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 process and an apparatus for treating water which comprises decomposing the minerals dissolved in the water into cations comprising ferromagnetic, paramagnetic and residual particles, and disaggregating the cations and anions by utilizing ferromagnetic particles as a temporary mobile anode facing a strong cathode and paramagnetic particles as a weak cathode. The disaggregated minerals form a dielectric layer on the strong cathode, which is extracted.

Abstract: An axially elongated, electrochemical cell assembly is made, containing a plurality of cell elements each made up of an electronically conductive, porous, inner electrode, an annular, solid electrolyte contacting and surrounding said first electrode, and an annular, electronically conductive, porous, outer electrode contacting and surrounding said electrolyte, with annular, electronically conductive, interconnection members disposed between and bonded to cell elements, where the inner electrodes of the cell elements are electronically connected through the interconnection member, and the outer electrodes of the cell elements are physically and electronically segmented from each other; where a plurality of such cell assemblies can be connected by a sleeving means and placed in the generating chamber of an electrochemical cell generator, which also has an associated dual gaseous reactant input, at least one combustion product chamber, and a combustion product gas exhaust.

Abstract: A cathode compartment is defined by a pair of filter walls between which a cathode or electrolyzing ionic solution of a metal is received. The electrolysis is forced through this compartment and the current density against an anode outside the compartment is sufficiently high to cause at least some of the metal in solution to deposit as a powder which accumulates in the cathode compartment and augments the effective surface area of the cathode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell for the organic electrosynthesis of organic or organometallic compounds, containing two electrodes (2) and (4) of which only one (4) is sacrificed by the electrochemical reaction of which it forms the seat.The sacrificial electrode (4) consists of at least one solid metal block and is applied under the influence of its own weight against the other electrode (2) from which it is separated by an electrical insulating material (5) which allows the passage of the electrolytic solution (6) and of which the shape and the dimensions enable the active substances of the two electrodes (2) and (4) to remain parallel.The active surface of the electrode (2) has a constant inclination relative to a direction D (9) forming an angle less than 45 degrees with the vertical on the one hand, and an inclination less than 45 degrees relative to the vertical on the other.

Abstract: An electrolysis unit for improving water quality in continuous production comprises a pair of electrodes formed into cylinders and an ion-exchanging membrane disposed between the cylinders so as to form two separate water paths having circular forms with thin widths. The membrane is characterized by special supporting structure therefor to maintain its shape.

Abstract: A multicompartmented cell suitable for use as electrochemical and chemical reactor cells is formed with a freely-extendible tubular membrane which is a thin-walled, preferably ion selective permeable, membrane sleeve which from a dry condition tends to expand and lengthen upon hydration. An end plug fastened at one end of the membrane provides fluids closure whereby the closed membrane end with its end closure is free to move, i.e., is unattached. A cell head to which the other end of the membrane is connected, together with the membrane and the end plug define a compartment. The cell head is provided with means for ingress and egress of fluids to and from such compartment and can also be provided with electrical access to an appropriate electrode. External to the membrane sleeve is a suitable containing means spaced from the membrane to form a compartment outside the membrane, the containing means being sufficient in size to accommodate the membrane in expanded and lengthened condition.

Abstract: In an electrolytic cell of the type which includes a cylindrical electrolytic cell main body divided into a main electrode chamber and an auxiliary electrode chamber by a diaphragm, and having main electrode particles in the main electrode chamber, which are maintained in the fluidized state by an electrolyte supplied to the main electrode chamber, an improvement is disclosed wherein an electrolyte supply port and an electrolyte discharge port are provided to enable flow of electrolyte through said cell to maintain the fluidized state of said particles, and a porous auxiliary electrode is provided in contact with the diaphragm on the side thereof facing said auxiliary electrode chamber, to facilitate flow of gas generated on the auxiliary electrode in the direction of the auxiliary chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for desalting water by electrodialysis. The apparatus includes a circular cylindrical tank in which are provided a central electrode which extends along the axis of the tank, a coaxial electrode chamber which embeds the central electrode in electrolyte solution, a coaxial resin chamber which contains ion exchange resin, and a coaxial brine chamber. The separation of adjoining chambers is effected by respective membranes, which are permeable to either cations or anions. The brine chamber is disposed between the resin chamber and the electrode chamber which contains the central electrode. A further electrode chamber, which is designed for receiving another electrolyte solution, is disposed between the resin chamber and the wall of the tank. This further electrode chamber is hollow cylindrical.

