Abstract: A fluidized bed electrolysis cell comprising one or more particulate electrodes provided with one or more current feeders carrying on their surfaces a protective film of valve metal oxide, and one or more diaphragms for separating the anode compartments from the cathode compartments in the cell.

Abstract: The electrolyser comprises vertical electrodes (8, 9) and a stack of vertical frames (1, 2) made of a flexible material, deployed freely over the periphery of the electrodes and elastically deformed by compression one against another between two end flanges (3, 4).The invention applies to membrane electrolysers for the electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride solutions.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell comprising a housing containing a plurality of alternating anode units and cathode units and an ion permeable membrane sheet disposed therebetween and having in direct contact with the opposite sides of the membrane sheet a porous anode and a porous cathode, said cathode units comprising a pair of spaced foraminous cathodes of the same polarity forming a space for catholyte therebetween and means for flowing aqueous electrolyte through the catholyte space of the cathode unit and means for removing electrolysis products, the anode units comprising a pair of spaced foraminous anodes forming a space for anolyte therebetween, means for flowing aqueous halide solution through the said anolyte space and means for removing electrolysis products therefrom and means for uniformly compressing the units and membranes together and to a novel method of generating halogens by electrolysis of aqueous halide solutions.

Abstract: To provide for essentially uniform current density at the respective cathodes of an electrolytic cell, a plurality of cathodes are located, spaced from each other, at one side of an anode, and resistance elements connect the respective cathodes to a negative supply terminal or supply bus (N, 11), the resistance elements having respective resistance values which decrease as the distance of the respective cathode from the anode increases. A single anode (2), preferably separated from the cathode space (5) by an ion exchange membrane (6), can be located centrally within the cathodes; or two anodes can be located spaced from each other with a plurality of cathodes located therebetween. Each cathode is connected with a quick disconnect plug-or-push terminal to the respective current supply, which may be a controlled constant current source.

Abstract: The invention is a vertically disposed electrolytic cell comprising:a hollow, cylindrically shaped recycle tube;a hydraulically permeable, hollow, cylindrically shaped cathode concentric with and surrounding said recycle tube to define a first annular space therebetween;a hydraulically permeable, hollow, cylindrically shaped anode concentric with and surrounding said cathode to define a second annular space therebetween; anda hollow, cylindrically shaped, ion permeable membrane positioned in said second annular space concentric with said cathode and said anode, said membrane dividing the second annular space into an anode compartment containing the anode and a cathode compartment containing the cathode.The invention includes a method for operating the apparatus.

Abstract: A gasket of an electrically insulating material, suitable for use in an electrolytic cell, which gasket comprises a plurality of projections and/or recesses on and/or in a surface thereof which are adapted to cooperate with corresponding recesses and/or projections in and/or on a surface of an anode or of a cathode or of a gasket adjacent thereto, in which the projections and/or recesses are present as a plurality of rows thereof on and/or in a surface of the gasket. Also, an electrolytic cell, which may be of the filter press type, and which contains a gasket as described.

Abstract: The gasket is disposed between the electrode frames, which are pressed against each other and are used in a membrane electrolysis for producing sodium solution, hydrogen and chlorine from an NaCl brine. The rim of the membrane is disposed between two parts of the gasket. At least one gasket part consists of a core frame, which is provided at least on one side with an attached sealing frame made of graphite. The core frame and the sealing frame are enclosed in a plastic film wrapper. The core frame may be made of asbestos and the plastic film wrapper may be made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: Apparatus for the electrolysis of solutions. The apparatus comprises bipolar elements formed of a conductive plate peripherally surrounded by an insulating frame provided with feeding and discharging channels along peripheral zones of the frame. A cavity is formed with the conductive plate as the bottom and the frame as wall. Separating elements can be inserted between the bipolar elements. The separating elements consist of a porous diaphragm and an insulating frame also having feeding and discharging channels. Electrodic structures, consisting of cut and expanded metal sheets, nets or other material having high internal porosity may fill up the remaining space between two lateral bipolar elements and a central separating element.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing and shifting flat plate-type structures including first and a second support members for supporting side rails attached generally perpendicular to the support members in a generally parallel and spaced apart position adapted for supporting any number of flat plate-type structures slidably mounted thereon, and a mobile platen for pressing the frame structures together, the improvement being an elongated slider member slidably mounted on the top portion of the side rails for slidably shifting the flat plate-type structures along the top and along the axis of side rails after clamping a plurality of cell structures, for example, to one stationary support member and clamping another plurality of flat plate-type structures together, thereby selectively shifting the desired flat plate-type structures a desired distance apart to remove or replace a flat plate-type structure or its internal parts disposed between the flat plate-type structures.

