Abstract: A substrate electrolytic processing apparatus capable of leveling an electric-field shielding rate with no need to increase its size is disclosed. The substrate electrolytic processing apparatus includes a processing bath for holding a processing solution, a substrate holder for holding a substrate and capable of locating the substrate in the processing bath, a counter electrode disposed in the processing bath and serving as an electrode opposite to the substrate, and a paddle disposed between the counter electrode and the substrate and configured to reciprocate parallel to a surface of the substrate so as to agitate the processing solution. The paddle includes agitation rods disposed in an inner region of the paddle and agitation rods disposed in an outer region of the paddle, and gaps between the agitation rods disposed in the outer region is smaller than gaps between the agitation rods disposed in the inner region.

Abstract: A spent nuclear fuel is reprocessed by dissolving a spent nuclear fuel in an aqueous nitric acid solution and separating and recovering nuclides contained in the resulting fuel solution by solvent extraction. A spent nuclear fuel reprocessing method includes: an electrolytic valence adjustment step in which nuclides contained in the fuel solution is electrolytically reduced without removing fission products or minor actinides until valence of plutonium is at a level at which solvent extraction efficiency is low by using the valence of plutonium contained in the fuel solution as a parameter; and a nuclide separation step in which, by using an extraction solvent which extracts uranium contained in the fuel solution, uranium is distributed from the fuel solution subjected to the electrolytic valence adjustment step to the extraction solvent.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus includes a container containing plural portions and an ionic liquid plating solution that is capable of flowing therebetween. The plural portions include at least a first portion containing a counter electrode that includes coating donor material and a second portion that includes a workpiece. A porous scrubber separating the first and second portions has a plurality of metallic outer surfaces in contact with the ionic liquid plating solution. Coating, repair, and regeneration methods using an ionic liquid plating solution are also described.

Abstract: The electrolytic cell of the preferred embodiment includes an electrode pair and a cavitating jet. The electrode pair includes a cathode electrode and an anode electrode and defines an electrical path between the cathode electrode and the anode electrode. The cavitating jet, which is located along the electrical path between the cathode electrode and the anode electrode, functions to cavitate a fluid, such as water. The electrode pair and the cavitating jet cooperate to initiate a plasma state in the water. The water in the plasma state acts a virtual electrode with a higher current density than the cathode electrode and/or anode electrode. The plasma virtual electrode, through thermolysis and/or electrolysis, produces hydrogen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of removing phosphorus from sewage wastewater by electrocoagulation, comprising: providing an electrode assembly comprising an anode and a cathode with a porous membrane interposed therebetween; placing the electrode assembly in an electrocoagulation tank; passing sewage wastewater through the electrocoagulation tank to treat the sewage wastewater by electrocoagulation; and introducing the treated water into a mixing tank to further treat the water.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention an electrolytic cell is provided comprising a containment vessel; a first electrode; a second electrode; a source of electrical current in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; an electrolyte in fluid communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; a gas, wherein the gas is formed during electrolysis at or near the first electrode; and a separator; wherein the separator includes an inclined surface to direct flow of the electrolyte and the gas due to a difference between density of the electrolyte and the combined density of the electrolyte and the gas such that the gas substantially flows in a direction distal to the second electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes are disclosed for electrowinning metal from a fluid stream. A representative apparatus comprises at least one spouted bed reactor wherein each said reactor includes an anolyte chamber comprising an anode and configured for containing an anolyte, a catholyte chamber comprising a current collector and configured for containing a particulate cathode bed and a flowing stream of an electrically conductive metal-containing fluid, and a membrane separating said anolyte chamber and said catholyte chamber, an inlet for an electrically conductive metal-containing fluid stream; and a particle bed churning device configured for spouting particle bed particles in the catholyte chamber independently of the flow of said metal-containing fluid stream. In operation, reduced heavy metals or their oxides are recovered from the cathode particles.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention an electrolytic cell is provided comprising a containment vessel; a first electrode; a second electrode; a source of electrical current in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; an electrolyte in fluid communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; a gas, wherein the gas is formed during electrolysis at or near the first electrode; and a separator; wherein the separator includes an inclined surface to direct flow of the electrolyte and the gas due to a difference between density of the electrolyte and the combined density of the electrolyte and the gas such that the gas substantially flows in a direction distal to the second electrode.

