Abstract: A centrifugal molten regolith electrolysis (MRE) reactor that can volatilize and capture volatiles (i.e., 3He or other noble gases) and electrochemically decompose, while under centrifugal action, lunar regolith into oxygen, metals, and semiconductor materials is disclosed.

Abstract: New dual temperature electrochemical methods and systems for the production of sodium metal from sodium polysulfides have been discovered. The technology provides high conductivity for sodium ions and extended service life for the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an electrolytic cell for the production of aluminum from alumina includes: at least one anode module having a plurality of anodes; at least one cathode module, opposing the anode module, wherein the at least one cathode module comprises a plurality of cathodes, wherein the plurality of anodes are suspended above the cathode module and extending downwards towards the cathode module, wherein the plurality of cathodes are positioned extending upwards towards the anode module, wherein each of the plurality of anodes and each of the plurality of cathodes are alternatingly positioned, wherein the plurality of anodes is selectively positionable in a horizontal direction relative to adjacent cathodes, wherein the anode module is selectively positionable in a vertical direction relative to the cathode module, and wherein a portion of each of the anode electrodes overlap a portion of adjacent cathodes.

Abstract: A method to extract and refine metal products from metal-bearing ores, including a method to extract and refine titanium products. Titanium products can be extracted from titanium-bearing ores with TiO2 and impurity levels unsuitable for conventional methods.

Abstract: A hydrogen fluoride supply unit which comprises a plurality of transportable hydrogen fluoride storage containers connected to a hydrogen fluoride supply line and a chemical plant comprising the hydrogen fluoride supply unit. Such chemical plant may be for the manufacture of fluorine, wherein the hydrogen fluoride supply line is connected to an electrolysis cell for producing fluorine by HF electrolysis of a molten salt electrolyte. A process for the manufacture of a chemical comprising using such chemical plant. Also a method for supply of hydrogen fluoride to a chemical plant, which comprises: (a) filling at least one transportable hydrogen fluoride storage container with hydrogen fluoride, (b) transporting the hydrogen fluoride storage container to the hydrogen fluoride supply unit, (c) connecting the hydrogen fluoride storage container to the hydrogen fluoride supply line, and (d) supplying hydrogen fluoride from the hydrogen fluoride storage container to the hydrogen fluoride supply line.

Abstract: Various aspects are described for selectivity capturing cells or bioparticles on designated surfaces in dielectrophoretic systems and processes. A particular adhesive composition is described for enhancing cell retention. In addition, certain permeable polyester membranes used in the systems and processes are also described.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for aluminum electrolysis includes a cell body, in which an anode and a cathode are arranged inside the cell body, the cell body is filled with an electrolyte, and at least a part of the anode is immersed in the electrolyte; the anode is arranged above the cell body, the cathode is arranged at the bottom of the electrolytic cell and is covered by aluminum liquid, the electrolyte is located between the anode and the cathode and covers the aluminum liquid; and an insulating layer is arranged on the inner sidewall of the cell body for isolating oxygen or the electrolyte from a carbon block. The anode contains Fe and Cu as primary components; and the electrolyte is composed of 30-38 wt % of NaF, 49-60 wt % of AlF3, 1-5 wt % of LiF, 1-6 wt % of KF and 3-6 wt % of Al2O3, and the molar ratio of NaF to AlF3 is 1.0-1.52.

Abstract: A gas cleaning unit for cleaning a main raw gas stream from a plant comprises a plurality of gas cleaning chambers (34a-c), each gas cleaning chamber (34a-c) equipped with a cleaning chamber inlet (46a-c); an inlet manifold (32), for dividing said main raw gas stream flowing therethrough into a plurality of separate fractional raw gas streams for flow to said cleaning chamber inlets (46a-c); and a plurality of heat exchangers (40a-c), each heat exchanger (40a-c) being located downstream of the inlet manifold (32) for exchanging heat with a respective fractional raw gas stream entering a respective cleaning chamber (34a-c).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolytic process, methods and apparatus for the preparation of carbon monoxide and in particular to electrolysis of molten carbonates to yield carbon monoxide which may be used for chemical storage of electrical energy and further as chemical feedstock for other organic products.

