Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of halate, such as sodium chlorate, includes an electrolytic cell having a plurality of anodes and cathodes, clearance passageways between which have electrolyte, hypohalite and gaseous electrolysis product, principally hydrogen, moving upwardly between them, an enclosure covering the tops of at least four such passageways and narrowing down to a passageway extending upwardly from the top of the enclosure and a downward passage for circulation of electrolyte which includes an upper baffled portion and a lower unbaffled portion, the unbaffled part being alongside the electrodes and extending to the bottom of the cell, from which electrolyte is drawn upwardly past the electrodes. Natural circulation due to gravity flow and density differences between the liquid electrolyte and that entrained in gas or having gas entrained in it is normally sufficient so that stirring or pumping means are not required.