Abstract: A method for by-passing a monopolar electrolyzer out of a plurality of monopolar electrolyzers connected in series to an electrical power source, which electrolyzers consist of individual electrolysis cells each having anodic and cathodic contact points, using a jumper switch means comprising an internal circuitry and multiplicity of extension arms for connection to the electrolyzers immediately preceding and following the electrolyzer to be by-passed while preventing a shift in current through individual cells of the electrolyzers adjacent to the electrolyzer to be by-passed and to prevent damage to the electrolyzers by avoiding reversed current flow.

Abstract: An electric jumper switch means for electric current bypass of at least one electrolyzer consisting of individual electrolysis cells, out of a plurality of monopolar electrolyzers connected in series to an electrical power source characterized in that said jumper switch means comprises a multiplicity of first extension arms suitable for connection to the anodic contact point of each individual cell of the electrolyzer preceding the electrolyzer to be bypassed and a multiplicity of second extension arms suitable for connection to the cathodic contact point of each individual cell of the electrolyzer immediately following the electrolyzer to be bypassed, said jumper switch means comprising a resistor means to provide a uniform reduction of the current flow in the individual cells of the electrolyzer to be bypassed without a shift of electrical current in the adjacent cells of the electrolyzers immediately preceding and following the electrolyzer to be bypassed and a method of shutting down an electrolyzer in a

Abstract: The invention is an electrode at least having a primary hydraulically permeable electrode member with a multiplicity of spaced apart depressions projecting a predetermined distance from the plane of the electrode. The invention also includes an electrolytic cell using the electrode and a method for electrolyzing an electrolyte using the cell.

Abstract: A combination electrolysis cell gasket member and membrane holding member suitable for use in an electrolytic cells of the filter press type including a solid structure in a picture frame type configuration having an inside and outside perimeter surface, said solid structure having a groove in the outside perimeter surface forming a U-shaped member when viewed in cross section and adapted for holding the edges of a sheet-like member therein. Aqueous alkali metal chloride solution may be electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A combination electrolysis cell seal member and electrolysis cell frame cover member suitable for use as a gasket/cover member in an electrolytic cell of the filter press type. The gasket/cover member used for a filter press-type electrolytic cell includes two gasket/cover load-bearing sections integral with a peripheral frame cover section. The gasket load-bearing sections contains a first and second side. The first side contacts a electrolysis cell membrane member and the second side contacts an electrolysis cell frame member. The membrane is interposed between two electrolysis cell frame members each having a gasket/cover member secured thereto.

Abstract: A combination seal and membrane tentering member suitable for use in an electrolytic cell of the filter press type. The seal/tentering member for a filter press type electrolytic cell includes an inflatable gasket member interposed between a first and second insulator members, said insulator members having a recess defining a compartment adapted for receiving the inflatable gasket member, said insulator members interposed between a pair of cell frame flanges and a membrane member interposed between the insulator members. Aqueous alkali metal chloride solution may be electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A combination electrolysis cell gasket member and membrane holding member suitable for use in an electrolytic cells of the filter press type including a solid structure in a picture frame type configuration having an inside and outside perimeter surface, said solid structure having a groove in the inside perimeter surface forming a U-shaped member when viewed in cross-section and adapted for holding the edges of a sheet-like member such as a membrane therein forming a space between the edges of the membrane and the inside of the groove, said structure having at least one orifice interconnecting the groove with the atmosphere around the outside perimeter surface of the structure, said orifice adapted for venting any gases or liquid present in the space formed between the edge of the membrane and the groove. Aqueous alkali metal chloride solution may be electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A combination seal and tentering member suitable for use as a gasket in an electrolytic cell of the filter press type and suitable for tentering a membrane used in the electrolytic cell. The seal/tentering member used in the filter press type electrolytic cell includes a first portion generally rectangular in cross section, having parallel top and bottom walls and first and second vertical parallel side walls, and a second flange portion integral with the first portion generally rectangular in cross section having a top and bottom wall and first and second parallel side walls, said second portion having top and bottom walls of a smaller length such that the seal/tentering member forms a "P-shaped" parameter viewed in cross section, said bottom of first portion and top of second portion being a contiguous boundary and said first side wall of said second portion and said first side wall of said first portion is substantially the same wall.

Abstract: A membrane unit for use in an electrolytic cell comprising a combination of a first layer of membrane material and a second layer including a sealing material and a metallic insert around only the gasket-bearing surface of the membrane material. Damage to the gasket-bearing surface of the membrane structure is minimized when the membrane unit is employed in, for example, electrolytic cells of the filter press-type.

Abstract: The invention is a dampening device for use in a vertically disposed electrochemical cell unit of the type at least having: (a) a peripheral flange which defines at least one electrode chamber, said peripheral flange having a upper, substantially horizontally disposed flange portion, a lower substantially horizontally disposed flange portion, and two disposed side flange portions; and (b) at least one outlet port passing through the upper horizontally disposed flange portion or through one of the two vertical side flange portions or through the lower flange portion and connecting the exterior of the cell with the electrode chamber.

Abstract: In a stacked plurality of similar electrolysis cells, each cell having an overhead gas for accumulating gasses produced thereby, the apparatus of the present disclosure includes a shaped transition tube connected to each cell. Inlet liquids and outlet gasses with their respective liquids to be fed and removed through a pair of respective adjacent headers.