Abstract: The fluorine gas generation device includes an electrolyzer. An electrolytic bath is formed in the electrolyzer. A cathode is disposed in a cathode chamber, and an anode is disposed in an anode chamber. As a voltage is applied across the cathode and the anode, electrolysis of HF (hydrogen fluoride) takes place. In the electrolyzer, hydrogen gas is primarily generated from the cathode and fluorine gas is primarily generated from the anode. Two heating furnaces are provided for heating NaF pellets packed in HF adsorption columns. Each heating furnace has two HF adsorption columns disposed therein.

Abstract: A provided emergency stop facility includes an alternative gas supply facility capable of supplying a cooling medium in a refining device as an alternative gas instead of an entrained gas shut-off by closure of an entrained gas shut-off valve with loss of a driving source caused by the emergency stop; an alternative entrained gas shut-off valve switching between supply and shut-off of an alternative gas to a hydrogen fluoride supply passage; and an instrumentation gas supply facility for emergency stop having an instrumentation gas shut-off valve enabling supply of an instrumentation gas by opening with loss of the driving source caused by the emergency stop, wherein at the emergency stop of the fluorine gas generating apparatus, the alternative entrained gas shut-off valve is opened upon receipt of the supply of the instrumentation gas, and the alternative gas is supplied to the hydrogen fluoride supply passage.

Abstract: Provided is a safe and efficient method for producing lithium metal which facilitates efficient production of anhydrous lithium chloride without corrosion of the system materials by chlorine gas or molten lithium carbonate, and which allows production of lithium metal by molten salt electrolysis of the produced anhydrous lithium chloride as a raw material. The method includes the steps of (A) contacting and reacting lithium carbonate and chlorine gas in a dry process to produce anhydrous lithium chloride, and (B) subjecting the raw material for electrolysis containing the anhydrous lithium chloride to molten salt electrolysis under such conditions as to produce lithium metal, wherein the chlorine gas generated by the molten salt electrolysis in step (B) is used as the chlorine gas in step (A) to continuously perform steps (A) and (B).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolytic process, methods and apparatus for the preparation of carbon monoxide and in particular to electrolysis of molten carbonates to yield carbon monoxide which may be used for chemical storage of electrical energy and further as chemical feedstock for other organic products.

Abstract: A fluorine gas generating apparatus includes an electrolytic cell where the molten salt is retained and which is separated and divided above the liquid level of the molten salt into a first gas chamber where a product gas mainly containing a fluorine gas generated at an anode immersed in the molten salt is led and a second gas chamber where a byproduct gas mainly containing a hydrogen gas generated at a cathode immersed in the molten salt is led, and a refining device refining the fluorine gas by coagulating with a cooling medium and trapping a hydrogen fluoride gas evaporated from the molten salt in the electrolytic cell and mixed in the product gas generated from the anode. The cooling medium for coagulation of the hydrogen fluoride gas in the refining device and discharged is re-used as a utility gas used at spots in the fluorine gas generating apparatus.

Abstract: A fluorine gas generating apparatus generating a fluorine gas by electrolyzing hydrogen fluoride in molten salt, includes: an electrolytic cell including, above a liquid level of molten salt, a first gas chamber into which a product gas mainly containing the fluorine gas generated at an anode immersed in the molten salt and a second gas chamber separated from the first gas chamber into which a byproduct gas mainly containing a hydrogen gas generated at a cathode immersed in the molten salt; a hydrogen fluoride supply source retaining hydrogen fluoride to be replenished in the electrolytic cell; a refining device trapping a hydrogen fluoride gas evaporated from the molten salt in the electrolytic cell and mixed in the product gas generated from the anode to refine the fluorine gas; and a recovery facility conveying and recovering the hydrogen fluoride trapped in the refining device in the electrolytic cell or the hydrogen fluoride supply source.

