Abstract: A method of operating a plurality of electrolytic diaphragm cells utilizing interruptable or off-peak electrical power varying from a higher electrical load level to a lesser electrical load level and subsequently returning to a selected higher electrical load level is described, which comprises the steps of:(a) reducing the brine feed into each cell in an amount at least about proportional to the scheduled electrical load reduction,(b) reducing the electrical load from a higher level to a lower level over a time period of not less than about 20 minutes,(c) operating the cells at such lower electrical load level until additional current is available, and, when additional current is available,(d) increasing the brine feed into each cell to between about 100 and about 150 percent of the original feed rate,(e) increasing the electrical load level to a selected higher level over a period of not less than about 10 minutes,(f) adjusting the brine feed to the original feed rate, and(g) maintaining the caustic concen

Abstract: An electrolytic cell suitable for use in electrolyzing ionizable chemical compounds, particularly alkali metal halide brines and hydrohalic acids, which comprises a cell body having an anode compartment containing a porous anode and a cathode compartment containing a cathode said compartments being separated from each other by a prestretched, taut membrane barrier which is substantially impervious to gases and liquids and which is selected from a hydrolyzed copolymer of a perfluorinated hydrocarbon and a sulfonated perfluorinated hydrocarbon and a sulfonated perfluorovinyl ether, and a sulfostyrenated perfluorinated ethylene propylene polymer, said barrier being pretreated by hydrolyzing and stretching prior to insertion in the cell.Such cells can be operated at constant low voltage, and are not subject to erratic operating voltages which are due, in part at least, to the accumulation of gases between the anode and diaphragm.

Abstract: A filter press halate cell is disclosed, where a plurality of electrode units are arranged to form a cell. Each unit comprises a synthetic organic polymeric electrolytic cell frame housing an anode and a cathode in spaced relationship with each other. The cell frame contains electrolyte, initially a metal halide solution, and is arranged to allow electrical current to be conducted through the solution and between the anode and cathode, partially electrolyzing the solution to halogen, metal hydroxide and hydrogen. The halogen and metal hydroxide react at least partially in the cell to form hypohalite, halide and water. Means are taught for introducing feed through an inlet, and withdrawing electrolyte through an outlet. Clearance means and passageway means are taught for conducting reaction products upwardly between the anode and cathode and through the cell, as are means for removing hydrogen at the top of the cell.