Abstract: An electrolysis cell for water electrolysis, consisting of a synthetic polymer foil as a solid substance electrolyte having attached on both sides thereof finely porous and coarsely porous substances serving as electrodes, and two bipolar plates serving to provide electricity, whereby the finely porous substance carries the anode catalyst on the oxygen side and the solid electrolyte carries the cathode catalyst on the hydrogen side.

Abstract: Shunt currents can be eliminated in electrochemical devices by introducing nulling currents via auxiliary electrodes. The invention teaches the reduction or elimination of these shunt currents in such devices with minimized power consumption. Shunt current nulling tunnels are provided which interconnect with electrolyte supply channels feeding the cells of the electrochemical device. Power consumption for the shunt current-nulling tunnels is reduced by designing the tunnels to have an increasing electrical resistance towards their mid-portions. Another embodiment of the invention features an increasing electrical resistance towards the mid-portion of the tunnels and a decreasing electrical resistance towards the mid-portion of the manifolds.

Abstract: A method of assembling an electrolytic membrane cell is disclosed. The method includes the steps of assembling a vertical stack of horizontal electrode frames with a horizontal membrane sheet between each pair of frames, then applying pressure to vertically compress the vertical stack, then rotating the compressed vertical stack from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation in which orientation of the stack is called a "pack" and then 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: An electrolytic generator is disclosed having three sealed compartments, separated by two spaced ion-permeable membranes, one being a cation exchange membrane and the other being an anion exchange membrane, having a cathode in one end compartment, adjacent to the cation exchange membrane, and an anode in the other end compartment, adjacent to the anion exchange membrane. A bipolar electrode is positioned in the middle compartment between the anion and cation exchange membranes. When the cell is filled with brine and energized, hydrogen is evolved from the cathode-containing compartment and a chlorine/chlorine dioxide mixture from the anode-containing compartment for use in bleaching or in treating bodies of water, such as, swimming pools, baths, reservoirs, sewage, etc. The anode, cathode and bipolar electrode are preferably flat plate electrodes, although other configurations, such as, cylindrical electrodes may be used. The generator is characterized by a rapid start up when energized with electricity.

Abstract: Hydrochloric acid electrolyzers serve to decompose hydrochloric acid to hydrogen and chlorine with the aid of electric current.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of monitoring temperature in a multicell electrolyzer used to produce a gaseous product from a liquid phase electrolyte by placing a single temperature sensing means in the common product collection means is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of operating a solid polymer electrolyte chlor-alkali cell at an elevated pressure with the recovery of liquid chlorine and brine. The liquid chlorine and depleted brine are recovered from the cell and separated. Thereafter, the brine may be dechlorinated, e.g., by cooling the brine to from chlorine hydrate, and separating the chlorine hydrate.

Abstract: A bipolar diaphragm or membrane electrolyzer comprising a housing containing an end anode element, an end cathode element and a plurality of bipolar elements with their major dimensions lying in a substantially vertical plane and comprised of a bipolar wall separating the anode compartment and the cathode compartment and vertical foraminous electrodes parallel positioned a certain distance from the bipolar wall, diaphragms or membranes separating the anodes and cathodes a series of baffles distributed along the entire width of the electrode compartment and extending from the bipolar wall to the foraminous electrode to form a series of vertical flow channels extending over a large portion of the height of the wall, the said baffles being alternately inclined one way and the other way with respect to the vertical plane normal to the bipolar wall plane and spaced from one another whereby the ratio of the electrode surface intercepted by the edges of two baffles laterally defining a vertical flow channel to the f

Abstract: Disclosed is a bipolar unit for a solid polymer electrolyte bipolar electrolyzer. Also disclosed is a bipolar unit for a solid polymer electrolyte bipolar electrolyzer having reagent feed and product recovery means incorporated therein. Additionally, there is disclosed a cathode depolarization catalyst.

Abstract: The electrolysis cell, e.g. for use in the construction of an electrolyzer for the production of hydrogen on an industrial scale, comprises an alternate series of electrodes 1 to 7 and plane diaphragms 8 to 13, which are parallel and separated from one another by spaces 58 in which an electrolyte can circulate between inlets 16, 17 located on one face 14 of the cell and the outlets 18, 19 located on an opposite face 15 of the cell. The inlet and outlet faces 14, 15 of the cell are parallel to the electrodes and the inlets and outlets communicate with inlet and outlet channels 21 to 23 which extend perpendicular to the electrodes and are connected together by passages between the electrodes and diaphragms, alternate passages being connected to different inlets for different polarity electrolytes.