Abstract: An electrolyzer is comprised of an anode and a cathode which are in contact with an electrolytic solution, wherein at least one of the anode and the cathode is composed of an electric conductor having a gas permeable structure comprising a gas generating surface at which gas is generated by electrolysis of the electrolytic solution, a plurality of through holes leading from the gas generating surface to a different surface and allowing the gas generated on the gas generating surface to selectively pass therethrough, and a gas releasing surface which is the different surface for releasing the gas supplied from the gas generating surface via the through holes. At least one of a surface treatment which causes the gas generating surface to be lyophilic for the electrolytic solution and a surface treatment which causes the gas releasing surface to be lyophobic for the electrolytic solution is performed.

Abstract: A fluorine gas generating device 100 which is characterized by having a cylindrical member 31a for circulating therein the main-product gas, a gas feed port 51a for introducing the main-product gas into the cylindrical member 31a, a gas discharge port 52a for discharging the main-product gas from the cylindrical member 31a, an adsorbent holding member 201 arranged in the cylindrical member 31a to form a space to provide a channel for the main-product gas circulated in the cylindrical member 31a, a stirring blade 202 for stirring the main-product gas that is introduced through the gas feed port 51a, and a gas flow guiding cylinder 203 for circulating or diffusing the main-product gas in the space within the cylindrical member 31a.

Abstract: An ozone generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes a hollow cylindrical sealed container provided with an inlet for a feed gas containing oxygen gas and an outlet for an ozonized gas. A discharge tube including a dielectric tube arranged within the container and a first electrode arranged within the dielectric tube is provided in the container. A second electrode is arranged within the container and surrounds the first electrode, spaced apart from the dielectric tube to form a discharge gap between the second electrode and the dielectric tube. The apparatus further includes a discharge voltage source configured to apply a discharging voltage across the first and second electrodes, and a cooling water jacket surrounding the second electrode. The dielectric tube has an outer diameter of 12 mm or more, but 19 mm or less.

Abstract: An electrolysis system for generating a metal and molecular oxygen includes a container for receiving a metal oxide containing a metallic species to be extracted, a cathode positioned to contact a metal oxide housed within the container; an oxygen-ion-conducting membrane positioned to contact a metal oxide housed within the container; an anode in contact with the oxygen-ion-conducting membrane and spaced apart from a metal oxide housed within the container, said anode selected from the group consisting of liquid metal silver, oxygen stable electronic oxides, oxygen stable crucible cermets, and stabilized zirconia composites with oxygen stable electronic oxides.

Abstract: The metal production processes that are carried out in electrolytic cells, release gases into the environment that incorporate micro drops of the components of the electrolyte, from which metals are produced, one of whose components is generally an acid or a strong base. The difficulties that these gases with micro drops entail are varied and affect the operators, and production structures and equipment. Thus, the operators must protect their respiratory system by using masks and protect their eyes using glasses. The structures, as well as the equipment required for the process and the manipulation of supplies and products, suffer corrosion.

Abstract: A molten salt electrolysis apparatus and a molten metal electrolyzing method using such a device are disclosed having an electrolysis vessel (4) accommodating melt electrolyte including melt metal chloride, and an electrode unit (1) having electrically conductive electrodes (8), first insulation members (9) covering upper end surfaces of the electrodes and fixed thereto while extending upward from the upper end surfaces, second insulation members (10) covering lower end surfaces of the electrodes and fixed thereto while extending downward from the lower end surfaces, and an electrode frame (12) composed of an insulating body surrounding the electrodes, the electrode unit being immersed in the melt electrolyte.

