Abstract: In an electrolytic cell, spacers of predetermined thickness are positioned with improved sealing apparatus between the plurality of adjacently positioned and generally parallel electrodes to define and maintain a uniform gap of predetermined thickness between planes which pass through at least the adjacent sides of each pair of adjacent electrode frames.

Abstract: A method of assembling an electrolytic membrane cell is disclosed. The method includes the steps of conditioning the membranes with a conditioning fluid, assembling a vertical stack of horizontal electrode frames with a horizontal membrane sheet between each pair of frames, applying pressure to vertically compress the vertical stack, rotating the compressed vertical stack from a vertical orientation through approximately 90.degree. in which orientation of the stack is called a "pack", connecting the pack into an electrical circuit and to raw material supply lines and product withdrawal lines and then electrically operating the pack while maintaining the pack in a horizontal orientation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to fluid-tight, high current density-stable electrical contacts for conductively joining components of an electrolytic cell, e.g., anode and cathode plates, comprising a spring-like spiral or coil of electroconductive metal or metal alloy having an electrically conductive or nonconductive oxidation-resistant filler (seal) between the spiral rings and wherein said spiral rings are positioned so that their edges and common longitudinal axis are substantially perpendicular to the faces of the cell components.

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 bonded to opposite sides of the membrane sheet a porous anode and a porous cathode, said cathode units comprising a pair of spaced foraminous electrical current cathode distributors 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 electrical current anode distributors 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 whereby the current distributors are in firm electrical contact with their respective electrodes and to a novel method of generatin

Abstract: An electrolytic cell comprises two or more units wherein each unit comprises a gas and liquid permeable anode is closely brought into contact with one surface of a cation exchange membrane and a gas and liquid permeable cathode which is closely brought into contact with the other surface of the membrane; a gas and liquid permeable current collector which is closely brought into contact with a back surface of said anode; a gas and liquid permeable current collector which is closely brought into contact with a back surface of said cathode. A partition wall made of a cathode side conductor and an anode side conductor is used to contact said cathode side conductor with a current collector contacting with a cathode and to contact said anode side conductor with a current collector contacting with an anode and an electrolyte solution is fed into said current collector contacting with said anode and an electrolyzed solution is discharged from said current collector contacting with said cathode.

Abstract: In an electrolytic cell lubricous material is provided between at least one gasket and the adjacent surface of the membrane between adjacent electrode frames to permit the gasket to deform during assembly and operation of the cell when compressive force is applied to effect fluid-tight seals between the gaskets and the adjacent electrode frames without damaging the membrane.

Abstract: A diaphragm or membrane suitable for cladding a cathode box for use in an electrolytic cell and comprising a plurality of foraminate cathodes of the pocket type, the diaphragm or membrane comprising a sleeve portion and a plurality of tabs on both edges of the sleeve portion, and preferably two tabs on both edges of the sleeve portion, the dimensions of the sleeve portion being such that, when the diaphragm is positioned in a pocket of the cathode box, the edges of the sleeve portion and the tabs thereon project beyond the extremities of the pocket so that they may be joined to the tabs and sleeve portions of diaphragms or membranes in adjacent pockets of the cathode box.

Abstract: A process for electrically by-passing one of a series of electrolytic cells without interrupting current flow through the remaining cells is disclosed. The process includes inserting two conductors between the cells, remotely moving the conductors into pressurized contact with the cell preceding and the cell following the cell being disconnected and closing a switch to electrically connect the two conductors thereby by-passing the cell being disconnected.

Abstract: An electrolyser consisting of a stack of elemental cells, the said stack being located in a horizontal tubular enclosure.The enclosure consists of a fixed vertical baseplate (2) and of a tubular envelope (1) mounted upon the horizontal bed (8) of the apparatus by way of supporting rollers (7). The body of the stack (4) is supported during the opening operation by chocks (12) and by supporting rollers.The invention is made use of for the production of hydrogen and oxygen by means of industrial electrolyzers.

