.

Abstract: An electrode for a flow-through type electrolytic cell which comprises:a frame spacer formed with a plate made of an insulating material and textile fabric made of carbon fibers disposed in the inner space of the spacer;said spacer and said textile fabric being held between a membrane and a collector plate so that an reactant flows through the inside the texture of the above textile fabric in one direction or in the reverse direction;said textile fabric being composed of thicker yarns of not finer than 5 metric counts and yarns finer than said thicker yarns which are disposed so as to cross said thicker yarns; andsaid textile fabric being fixed so that the thicker yarns are substantially in parallel with the flow direction of an aqueous solution of an reactant.

Abstract: In this process for electrically separating the electrolyte-bearing main from the electrolyte spaces of an electrochemical cell pile, the electrolyte is passed via drop sections directly from the main into the electrolyte space or directly from the electrolyte space into the main.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell which is preferably of the filter press type and which comprises at least one anode and at least one cathode, an inlet through which liquor may be charged to the electrolytic cell and an outlet through which liquor may be removed from the electrolytic cell, and means for recirculating liquor to the electrolytic cell, in which said recirculating means comprises a unit formed of a plurality of shaped sheets whch are preferably planar and together form at least one channel inside of said unit, said channel connecting the inlet and outlet of the electrolytic cell.

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: The present invention relates to an electrolyzer comprising at least an intermediate electrodic structure interposed between two electrodic end-structures, a separate on each side of the intermediate electrodic structure, device for impressing electrolysis current to the electrolyzer and means for feeding electrolytes to and withdrawing electrolysis products from the electrolyzer compartments. The intermediate electrodic structure comprises a current conducting and distributing core (1) of at least one highly conductive metal sheet; a series of substantially parallel, projecting ribs (2, 10) provided or not onto both surfaces of said core (1); a liner (3) on each side of the core (1) and made of a corrosion resistant metal. These liners (3) are formed by cold- or hot-pressing to fit to the ribs (2, 10) in case core ribs are provided, or have parallel ribs (10') fixed thereto in case core (1) has no ribs. The liners (3) have peripheral projecting flanges (4) parallel to the liners.

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 electrolytic membrane cell for the electrochemical production of an alkali metal hydrosulfite by the reduction of an alkali metal biosulfite component of a circulated aqueous catholyte solution is provided. The cell utilizes an improved extended surface multipass porous cathode, an improved catholyte flow path and a hydrophilically treated separator mesh that separates the cation exchange membrane from the anode.

Abstract: Monopolar, bipolar, and hybrid filter press electrolytic cells for electrolytic processes utilizing a novel method of introducing and removing electrical energy are disclosed. The invention contemplates a novel low pressure, high surface contact area connecting means for joining the anode element and cathode element of electrode assemblies. The invention also contemplates a low pressure, high surface contact area contact of the current distributor member to the back plate.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell of the filter-press type which comprises plate-like anodes, cathodes, and gaskets of an electrically-insulating material, and an ion-exchange membrane between each anode and adjacent cathode to form in the cell a plurality of anode compartments and cathode compartments, the gaskets, and optionally the anodes and cathodes, each containing apertures therein which form headers from which liquors may be charged to the anode and cathode compartments of the cell and to which products of electrolysis may be removed from the anode and cathode compartments of the cell, and in which the gaskets, and optionally the anodes and cathodes, each comprise an aperture therein which together form a compartment lengthwise of the cell which is in communication only with the anode compartments of the cell, or which is in communication only with the cathode compartments of the cell, and which serves as a balancing header.

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: An electrolytic cell comprising at least one anode and at least one cathode and pipework for charging liquor to the electrolytic cell and pipework for discharging liquor from the electrolytic cell, in which at least one of the pipeworks is made in part of an electrically non-conducting material and which also comprises an electrically conducting electrode material positioned in the pipework, e.g. a section of pipework made of a metallic electrode material, and in which the electrode material is electrically connected directly or indirectly to the anode or cathode by means of an electrical connection external of the electrolytic cell.

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: An electrolytic cell is provided with electrodes which are inserted within electrode frames with internal flow conduits and which are formed by metallurgical bonding, and the use of adhesives and an electrical resistance lowering conductive compound between contact surfaces.