Abstract: A raw gas collection system (15) for collecting raw gas from a plurality of aluminium smelting pots (4) is equipped with a plurality of branch ducts (16, 16a-d). Each branch duct (16, 16a-d) is arranged to channel a respective branch flow (32, 32a-b) of raw gas from an aluminium smelting pot (4) to a collecting duct (20a), which is common to and shared by branch ducts (16, 16a-d). Several of the branch ducts (16, 16a-d) are equipped with a combined heat transfer and flow resistance generating element (17) to remove heat from the respective branch flow (32, 32a-b) of raw gas and to balance the flow of raw gas in the raw gas collecting system (15). The combined heat transfer and flow resistance generating elements (17) reduce the need for adjusting the respective branch duct (16, 16a-d) flow volumes using dampers, thereby reducing the power required to transport the raw gas through the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for the removal of gasses from a number of electrolysis cells, including a suction duct for each cell, each suction duct being connected to a central manifold with a gas treatment center and a central suction fan. A flow restriction device is provided in each suction duct. One or more additional ductworks are provided. Each additional ductwork is for one or more suction ducts. Each additional ductwork has a branch for each suction duct, the branch being connected to the suction duct between the electrolysis cell and the flow restriction device, which one or more branches are connected to a booster duct in which an on/off valve is present. One or more booster ducts are connected to a booster manifold connected to the central manifold. A booster fan is provided in the booster manifold. A method for performing an electrolysis process is also disclosed.

Abstract: Treatment devices for fluid such as water are described. Principally (although not necessarily exclusively) designed for use as chlorinators, the devices may divert water flowing in conduits into the devices for treatment and subsequent return to the flow stream. A return tube of the device may be designed to create vortex action, using a pressure differential to evacuate treated water from the device back into the conduit.

Abstract: A fluorine gas generating apparatus includes: a first main passage connected to a first gas chamber and supplying a fluorine gas to an external device; a first conveying device leading out and conveying the fluorine gas from the first gas chamber; a first pressure detector detecting the pressure on the upstream side of the first conveying device; a first pressure regulating valve returning the fluorine gas from the first conveying device to the suction side of the first conveying device; a controller controlling the opening degree of the first pressure regulating valve so that the pressure detected by the first pressure detector becomes a first set value; a start valve provided on the upstream side of the pressure detector; and a differential pressure detector for detecting the pressure difference before and after the start valve in the closed valve state.

Abstract: A fluorine/fluoride gas generator which has an electrolyte made of mixed molten salt containing hydrogen fluoride in an electrolytic cell including an anode chamber and a cathode chamber, and generates a gas containing fluorine by electrolyzing the electrolyte, includes a raw material supply pipe for supplying an electrolysis raw material, reaching the inside of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell, a normally-closed valve provided in the middle of the raw material supply pipe, and a bypass pipe provided with a normally-open valve, joining the raw material supply pipe on the downstream side from the normally-closed valve to a gas phase area of the electrolytic cell. Accordingly, the electrolyte is prevented from being suctioned into the raw material supply pipe in the fluorine/fluoride gas generator, and solidification of the electrolyte inside the raw material supply pipe can be prevented.

Abstract: A fluorine gas generating apparatus includes an electrolytic cell where the molten salt is retained and which is separated and divided above the liquid level of the molten salt into a first gas chamber where a product gas mainly containing a fluorine gas generated at an anode immersed in the molten salt is led and a second gas chamber where a byproduct gas mainly containing a hydrogen gas generated at a cathode immersed in the molten salt is led, and a refining device refining the fluorine gas by coagulating with a cooling medium and trapping a hydrogen fluoride gas evaporated from the molten salt in the electrolytic cell and mixed in the product gas generated from the anode. The cooling medium for coagulation of the hydrogen fluoride gas in the refining device and discharged is re-used as a utility gas used at spots in the fluorine gas generating apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a fluorine gas, comprising at least one fluorine generating cell, and at least one fluorine generating cell detector for detecting components of products obtained by the fluorine generating cell, wherein at least one of the fluorine generating cells is connected with the fluorine generating cell detector.

