Abstract: Process and apparatus for separating metal from a solution in which the metal has been dissolved by use of an electrochemical cell having a cathode electrode with a metal-collecting face. A substantial centrifugal force is applied to the metal-collecting face, the centrifugal force having a substantial component in a direction perpendicular to an outward from said face, whereby metal is deposited on said face as nodules of substantially uniform shape and size. The above may be utilized in a continuous electrowinning process where the nodules are permitted to grow until they reach a size where, under the action of the centrifugal force, they break off from the metal-collecting face and are removed from the cell or may be used in a storage battery and in particular in connection with the charging thereof.

Abstract: A rechargeable, electrochemical generation apparatus and method has bipolar nickel-zinc electrode cells in a stacked, serially connected configuration for providing improved reliability and charge-discharge cycling capability. The apparatus employs a rotatable container having mounted therein a plurality of the electrode cell assemblies. An electrolyte solution is circulated, preferably according to a pulsed circulation, through the electrolyte cells. The electrode cells have an anode and a cathode electrode element, and each element has a substantially planar surface in contact with the electrolyte solution. The cells are mounted so that the planar surfaces of the electrodes align with the radial direction of the centrifugal force created by rotation of the container. The container, and hence the cells, are rotated to create centrifugal forces on the order of one hundred times the pull of gravity at the outer rims of the cells.

Abstract: An electrochemical generator which utilizes the centrifugal force produced by rotating the electrodes (14, 19, 75, 76) of the generator and preferably the electrolyte to perform a variety of functions within the generator including circulation of the electrolyte past the electrodes, circulation of air past the gas electrode (14, 75) where the generator is a metal-gas generator, controlling dendrite growth and providing relatively dense uniform deposition of metal during recharge for a rechargeable metal-air generator, keeping electrolyte and reaction products away from the pores of a gas electrode to prevent flooding or clogging of the pores, separating reaction products from the electrolyte, maintaining uniform spacing between the electrodes as the metal electrode of a gas metal generator is consumed, flushing and draining electrolyte for standstill periods, maintaining good electrical contact between electrodes and their current collectors while still permitting easy replacement of consumed electrodes and a