Abstract: A frame and membrane assembly for a liquid transfer cell wherein the frame has a peripheral portion including opposite faces and one face is planar and the opposite face carries a peripherally outer sealing ring and inwardly thereof an anchoring arrangement for the membrane. Most specifically the anchoring arrangement is in the form of a peripheral groove of a generally dovetail cross section with an outer peripheral portion of the membrane being seated within that peripheral groove and retained therein in interlocked relation by way of a continuous second sealing ring. The second sealing ring, when the cell is assembled, is squeezed so as to both more tightly interlock the membrane with the frame and to form an inner seal between the two adjacent frames.

Abstract: A frame and membrane assembly for a cell subject to fluid flow. The frame includes a peripheral portion having opposite faces which are to be sealed together. One of the faces is planar while the other of the faces is provided with a plurality of grooves. In an outermost groove there is a final sealing ring. An intermediate groove is generally dovetail shaped in cross section and the peripheral portion of a membrane is locked within that groove by a second sealing ring which deforms under pressure to increase the mechanical interlock while further forming an intermediate seal between two adjacent frames. A principal feature is an innermost groove in which there is seated a third sealing ring. The third sealing ring underlies the membrane and when two adjacent frames are brought together in the formation of a cell, the membrane is forced against the underlying sealing ring which deforms and resiliently clamps the membrane against the next adajcent frame so as to form an innermost seal.

Abstract: An electrode which comprisesa wall of plastics material,an electrically-conductive electrode surface on one side of the wall and displaced therefrom,an electrically-conductive electrode surface on the opposite side of the wall and displaced therefrom,at least one electrically-conductive connecting member in electrical contact with one of the electrode surfaces,at least one electrically-conductive connecting member in electrical contact with the other of the electrode surfaces,and in which the electrically-conductive connecting members are embedded in the wall of plastics material and are in electrical contact with each other.Also, an electrolytic cell comprising a plurality of said electrodes.

Abstract: A seal means for an electrolysis cell including a substantially solid member adapted to be interposed between at least two electrode frame members of the cell. The substantially solid member has two parallel side walls, a generally planar top wall adapted for contacting a generally planar surface, and a bottom wall defined by an uneven surface adapted for contacting at least one electrode frame.

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: A filter press membrane electrolytic cell having at least one cathode and one anode sandwiched about a permselective ion exchange membrane which employs a cathode having a first layer and a second layer cooperative with the membrane such that the voltage coefficient during operation at current densities greater than 4.0 kiloamperes per square meter is less than about 0.20 volts per kiloampere per square meter.

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: 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: An electrolyzer for the production of chlorine from an aqueous alkaline halide solution includes a plurality of electrolysis cells each having a housing of two half-shells. The bottom side of each of the half-shells is in a plane parallel to a plane of an adjacent anode or cathode, the space between the bottom side and the anode or the cathode being provided with framework-pattern metallic reinforcements. Each bottom side has one or more contact strips attached to its outer surface which are arranged in a congruent position to the contact strips on the bottom side of the adjacent electrolysis cell, and extend over the length or width of the cell. The contact strips are aligned with and connected by electrically conducting means to part of the framework-pattern reinforcements and the unperforated sections of the adjacent anode or cathode. The two half-shells and a membrane partition wall are assembled to form an electrolysis cell sealed by two gaskets.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell comprising a housing containing a plurality of alternating anode units and cathod units and an ion permeable membrane sheet disposed therebetween and having in direct contact with the opposite sides of the membrane sheet a porous anode and a porous cathode, said cathode units comprising a pair of spaced foraminous cathodes of the same polarity forming a space for catholyte therebetween and means for flowing aqueous electrolyte through the catholyte space of the cathode unit and means for removing electrolysis products, the anode units comprising a pair of spaced foraminous anodes forming a space for anolyte therebetween, means for flowing aqueous halide solution through the said anolyte space and means for removing electrolysis products therefrom and means for uniformly compressing the units and membranes together and to a novel method of generating halogens by electrolysis of aqueous halide solutions.

Abstract: An arrangement for an electrical connector is disclosed comprising a first conductor member, an oppositely spaced second conductor member, a reticulated electrical interface therebetween, and means for fastening together the first and second members and the reticulated electrical interface. In one embodiment the arrangement comprises a high current bus connector. In another arrangement an electrolytic cell is provided. The reticulated interface comprises a network of open-pore cells constructed of an electrically-conductive material. The arrangement is preferably assembled such that the reticulated network is compressed between the first and second conductor members to deform and mateably engage the members for close, current-communicative cooperation therebetween. In another embodiment of the present invention, the reticulate interface material includes side wall portions having a plurality of reticulate edge points on the side wall surfaces.