Abstract: An emulsion fuel of high quality that can be handled and used in the same manner as for ordinary fuel oil and that can maintain a very good emulsion condition over a prolonged period of time. There is provided an emulsion fuel consisting of a liquid of mixture composed of 40 to 95 vol. % of fuel oil, 60 to 5 vol. % of reduced water with a redox potential of +100 mV or below and 0.1 to 10 wt. %, based on the weight of fuel oil, of emulsifier. Electrolyzed-reduced water obtained by electrolysis of water is preferred as the reduced water. Preferably, the emulsion fuel is obtained by using, as the electrolyzed-reduced water, electrolyzed-reduced water produced by electrolysis of water with the use of diaphragm cell with a positive electrode and negative electrode disposed apart while applying ultrasonic waves by means of ultrasonic wave generating means. In the electrolysis, preferably, an electrode of hydrogen storing metal or alloy is used as the negative electrode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of producing hydrogen is disclosed comprising applying an electrical current to flow through an aqueous solution. Cavitation is generated within the aqueous solution, where the cavitation lowers an amount of energy required to break chemical bonds of said aqueous solution.

Abstract: A cooking appliance comprising an electrolyzer which produces a combustible fuel, a burner downstream from the electrolyzer, and, an electrically heatable cooking surface on which food is receivable for cooking, the electrically heatable cooking surface being operable simultaneously with the electrolyzer.

Abstract: A plating apparatus can form a bump having a flat top or can form a metal film having a good in-plane uniformity even when the plating of a plating object (substrate) is carried out under high-current density conditions. The plating apparatus includes a plating tank for holding a plating solution; an anode to be immersed in the plating solution in the plating tank; a holder for holding a plating object and disposing the plating object at a position opposite the anode; a paddle, disposed between the anode and the plating object held by the holder, which reciprocates parallel to the plating object to stir the plating solution; and a control section for controlling a paddle drive section which drives the paddle. The control section controls the paddle drive section so that the paddle moves at a velocity whose average absolute value is 70 cm/sec to 100 cm/sec.

Abstract: It is herein described an electrowinning cell with a spouted bed electrode of growing metallic beads, separated by a semi-permeable diaphragm and suitable for being assembled in a stack in a modular arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an electrolyte cell, an anode, and a porous rigid diffuser. The electrolyte cell is configured to receive a substrate to have a metal film deposited thereon. An anode is contained within the electrolyte cell. A porous rigid diffuser is connected to the electrolyte cell and extends across the electrolyte cell. The diffuser is positioned between a location that the substrate is to be positioned when the metal film is deposited thereon and the anode.

Abstract: Haloamine biocides are prepared via multi-step processes in an integrated apparatus comprising an electrochemical cell and a mixing chamber, wherein active halogen donor species are electrochemically generated and subsequently reacted with amine-containing compositions to form haloamine biocide. Haloamine biocides prepared according to such processes are used to treat liquids in order to inhibit, reduce, and/or control microorganism growth therein.

Abstract: A system for the disinfecting of low-conductivity liquids, in particular water, is provided. The system includes an electrochemical cell in which electrodes are arranged such that the liquid flushes or flows around them, and in which oxidizing agents are produced from the liquid by applying a current. A mixing unit is mounted downstream of the electrochemical cell in the flow direction, in which mixing unit the oxidizing agents are intermixed with the liquid.

Abstract: A hydrogen-oxygen gas generator comprises an electrolytic bath (10A), a pair of electrodes composed of an anode member (2x) and cathode member (2y) both disposed in the bath, a power supply (34) for applying voltage between the anode and cathode members, vibratory mixing means (16) for vibratively mixing the electrolyte (14) in the bath, and gas collecting means for collecting the hydrogen-oxygen gas generated by the electrolysis using the electrolyte. The gas collecting means includes a lid member (10B) annexed to the electrolytic bath (10A) and a hydrogen-oxygen gas collecting pipe (10B?) connected to the hydrogen-oxygen gas output port (10B?). The vibratory mixing means (16) includes a vibrating motor (16d) vibrating at 10 Hz to 500 Hz and vibrating blades (16f) attached to a vibrating rod (16e) not rotatably but vibrating in the electrolytic bath interlockingly with the vibrating motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices that control fluid flow, which comprise a substrate having an upper surface adapted to contact a flowing fluid and an elastic sheet immobilized with respect to the substrate, typically at a minimum of two immobilization points. The elastic sheet has a deflectable active area at least partially contained between the immobilization points; the lower surface of the sheet faces the upper surface of the substrate. Optionally, two or more electrodes are provided in contact with the active area of the elastic sheet. The device also includes an actuation means for deflecting the active area toward or away from the upper surface of the substrate. Additionally, the invention provides various methods for controlling fluid flow as well as methods for making devices that control fluid flow. The invention is particularly suited for microfluidic applications.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for producing strong alkaline reductive electrolyzed water and acidic water that enables efficient production of electrolyzed water that has excellent washing and sterilizing effects. There is provided an apparatus for producing strong alkaline reductive electrolyzed water and acidic water, which includes an electrolyzer provided with a strong alkaline reductive electrolyzed water-producing chamber, an acidic water-producing chamber and a partitioning membrane, wherein a flow path diffusing device is provided in the electrolyzer, and a gap between the cathode plate and the anode plate of 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for conducting a chemical reaction. The reaction is conducted in a reaction vessel or mixing occurring in at least a partial liquid environment in which reactants are disposed. The reaction is conducted in the presence of cavitation and an electrical current.

