Abstract: In a flowing mercury cathode electrolytic cell for the electrolysis of aqueous solutions there is provided an improved brine flow baffle insertable into the brine inlet trough.

Abstract: A monopolar membrane electrolytic cell is comprised of a plurality of anodes wherein each anode is comprised of a first foraminous surface and a second foraminous surface positioned in parallel and spaced apart, and a frame enclosing the first and the second foraminous surfaces. The frame has two side members, a top member, and a bottom member attached to the foraminous surfaces. A chamber is formed between the foraminous surfaces and bounded by the frame. Conductor rods pass through one of the side members of the frame into the chamber, the conductor rods being spaced apart from the foraminous surfaces. Foraminous conductive connectors are positioned in the chamber and attached to the conductor rods and to the foraminous surfaces; a plurality of cathodes wherein each cathode is comprised of at least one foraminous surface, and a frame which encloses the foraminous surface.

Abstract: A composite fiber reinforced plastic frame is provided wherein a core material at least partially formed from the continuous wrapping of roved layers of glass fiber impregnated with a catalyzed thermosetting resin within a corrosion resistant liner and the frame is reinforced at the corners.

Abstract: Described is an electrolytic process for producing sodium ferrate [Fe(VI)] in a membrane-type electrolysis cell. The anolyte chamber of the cell is charged with an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide and a sodium ferrate-stabilizing proportion of at least one sodium halide salt. The anolyte chamber additionally contains ferric ions [Fe(III)]. The catholyte chamber contains an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution during operation. The source of ferric ion in the anolyte may be either an iron-containing anode or at least one iron-containing compound present in the anolyte solution or both. The preferred membrane material for separating the anolyte chamber from the catholyte chamber is comprised of a gas- and hydraulic-impermeable, ionically-conductive, chemically-stable ionomeric film (e.g., a cation-exchange membrane) with carboxylic, sulfunic or other inorganic exchange sites.

Abstract: An electrode for use in the electrolysis of aqueous solutions of ionizable compounds is produced by a method which comprises affixing filaments to a support fabric to form a network of filaments. An electroconductive metal is deposited on the filaments to form metal coated filaments. During the metal deposition, interfilament bonding takes place at contact sites between adjacent filaments. Removing the support fabric from the metal coated filament network produces a reticulate electrode having a porosity of at least about 80 percent. The three dimensional electrodes are highly conductive, have high internal surface area, and are mechanically strong.

Abstract: Described is a process for making potassium ferrate by the formation of sodium ferrate in a membrane-type electrolysis cell. The anolyte chamber of the cell is charged with an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide and a sodium ferrate-stabilizing proportion of at least one sodium halide salt. The anolyte chamber additionally contains ferric ions [Fe(III)]. The catholyte chamber contains an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. The source of ferric ion in the anolyte may be either an iron-containing anode or at least one iron-containing compound present in the anolyte solution or both. The preferred membrane material for separating the anolyte chamber from the catholyte chamber is comprised of a gas- and hydraulic-impermeable, ionically-conductive, chemically-stable ionomeric film (e.g., a cation-exchange membrane) with carboxylic, sulfonic or other inorganic exchange sites.

Abstract: A procedure for conditioning new composite laminated membranes in chlor-alkali cells producing KOH, said membrane being comprised of a laminated composite made from individual perfluorosulfonyl and perfluorocarboxylic acid layers, so that said membrane will not delaminate during startup operation of the cell. The procedure comprises charging the cathode compartment of the cell with a KOH solution of less than about 27 percent by weight KOH before startup and gradually raising the KOH concentration during the first 12 to about 20 hours of operation to about 30 percent after which the cell can be operated at higher KOH concentrations which provide better current efficiencies.

Abstract: A process for producing a concentrated aqueous solution of an alkali metal chlorate and an alkali metal chloride comprises feeding an aqueous alkali metal chloride solution to a first electrolysis zone at an initial feed rate. The aqueous alkali metal chloride is electrolyzed to produce a concentrated chlorate solution comprised of an alkali metal chlorate and the alkali metal chloride. A portion of the concentrated solution is fed to an analysis zone and analyzed to measure the ratio of the concentration of the chlorate ion to the concentration of the chloride ion. The measured ratio is compared in a processing zone with a predetermined value range for the ratio and, where the measured ratio falls outside of the predetermined value range, altering the initial feed rate of alkali metal chloride to the first electrolysis zone. The concentrated alkali metal is removed from the first electrolysis zone to a product solution collection zone.

Abstract: A current distributor for an electrode for an electrolytic cell for the electrolysis of aqueous solutions of ionic compounds is provided which comprises an electrically conductive material having a front surface comprised of a plurality of electrode-engaging means projecting from it for attachment to a foraminous electrode. The rear surface of the current collector is suitable for attachment to an electrical conductor. The novel current distributors are particularly suitable for use with reticulate electrodes.