Abstract: By Ferric Ion Treatment of crushed and/or pulverized coal, the ash content of a coal can be significantly and efficiently reduced. This treatment of coal, preferably in an acidic medium, creates an increase in osmotic pressure inside the pores and crevices of the coal matrix until they open up, allowing the ash-forming mineral matter to be released from the coal. Also, the ferric ions preferentially attack the sessile bonds of the coal molecule and help open up the pores. The liberated mineral matter is then separated from the coal to obtain a clean coal. A flow-through reactor, utilizing working, reference and counter electrodes, and a loosely-packed coal bed through which the electrolyte flows, is particularly effective in facilitating the Ferric Ion Treatment.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell of the filter press type comprising a plurality of anodes, cathodes and gaskets, and ion-exchange membranes positioned between each adjacent anode and cathode to form in the cell a plurality of anode compartments and cathode compartments, the cell having two inlet headers from which electrolyte may be charged to the anode compartments of the cell and from which liquors may be charged to the cathode compartments of the cell, and two outlet headers from which products of electrolysis may be removed from the anode compartments and cathode compartments of the cell, the cell being provided with a common chamber in communication with each of the anode compartments and/or a common chamber in communication with each of the cathode compartments, said chamber(s) being provided with means for recirculating liquors to the anode compartments and/or to the cathode compartments, and said chamber(s) being in communication with the outlet headers from the anode compartments and/or the outlet headers from

Abstract: A multi-cell electrolyzer comprising a plurality of unit cells, each of which is composed of an anode chamber containing an anode and a cathode chamber containing a cathode and a cation exchange membrane for partitioning said unit cell into said anode chamber and said cathode chamber, and each of which is adapted to have an internal pressure maintained at a level higher than the atmospheric pressure in operation of the electrolyzer, said plurality of unit cells being arranged in series and adapted to be energized through a plurality of current lead plates, and rigid multi-contact electrically conductive means provided between the adjacent unit cells and/or between each current lead plate and the unit cell adjacent thereto, thereby establishing electrical connection between the adjacent unit cells and/or between each current lead plate and the unit cell adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A tentering apparatus for tensioning a sheet-like member, for example, a membrane used in an electrolyzer. The tentering apparatus includes four clamping assemblies arranged in a picture frame shape configuration with four corner members and a connector member for connecting the clamping assemblies to the corner members and adapted for tensioning the sheet-like member.

Abstract: Process or producing caustic alkalis or alkali hydroxides by electrolysis, employing a double electrode-type electrolysis tank in which a cation exchange membrane is provided to divide the inside of the tank into cathode and anode compartments, supplying to the anode compartment an alkali chloride, supplying water or a dilute solution of an alkali hydroxide into the cathode compartment, and taking away the alkali hydroxide and the hydrogen gas produced by electrolysis, in a mixed state of gas and liquid from the cathode compartment. The electrolysis tank comprises a number of finger-anodes extending from one of the walls of the tank and a number of finger-like hollow cathodes extending from the other wall of the tank, into which the finger-anodes project to form a gap therebetween, and a cation exchange membrane extending through the gap to divide the inside of the tank into cathode and anode compartments.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for preparing a lead or copper metal by electrolysis in a cell having a cathode and an anode which are separated by a diaphragm. The surface of the cathode is arranged in a substantially vertical direction and has a sufficiently low density of sites of nucleation so that metallic particles which are formed from the sites keep their individuality in relation to the adjacent particles, until the particles reach a dimension of at least 100 micrometers. An electrolyte is circulated between the cathode and an anode parallel to the surface of the cathode at a flow rate in a laminar to weakly turbulent manner so that under the action of the weight of the particles and the force exercised by the flow of the electrolyte the metallic particles are detached and fall into the electrolyte and are collected and are removed from the bottom of the cell.

Abstract: In this electrolysis apparatus, the anode and the gas diffusion cathode are arranged to be separated from one another by means of a partition. At least one element (6) which has the form of a twin trough is located between two half-shells (1, 2) which are located at the ends and of which one carries an anode (4) and the second carries a cathode (5). This twin trough is formed by a common plate (7) and a lateral wall (8), the height of which is divided by the plate and the edges of which are provided with flanges (9, 10). The anode (4) and the cathode (5) are electrically conductively connected to the wall (8) and to struts (13) which protrude vertically from the plate on both sides. In order to form a cavity (16) between the partition (14) and the cathode (5), a sealing element is arranged between these two.

Abstract: A tentering apparatus for tensioning a sheet-like member, for example, a membrane used in an electrolyzer. The tentering apparatus includes four clamping assemblies arranged in a picture frame shape configuration adapted for clamping at least a portion of its periphery of a sheet-like member. One pair of clamping assemblies have studs at each end rotatably mounted at the ends of the second pair of clamping assemblies. A planar sheet-like member is tensioned by clamping the periphery of the sheet-like member and applying a pulling force generally outwardly and normal to the second pair of clamping assemblies and rotating the first pair of clamping assemblies to cause a pulling force generally normal to the first pair of clamping assemblies.

