Abstract: A method and apparatus for analysis of liquid samples is described. The method involves simultaneously introducing a predetermined quantity of a given sample and a predetermined quantity of a selected reagent therefor directly into separate flow lines by aspiration from separate containers; bringing the extracted sample and the extracted reagent together into a common flow channel; and causing the sample/reagent mixture to travel along the flow channel as a discrete liquid slug interposed in the stream of a carrier liquid to the measurement cell of an analytical instrument. Another aspect of the method is characterized in that a single pump is used to draw sample and reagent into separate arms of the flow channel which subsequently merge, and to drive the sample/reagent mixture along the flow channel; and in that a carrier liquid is drawn into the flow channel by said pump so that the material within the flow channel is carried along as a continuous liquid phase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the electrolysis of an aqueous solution containing alkali metal ions, for example, the electrolysis of brine to produce chlorine and caustic. In one embodiment, a composite membrane comprising at least an ion-conductive polymer and a metal permeable to alkali metal is used in an electrolytic cell. An illustration of such a polymer is a perfluorocarbon polymer containing sulfonic acid or sulfonate groups, in intimate contact with a layer of mercury. Another aspect is the use of elevated pressures or other techniques substantially to eliminate the presence of normally gaseous products from the electrolyte. For example, high pressures may be employed to dissolve chlorine in a brine electrolyte and/or liquefy it. In another aspect, sodium sulfate is electrolyzed in a cell comprising a composite membrane, a formaminous anode, and a diaphragm between the composite membrane and anode; the oxygen produced is withdrawn through the anode.