Abstract: A continuous electrolytic generator is disclosed having two sealed compartments, separated by a cation exchange membrane, having a cathode in one compartment, and an anode in the other. A bipolar electrode is positioned in the anode compartment between the cation exchange membrane and the anode. The bipolar electrode may be supported on the dividing wall spaced from the ion-exchange membrane. The bipolar membrane may also be supported on the anode on insulators in spaced relation thereto. The generator has exterior reservoirs for continuously circulating solutions to and from the anode and cathode compartments. A third reservoir receives make-up water and salt and is connected to supply brine to the exterior anode reservoir. The cell produces a mixture of oxidant gases containing chlorine, chlorine dioxide, oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, and possibly ozone, from the anode compartment which is connected to a gas collection and utilization system, e.g., a venturi in a flowing water line.

Abstract: A laminate of layers of dissimilar fibrous substances having an electrophoretic charge is produced by the electrodepositing technique in an apparatus comprising an inner electrode disposed horizontally and adapted to accumulate the aforementioned fibrous substances on the surface thereof and a plurality of electrodes of the opposite sign and as many electrodepositing zones for accommodating aqueous suspensions of the aforementioned fibrous substances both disposed horizontally and coaxially in a spaced relationship. The production of the laminate is effected by a method which comprises the steps of feeding at least to adjacent electrodepositing zones the aforementioned aqueous suspensions of fibrous substances causing the fibrous substances to be oriented in different directions at least in the aforementioned adjacent electrodepositing zones, and applying an electric potential between the opposite electrodes thereby allowing the fibrous substances to be accumulated on the surface of the inner electrode.

Abstract: An improved electrolytic reactor is provided with a sealed enclosure subdivided into separate solution chambers for an anolyte and for a catholyte by the interposition of an electrically insulating septum with a microporous matrix. The microporous membrane, or septum, permits the controlled passage of ionic species but prevents the gross intermixing of the separate electrolytes in respective contact with the cathode and the anode of the reactor. At least one of the chambers defined on either face of the microporous septum is filled with electrically conductive particulate material--stainless steel balls in one embodiment--acting as extensions of the electrode in that chamber, so as to increase the electrically charged, stable surface available for electrolytic mass transfer.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating a dispersed liquid phase from a continuous liquid phase by electrostatic coalescence comprising an elongated vessel having an inlet and outlet. The vessel is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment with the compartments being in fluid communication with one another. Each compartment is provided with a plurality of substantially parallel cylindrical cathodic elements arranged in the main flow direction, and a plurality of rod-like anodic elements, each element being substantially concentrically arranged inside a cathodic element. The cathodic elements of the first compartment have cross-sectional areas substantially larger than the cross-sectional areas of the cathodic elements of each consecutive compartment.

Abstract: An electrolyzed water producing apparatus according to the invention is adapted to be directly connected to a faucet of a water service to continuously producing alkali ionic water and acid ionic water by electrolyzing operation and comprises an electronic control device including an automatic-manual operation changing circuit for changing the apparatus between automatic and manual operation modes, an electric current adjusting circuit for adjusting electrolytic current dependent upon variation in water quality, and a slow start circuit for automatically delaying the time when starting supply of the electrolytic current relative to the time when starting supply of water at a commencement of operation of said apparatus in the automatic operation mode.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and process for electrolytically producing a particulate crystalline metal product having limited adherence to the surface of a cathode, comprising a vertically elongated cathode, at least one vertically elongated anode spaced from said cathode, a vertically elongated permeable diaphragm disposed between said anode and cathode having a mesh member disposed adjacent to the surface of said diaphragm nearest said cathode, agitating said anode to substantially reduce the polarization voltage of said anode, and agitating said cathode to dislodge a portion of said crystalline product from said cathode by engaging said product with said mesh member.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell for regenerating temperature sensitive solutions is described. In a preferred construction, the cell comprises a central electrode chamber and two counterelectrode chambers. To maintain the temperature of the electrolyte within a desired temperature range, the electrode in the electrode chamber is formed from at least one hollow tube through which a heat exchange medium flows. In a preferred construction, the electrode comprises a plurality of hollow tubes and a plurality of current collectors bonded to the tubes to form a grid-like structure.

