Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a hydraulically impermeable permselective membrane is operated more efficiently by (1) separating the anode and the cathode of such a cell from the permselective membrane by a spacing means which is porous, hydrophilic, and electrically non-conductive, or alternatively, (2) providing a coating on the metal electrodes of said cell which is hydrophilic, porous, and electrically non-conductive. Said spacing means is of a material selected from the group consisting of at least one of mineral fibers, synthetic organic polymers, and ceramics and glasses.

Abstract: Porous separators for electrolytic processes are designed which are characterized by an N.sub.mac t value, where N.sub.mac is the ratio of the resistance (r) of the electrolyte-saturated separator to the resistance (r.sub.o) of an equivalent volume of electrolyte and t is the thickness, in inches, of the separator. The N.sub.mac value is referred to here as the MacMullin Number.

Abstract: An improved hybrid bipolar electrode particularly useful in an alkali chloride electrolysis application, having an anodic member and cathodic member connected in spaced apart relationship by a fastener assembly, a seal being formed between portions of the anodic member and the cathodic member to substantially seal electrolyte from the space between the anodic member and the cathodic member. In one aspect, a barrier member is interposed between the anodic member and the cathodic member to inhibit the contact of migrating atomic hydrogen with the anodic member. In one other aspect of the present invention, a portion of the fastener assembly is constructed of an electrically conductive material and electrical continuity is established between the anodic member and the cathodic member via the fastener assembly, the barrier member serving to effectuate a more even distribution of current flow between the cathodic member and the anodic member in yet another aspect of the present invention.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell expandable anode assembly particularly useful as anodes in commercial chlor-alkali productions cells, said assembly having two parallel, foraminous working faces and a simple spreading means. This spreading means plays no role in the conduction of electricity from any external power source to the working faces. Rather, said electrical conduction role is performed by an intermediate, stationary conducting means connecting the working faces at one of these ends which also physically holds the anodes in place within the cell by rigidly connecting them to one end of each of the working faces and rigidly connected then to the anode base of said anode assembly.