Abstract: A process for treating colored liquid comprises a step of contacting a colored liquid and functional water generated by electrolysis of a water solution of an electrolyte under light irradiation, to decolorize efficiently and stably to a low chromaticity.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the drawbacks and limitations described above by providing a paddle assembly having a paddle that moves in a bidirectional fashion for agitating solution in a container of a plating cell. A follower is coupled to the paddle. The follower engages a rotatable cam and is propelled along the cam as the cam rotates. A drive mechanism rotates the cam.

Abstract: To avoid the formation of undesirable plating on electric supply rollers, there is provided a continuous plating apparatus in which a planar article to be plated is vertically clamped on both sides by electric supply rollers and the article to be plated is moved horizontally in a plating bath by the rotation of the electric supply rollers to plate both surfaces of the article to be plated. The apparatus is characterized in that the electric supply rollers are divided into conductive segments and non-conductive segments in the circumferential direction, with only the conductive segment which is in contact with the article to be plated being negatively charged, and other conductive segments which are at a distance from the article being positively charged.

Abstract: A sodium chloride electrolytic cell is provided, comprising a gas diffusion electrode that allows smooth supply and discharge of catholyte for electrolyzing sodium chloride and allows oxygen gas to come in good contact therewith. The sodium chloride electrolytic cell comprises an anode chamber having an anode into which an aqueous solution of sodium chloride and a cathode chamber having the foregoing gas diffusion electrode for producing an alkaline aqueous solution, the anode chamber and the cathode chamber being divided by an ion exchange membrane. The sodium chloride electrolytic cell is arranged to effect electrolysis in such a manner that there occurs no pressure differential between the catholyte chamber and the gas chamber in the gas diffusion electrode. Further, a nickel mesh substance is fitted in a concave portion having the same size as that of the gas diffusion electrode formed in the central portion of a thin nickel plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting a short incident in an electrochemical cell (e.g., a Simons electrochemical fluorination cell or bipolar flow cell) using means for detecting vibration to detect vibration of an external piece on the cell. The present invention further provides a system for detecting a short incident in an electrochemical cell.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and a method for achieving reliable, consistent metal electroplating or electrochemical deposition onto semiconductor substrates. More particularly, the invention provides uniform and void-free deposition of metal onto metal seeded semiconductor substrates having sub-micron, high aspect ratio features. The invention provides an electrochemical deposition cell comprising a substrate holder, a cathode electrically contacting a substrate plating surface, an electrolyte container having an electrolyte inlet, an electrolyte outlet and an opening adapted to receive a substrate plating surface and an anode electrically connect to an electrolyte. Preferably, a vibrator is attached to the substrate holder to vibrate the substrate in at least one direction, and an auxiliary electrode is disposed adjacent the electrolyte outlet to provide uniform deposition across the substrate surface.

