Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolytic cell having an electrode pair of interleaved anode and cathode fingers with a synthetic separator, i.e., a permionic membrane or a microporous diaphragm, therebetween. At least one of the two electrodes of the electrode pair has a continuous electrodic surface with fluid impermeable members at opposite ends of the continuous electrodic surface and a synthetic separator sealably mounted at the fluid impermeable surfaces and extending over the face of the electrodic surface between the members of the electrode pair. The fluid impermeable members at the opposite ends of the continuous electrodic surface may either be the cell body itself or liquid impermeable elements, such as compressive masks, at opposite edges of the finger-like electrode sheets, maintaining the separator against the finger-like electrode sheet, and providing an electrolyte-tight seal therebetween.

Abstract: A submersible energy storage apparatus for an electrical power source is vided which includes an electrolysis unit feed water gas collection assembly and a fuel cell. The electrolysis unit feed water gas collection assembly includes a hydrogen container and an oxygen container wherein each container has a gas outlet and is capable of containing feed water as well as hydrogen and oxygen gases respectively. An electrolysis cell is provided which has a hydrogen outlet, an oxygen outlet and a feed water inlet. The hydrogen outlet is located in the hydrogen container, the oxygen outlet is located in the oxygen container, and the feed water inlet is located in one of the containers. Each of the containers has an opening to the submersible environment so as to be pressure responsive thereto. A barrier device is provided in association with the opening in each container for isolating the feed water in the container from water in the submersible environment.

Abstract: It has been known that metals of groups IV-B, V-B, and VI-B of the periodic table, namely chromium, hafnium, molybdenum, niobium, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, and zirconium and alloys thereof can be electrodeposited as dense, structurally coherent plates from a solution of the refractory metal fluoride in a molten alkali-flouride mixture in which the concentration of oxygen is reduced to and maintained at the sufficiently low level. It is shown that niobium may be plated at a lower temperature and a higher rate when the oxygen concentration is reduced to lower levels than previously attainable.

Abstract: A process for recovering metal carbide powders from cemented carbides containing a metal binder phase by anodic dissolution of the binder phase under controlled electrochemical potential and current density conditions to produce a greatly accelerated rate of dissolution of the binder phase without significant dissolution of the metal carbide grains.

Abstract: Electrodes are immersed within oil which forms a layer over a quantity of water. When current is passed between the electrodes which are held to a predetermined gap from the interstitial surface between the oil and water, water is caused to undergo electrodecomposition. Gaseous hydrogen is then recovered in the sealed space above the oil-water layers and the oxygen is caused to react with constituents in the oil layer.Consequently, there is produced continuously a quantity of hydrogen which is separately collected and is usable in gaseous form.

Abstract: A distributor comprising two substantially parallel covering sheets separated by a plurality of inserts provides uniform fluid flow through a cell and, consequently, improved cell efficiency. Additionally, the distributor, positioned between a cell's fluid inlet port and membrane spacer, reduces membrane flexing along the line where the spacer and adjoining gasket interface, thus diminishing the incidence of early membrane failure.

Abstract: A cathode current conducting element for use in a metal e.g. aluminum reduction cell, said element comprising a plate or tile formed of electrically conductive refractory material affixed to the carbon lining of the cell and in loosely restrained engagement therewith by means of a pin embedded in the carbon lining.

Abstract: A chlorine generator is disclosed as including an assembly for an electrolytic cell generating the chlorine and a separate assembly for feeding the chlorine gas into a body of water. The cell assembly preferably includes two separate electrolytic solutions separated by an ion permeable membrane, such that an anode and a cathode are positioned on each side of the membrane. The gas feed assembly is in fluid communication with the cell housing by two separate conduits which accommodate the flow of gas from the cell to the feed assembly, within which the gases are accumulated and intermixed with a portion of water which has been diverted from the main body of water to flow through the feed assembly and then back to the main body of water.

Abstract: A non-adherent glove-like diaphragm structure for use in an electrolysis cell. The diaphragm structure has a finger means with an open upper end, and closed lower end, and a middle section connecting the upper and lower end. The lower end is perforated so as to receive an anode riser therethrough. The diaphragm structure also includes a border for attaching the finger to the upper edge of the cathode so as to separate the cathode from the anode and the anolyte of the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a surface coating of a metal or metal alloy on the wall of an elongate cavity in a workpiece by means of electrolytic plating, the workpiece being used as cathode. An electrolyte containing ions of the metal intended for the coating is brought into movement inside the cavity with the aid of a conveyor, which consists of a resilient and electrically insulating material such as a perforated, net-like or fibrous strip, and which is wound helically round the anode. The strip is fringed or slit on the edge facing towards the cavity wall to form outstanding resilient fingers which are in contact with the cavity wall.