Abstract: A remote controlled intercell connector bar jack is disclosed. The jack can have a first contactor and a second contactor spaced apart by a piston and cylinder assembly. The assembly can be remotely expanded or contracted to move the contactors away from each other or towards each other, respectively. The first contactor contacts a movable intercell connector while the second contactor contacts a fixed object such as the wall of one of two adjacent cells connected by the intercell connector. The second contactor can be a plate adapted to rest against a wall of a cell to which the intercell connector is attached and the first contactor adapted to rest against the intercell connector so that the intercell connector is jacked away from the cell wall when the assembly is remotely expanded.

Abstract: A novel electrode is disclosed for a filter press cell operating at medum pressure. This novel electrode comprises two vertical planar foraminous surfaces positioned in parallel and spaced apart, having at least one pair of conductor rods and a frame. The frame has two side members, a top member, and a bottom member, and is attached to the planar surfaces whereby a chamber is formed between the planar surfaces bounded by the frame. The foraminous surface has a tensile strength in the range from about 50 to about 300 pounds per lineal inch measured in the weakest direction of the foraminous surface. One conductor rod of each pair is attached to the frame along with one of the foraminous surfaces. At least one process connection for conveying process material into and out of the chamber is also provided in the frame.

Abstract: A stream containing chromium and other heavy metals is fed through an electrolytic cell having a flow-through anode of lead shot and a flow-through cathode. The stream passes through the lead shot, resulting in the formation of lead chromate at the anode that falls to a trap in the bottom of the cell. Heavy metals such as copper are plated out on the material forming the flow-through cathode.

Abstract: An intercell connector system is disclosed. The system includes two adjacent terminals attached to two adjacent cells and intercell connector selectively overlapping the adjacent ends of the terminals. The intercell connector includes a conductive first member and a second member which are held together by a fastening device which can be selectively loosened and tightened. When the fastening device is loosened, the two members are adapted to be moved out of engagement with one of the terminals thereby disconnecting the electrical circuit between the terminals.

Abstract: An electrolyzer consisting of a stack of elemental electrolytic cells held between two end plates connected by tie rods.Each tie rod (9) is associated with a hydraulic jack (20) enabling variable tightening by remote control. A displacement pick-up (16) and a pressure pick-up (17) supply signals (25,26) to a force and position control cabinet (18).The invention is made use of in the production of hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis of water.

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: 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 clipping. 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: An electrolyzer cell is made up of a pair of electrodes (1,1') separated by a diaphragm (2). The diaphragm is sandwiched between a pair of frames (3,3') and generally includes its own frame (4). It is difficult to make frames sufficiently accurately for large cells (e.g. up to 2 m.sup.2). using conventional techniques of cutting the frame out from a sheet of material or by one-piece moulding. The present invention uses assembly of elongate frame components. Preferably they are joined together using dovetail joints (31,41), which ensure adequate sealing, and with the dovetails shifted from one frame to the next to ensure a more uniform pressing effect.

Abstract: A unitary frame and membrane assembly particularly useful in a filter press electrolytic cell arrangement is provided by the present invention. The assembly comprises a rigid, peripheral frame member having separable peripheral frame portions. A permselective membrane member is positioned between the separable peripheral frame portions, and the membrane member and frame portions are secured together to form a unitary frame and membrane assembly. The present assembly is adapted for use as the barrier component in electrolytic cells which utilize a separatory membrane barrier between the cell electrodes.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlled, low current start-up of one of an electrical series of membrane electrolytic cells in which the currents through all but one of the remaining cells of the electrical series are unaffected. The method involves placing the cell to be started-up in electrical series with a variable resistor and placing the cell and resistor combination in parallel with the following or preceding one of the remaining cells in the electrical series and then slowly decreasing the resistance of the variable resistor over a preset time period so as to gradually increase the current to the cell being started up and finally eliminating the variable resistance altogether and reconnecting the cell being started-up in electrical series with the remaining cells.

Abstract: Improved electrochemical apparatus comprising of novel membranes characterized by a unique combination of low gas permeability and low electrical resistivity.

