Abstract: Disclosed is a bipolar electrolyzer having a plurality of individual electrolytic cells electrically and mechanically in series with a bipolar element between pairs of adjacent individual cells. The bipolar element has an anodic side with anodes of the first electrolytic cell of a pair of electrolytic cells depending therefrom, and a cathodic side with the cathodes of the second electrolytic cell of the pair of electrolytic cells depending therefrom. The anodic side of the bipolar element has an acidified alkali metal chloride resistant valve metal surface, and the cathodic side of the bipolar element has an alkali metal hydroxide resistant transition metal surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolytic cell having an electrode assembly with a base plate, fingered electrodes electrically connected to, spaced from, and extending outwardly from the base plate, and defining valleys between adjacent electrodes. The electrodes have a synthetic separator on their surface. The electrode assembly also has a back screen at the bases of the electrodes which is spaced from and parallel to the base plate. The electrolytic cell is characterized by providing compressive means between each pair of electrodes. The compressive means bear upon the electrode unit and upon the laps of the synthetic separators on adjacent electrodes to form electrolyte-tight seals between the separators.