Abstract: It is a task of the present invention to provide an electrolytic apparatus for producing fluorine or nitrogen trifluoride by electrolyzing a hydrogen fluoride-containing molten salt, the electrolytic apparatus being advantageous in that the electrolysis can be performed without the occurrence of the anode effect even at a high current density and without the occurrence of an anodic dissolution. In the present invention, this task has been accomplished by an electrolytic apparatus for producing fluorine or nitrogen trifluoride by electrolyzing a hydrogen fluoride-containing molten salt at an applied current density of from 1 to 1,000 A/dm2, the electrolytic apparatus using a conductive diamond-coated electrode as an anode.

Abstract: A semiconductor production equipment includes a fluorine gas generator, and a detoxification device for combusting a waste gas containing a fluorine-based gas. The fluorine gas generator is configured to electrolyze hydrogen fluoride in an electrolytic bath of a molten salt containing hydrogen fluoride to generate a main product gas whose major component is fluorine gas at an anode side and generate a by-product gas whose major component is hydrogen at a cathode side. The semiconductor production equipment further includes a lead-out line for introducing the by-product gas generated from the fluorine gas generator to the detoxification device. The detoxification device includes a mechanism for using the by-product gas sent to the detoxification device as a combustion agent.

Abstract: A fluorine gas generation device includes an electrolytic cell that electrolyzes hydrogen fluoride in an electrolytic bath constituted of a molten salt containing hydrogen fluoride. The fluorine gas generation device liquefies and circulates a hydrogen fluoride gas vaporized from the molten salt and mist derived from the molten salt which is entrained on the gases generated by using a circulating device connected to a pipe on an upper portion of the electrolytic cell, thereby returning the hydrogen fluoride gas and the mist derived from the molten salt to the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A gas liquid separator system for a hydrogen generating apparatus includes a collection area for collecting liquid from the generated gases. To empty the collection area occasionally so that liquid does not build up and become entrained again in the dried gas, a vent solenoid is provided in communication with the collection area and a pump is used to create a vacuum periodically on the electrolysis cells. Such arrangement is used to open the liquid gas filter and possibly just the sump to atmosphere occasionally and vacuum generated to draw the liquid from the sump back to the electrolysis cells.

Abstract: A fluorine gas generating device 100 is provided which facilitates the maintenance operation of recovery and replacement of an adsorbing material that adsorbs hydrogen fluoride and supplies fluorine gas in a stable manner. The device comprises a refining line 20 that includes refining devices that, with the aid of adsorbing material, remove hydrogen fluoride gas that has been evaporated from a molten salt of an electrolytic tank 1 and mixed to fluorine gas generated at a positive pole 103a of the electrolytic tank. The refining line 20 comprises a first refining section 21 that includes at least two refining devices arranged in parallel and a second refining section 22 that includes at least two refining devices arranged in parallel and is positioned downstream of the first refining section 21. Fluorine gas that has passed through either one of the refining devices of the first refining section 21 is selectively led to either one of the refining devices of the second refining section.

Abstract: A fluorine gas generator for generating highly pure fluorine gas in a stable and safe manner by electrolyzing an electrolytic bath 2 comprising hydrogen fluoride in the form of a molten mixed gas is provided which comprises an electrolytic cell 1 divided, by a partition wall 16, into an anode chamber 3 in which an anode is disposed and a cathode chamber 4 in which a cathode is disposed, pressure maintenance means for maintaining the anode chamber 3 and cathode chamber 4 at atmospheric pressure, and liquid level sensing means 5, 6 capable of sensing the levels of the electrolytic bath 2 in the anode chamber 3 and in the cathode chamber 4, respectively, at three or more level stages.