Abstract: A jumper system for electrically by-passing one of a series of electrolytic cells without interrupting current flow through the remaining cells is disclosed. The jumper system includes two L-shaped conductors, a switch for electrically connecting the conductors, and a contact pressuring device for remotely moving the conductors into pressurized contact with the cell preceding and the cell following the cell to be disconnected.

Abstract: A halogen, such as chlorine, is generated by electrolysis of an aqueous solution of an alkali metal halide such as sodium chloride, in a cell having anolyte and catholyte chambers separated by a solid polymer electrolyte in the form of a stable, selectively cation permeable, ion exchange membrane. One or more catalytic electrodes including at least one thermally stabilized, reduced oxide of a platinum group metal are bonded to the surface of the membrane. An aqueous brine solution is brought into contact with the anode and water or an aqueous NaOH solution is brought into contact with the cathode. The brine is electrolyzed to produce chlorine at the anode and hydrogen and caustic at the cathode. The cell membrane preferably has an anion rejecting cathode side barrier layer which rejects hyroxyl ions to block back migration of caustic to the anode thereby enhancing the cathode current efficiency of the cell and of the process.

Abstract: A diagraphm for use in the electrolysis of aqueous solutions of ionizable compounds in electrolytic diaphragm cells is comprised of a support fabric impregnated with particles of a siliceous composition having the formula:(X).sub.m (Si).sub.p (O).sub.q (H).sub.r .multidot.nH.sub.2 OwhereinX is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ti, Zr, Al, Zn and mixtures thereof;p is a number from 1 to about 16;m is zero to about p;q is a number from 2 to about 5p+r;r is zero to about 4p; andn is zero to about 30.The siliceous compositions are capable of undergoing hydration when in contact with at least one of the ionizable compounds in the electrolytic cell.The diaphragms are physically and chemically stable, provide reduced cell voltages during operation of the cell and have increased operational life.

Abstract: A diaphragm for use in the electrolysis of aqueous solutions of ionizable compounds in electrolytic diaphragm cells is comprised of a support fabric impregnated with particles of a siliceous composition having the formula:(X).sub.m (Si).sub.p (O).sub.q (H).sub.r.nH.sub.2 OwhereinX is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ti, Zr, Al, Zn and mixtures thereof;p is a number from 1 to about 16;m is zero to about p;q is a number from 2 to about 5p+r;r is zero to about 4p; andn is zero to about 30.The siliceous compositions are capable of undergoing hydration when in contact with at least one of the ionizable compounds in the electrolytic cell. The support fabric has an electroconductive zone along one side.The diaphragms are physically and chemically stable, provide reduced cell voltages during operation of the cell and have increased operational life.

Abstract: An electrorefining cell includes a bipolar electrode that is comprised of a sheet of acid resistant metal and a basket of the same or similar material attached directly to one side of the sheet, the basket being lined with an acid-resistant filter cloth. A method for electrorefining copper cement in slurry form by piping the slurry into the basket is also shown.

Abstract: An ion selective semipermeable membrane such as is used in electrodialysis cell assemblies is fabricated with an unreacted border region of a polymer film which is heat sealable to itself and to other materials of similar composition. Within the border region are sealed two flow port connections to pass ionic process liquid across the face of the membrane. The border regions of one membrane are heat seal bonded at the edge to the border regions of a subsequent membrane in a sequence to form an electrodialysis cell assembly accordion bellows like in configuration. The flow ports communicate with the compartments so formed. Membranes produced by chlorosulfonation of polyethylene are especially suitable for heat sealing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of minimizing shunt currents in electrochemical devices which have a plurality of cells connected, at least in part, in series and which have an electrolyte which is a common electrolyte to at least two of the cells and which includes shared electrolyte, whereby an electrical electrolytic conductive bypass path is created around such cells and through said shared electrolyte, resulting in undesirable shunt currents. The method involves applying a protective current through at least a portion of said conductive bypass path through said shared electrolyte in a direction which is the same as the shunt current through said shared electrolyte and of a magnitude which effectively at least reduces said shunt currents. Thus, a single protective current is applied in series with at least a portion of the conductive bypass path such that shunt currents are minimized, and preferably are totally eliminated.