Abstract: A distributor comprising two substantially parallel covering sheets separated by a plurality of inserts provides uniform fluid flow through a cell and, consequently, improved cell efficiency. Additionally, the distributor, positioned between a cell's fluid inlet port and membrane spacer, reduces membrane flexing along the line where the spacer and adjoining gasket interface, thus diminishing the incidence of early membrane failure.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolytic cell having a plurality of hollow anode elements electrically in parallel with each other and a plurality of hollow cathode elements electrically in parallel with each other. Each of the anode elements are interposed between a pair of cathode elements and separated therefrom by a planar, ion permeable separator sheet, and each of the cathode elements are interposed between a pair of anode elements and separated therefrom by a planar, ion permeable separator sheet. The electrode elements are held in compression to provide an electrolyte tight electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A bipolar current collector-separator for electrochemical cells consists of a molded aggregate of electro-conductive graphite and a thermoplastic fluoropolymer combined in a weight ratio of 2.5:1 to 16:1. The bulk resistivity of such a molded bipolar current collector-separator is less than 4.times.10.sup.-3 ohm inches (.OMEGA. in.). It has excellent corrosion resistance to a variety of feedstocks such as brine, aqueous HCl, etc. and to various electrolysis products such as caustic, chlorine, hydrogen, etc. In one alternative form the anodic side of a current collector-separator for a water electrolyzer is covered by a thin layer of a passivated metallic foil thus protecting the graphite current collector against attack by oxygen.

Abstract: An improved bipolar separator for electrochemical cells comprising a molded aggregate of an electrically conductive powdered material and a powdered thermosetting resin in a weight ratio of 1:1 to 9:1 and having a resistivity coefficient, in the direction perpendicular to the major surfaces of the separator, of less than 0.3.OMEGA. cm and having the entire surface exposed to the anolyte, except the area of electrical contact with the anode, coated with a layer of a chemically resistant and electrically non-conductive thermosetting resin and electrochemical cells containing the said bipolar separator and method of producing the said bipolar separator.

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: A cathode assembly for a plural cell electrolyzer is provided which comprises a rigid cathode support joined to a cathode by a first set of connecting members and to an anode in an adjacent cell by a second set of connecting members. The cathode support and first set of connectors enable the cathode to maintain an essentially flat surface. The support and second set of connectors stabilize the cell frame and enable the anode likewise to maintain a flat surface. Thus, the electrodes in a cell may be set accurately flat and parallel to minimize the interelectrode gap and the cell voltage drop due to the electrolyte path, and, consequently, to improve cell efficiency.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing chlorine gas comprising a plurality of separately housed electrolytic cells containing bimetallic electrodes electrically connected in series. Each electrolytic cell is divided into an anode and a cathode compartment separated by an ion permeable membrane which is impermeable to gases and water. Each cell housing contains passageways for simultaneously delivering a pure alkali metal chloride brine solution to the anode compartments and transporting chlorine gas produced at the anode and spent brine solution from the anode compartments. Passageways are also provided in each cell housing for delivering deionized water to the cathode compartments and conveying hydrogen gas produced at the cathode and an alkali metal hydroxide solution from the cathode chamber. Approporiate piping is provided for delivering brine solution and deionized water to the cell housing and conveying chlorine gas and spent brine and hydrogen gas and an alkali metal hydroxide solution from the cell housing.

Abstract: There is used a structure modified so that the brine-introduction tube is mounted within a larger-diameter tube sealingly mounted in the brine-introduction opening in the side of the cell top, with an orifice member preferably being mounted within an end of the brine-introduction tube nearer to the cell. This makes it possible to avoid unwanted variations in the brine flow rate and to see instantly whether an orifice member is clogged.

Abstract: An improved assembly of bipolar electrode elements for use in the electrochemical preparation of hypochlorites or chlorine from dilute water solutions of chlorides, particularly mildly saline swimming pool water, is described. The end of each bipolar electrode element is enclosed in a nonconductive plastic strip, and guard baffles of corresponding thickness and height are inserted on each side of the bipolar electrode. A desired number of these elements are grouped and cemented together by solvent welding. Special adhesives enhance the sealing of the bipolar electrodes. With this electrode assembly, the deposition of mineral deposits on the electrode surfaces can be minimized by reversing the flow of direct current as often as twice a day or as seldom as once every two weeks.

Abstract: There is disclosed a bipolar electrolytic cell comprising a row of spaced-apart electrodes which include at least one bipolar intermediate electrode. There are an inlet for the supply of electrolyte liquid and an outlet for the discharge of treated liquid, the cell being such that liquid can flow from the inlet to the outlet via a path in which it passes in succession through all the spaces between the electrodes in the row, in each case across the faces of the two electrodes on opposite sides of the space. There is a coating of electrically insulating material on that external surface of each of the electrodes which is on the outside of the row, the insulating material for example being a plastics material such as nylon.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for electrically and mechanically connecting the backplates of a bipolar electrode to be used in a filter press electrolytic cell for electrochemical production. This method employs the use of a metal laminate strip having surfaces of metallic substances identical and corresponding to the metallic makeup of the given backplates which can be welded between the anode and cathode backplates using standard weldment procedures. The metal laminate strips are placed in a spaced series such that the anode and cathode backplates present two parallel planes in spaced relation to each other thereby leaving a space for the escape of hydrogen gas, preventing hydrogen embrittlement of the titanium anode backplate.