Abstract: Pot tending module (7) for a series of electrolytic cells for production by igneous electrolysis, including a chassis (8) that can be fixed to a trolley (6) moving along a travelling crane (4) and provided with a set of tools, particularly including at least one anode handling device (11), which is also provided with at least two display means (41 and 42) capable of taking views and transmitting them in the form of electromagnetic signals, typically two video cameras, the display means disposed at a distance from each other and from the working area, to be able to aim at the working area (23) of the anode handling device(s) along two non-parallel directions (D1) and (D2), forming an angle preferably close to 90°. This pot tending module may also include a third camera (43) that presents an overview of the tools and working areas for these tools, and a fourth camera (44) fixed onto the base of the anode grab actuators.

Abstract: A method of producing aluminium in a Hall-Héroult cell with prebaked anodes, as well as anodes for the same. The anodes are provided with slots in a wear (bottom) surface thereof for gas drainage. The slots are 2-8 millimeters wide, and preferably 3 millimeters.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling operating conditions of electrolytic cells are provided, particularly aluminum electrolytic cells. The method may includes the steps of measuring offgas temperature from the electrolytic cell, comparing the measured offgas temperature to a target offgas temperature, and completing a predetermined action in response to the comparing step. The predetermined action may include one or more of changing a feed rate of feed materials supplied to the electrolytic cell or inspecting a crust of the electrolytic cell for an undesired condition, such as a crust hole. The system may include an electrolytic cell adapted to contain a molten metal mixture, a hopper adapted to provide feed material to the electrolytic cell, a hood adapted to contain offgas from the electrolytic cell, an exhaust duct interconnected to the hood and containing a thermocouple for measuring offgas temperature, and a control panel for receiving temperature measurements from the thermocouple.

Abstract: A gas generating device of present invention is generated a first gas at a first carbon electrode by applying a voltage between said first carbon electrode and a second electrode to electrolyzing an electrolytic solution. The first carbon electrode is an anode or a cathode. The first carbon electrode is provided with a plurality of fine gas flow channels which selectively pass said first gas generated on one surface of said first carbon electrode to the other surface without allowing said electrolytic solution to permeate therethrough.

Abstract: This is a single stage process for treating spent nuclear fuel from light water reactors. The spent nuclear fuel, uranium oxide, UO2, is added to a solution of UCl4 dissolved in molten LiCl. A carbon anode and a metallic cathode is positioned in the molten salt bath. A power source is connected to the electrodes and a voltage greater than or equal to 1.3 volts is applied to the bath. At the anode, the carbon is oxidized to form carbon dioxide and uranium chloride. At the cathode, uranium is electroplated. The uranium chloride at the cathode reacts with more uranium oxide to continue the reaction. The process may also be used with other transuranic oxides and rare earth metal oxides.

Abstract: An arrangement for installing and sealing an anode within a fluorine generating electrolytic cell is described, the arrangement comprising: an anode connection member, said anode connection member (32) passing through an aperture (70) in a skirt wall (20) and being in electrical connection with a skirt wall closure member (72) wherein the skirt wall closure member is sealingly engaged with said skirt wall and is electrically insulated therefrom.

Abstract: Device for equipment of a cell (1) comprising an electrolytic bath (4) covered with a crust (5), with a chisel (13) that can be moved vertically between a high position in which it is above the crust (5) and a low position in which the crust (5) is perforated and in which contact is made with the bath (4), the device (11) comprising means of detecting electrical contact between the chisel (13) and the bath (4), these means comprising an electrical circuit (19) capable of making an electrical measurement between the chisel (13) and a point (20) in the cell used as an electrical reference, and taking immediate action on the actuator to cause vertical upwards displacement of the chisel when a predetermined value of an electrical measurement is reached.

Abstract: A method for operating one or more electrolysis cells (43, 154, 243) for production of aluminium, the cell comprising inert or substantially inert anodes, where an oxygen containing gas (21, 126, 221) evolved by the electrolysis process in the cell is gathered and removed therefrom. The oxygen containing gas is introduced into a combustion chamber (38, 149, 238) where it is reacted with a carbon containing gas (7, 116, 209) in a combustion process. Emisions of CO2 and NOx can be reduced.