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: A multi-cell electrolyzer comprising a plurality of unit cells, each of which is composed of an anode chamber containing an anode and a cathode chamber containing a cathode and a cation exchange membrane for partitioning said unit cell into said anode chamber and said cathode chamber, and each of which is adapted to have an internal pressure maintained at a level higher than the atmospheric pressure in operation of the electrolyzer, said plurality of unit cells being arranged in series and adapted to be energized through a plurality of current lead plates, and rigid multi-contact electrically conductive means provided between the adjacent unit cells and/or between each current lead plate and the unit cell adjacent thereto, thereby establishing electrical connection between the adjacent unit cells and/or between each current lead plate and the unit cell adjacent thereto.

Abstract: Electrolysis cell incorporating, in an enclosure, electrodes (17) each of which passes, in a leaktight manner, through an individual opening (16) in a wall (4) of the enclosure and each of which is surrounded by an individual bag-shaped tubular separator (20) engaged in a leaktight manner in the abovementioned opening in the wall.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell jumper switch system is disclosed which eliminates all damaging reverse currents without utilizing any additional rectifiers, power supply or auxiliary power or current sources by loading the electrical current flow through resistor modules around the cell to be disconnected, bypassing the current flow around the bus bar connection between the adjacent cells and the cell to be disconnected by closing a connecting switch and finally reopening the connecting switch to transfer the total current load in the switch back to the resistor modules.

Abstract: A filter press membrane electrolytic cell having at least one cathode and one anode sandwiched about a permselective ion exchange membrane which employs a cathode having a first layer and a second layer cooperative with the membrane such that the voltage cofficient during operation at current densities greater than 4.0 kiloamperes per square meter is less than about 0.20 volts per kiloampere per square meter.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell comprising an anode and cathode and a gasket of an electrically insulating composition in which the gasket is made of an electrically insulating composition which comprises a homogeneous mixture of an elastomeric polymer and at least 15%, and optionally up to 70%, of polytetrafluoroethylene by weight of the composition. Also a gasket suitable for use in an electrolytic cell, and a process of electrolysis which is operated in the electrolytic cell. Aqueous alkali metal chloride solution may be electrolysed in the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A generic, simple, economical method for making and assembling either a monopolar or bipolar filter press type electrochemical cell unit. The first feature is making a novel central cell element. This cell element is an integrally formed, unitary, cast structural element for filter press electrolysis cell which incorporates into a single cell unit the central barrier between the peripheral boundaries for the adjacent anolyte compartment and adjacent catholyte 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 elements, 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.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell is described which has a spacing means positioned between the anode and cathode faces. The present spacing means comprises a plurality of longitudinally elongated, electrically non-conductive spacers fabricated of a chemically resistant material being inert to the conditions existing within an operating electrolytic cell. The present spacers are positioned on the face portion of a foraminous anode. The spacers are secured on the anode face by extention of a portion of the spacer through an opening in the anode and are secured at the back portion of the anode.

Abstract: An improved method for shutting down an electrolytic cell for the electrolysis of aqueous solutions containing ionizable compounds is provided. The electrolytic cell has a first electrode, a second electrode of opposite polarity, a first conductor electrically connected to the first electrode and a second conductor electrically connected to the second conductor, and means for supplying an electric current to the first and second conductors. The method improvement comprises activating a cell protection circuit between the first conductor and the first electrode, and preventing the passage of reverse currents through the cell.The method can also be employed to prevent the passage of reverse currents through a plurality of cells in series in the case of a power outage or disruption.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ion exchange-type electrolytic cell with electrodes retained in close proximity to each other by means of a spring element.

Abstract: Oxygen ion conducting ceramic materials are disclosed, represented by the formulasNi(Nb.sub.1-x M.sub.x).sub.2 O.sub.6-x and Ni.sub.2 (Nb.sub.1-x M.sub.x).sub.2 O.sub.7-x,wherein M is selected from the group consisting of Zr.sup.+4, Ti.sup.+4, Sn.sup.+4, Sm.sup.+4, Hf.sup.+4 and Ce.sup.+4 and x is a value from 0 to 0.2. These materials, along with Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 in solid solution with Y.sub.2 O.sub.3 or Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5, may be used in an oxygen separator for removing oxygen from a first gas to a second gas or vacuum. The oxygen separator includes at least one layer of the ceramic material with layers of a porous metallic conductor arranged on either side to form a body. An electrode connects one layer, and a second electrode connects the opposite metallic layer. A voltage signal is applied across the electrodes, whereupon oxygen ions diffuse through the ceramic layer.