Abstract: A jumper system for electrically by-passing one of a series of electrolytic cells without interrupting current flow through the remaining cells is disclosed. The jumper system includes two L-shaped conductors, a switch for electrically connecting the conductors, and a contact pressuring device for remotely moving the conductors into pressurized contact with the cell preceding and the cell following the cell to be disconnected.

Abstract: An improved potentiostat for use with electrochemical cells provides dynamic protection of both the electrochemical cell elements and the sensitive potentiostat components from any significant voltage or current overload. A comparator compares the potentiostat input voltage with the electrochemical cell reference electrode voltage. When the reference electrode voltage becomes substantially different from the potentiostat input voltage and exceeds a certain preset value, the comparator activates a control means that causes the cell current to go to zero. This system provides dynamic protection even as the input voltage varies.

Abstract: The known method of removing heavy metal and cyanide ions from plating waste solutions wherein the solution is passed through flow-through, high surface area electrodes to precipitate heavy metal ions and to oxidize cyanide is improved through the use of a novel stationary bed dual electrode capable of reducing heavy metal and cyanide ion concentration. The process promotes economical electrolytic purification because it can be accomplished at relatively high current efficiencies. The metals removed from the solutions are recovered in a concentrated form suitable for purification.

Abstract: A support frame for electrolyte chambers in electrochemical cells with supported electrodes, having parallel wires extending in the direction of flow of the electrolytic liquid and arranged preferably between two thin screens, wherein the flow canals for the electrolytic liquid are substantially free of constrictions in the direction of flow.

Abstract: The electric current leaving an electrolytic aluminum reduction cell leaves the long sides of the cell via cathode bars connected to at least four asymmetrical busbars which lead to the anode beam of the next cell. These busbars which lead the current off in opposite directions are arranged on both sides of the cell at various distances, whereby however, the distances of two diametrically positioned busbars from the central axis of the cell are equal.

Abstract: An oxygen gas-bearing, flow-through electrode has in associated, cooperative combination: (i) a porous, fluid-pervious and permeable, catalyst-bearing body section adapted to be operated in the fluid-flooded condition; coupled with (ii) means for intimately mixing and delivering to said body section in pore-flooding supply quantities an interblended gas-entrained fluid mixture in effectively reactive relative proportions of desired liquid electrolyte and oxygen-bearing gas. The electrode can be used in any electrolytic cell which is adapted, by inclusion of appropriate components and constituent materials therein, to either generate electricity by chemical action when operated in the galvanic mode or, alternatively when operated in the electrolysis mode, to make recoverable product from the ionically decomposed constituents of the dissolved molecules in the electrolyte.

Abstract: In the method aspect of the invention, a tablet compressing tool having a concavity at its working end, is placed in a vertically aligned position with the concavity downward, contacted by an electrolyte at only the working tip thereof, and agitated by a circular movement in a horizontal plane while being subjected to a suitable DC current potential. The electrolyte may be conventional.One effective apparatus for practicing the above method comprises a suitable electrolyte containing tank having cathode means, such as a trough or channel-shaped electroconductive mesh, extending therethrough, and tool clamping means on the upper side of said tank arranged for holding a plurality of said tools aligned in a vertical position and extending into electrolyte within said tank. Said tool clamping means is mounted for circular movement in a horizontal plane and arranged with means including prime mover means for effecting such movement.

Abstract: A reinforced polypropylene tank for containing caustic fluids and acid baths used in the electroplating process and having a positive ventilation hood for protecting workers from harmful fumes, vapors, and acid splash and nearby hardware from corrosion is disclosed. An optional hot water heater configuration is also disclosed for heating fluid in the tank and reducing the danger of fire.

Abstract: An improved aluminum reduction cell which includes an insulated container for the molten electrolyte, a cover over the open mouth of the container, and a heat exchanger positioned above the molten bath, within the container and below the cover for recovering heat from the molten bath and further including, in one embodiment, means for converting the recovered heat into electricity which can be recycled back to the reduction cell. By heavily insulating the reduction cell against heat loss and by appropriately controlling the amount of heat which is recovered the cell can be operated over a wide range of electrical power inputs.

Abstract: A device for replacing pouring tubes at the outlet of a pour vessel for molten metal in which interconnected frames supporting the pouring tubes in a free swiveling manner are guided according to a linear path along the vessel outlet by suitable guiding means, whereby the pouring tube nearing the outlet is brought in close contact with an outlet plate by suitable steering and pushing means.