Abstract: In an electrolytic chlor-alkali cell, or bank of cells, having a plurality of electrolyte compartments containing electrode pairs (anodes and cathodes) and wherein a hydraulically-impermeable membrane separates the electrolyte compartments into catholyte portions and anolyte portions, said cell or cells being employed to produce chlorine at the anodes and caustic and hydrogen at the cathodes by the electrolysis of an aqueous alkali metal chloride electrolyte, improved operation is attained by flowing anolyte liquor from anolyte portion to anolyte portion, sequentially, while simultaneously, and in the opposite direction, flowing catholyte liquor from catholyte portion to catholyte portion, sequentially. The membrane substantially prevents Cl.sup.- from entering the catholyte liquor from the anolyte, and a high purity caustic, substantially free of salt, is produced.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell assembly of the filter press type having plastic frames and a membrane wherein the membrane is formed to fit between adjacent frames with one or more recesses provided on one or both of the adjacent frames together with sealing gasket means which are formed for effectively controlling electrode spacing and for retaining the membrane in position without membrane damage. The construction not only provides proper sealing and protection of the membrane during use, but also allows for the membrane to be removed, reactivated, and reused.

Abstract: A membrane assembly, useful as a membrane in electrodialytic and electrolytic cells, is made by holding together a plurality of thin layers of membrane material under pressure and with boundary layers of liquid covering their major surfaces. Such membrane assemblies allow the passage therethrough of ions when an electric potential difference is impressed across the membrane assembly but effectively bar the passage of water and gases. They also bar or limit ionic and salt mass transfer in the absence of such a potential difference (during non-use of the cell). They make excellent long lasting cell components, capable of being manufactured simply and economically from any of a variety of membrane materials to produce membranes of desired properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolytic cell cathode having a hollow cathode finger with fins extending outwardly therefrom. A synthetic separator surrounds the cathode and rests upon the fin-like extensions.

Abstract: An anode suitable for use in a chlor-alkali diaphragm cell comprised of one or two groups of coated film-forming metal parallel elongated members lying in a plane, or in separate parallel planes connected to one another. The members (e.g. wires) extend lengthwise from the point of connection and are resiliently mounted to give them flexibility.

Abstract: A cell frame transfer cart for vertical and horizontal displacement of a segment of a plural cell electrolyzer is comprised of spaced main and secondary platforms, a vertical displacement member disposed intermediate the platforms, and a support member for supporting the main platform and permitting horizontal displacement of a selected segment of a plural cell electrolyzer when the vertical displacement member is actuated. An assembly including the present transfer cart, and a method for disassembly of a plural cell electrolyzer, are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing metallic and acidic contaminants from a pickling liquor comprising first and second cells for initially receiving water, a third cell interposed between said first and second cells for receiving said pickle liquor, permeable membrane means separating said third cell from said first and second cells and which permits transfer therethrough of said metal ions and acid cations, an anode mounted in said first cell, and a cathode mounted in said second cell whereby when a D. C. current is passed between said anode and cathode a metallic complex is formed at said cathode, a purified acid is formed at said anode and purified pickle liquor is left in said center cell.

Abstract: A retaining and restraining support structure for a plural cell electrolyzer is comprised of a sleeper assembly for supporting the electrolyzer cell along its longitudinal dimension, and a tension bar assembly for maintaining each of the cells in a substantially vertical plane, while insuring good mechanical connection and fluid communication therebetween, wherein the tension bar assembly includes plural longitudinal, adjustable tension bars and diagonal, adjustable tie bars.