Abstract: A method of assembling an electrolytic cell of the filter press type comprising a plurality of anodes, cathodes, gaskets of an electrically insulating material, and separators, in which the electrolytic cell is assembled on a jig comprising a support unit having removably affixed thereto a plurality of substantially horizontally disposed support members positioned to at least one side of said unit, and preferably to both sides of said unit, the method comprising positioning anodes, cathodes and gaskets on said horizontally disposed support members with a separator positioned between an adjacent anode and cathode, removing the support unit, and compressing the thus formed assembly of anodes, cathodes, gaskets and separators on the horizontally disposed support members to form the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell comprises intercalated finger-shaped electrodes each disposed through a cation exchange membrane, in which said cation exchange membrane constitutes a cylinder or envelope enclosing a finger-shaped anode or cathode A flare is formed at one end or each end of the cylinder or at the open end of the envelope. The flare is joined with a flange to form a unitary cation exchange membrane-flange structure which liquid-tightly divides an anode compartment and a cathode compartment.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell comprising a plurality of anodes and a plurality of cathodes, and a hydraulically impermeable cation-exchange membrane and a gasket of an electrically insulating material positioned between each adjacent anode and cathode to form in the cell a plurality of separate anode and cathode compartments, in which either(a) the cation-exchange membrane is in contact with the anode at least around the periphery of the anode and the gasket is positioned between the membrane and the cathode and abuts onto that part of the membrane which is in contact with the periphery of the anode, or(b) the cation-exchange membrane is in contact with the cathode at least around the periphery of the cathode and the gasket is positioned between the membrane and the anode and abuts onto that part of the membrane which is in contact with the periphery of the cathode.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of installation of a membrane to a finger type electrolytic cell are provided, which comprise covering the horizontal surfaces of a cathode not opposing an anode with a membrane installation frame having a collar, positioning the membrane substantially parallel to the vertical surfaces of the cathode, and installing and securing the membrane to the collar by bolting. Not only is operation efficiency for the membrane installation to the electrolytic cell markedly improved, but also, in the case of an ion exchange membrane, an alkali metal hydroxide liquor hardly containing an alkali metal chloride is produced. According to the invention, a conventional asbestos diaphragm finger type electrolytic cell is advantageously converted to an ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell.

Abstract: In an electrolytic cell having a membrane and vertical electrodes composed of a plurality of units,a. the electrode having one polarity is horizontally divided into a plurality of units,b. the electrode having the opposite polarity is vertically divided into a plurality of units, andc. the units of at least one of the two electrodes are adapted to be displaced by spring elements. Spacers are suitably provided between the units of that electrode which is not contacted by the membrane.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell, and a gasket therefor, the cell comprising at least one anode and at least one cathode and a separator positioned between an anode and adjacent cathode and dividing the cell into separate anode and cathode compartments, the gasket comprising a plurality of projections and recesses on or in a surface thereof, and preferably on or in both surfaces thereof, adapted to cooperate with corresponding recesses and projections in or on a surface of an anode or cathode or a gasket adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A porous diaphragm for an electrolytic cell for the electrolysis of alkali metal halides is comprised of a thermoplastic support fabric impregnated with particles of a siliceous composition. The thermoplastic support fabric has an anode side, a cathode side opposite the anode side, and a thickness of at least 0.3 millimeters. The cathode side has a greater hydrophobicity than the anode side. To provide greater hydrophobicity which results in controlled, reduced cell voltages, for example, the cathode side of the support fabric is treated with an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: An electrode structure comprising an electrically conductive sheet material, a plurality of projections on at least one surface of the sheet material and preferably on both surfaces, which are spaced apart from each other in a first direction and in a direction transverse thereto, and a flexible electrically conductive foraminous sheet or sheets electrically conductively bonded to the projections.

Abstract: An anode for electrolysis includes an electrically conductive bar erected on an electrolytic cell bottom plate, opposed anode bodies connected to the electrically conductive bar through anode supporting bodies, and reinforcing bodies provided between the opposed anode bodies and outside the anode supporting bodies.

Abstract: A finger type electrolytic cell providing a cation exchange membrane for electrolysing an aqueous alkali metal chloride solution is disclosed. The cell is comprised of a cell top cover whose surface is coated with a chlorine-resistant material containing no polymetallic ions, and further a blanket which is made of or covered with said material, so that no hindrance resulting from polymetallic ions occurs.