Abstract: A bipolar cell comprising a plurality of spaced electrode plates defining a sinuous flow path therethrough, wherein the flow path sweeps out the entire space between adjacent plates so as substantially to prevent the formation of stagnant areas and thus minimize the growth of precipitate between the plates.

Abstract: A thin sheet apparatus is described as having a front and a back and having a central area and a frame area disposed around the central area. The central area is made of a fluid impermeable material having substantially planar surfaces. The frame area contains two sets of supply orifices and drainage orifices which are opposite one another. The frame area also contains a plurality of channels for each orifice which connects the orifice with the central area. The pluralities of channels for the first set of supply orifices and drainage orifices are located on the front of the frame area while the pluralities of channels for the second set of supply orifices and drainage orifices are located on the back.

Abstract: A cell connector for insuring direct electrical communication and positive mechanical connection with a cell in a bipolar permselective membrane electrolyzer, and which precludes fluid or gaseous flow therefrom, is comprised of an electrically nonconductive cell web, an electrically conductive insert disposed in an aperture in the web, an electrode boss bearing a cell electrode on one face and disposed adjacent the insert at a second face defining an electrode interface, an electrically conductive fastener disposed through a bore in the insert and received in mating engagement with the electrode boss for providing an axial compressive force at the electrode interface, and a biasing member in operative engagement with the fastener for providing a force in opposition to the axial compressive force.

Abstract: A bipolar system electrolytic cell having a partition wall made of explosion-bonded titanium plate and iron plate which is electrically connected to anode of titanium substrate at its titanium side and to cathode of iron at its iron side, space is preferably given between anode and the partition wall and also between cathode and the partition wall. An assembly having a number of such unit cells arranged in series is useful for electrolysis of sodium chloride which can be performed under a low voltage per unit cell.

Abstract: There is described an electrolysis cell which comprises an anode formed by said solid material which contacts directly an anode current supply made of a substantially inert material, said cell being divided into at least one anode compartment and at least one cathode compartment by means allowing the flow of the electrolyte from the cathode compartment to the anode compartment but which however prevent the passage of said solid material from one compartment to another one, other means being provided to cause a substantially continuous flow of electrolyte from the cathode compartment to the anode compartment.

Abstract: An electrolysis apparatus formed by a stack of cells which are held together by two end-plates connected by tie-rods, wherein a system comprising two kinds of elements provides, firstly, electrical insulation between pairs of adjoining rings and secondly a seal to prevent the electrolyte from escaping to the exterior. Such an apparatus further comprises a system of ducts formed by stacks of bushes which are assembled to form a piping, wherein said bushes are sealed to the diaphragm and bears against adjoining bushes via a joint which is contact with an electrode, the bushes forming the infeed ducts being perced with one or more small diameter passages, the bushes forming the outlet ducts being perced with passages which cause a much smaller pressure loss.

Abstract: Describes an electrolysis cell and method of operation in which metal anodes (preferably titanium) provided with an electrically conducting electrocatalytic coating, in an anode compartment, face metal cathodes (preferably diaphragm covered) in a cathode compartment, in which the anodes are spaced from an imperforate valve metal separating partition by a separating wall behind which the anolyte can recirculate downward. The anodic gases rising in the anode compartment discharge into a brine box above the anode compartment near the center thereof and the anolyte recirculates downward near at least one end of the anode compartment, and a method of operation which provides circulation from front to back of the anode compartment and from center to the sides of the anode compartment.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrolytic flow-cell apparatus and a process for effecting sequential electrochemical reactions of redoxidative compounds at a porous working electrode. The porous working electrode has a first face and a second and opposite face, at which faces the sequential reactions are effected.

Abstract: In the process of making aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution and diatomic halide gas by electrolysis of aqueous alkali metal halide solution in a bank of cationic permselective membrane cells, current efficiency is improved and/or concentration of the alkali metal hydroxide solution product is increased by feeding water to the cathode compartment of the first cell and then transferring the catholyte serially from cell to cell at incrementally increasing alkali metal hydroxide concentration, and withdrawing alkali metal hydroxide product solution from the last cell of the bank.