Abstract: In an apparatus for determining the amount of compressive force exerted on an elastomeric material, there is provided an elastomeric material retainer, compression apparatus cooperative with the elastomeric material retainer and compressive force measuring apparatus and deflection apparatus to measure the amount of compressive force exerted on the elastomeric material and the amount of compression which the elastomeric material experiences.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrolytic cell which is comprised of a first frame member housing an electrode and a second frame member housing an electrode. A separator is positioned between the first frame member and the second frame member. A first sealing means contacts a side of the first frame member and one side of the separator. Contacting the second frame member and the opposite side of the separator is a second sealing means. The first sealing means and the second sealing means are elastomeric solids having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional area where the first sealing means is from about 1.1 to about 3 times the width of the second sealing means. Pressing means are provided which press the frames together against the sealing means and the separator to form a substantially fluid-tight seal. The novel electrolytic cells provide the advantages of simultaneously:a. controlling gasket compression pressures,b. controlling gasket frame surface structural forces,c.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of determining which membrane in a multiple unit filter press membrane electrolytic cell is structurally damaged after cell operating conditions and monitorings indicate the problem exists.

Abstract: A process for producing particles of a non-friable eutectic mixture of sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate for solar power station use is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, the particles are produced by shock chilling a molten stream of mixed nitrate material and crushing the resulting flakes to a size range of between about -5 mesh and about +30 mesh. In a second embodiment, particles of this size are produced by spray granulation of a concentrated solution of mixed nitrate salts onto a fluidized bed to produce dry, free-flowing, solid spheres. In both embodiments, the particles are extremely hard, resistant to moisture pickup and adaptable to being readily shipped by bulk containers.

Abstract: An electrolyte cell having an improved hydrogen evolution cathode said cathode being characterized by a conductive metal core and an integral Raney-type catalytic surface predominantly derived from an adherent ternary aluminide Beta structured intermetallic crystalline precursory outer portion of the metal core is disclosed. The precursory outer portion preferably has molybdenum and titanium added to give a precursor alloy having the formula Ni.sub.x Mo.sub.y Ti.sub.z Al.sub.3 where x is within the range of from about 75 to about 94 weight percent, y is within the range of from about 5 to about 20 weight percent and z is within the range of from about 1 to about 5 weight percent of the Ni-Mo-Ti portion of the alloy. Also disclosed is a method of producing a low overvoltage cathode.

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 protective shield adjacent the electrolyzer container and electrolyzer cover for a flowing mercury chlor-alkali electrolytic cell is provided to serve as a stop to prevent retaining means utilized to hold the electrolyzer cover in position from being propelled into the work area and hot brine from being spewn into the work area in the event of explosive hydrogen gas buildup within the electrolytic cell gas.

Abstract: An improved hydrogen evolution cathode with a conductive metal core and an integral Raney-type catalytic surface predominantly derived from an adherent ternary aluminide Beta structured intermetallic crystalline precursory outer portion of the metal core is disclosed. The precursory outer portion preferably has molybdenum and titanium added to give a precursor alloy having the formula Ni.sub.x Mo.sub.y Ti.sub.z Al.sub.3 where x is within the range of from about 75 to about 94 weight percent, y is within the range of from about 5 to about 20 weight percent and z is within the range of from about 1 to about 5 weight percent of the Ni-Mo-Ti portion of the alloy. Also disclosed is a method of producing a low overvoltage cathode. The method includes the steps of taking a Ni-Mo-Ti core or substrate having about 5-20 weight percentage of Mo and about 1-5 weight percent Ti and coating it with aluminum, heat treating to form a Ni-Mo-Ti-Al quaternary alloy with mostly NiAl.sub.

Abstract: A methanation process utilizing an improved catalyst for the conversion of CO, CO.sub.2 and mixtures thereof to CH.sub.4 is disclosed. The catalyst comprises a monolithic mesh type structure of a nickel alloy having an integral Beta phase Raney coating on its outer surfaces. When used, substantially higher reactant flow rates and lower operating temperatures are possible as compared to conventional fluidized bed granular catalysts.

Abstract: A highly pure cyanuric acid is produced by a process which comprises gradually adding a nitrogenous material capable of producing cyanuric acid, such as urea, to a hot N-methylpyrrolidone solvent. The overall process converts substantially all of the urea to cyanuric acid which, upon drying, is a free flowing product capable of being converted into trichloroisocyanuric acid and similar compounds with a minimum of extra processing while allowing substantially complete recovery of the N-methylpyrrolidone solvent for reuse.