Abstract: A method for determining low level concentrations of alkaline earth metals in a concentrated aqueous alkali metal chloride brine containing alkaline earth metal ions comprises heating a sample of the brine to a temperature sufficient to remove water and form anhydrous alkali metal chloride. The anhydrous alkali metal chloride is then further heated to a temperature range in which the alkali metal chloride undergoes a change. The anhydrous alkali metal chloride is then vaporized and the alkaline earth metals atomized and passed through an analyzer where the concentration of alkaline earth metals are determined.Using the method of the present invention, alkaline earth metals such as calcium can be detected in concentrations as low as 1 part per billion, while magnesium can be detected in concentrations as low as 0.4 parts per billion.

Abstract: An electrode is provided for use in electrolytic cells employing metal electrodes. The electrode comprises two electrode surfaces positioned in parallel and having a space between them: and at least two conductive supports one conductive support separately attached to each electrode surface and positioned in the space between the electrode surfaces. The conductive supports are also attached to and are substantially perpendicular to an electrode plate.The electrode assembly is employed in electrolytic cells for producing chlorine and caustic soda or oxychlorine compounds by the electrolkysis of alkali metal chloride solutions.