Abstract: A water separation apparatus is provided to separate hydrogen and oxygen from water that includes a reaction chamber containing a plurality of spaced apart conductive plates, a positive electrical terminal electrically connected to one of the conductive plates, and a negative electrical terminal electrically connected to another of the conductive plates. A mixture of water and a catalyst is placed in the chamber and in contact with the plates. A non-conductive adjuster plate is provided to separate the chamber into a front chamber and a rear chamber, and may include at least one fluid passageway. A portion of the plates are disposed in the front chamber and a portion of the plates are disposed in the rear chamber. The adjuster plate may include a moveable member adapted to adjust the cross-sectional area of fluid passageway and thus the cross-sectional area of fluid communication between the front and rear chambers.

Abstract: A self-baking, Soderberg type carbon anode (40) for use in an aluminum electrolyses cell (1) to form product aluminum (11), where the anode (40) is consumable in molten electrolyte (12) in the cell, the anode having top, bottom and side surfaces and at least four layers of vertically disposed plate inserts (48) meltable in the molten electrolyte, the plate inserts (48) preferably made of aluminum and are capable of melting to create hollow vertical slots (52) at the bottom of the anode facilitating any gas bubbles (60) generated to channel to the side of the anode into the electrolyte (12).

Abstract: A fluorine gas generator for generating fluorine gas by electrolysis of an electrolytic bath comprising a hydrogen fluoride-containing mixed molten salt in which generator the position of the electrolytic bath liquid surface in the electrolytic cell can be safely controlled even during suspension of electrolysis therein is provided. The generator comprises an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated from each other by a partition wall and is provided with electrolytic bath liquid level controlling means for controlling the electrolytic bath liquid level in at least one of the anode chamber and cathode chamber during suspension of fluorine gas generation.

Abstract: Operations in an electrolytic cell for producing aluminum are controlled by sensing infrared radiation on an outer surface of a cell chamber to determine an actual temperature. When the actual temperature is greater than a target temperature, a crust hole is repaired or the actual rate of addition of aluminum fluoride to the cell is increased. When the actual temperature is less than a target temperature, the actual rate of addition of aluminum fluoride to the cell is reduced.

Abstract: A water permeable electrode for electrochemical splitting of water having a light sensitive catalytic material layer which includes a light sensitive catalytic material and a semiconductor, a polymer electrolyte membrane layer, a metallic substrate layer disposed there between adjacent the polymer electrolyte membrane layer, and at least one photovoltaic device connected in series to the light sensitive catalytic material layer and disposed between the light sensitive catalytic material layer and the metallic substrate layer.

Abstract: The invention concerns an anode for gas evolution in electrochemical applications comprising a titanium or other valve metal substrate characterized by a surface with a low average roughness, having a profile typical of a localized attack on the crystal grain boundary. The invention further describes a method for preparing the anodic substrate of the invention comprising a controlled etching in a sulfuric acid solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for production of molten aluminium by electrolysis of an aluminous ore, preferably alumina, in a molten salt mixture, preferably a sodium fluoride—aluminium fluoride-based electrolyte. The invention describes an electrolysis cell for said production of aluminium by use of essentially inert electrodes in a vertical an/or inclined position, where said cell design facilitates separation of aluminium and evolved oxygen gas by providing a gas separation chamber (14) arranged in communication with the electrolysis chamber (22), thus establishing an electrolyte flow between the electrolysis chamber (22) and the gas separation chamber (14).

Abstract: A photoelectrochemical cell which includes a light transmissive enclosure, a semiconductor photoanode disposed within the light transmissive enclosure, a semiconductor photocathode disposed within the light transmissive enclosure, and an electrolytic solution disposed entirely between the semiconductor photoanode and the semiconductor photocathode. This is achieved by the use of semiconductor photoelectrodes (photoanodes and photocathodes) which include a proton exchange membrane having an electrolyte facing surface in contact with the electrolytic solution and a light transmissive wall facing surface, and having a photo electro-catalyst disposed on the light transmissive wall facing surface.