Abstract: A process for electrolysis of an electrolyte, e.g. aqueous alkali metal chloride solution in an electrolytic cell comprising a plurality of anodes and cathodes and separators positioned between adjacent anodes and cathodes to form in the cell a plurality of anode compartments and cathode compartment, the process comprising charging the electrolyte to the anode compartments, electrolyzing the electrolyte, and removing the products of electrolysis from the anode and cathode compartments, the anodes and cathodes comprising an electroconducting electrocatalytically-active portion affixed to a frame member of an electrically non-conducting plastics material, and the frame members being bonded directly or indirectly to each other. Also an electrolytic cell for use in the process.

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: A chlor-alkali electrolytic cell with a cation exchange membrane is improved, with respect to eliminating local differences of electrolyte, by providing a duct to facilitate downward flow of electrolyte. The duct of this invention serves, without increase of current leakage, with results comparable to conventional forced circulation.

Abstract: An electrochemical bipolar reactor has numerous conductive particles held in a fixed relationship to one another with non-conductive material wedged between at least some of the particles to electrically insulate those particles from other particles. In one embodiment, the conductive particles are separated into discrete layers by layers of non-conductive material. In another embodiment, the conductive particles are each partially covered with a layer of non-conductive material. In either case, the non-conductive material is pervious so that electrolyte can readily contact the conductive particles. The reactor has a low void volume and current leakage is minimized. The reactor of the present invention is particularly suited to process high volume wastes and can be constructed easily without machine parts. Also, the reactor can be operated over a wide range of conditions.

Abstract: A divided electrochemical cell assembly comprises stacked bipolar substantially square parallel planar electrodes and membranes. The corners and edges of the electrodes with bordering insulative spacers in juxtaposition with the chamber walls define four electrolyte circulation manifolds. Anolyte and catholyte channeling means permit the separate introduction of anolyte and catholyte into two of the manifolds and the withdrawal of anolyte and catholyte separately from at least two other manifolds. The electrodes and membranes are separated from one another by the insulative spacers which are also channeling means disposed to provide electrolyte channels across the interfaces of adjacent electrodes and membranes.

Abstract: A system for desulfurization of sulfur-containing coal comprises apparatus for comminuting sulfur-containing coal, a gas/solid reactor having an inlet and an outlet, a connection or conduit for supplying the comminuted sulfur-containing coal to the reactor inlet, and an oxidant gas generator constructed in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 4,248,681 connected to supply an oxidant gas to the reactor. The oxidant gas produced from concentrated salt solutions contains substantial amounts of chlorine dioxide, while the oxidant gas produced from dilute salt solutions contains other oxygen-containing gases. The oxidant gas is introduced at pressures which may range from sub-atmospheric to super-atomospheric and the comminuted coal is mixed or agitated to insure efficient gas/solid contact. The oxidant gas oxidizes the sulfur contaminants of the coal to gaseous sulfur oxides which are removed from the reactor. The desulfurized comminuted coal may be slurried for pipeline transmission.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having dished electrodes received in rectangular frame members, and arranged to form a bipolar stack. Electrolyte inlets and outlets open into plenum chambers defined between the dished electrodes and the frame members. A turbulence promoter substantially fills the flowpath between the electrolyte inlet and electrolyte outlet.

Abstract: A bipolar electrolytic cell has a plurality of unit cells electrically aligned in series, each of the unit cells being divided into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber by an ion-exchange membrane, and each of the anode and cathode chambers having a supply pipe and a discharge pipe which are respectively connected at one end to common headers. The other end of each of the supply or discharge pipes in the anode or cathode chambers is inserted deep into the respective electrode chamber so that at least 50% of the electrical resistance of the liquid in each pipe exists in the electrode chamber, and the wall of the inserted portion of each pipe electrically insulates the liquid in the pipe from a liquid in the electrode chamber.

Abstract: A galvanic element in the form of a flat, high power cell, especially a ml-air-cell, which is cooled with cooling water, and can be assembled to a battery which comprises a plurality of cells. The flat cell comprises bipolar electrodes which have a consumable metal electrode in flat form as an anode, a cathode (oxygen electrode), and a liquid electrolyte. It is an object of the present invention to be able to control the temperature, especially for cooling, of each individual electrode directly by means of a medium which is independent of the liquid electrolyte. For this purpose, the bipolar electrodes are electrically interconnected, and between them is arranged a gasket which forms a cooling chamber. As a result, the heat balance and temperature of not only the anode but also of the cathode can be controlled directly.

Abstract: Chlorine dioxide is produced by electrolysis of a solution of chlorite and by using a compact apparatus which provides continuously a uniform concentration of chlorine dioxide, which can be operated easily, which discharges a spent electrolyte that can be treated easily and which achieves highly efficient use of chlorite and high current efficiency.

Abstract: A method for assembling a filter press type of electrolytic cell is disclosed wherein tightening apparatus is employed at preferably multiple points about the periphery of the stacked electrodes to substantially simultaneously apply a substantially uniform pressure to compress the cell to permit the compressed stack of electrodes to be retained in this compressed state while the cell is assembled in a fluid-tight manner.