Abstract: The present invention is a circular structural frame particularly suitable for use in an electrochemical cell. The frame comprises an organic plastic or metallic member with a plurality of horizontally and vertically spaced-apart shoulders protruding outwardly from opposing generally spherical anolyte and catholyte surfaces of the plastic member. Each of the shoulders annularly encircles and supports an electrically conductive insert extending from an exterior face of a shoulder on the catholyte surface of the plastic member, through the plastic member, to an exterior face of a shoulder on the anolyte surface of the plastic member.An electrically conductive substantially completely hydraulically impermeable anolyte cover is matingly affixed to the anolyte surface of the plastic member and adapted to minimize contact between the anolyte and the plastic member. The anolyte cover is resistant to the corrosive effects of the anolyte.

Abstract: The invention is an electrolytic unit comprised of a plurality of parts connected in a manner to form a substantially planar electrolytic unit comprising:a central support element component, a plurality of bosses on each side of the support component projecting outward from said support component;a peripheral flange structure composed of at least one piece and having an internal surface which sealably receives and attached to at least a portion of the external peripheral surfaces of the support unit.

Abstract: The invention is a structural frame adapted for use in an electrochemical cell comprising:a plastic member with a plurality of horizontally and vertically spaced-apart shoulders protruding outwardly from opposing generally parallel first and second surfaces of said plastic member;at least one electrically conductive insert extending from an exterior face of a shoulder on the first surface of the plastic member, through the plastic member, to an exterior face of a shoulder on the second surface of the plastic member, wherein each of said shoulders annularly encircles and supports each of said insert;an electrically conductive, substantially completely hydraulically impermeable cover resistant to the corrosive effects of the electrolyte matingly contacting the first surface of said plastic member and with at least a portion of the inserts, said cover being adapted to minimize contact between the electrolyte and said plastic member;a gas permeable current collector positioned substantially parallel to the second

Abstract: An electrochemical cell structure frame and cell utilizing same comprising an organic plastic member having electrically conductive inserts extending through annular shoulders on respective coplanar surfaces of the plastic member. Electrically conductive, hydraulically impermeable anolyte and catholyte resistant covers matingly contact each respective coplanar surface of the plastic member. An electrically conductive, hydraulically permeable current collector is positioned substantially coplanar with and contacts at least a portion of one of the covers. An electrically conductive, hydraulically permeable, resilient mattress is positioned substantially coplanar with and contacts at least a portion of a side of the current collector opposite the side of the current collector which contacts the cover. A catalytically active electrode is positioned substantially coplanar with and contacts at least a portion of a side of the mattress opposite the side of the mattress which contacts the current collector.

Abstract: The present invention is a structural frame particularly suitable for use in an electrochemical cell. The frame comprises an organic plastic member with a plurality of horizontally and vertically spaced-apart shoulders protruding outwardly from opposing generally coplanar anolyte and catholyte surfaces of the plastic member. Each of the shoulders annularly encircles and supports an electrically conductive insert extending from an exterior face of a shoulder on the catholyte surface of the plastic member, through the plastic member, to an exterior face of a shoulder on the anolyte surface of the plastic member.An electrically conductive substantially completely hydraulically impermeable anolyte cover is matingly affixed to the anolyte surface of the plastic member and adapted to minimize contact between the anolyte and the plastic member. The anolyte cover is resistant to the corrosive effects of the anolyte.

Abstract: A structural frame adapted for use in a solid polymer electrochemical cell, which comprises a generally planar organic plastic member having a plurality of horizontally and vertically spaced-apart shoulders protruding outwardly from opposing generally coplanar anolyte and catholyte surfaces of the plastic member. Electrically conductive, hydraulically impermeable, anolyte and catholyte corrosion resistant covers are matingly affixed to the respective surfaces of the plastic member. A hydraulically permeable, electrically conductive, current collector is contacting and positioned adjacent the catholyte cover. An ion exchange membrane, having an electrically conductive, electrocatalytic material bonded to or embedded in the surface of the membrane is positioned adjacent and in contact with the current collector. The frames are removably and sealably positioned in coplanar relationship, each plastic member being spaced apart by an anode on one side and a cathode on the other.

Abstract: A combination seal and tentering means for an electrolysis cell comprising a substantially solid member interposed between at least one side of a separator of the cell and at least one electrode frame member of the cell. The substantially solid member has a first generally planar surface in contact with one side of the separator of the cell and a second uneven surface in contact with the electrode frame of the cell and a periphery defining a shoulder portion having an inside in contact with the outside surface of the electrode frame member.

Abstract: Unitary, cast structural element for solid polymer electrolyte filter pass electrolysis cell which incorporates into a single unit the central barrier between the peripheral boundaries for the adjacent anode compartment and adjacent cathode compartment of two electrolysis cells located on opposite sides of the central barrier. Also incorporated into the single cast structural element are anode bosses and cathode bosses extending outwardly from opposite sides of the central barrier. These bosses not only serve as mechanical support for their respective flat plate anode and cathode, but also they serve as stand-off means and electrical current collectors and dispersers from the cathode of one electrolysis cell to the anode of the next cell. Simplicity of design coupled with incorporation of many functional elements into one part eliminates many cell warpage problems, inherent high voltage problems and solid polymer electrolyte membrane "hot spot" problems.

Abstract: The invention is a monopolar electrochemical cell assembly of the type having two end members and at least one electrode unit positioned between said end members, said unit at least having:two substantially parallel, substantially planar electrode components spaced from each other;a sealing means around the perimeter of the unit; anda means to distribute electrical energy to each of said electrode components, said distributing means comprising:an electrically conductive, substantially rigid, planar electric current transmission element disposed in the space between said spaced electrode components said transmission element co-extensive with and extending beyond the perimeter of said electrode components and having a metallic electrical connection means attached to it suitable for conducting electrical current in or out of said transmission element;said transmission element being electrically and mechanically connected to each of said electrode components at a plurality of points spaced throughout the entire s