Abstract: A porous layer is provided on one or both surfaces of a mass-transfer membrane to enhance or modify the passage of ions. The membrane may be a film of any of a variety of polymeric materials, and the porous layer may be a surface layer on the membrane or a separate porous structure placed in contact therewith. The porous layer or layers render certain normally ion-impermeable polymeric films capable of passing ions in an electrodialysis-type system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of conducting electrolysis in a bipolar electrolyzer. According to the disclosed method an electrical current is passed from anodes of a first electrolytic cell through an electrolyte to cathodes of the first electrolytic cell, evolving hydrogen at the cathodes. The electrical current then passes from the cathode of the cell through a bipolar unit to the anodes of a subsequent cell in the electrolyzer. The disclosed method is characterized in that the electrical current passes from the cathodes of the first cell through the bipolar unit to the anodes of the subsequent cell by first changing direction and passing laterally through a cathodic element of the backplate to conductor means between the cells, thereafter changing direction and passing through the conductor means, and then changing direction and passing laterally through the anodic element of the backplate to the anodes of the subsequent cell.

Abstract: A novel anode unit is provided for a diaphragm cell. The anode unit comprises a generally rectangular parallelepiped framework including a pair of spaced-apart grid-like structurally rigid peripheral outer side walls; an ionically conductive gas impermeable membrane secured against the inner face of each such outer peripheral walls; an anode sealingly disposed between the membranes to provide a pair of fluid-tight anode compartments; means for feeding anolyte to the anode compartments; and means for withdrawing spent anolyte and entrained and/or occluded gaseous products of electrolysis therein from the anode unit. Novel diaphragm electrolytic cells including such anode units are also provided.

Abstract: Novel sulfonated copolymers formed by copolymerization of a halogenated monomer containing at least one fluorine atom and a monomer of the formula ##STR1## wherein X is an electron attracting group activating the hydrogen atom in the .alpha.-position so that the hydrogen may be replaced with a sulfonic group and Y is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl and ethyl and their preparation, novel diaphragms made therefrom, a diaphragm cell equipped with a diaphragm made of said sulfonated copolymer and to a method of electrolysis.

Abstract: An electrode is provided for use in electrolytic cells employing metal electrodes. The electrode comprises two electrode surfaces positioned in parallel and having a space between them: and at least two conductive supports one conductive support separately attached to each electrode surface and positioned in the space between the electrode surfaces. The conductive supports are also attached to and are substantially perpendicular to an electrode plate.The electrode assembly is employed in electrolytic cells for producing chlorine and caustic soda or oxychlorine compounds by the electrolysis of alkali metal chloride solutions.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for securing a fabricated diaphragm to each of a section of electrodes. A diaphragm encloses each electrode and has an open end adjacent to the electrode plate. The apparatus comprises two bars, one positioned along a first side and one positioned along a third side of the electrode section. A plurality of elements are attached to each of the bars. The elements are positioned between adjacent electrodes and secure one edge of each of two adjacent diaphragms. The elements may be interconnected to provide additional sealing of the diaphragm. A rod is positioned along the second and fourth sides of the electrode section to seal the outer edge of the diaphragm enclosing the external electrodes of the section.The apparatus is employed in electrolytic diaphragm cells for producing chlorine and caustic soda by the electrolysis of alkali metal chloride solutions.A method is provided for employing the apparatus to effectively seal the diaphragm to the electrode section.

Abstract: Provides an imperforate valve metal blanket between the cell base of a diaphragm electrolysis cell and the cell can, which acts as a conductor from the positive current leads to dimensionally stable anodes and provides hollow anodes with perforate and imperforate sections to promote anolyte circulation within the cell.

Abstract: In this invention a first solution obtained from such as a plutonium/thorium purification process or the like, containing plutonium (Pu) and/or thorium (Th) in such as a low nitric acid (HNO.sub.3) concentration may have the Pu and/or Th separated and concentrated by passing an electrical current from a first solution having disposed therein an anode to a second solution having disposed therein a cathode and separated from the first solution by a cation permeable membrane, the Pu or Th cation permeating the cation membrane and forming an anionic complex within the second solution, and electrical current passage affecting the complex formed to permeate an anion membrane separating the second solution from an adjoining third solution containing disposed therein an anode, thereby effecting separation and concentration of the Pu and/or Th in the third solution.