Abstract: A process for electrolyzing an aqueous solution of an alkali metal chloride by feeding said aqueous solution of an alkali metal chloride into the central space of a hollow quadrilateral frame holding an anode therein, defining an anode compartment, and feeding water or a dilute aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide into the central space of a hollow quadrilateral frame holding a cathode therein, defining a cathode compartment, said anode compartment and said cathode compartment being separated by a cation exchange membrane, in a filter-press type electrolytic cell wherein:(a) each hollow quadrilateral frame is provided with an inlet passage to the central space of said frame for the introduction of an electrolyte and an outlet passage from the central space of said frame for removal of an electrolyzed product;(b) an anode or a cathode is held in each said frame and electrically connected to a power source or an adjacent counter electrode, each said anode or cathode being respectively made of a metal p

Abstract: An electrolytic cell of the filter press type comprising a monopolar cell unit having a plurality of substantially vertical alternating anodes and cathodes each anode being partitioned from the adjacent cathode or cathodes by a separator to form in the cell unit a plurality of anode and cathode compartments, the electrolytic cell comprising two or more such units mounted one above the other, the anodes of the cell unit at the top or bottom being attached to electrical conductors, the cathodes of the cell unit at the bottom or top being attached to electrical conductors, and the anodes and cathodes of adjacent cell units which are not attached to the said conductors being connected by means of a bipolar electrical connection or connections between the anodes of one cell unit and the cathodes of the adjacent cell unit positioned above or below the said cell unit.

Abstract: Discloses a permionic membrane bipolar electrolyzer for the electroylsis of aqueous alkali metal chlorides. The electrolyzer is characterized by having a minimum anode to cathode gap, e.g., the anode and cathode both in contact with the permionic membrane, and by having means to prevent the diffusion of nascent hydrogen between adjacent electrolytic cells.

Abstract: A bipolar diaphragm electrolyzer particularly suitable for electrolysis of alkali metal halide aqueous solutions wherein the bipolar wall separating the electrode compartments is formed of at least two sheets made of different metals, suitable pressure being applied against the metal sheets to provide for electrical continuity across the bipolar wall, said pressure being exerted either by means of resilient elements which are compressed when the electrolyzer is closed or by maintaining the electrode compartments under a sufficient hydrostatic pressure during the electrolytic process.

Abstract: Electrochemical systems having a plurality of cells which are hydraulically and electrically connected in series develop shunt currents in the electrolyte of adjacent cells. The shunt currents are reduced or eliminated by the placing of an electrical bypass across two adjacent intercell conduits, and applying a protective current through the electrical bypass in a direction of the shunt currents and of a magnitude that can effectively reduce the shunt currents.

Abstract: Shunt currents which flow between the electrodes of adjacent cells through the moving conductive fluid and the fluid pool in the manifold of a bipolar cell assembly are minimized by introducing the conductive fluid at the top of an elongated outlet manifold. This results in cascaded flow which interrupts the current path. Shunt currents between the fluid manifold walls of the conductive bipolar elements in the series connected electrochemical cell assemblies are minimized by insulating the manifold walls with insulating, elastomeric sealing grommets. This prevents current flow between the manifold walls through the electrically conductive fluid in the manifold and provides an edgeseal between bipolar plates.

Abstract: Disclosed is an energy efficient electrolyzer for the production of hydrogen. The electrolyzer consists of an inner container, a plurality of electrolytic cells within the container and means for passing electric current in series through the electrolytic cells. Each cell consists of the anode half of one inert impervious conducting bipolar plate, in contact with an inert conductive anode bed of large surface area separated from the facing cathode half of another inert impervious conducting bipolar plate by a porous insulating separator. The anode is impregnated with an anolyte of about 10 to about 60% aqueous sulfuric acid saturated with sulfur dioxide and the cathode is bathed in a catholyte of about 10 to about 60% aqueous sulfuric acid. The anode is preferably carbon pellets which have been obtained from vegetable matter and which contain about 1 to about 5% platinum.

Abstract: A bipolar current collector-separator for electrochemical cells consists of a molded aggregate of electro-conductive graphite and a thermoplastic fluoropolymer particles reinforced with carbon fibers to increase the strength and maintain high electrical conductivity. The graphite and the thermoplastic fluoropolymer are combined in weight ratio ranging from 2.5:1 to 16:1. The carbon fibers may constitute from 10 to 80 weight percent of the conductive graphite. The bulk resistivity of such a molded bipolar current collector is less than 4.times.10.sup.-3 ohm inches (.sigma. in.) It has excellent corrosion resistance to a variety of feed stocks such as brine, aqueous HCl, water, etc. and to various electrolysis products, such as caustic, chlorine, hydrogen, etc.