Abstract: An anode container, electroplating system, method and object so plated. A feature of the invention is that an anode container has an interior cross-sectional area, at or near a lower end thereof, that is larger than an interior cross-sectional area of an upper end thereof. An anode-receiving container also has a body with a plurality of sides and a lower end having a larger cross-sectional interior area than an upper end. The container may also include punched out apertures positioned to provide strength to the container and an apparatus to vibrate the container coupled to a lower end of the container.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus using high cerium concentration in the anolyte of an electrochemical cell to oxidize organic materials. The method and apparatus further use an ultrasonic mixer to enhance the oxidation rate of the organic material in the electrochemical cell. A reaction vessel provides an advantage of independent reaction temperature control and electrochemical cell temperature control. A separate or independent reaction vessel may be used without an ultrasonic mixer to oxidize gaseous phase organic materials.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus using high cerium concentration in the anolyte of an electrochemical cell to oxidize organic materials. The method and apparatus further use an ultrasonic mixer to enhance the oxidation rate of the organic material in the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: An integrated process for oxidizing aromatic and alkyl aromatic compounds to form carbonyl containing reaction products comprising the reaction of quadravalent cerium with a reactant stream containing an aromatic or alkyl aromatic compound and using a high degree of mixing, followed by the electrolytic regeneration of the reduced cerium ion in a cell under near turbulent or turbulent flow conditions at high solution velocities relative to the anode. The preferred cell structure for accomplishing the electrolysis utilizes an turbulence promoting anode arrangement which allows for the anolyte to flow past the anode under the conditions mentioned, and a reduced area cathode whereby the anode and cathode compartments need not be separated by an ion exchange membrane.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and methods of using the apparatus to transfer conductive patterns onto substrates under conditions of heat and pressure. The apparatus comprises a master mold with a printing surface on which is produced a permanent mirror image of the conductive pattern to be created. This pattern is then coated with a loosely adherent film of conductive metal, such as copper, which is transferred onto a substrate to be printed.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell (60) and method for treating waste having an anode in the form of a number of elements comprising spheres (80) which locate between plates (78, 81). The spheres (80) divide the anode compartment (64) into parts (110, 111). The porous pot (62) separates the anode compartment from the cathode compartment (63). The electrode liquor is circulated over the elements from part (110) to part (111) by an impeller (86) located in a tube (75) having inlets (77) and outlets (76), the outlets (76) being at a different level from the inlets (77). A rake may stir the contents of chamber (111) particularly for solid waste. There may be a plurality of porous pots, each housing a cathode, in the anode compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrowinning metal from particulate waste metal material is provided whereby waste metal material is mixed with an electrolyte to form a suspension. The suspension is separated into portions. A first portion enters the anodic compartment and a second portion is filtered and enters the cathodic compartment where metal is electrowon onto a rotating cathode.

Abstract: An apparatus for the electrolysis of a solution of electrolysis, comprising an anode compartment and a cathode compartment separated by a membrane, in which the external shape of the apparatus is that of a pyramid and the membrane separating both the anode and cathode compartments is oriented according to a diagonal line perpendicular to the base of the pyramid.

Abstract: An electrolytic oxidant generator including an anode and cathode within different chambers separated by an ion permeable membrane, and a mixer for circulating saline solution within the anode chamber to enhance dispersal of salt in the solution and maintain the saline solution at high density throughout that chamber. The generator preferably includes an outer shell and a tubular member extending generally vertically within the shell and separating the anode and cathode chambers, with the side wall having a curving portion containing at least one aperture curving with the wall, and with the membrane being secured to and curving with the wall and bridging across the aperture. The inner chamber may take the form of a unit which is removable upwardly from the shell and interfits with the shell in locating relation upon downward movement thereinto.

Abstract: Work pieces are immersed in an etchant in a spaced contact free relationship with the electrodes of the system. The two electrodes are separated by a filter which prevents charge carrying particles dispersed in the etchant surrounding the electrode closest to the work pieces and which assume the same charge, from migrating to and contacting the more remote one. The etchant containing the particles is physically agitated whereby the distribution of the particles which transfer electrical energy to the work pieces and induce electrochemical etching thereof is unified.

Abstract: An electroltytic process is described by which in order to increase the depletion factory, the material coefficient of the electrolyte passing through an electrolytic cell is increased along the direction of the electrolytic flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrowinning cell for extracting metals in powder form from solutions, and simultaneously oxidizing the solution. The cell is characterized by radially extending electrodes comprising mutually alternating anodes and cathodes; by a diaphragm which delimits separate anode and cathode chambers, of which the cathode chamber forms an outer space; and a stirring means arranged in the anode chamber and operative to ensure a large flow of electrolyte across the anode surfaces. The base of the cathode chamber is preferably conical in shape.