Abstract: An improved means for connecting anode posts to diaphragm cell bases is described which utilized anode posts which are soldered at the lower end of each post in an opening in the cell base to provide a good electrical connection. A plastic sleeve is positioned on the anode post above the soldered connection, and sealed to the interior surface of the cell base to provide a liquid-tight seal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bipolar electrolyzer having a plurality of individual electrolytic cells electrically and mechanically in series. Each of the cells has an anolyte chamber, a catholyte chamber, and catholyte liquor withdrawal means. A catholyte liquor trough is disposed along side the electrolyzer and beneath the catholyte liquor withdrawal means. The bipolar electrolyzer is characterized by apparatus for limiting the emission of catholyte liquor laden moisture from the cell liquor trough while simultaneously being capable of indicating a low catholyte liquor level in an individual electrolytic cell of the electrolyzer. Additionally, the apparatus may interrupt the flow of catholyte liquor between the catholyte chambers of the individual electrolytic cells and the catholyte liquor trough, thereby reducing corrosion of the perc pipes. The emission limiting means and low catholyte liquor level indicating means include a top on the cell liquor trough.

Abstract: An apparatus for interrupting the passage of electrical current along a mixed stream of gas and liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bipolar electrode for stacking with other identical bipolar electrodes to form a filter press electrolytic cell. The anode and cathode compartments are pans, each pressed from a single sheet of an appropriate metallic material and are assembled in back-to-back spaced relation leaving an air space between the two pans. The peripheral channels of the pans are filled with a castable rigidizing material to form solid peripheral edges for sealing engagement of the bipolar electrode by other identical bipolar electrodes. These electrodes may be sealingly clamped together in series with diaphragms or membranes sandwiched in between if desired to form a cell structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bipolar electrolyzer having an anolyte equalizer between adjacent electrolytic cells. The electrolyte equalizer includes a conduit which passes through the cathode of one cell and through the catholyte chamber of that cell to a first aperture in the peripheral wall around the electrolyzer. The equalizer also includes a second aperture which passes through the electrolyzer peripheral wall to the anolyte chamber of the next adjacent cell in the electrolyzer. Finally, a channel carrier having an outer wall with a bearing surface and an inner wall with a bearing surface, the inner and outer walls forming a channel communicating with each of the apertures, and the bearing surfaces bearing against the peripheral wall, provides the equalizing channel between the adjacent cell.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for the electrolysis of ionizable chemical compounds is disclosed including specifically a process for the production of chlorine and caustic soda containing low concentrations of sodium chloride by the electrolysis of brine which comprises electrolyzing brine solutions in a two compartment cell equipped with a cathode and an anode separated by permselective barrier formed by sandwiching together two or more membranes consisting essentially of a hydrolyzed copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and a sulfonated perfluorovinyl ether having the formulaFSO.sub.2 CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 OCF(CF.sub.3)CF.sub.2 OCF=CF.sub.2said copolymer having an equivalent weight of from about 900 to about 1600. By the use of a multilayer membrane sandwich as the barrier the caustic current efficiency of the process is increased over that obtained when a single layer membrane is used as the barrier separating the cathode and anode.

Abstract: Describes a bipolar diaphragm cell consisting of a series of substantially horizontal frames stacked one on top of the other with the interposition of insulating gaskets. These frames house the cathode compartment in the upper part and the anode compartment in the lower part of each frame; these compartments are separated by a horizontal plate supporting the cathode screen and diaphragm on its upper side and the anodic structure from its lower side; the anodic structure consisting of a valve metal base having an electrically conductive electrocatalytic coating thereon and having sufficient voids through the metal of the anode base to readily pass anode gases upwardly through the anodes.

Abstract: An end connector for a filter press cell disassociates the mechanical sealing function from the primary electrical connection. The connector includes a boss extension having an aperture formed therein for tightening the connector between the boss and boss extension. The present invention is adaptable for use as an end connector for either the anode or the cathode.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a chlorine gas or a hypochlorite compound comprising a housing, a plurality of carbon electrodes arranged in series, with electrodes being spaced to form chambers between adjacent electrodes and one or more hollow tubes extending through the electrodes for delivering a chloride salt brine solution to the chambers. Each chamber is divided into an anode compartment and a cathode compartment by a chloride ion permeable membrane. A fluid sealing ring or rings around the outside perimeter of each electrode and around each hollow tube separates the permeable membrane from each electrode thereby dividing each chamber into an anode compartment and a cathode compartment divided by the membrane. The salt solution is applied to a hollow tube and flows through apertures therein into each anode compartment. A negative D.C. current is supplied to the electrode on one end of the series of electrodes and a positive D.C.

Abstract: The central web of a bipolar electrolytic filter press cell has a plurality of nubs projecting therefrom to support the electrode and to maintain their flatness.