Abstract: A filter-press type electrolyzer equipped with electrodes consisting of solid metal plates (2), called "plate electrodes", and of latticed or perforated plates (5, 6), called "pre-electrodes", parallel to the plate electrodes and separated from the latter by bracing tongues (7), the pre-electrodes enclosing a diaphragm (4) for each cell.The pre-electrodes are equipped with solid strips (61, 62, 63), which are all parallel to one another and parallel to the welding direction; each bracing tongue (72) has the shape of an S and is welded to the associated pre-electrode on a solid strip (62) of the latter and to the associated plate electrode, so as to leave a slight gap (J) from the tongue (71), located in quasi-continuous manner on the opposite face of said plate electrode, and the bracing tongues are placed in a staggered arrangement, as viewed in a plane parallel to the electrodes.

Abstract: Microporous separators for electrolytic cells are fabricated from multiple fluoropolymer panels joined and sealed together so as to conform with cell geometry. Improved, leak-free seals are made in the case of chemically treated separators by applying a non-melt processable perfluoroalkylene polymer sealant between separator joints which are then sealable by application of heat and pressure. Only damaged sections or "worn" panels of cell separators need be replaced by resealing new panels to previously heat sealed edges of non-damaged separator sections by application of the polymer sealant. The sealant is one having melting or fusing temperature which is at least substantially equivalent to the melting or fusing temperature of the polymeric microporous separator.

Abstract: A current distributor for an electrode for an electrolytic cell for the electrolysis of aqueous solutions of ionic compounds is provided which comprises an electrically conductive material having a front surface comprised of a plurality of electrode-engaging means projecting from it for attachment to a foraminous electrode. The rear surface of the current collector is suitable for attachment to an electrical conductor. The novel current distributors are particularly suitable for use with reticulate electrodes.

Abstract: A method of cladding a separator, that is a diaphragm or membrane, to a cathode box of the pocket type comprising a plurality of foraminate walls, the method comprising positioning a separator in the form of a sleeve in each pocket of the cathode box with the ends of the sleeves projecting beyond the ends of the pockets, placing a first sheet material in contact with those parts of the sleeves projecting beyond the ends of the pockets in one direction and sealing the sleeves to the sheet material, placing a second sheet material in contact with those parts of the sleeves projecting beyond the ends of the pockets in the opposite direction and sealing the sleeves to the second sheet material, and removing those parts of the sheet materials adjacent to the ends of the pockets. Also a cathode box clad with separator, and an electrolytic cell comprising a cathode box clad with separator.

Abstract: Refinement of impure aluminum is accomplished by a method which comprises placing the impure aluminum in a molten form as an anode on one side of a porous article impregnated with a fused-salt electrolytic bath, disposing a cathode on the other side of the porous article, and passing direct current between the cathode and the anode.

Abstract: A method of cladding a separator, that is a diaphragm or membrane, to a cathode box of the pocket type comprising a plurality of foraminate walls, the method comprising positioning a separator in the form of a sleeve in each pocket of the cathode box with the ends of the sleeves projecting beyond the ends of the pockets and heat sealing by means of radio frequency heating those parts of the sleeves projecting beyond the ends of adjacent pockets, either to each other or to additional heat sealable material. Also a cathode box clad with separator, and an electrolytic cell comprising a cathode box clad with separator.

Abstract: A multicompartment photoelectrodialytic demineralization cell is provided with a buffer compartment interposed between the product compartment and a compartment containing an electrolyte solution. Semipermeable membranes separate the buffer compartment from the product and electrolyte compartments. The buffer compartment is flushed to prevent leakage of the electrolyte compartment from entering the product compartment.

Abstract: An electrical shunting switch assembly for use with a high continuous D.C. current electrochemical cell system, for electrically shunting or by-passing a cell of the system to permit maintenance or replacement, and then permitting stepped or gradual current diversion back through the cell. This shunting switch assembly includes a plurality of electrically parallel switch modules which comprises a vacuum switch, a series connected resistance value and switch operating means for sequentially operating the switches for current diversion. The switch modules are disposed in a matrix arrangement connected between bus connectors which are connectable across the cell, with switch modules having a low resistance value in alternating adjacent relationship to switch modules having a high resistance value. The low resistance value modules permit high shunting efficiency. The higher resistance value modules provide the capability for stepped or gradual current diversion.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anode-cathode assembly useful in brine electrolysis cells. Principally featured is an anode-cathode assembly wherein the anode is C- or U-shaped, and is fitted around the cathodes instead of being fitted between two cathodes.