Abstract: A metal amalgamatable with mercury, gold in particular, is extracted from a slurry in which it is dispersed in low concentration, in particular from alluvial sands, by contact with mercury the surface of which is continuously freed of the sulfides which form thereon as a secondary process and is renewed continuously by electrolytic deposit of mercury.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for recovery of metal from mineral ores or concentrates comprising a tank for holding a slurry of electrolyte and the mineral ore or concentrates. Vertical anodes are radially disposed in the tank and vertical cathodes enclosed in diaphragm bags are interposed between the anodes. Agitating means are located in the tank below the anodes and cathodes. Metal is removed from a central collecting container in the tank by pump means.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and process for electrolytically producing a particulate crystalline metal product having limited adherence to the surface of a cathode, comprising a vertically elongated cathode, at least one vertically elongated anode spaced from said cathode, a vertically elongated permeable diaphragm disposed between said anode and cathode having a mesh member disposed adjacent to the surface of said diaphragm nearest said cathode, agitating said anode to substantially reduce the polarization voltage of said anode, and agitating said cathode to dislodge a portion of said crystalline product from said cathode by engaging said product with said mesh member.

Abstract: An electrodeposition method and apparatus wherein improved efficiency in the operation of an electrodeposition cell is obtained by providing an electrolyte confining area around the cathode in the cell and inducing positive flow of the electrolyte into and out of the confined area to increase the volume of electrolyte per unit time coming into contact with the cathode when the cell is operating.

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: The apparatus of this invention comprises an electrolysis cell with an electrolyte system having at least two phases, one of which is aqueous while another is aqueous immiscible, and wherein the inter-facial current passage is ionic rather than electronic.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed, for mechanically agitating, in a non-reciprocating manner, a permalloy composition used in an electroplating procedure, in such a way as to apply a film of improved uniformity of composition and thickness thus avoiding limitations of prior electroplating processes which, due to uneven boundary layer flow patterns caused by reciprocating agitation, result in non-uniformities in film composition and thickness.

Abstract: An electrolytic membrane transport cell adaptable to experimental use for the purpose of accurately measuring simultaneously cation transport and water transport numbers (mol/Faraday) under operating conditions similar to those used in commercial chlor-alkali membrane cells. The cell comprises a pair of half cells each containing a truncated conical chamber adapted to matingly fit together, when abutted at their apexes, and to form a cell, said cell being adapted to hold a permselective membrane which is sealingly supported between said half cells so as to create separate anode and cathode sections, electrode means, heating means, stirring means and electrolyte inlet means. When used in conjunction with radioactive tracer techniques considerable improvements in the accuracy and ease with which transport phenomena can be studied are possible.

Abstract: An apparatus for the anodic oxidation of aluminum permits the recovery of hydrogen generated from the cathode. The cathode is positioned within a tubular member provided with a multiplicity of small openings each having a size sufficient to allow passage of an electrolytic solution therethrough but to prevent passage of hydrogen bubbles therethrough. Thereby, the hydrogen is collected in the upper space above the surface of the electrolytic solution in the tubular member and is discharged therefrom through a conduit opening thereinto.

Abstract: The electrolysis device of the present invention comprises an elongated vertically disposed hollow housing having an upper end and an open lower end. The housing has at least one inlet opening spaced above the open lower end. An anode is placed within the hollow housing, and a cathode plate is detachably mounted to the lower end of the housing. An electrically operated impeller is mounted between the inlet opening and the open lower end of the housing, and it draws fluid within the inlet opening and drives it outwardly through the open lower end of the housing. The silver ions collect on the negatively charged cathode plate.

Abstract: Electrolytic apparatus is described for purifying an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide containing an impurity of a soluble heavy metal complex comprised of a heavy metal cation and a plurality of anions.For example, an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide containing a soluble heavy metal complex, such as mercuric polysulfide, [HgS].sup.+ S.sup.-, is charged to the electrolytic chamber of an electrolytic cell. An electric current is employed to reduce heavy metal cations to a separate phase in elemental form, and simultaneously to oxidize anions to a separate phase in elemental form, and to form a slurry of the separate phases in elemental forms in the aqueous solution.The slurry is removed from the electrolytic chamber and the phases of elemental forms are separated from the purified aqueous solution. The purified alkali metal hydroxide solution is sold commercially or otherwise utilized.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and a method for achieving reliable, consistent metal electroplating or electrochemical deposition onto semiconductor substrates. More particularly, the invention provides uniform and void-free deposition of metal onto metal seeded semiconductor substrates having sub-micron, high aspect ratio features. The invention provides an electrochemical deposition cell comprising a substrate holder, a cathode electrically contacting a substrate plating surface, an electrolyte container having an electrolyte inlet, an electrolyte outlet and an opening adapted to receive a substrate plating surface and an anode electrically connect to an electrolyte. Preferably, a vibrator is attached to the substrate holder to vibrate the substrate in at least one direction, and an auxiliary electrode is disposed adjacent the electrolyte outlet to provide uniform deposition across the substrate surface.