Abstract: A process is disclosed for the electrochemical decontamination of polluted water in a cell containing a porous cathode in the presence of oxygen. The oxygen is reduced in the presence of the cathode and the electro-reduction products are themselves used as depollution agents in the polluted water.

Abstract: This sterilizing apparatus comports an enclosure (1) in which two electrodes (4,5) of an electrochemical cell are supplied by a transformer-rectifier (16) for producing an aqueous NaOCl solution from a NaCl solution. During its production, the solution is distributed over the surfaces to be sterilized of the objects to be sterilized (9) by a circulation pump (7) and a distribution manifold (6) feeding canes (10) and sprinkling heads (11) by vertical distribution pipes (8).

Abstract: This washing machine is provided with an electro chemical cell (4) having a brine tank (9) provided with a metering piston (16a, b 16b) actuated by an electro magnet (21) and connected by an electro valve (14) controlling a connection conduit (3) to a water supply conduit (1). The inlet opening of such connection conduit into the cell (4) is controlled by a float valve (11). The electro valve is a two-way valve (14, 14a) and controls simultaneously the outlet conduit (13) which opens into the washing tub of the washing machine. The power supply of the cell (4) is controlled by the program selector (8) of the machine.

Abstract: A method for concentrating aqueous sludges. The sludge circulates through an electro-osmosis enclosure (1), of which the porous walls (2, 3) retain the sludge particles but allow the liquid which separates and the gas which forms under the influence of the electric current to filter through. As the sludge descends in the enclosure, its hydrostatic pressure increases, and this reinforces the effectiveness of the electro-filtration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing an aqueous treatment solution containing at least hydrogen peroxide ions and hydroxyl ions in a predetermined concentration.The method according to the invention consists of using an electrolytic cell comprising a porous cathode, and circulating simultaneously in contact with said porous cathode an oxygen-containing compressed gas and a weakly alkaline initial aqueous solution, so as to cause the formation of hydrogen peroxide ions and hydroxyl ions by reduction of the oxygen, said circulation being continued until said solution attains said predetermined concentration, said solution having attained said concentration then being discharged to the outside for use as the treatment solution in various applications.Application in particular to bleaching, pollution control etc.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for washing and bleaching textiles.The method according to the invention, which is carried out by means of an aqueous wash bath containing a detergent substantially free from bleaching agent, is characterized in that said bleaching is performed by incorporating into said wash bath, at the required moment, an aqueous alkaline oxidizing solution containing in particular hydrogen peroxide ions, said aqueous alkaline oxidizing solution being produced electrolytically, immediately before its incorporation into said wash bath, by reducing oxygen at a cathode in an alkaline medium.

Abstract: A process for removing chlorate from a caustic solution by the reduction of the chlorate with metallic iron. The process is particularly distinguished by the steps of contacting the caustic solution with iron to reduce the chlorate to chloride, contacting the caustic solution containing dissolved iron therein with a conductive substrate to electrolytically precipitate the iron on the substrate, thus providing a caustic solution which is substantially free from iron and chlorate ions, separating the purified portion of the caustic solution, and periodically using the iron coated substrate for treating an untreated portion of the caustic solution to reduce the chlorate to chloride, and periodically reusing the iron depleted substrate, for recovering dissolved iron from the caustic solution.

Abstract: Process for regenerating activated carbon particles contaminated by oxidizable impurities. An electrolysis cell is divided by a liquid-permeable membrane to define an anodic chamber and a cathode chamber therein both filled in operation with an electrolyte. Recycling conduits communicate with the anode chamber and a recirculating pump to establish a fluid circuit therewith. A suspension of particles of activated carbon contaminated by oxidizable impurities suspended in an aqueous solution of an electrolyte is loaded into the fluid circuit and circulated therethrough. A voltage applied to the electrodes of the electrolysis cell develops an electrolysis reaction in the aqueous solution of the electrolyte and atomic oxygen is liberated at the surface of the anode electrode. As particles of the activated carbon flow through the anode cell they contact the anode electrode and atomic oxygen is liberated at their surfaces which oxidizes impurities adsorbed by the particles.

Abstract: Metal is electrodeposited on conductive granules in apparatus comprising a helical channel with a cathode at its radially outer side and an anode at its radially inner side. A suspension of the granules in an electrolysis solution is fed tangentially into an end of the channel so that the granules are urged by centrifugal force against the cathode and form a mass moving along the channel to its outlet. The emerging granules are separated from the used solution in a cyclone and the solution is recirculated along the axis of the helix.

Abstract: A process for producing electric current by the electrochemical oxidation of an active anodic metal dispersed in an alkaline electrolyte.The electrolyte is circulated into contact with a second metal which is more electronegative than the active metal. A displacement reaction precipitates the active metal from its soluble oxidation products. There is obtained as a result a repeated recovery for reuse of the active metal (zinc) with the aid of the more electronegative metal (aluminium) which then supplies the energy for the production of current and is oxidized to form soluble products.The process is exemplified by zinc as the active metal and aluminium and magnesium as the strongly electronegative metals.