Abstract: An electrolyzer for producing an aqueous alkali hydroxide solution, halogen, and hydrogen from an aqueous halogenide-bearing electrolyte. The electrolyzer includes a plurality of alternating anolyte and catholyte chambers each formed by a pair of anode plates and cathode plates, respectively. Seals are provided between and around the perimeter of the two anode and cathode plates to define the chambers. A flat membrane member, permeable to ions is disposed between adjacent anode and cathode plates. The anode and cathode plate and seals include passages for the flow of process fluids. Each anode and cathode plate comprises an active portion permeable to the flow of gas and liquid and an inactive portion impermeable to the flow of gas and liquid.

Abstract: An electrolyzer is provided for processing fluids. The electrolyzer includes electrode plates having laterally extending electrical busses. The electrode plates are mounted in a non-conducting external frame having a plurality of ducts for the flow of process fluids between the electrolyte chamber and the ducts. Seals are provided between the electrode plates and the external frame.

Abstract: Electrolytic cells demonstrate improved performance through use of an internal brine distribution system. A brine distributor located in the interior of the cell and positioned either at the cell bottom or above the cell's electrodes has individual brine outlets for feeding electrolyte directly to each of the cell's anolyte compartments for electrolysis. By comparison with conventional brine feed systems, e.g. cell top feed, the internal brine distributor produces higher purity gas, e.g. chlorine, at reduced power consumption and higher current efficiencies.

Abstract: Hydrochloric acid electrolyzers serve to decompose hydrochloric acid to hydrogen and chlorine with the aid of electric current.

Abstract: An improved anode element for monopolar filter-press electrolysis cells comprises providing said anode element with an integral hollow member positioned above the upper surface of said anode element. Preferably, said hollow member is formed as an integral extension of the electrode frame, said hollow member having an outlet for withdrawing chlorine gas and being adapted to permit continuous fluid contact with said anode element, said hollow member being further adapted to provide sufficient hydrostatic pressure in said anode element for optimal liquid flow through the diaphragm over the entire operating cycle of the electrolysis cell.

Abstract: A unitary filter press cell circuit is described. The circuit comprises a plurality of individual electrolytic cells mounted on a support structure positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cell circuit. The longitudinal support structure is comprised of the electrolyte inlet conduits for the cell circuit and the electrolysis product outlet conduits for the cell circuit. The composite unit, cells and support structure, may be moved as a single unit, suitably by hoisting, facilitating the removal from service of a faulty circuit and the subsequent substitution with a replacement circuit. The longitudinal support structure is suitably comprised of conduits or headers for catholyte, anolyte, the anodic products and the cathodic products of the cells in the circuit. Although the conduits may be round or oval in cross-section, conduits of a rectangular cross-section are preferred.

Abstract: A unitary frame and membrane assembly particularly useful in a filter press electrolytic cell arrangement is provided by the present invention. The assembly comprises a rigid, peripheral frame member having separable peripheral frame portions. A permselective membrane member is positioned between the separable peripheral frame portions, and the membrane member and frame portions are secured together to form a unitary frame and membrane assembly. The present assembly is adapted for use as the barrier component in electrolytic cells which utilize a separatory membrane barrier between the cell electrodes.

Abstract: Electrode elements are provided for monopolar electrolysis cells useful in chlor-alkali electrolysis and having two vertical, planar, opposed electrode surfaces, said surfaces being substantially parallel and spaced apart from one another and being electrically fastened to an electrode frame, said electrode element being characterized in that at least one electrode rod is connected in electrically conductive fashion to the side portion of said electrode frame, extending through the space between said opposed electrode surfaces substantially parallel to said electrode surfaces, the diameter of said rod being smaller than the distance between said opposed electrode surfaces, said electrode rod being provided with conductive members distributed over the length thereof and connected in electrically conductive fashion to both the electrode surfaces and the electrode rod.

Abstract: An improved electrolytic cell of the filter press type in which the electrode gap may initially be set and accurately maintained during assembly of the cell units is described. The cell units consist of a planar anode mounted in a peripheral anode frame, a planar cathode mounted in a peripheral cathode frame, a barrier, such as a diaphragm or membrane, positioned between the anode and cathode, a spacer member and at least one gasket member positioned between the edges of the anode and cathode frames. The total gasket width in an uncompressed state is greater than the thickness of the spacer member. Upon assembly of the unit, the gasket member is compressed forming a gas and liquid seal. The thickness of the spacer member determines the space between the anode and cathode frame members and, consequently, the space or gap between the anodes and cathodes mounted in the frame members.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrolyte feed system for feeding an individual supply of electrolyte to electrolytic cells in a filter press cell circuit. The system includes a primary electrolyte feed line, having one closed end and a plurality of outlets, or orifices, therein spaced along the length of the line. The primary feed line is encased in a larger, secondary feed line. The secondary feed line has a plurality of outlets, or orifices, therein spaced along its length corresponding to the outlets in the primary feed line. In a preferred embodiment, the feed lines are circular in cross-section and are in the form of pipes or tubes. The outlets in the primary and secondary feed lines are spacedly aligned, and the outlets in the secondary feed line are communicatively connected with the electrolyte inlets in the cell compartments of the individual cells in the cell circuit.

Abstract: A novel electrolytic cell of the vertical electrode type comprising a novel cathode busbar structure, novel cathode elements and a novel anode base structure which enable the novel electrolytic cell to be designed to operate at high current capacities upward to about 500,000 amperes while maintaining high operating efficiencies. These high current capacities provide for high production capacities which result in high production rates for given cell room floor areas and reduce capital investment and operating costs.

Abstract: A bipolar multiple electrolytic cell having an alkali-chlorine diaphragm cell for obtaining caustic solution, chlorine and hydrogen in which the titanium metal electrodes act on one side as the anode and on the other as the cathode, the anode side being coated with a metal or metal oxide for activation purposes, and the cathode side having a dense coating of metal alloy of nickel and elements of the Group III or V of the periodic system, which is applied chemically, preferably by employing the so-called "Kanigen" process.

Abstract: A novel circuit of electrolytic cells comprising novel electrolytic cells, novel jumper switches and novel arrangement of the jumper switches referring to the electrolytic cells which enable the novel circuit to be designed to operate at high current capacities upward to about 500,000 amperes while maintaining high operating efficiencies. These high current capacities provide for high production capacities which result in high production rates for given cell room floor areas and reduce capital investment and operating costs.