Abstract: A chlorine generating apparatus for chlorine treating of a body of water and comprising a pair of concentrically arranged tanks having concentrically arranged access ports, the inner tank being a salt tank and having a perforated portion at the bottom thereof in communication with an anode chamber, and the annulus between the two tanks being a cathode chamber. A salt plug-gas trap assembly is removably secured to the concentric ports of the two tanks, the assembly having a chlorine tube extending therein which is open to the interior of the salt tank for receiving the generated chlorine therefrom and being independently open to the cathode chamber for receiving circulating water therefrom. The chlorine is mixed with the water in the gas trap and the chlorinated water is returned to the body of water being treated by the chlorine generating apparatus.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for electrolytically dividing drinking water for domestic use is provided, which comprises a column-like or hollow bar-like negative electrode centrally located, an annular positive electrode arranged around the negative electrode, an annular negative electrode arranged around the positive electrode, and a membrane arranged between the positive and negative electrodes.

Abstract: An electrolytic chlorine generator employing a porous ceramic diaphragm for the separation of the caustic soda solution from the weakly acidic brine solution and employing as the cathode a flame or plasma deposited porous metallic coating on the outer surface of the ceramic diaphragm.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a new and improved thermodynamic device to produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from ordinary water molecules or from seawater at normal temperatures and pressure. Also disclosed is a new and improved method for electrically treating water molecules to decompose them into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas at efficiency levels ranging between approximately 80-100%. The evolved hydrogen gas may be used as a fuel; and the evolved oxygen gas may be used as an oxidant.

Abstract: A continuous electrolyte flow electrochemical cell having an outer tubular shaped electrode, a central electron conducting current collector shaft extending through the central portion of the tubular electrode, the current collector shaft having projecting radially therefrom a plurality of electron conducting extensions spaced to permit flow of liquid electrolyte therethrough forming a counterelectrode. In a preferred embodiment the outer tubular electrode is separated from the inner counterelectrode by a concentric tubular shaped separator permitting separated flow of two electrolytes therethrough, one through the annular electrolyte space between the separator and the electrode, and a second through the tubular counterelectrode chamber within the separator. The invention provides a high efficiency, continuous electrolyte flow electrochemical cell particularly well suited for use in heterogeneous electrochemical reaction processes, such as coal depolarized water electrolysis.

Abstract: An electrolytic gas generator comprises a housing, an end cap sealing the using and electrically insulated therefrom, an electrode assembly supported within the housing, and contact elements for transferring electrical current from the housing and the end cap to the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a concentric arrangement of an inner cathode structure, an intermediate asbestos separator, and an outer anode element.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for recovering from electrolytes metals, the ionic species of which are present at relatively low concentration. The cell comprises a container for the electrolyte, and and an electrode assembly in the container comprising (1) a tub-tubular sparger, having a central axial cavity bounded by an electrolyte-permeable cylindrical wall, and having an opening for receiving flow of the electrolyte into the central cavity and being otherwise closed, whereby the electrolyte flows radially from the sparger through the cylindrical wall; (2) a first electrolyte-permeable, high surface area electrode, coaxially surrounding the sparger to receive the flow therefrom; (3) an electrically insulating electrolyte-permeable spacer being coaxial with and surrounding the first electrode; and (4) a second electrolyte-permeable electrode being coaxial with the first electrode and contacting the insulating spacer at the side opposed to the first electrode, for receiving and passing the continuing radial flow.

Abstract: A membrane assembly for electrochemical processes, and a method of constructing an electrochemical cell utilizing the membrane assembly, are provided. A self-supporting thick block consisting essentially of membrane material has an electrode chamber formed therein extending the length of the height thereof. The membrane assembly block comprises a plurality of layers of material contacting each other and forming the membrane with the chamber extending through the layers, perpendicular to them. An electrode and electrolyte are disposed in the electrode chamber.

Abstract: An electrolytic generator is disclosed for use in treating water in swimming pools, baths, reservoirs, sewage, etc., and in bleaching chemical pulp. The generator is of the type consisting of two sealed compartments separated by an ion-permeable membrane and having a cathode in one compartment and an anode in the other. Hydrogen is evolved from the cathode compartment and a chlorine/chlorine dioxide mixture from the anode compartment. In this generator, an electrically neutral or bipolar electrode (one not connected in the anode-cathode circuit) is positioned adjacent to the anode or between the anode and the cathode adjacent to the ion-permeable membrane in the anode compartment. This electrolytic generator is characterized by a more rapid start up and generates a mixture of chlorine and chlorine dioxide at both the anode and the neutral electrode.

Abstract: The electrolysis device of the present invention comprises an elongated vertically disposed hollow housing having an upper end and an open lower end. The housing has at least one inlet opening spaced above the open lower end. An anode is placed within the hollow housing, and a cathode plate is detachably mounted to the lower end of the housing. An electrically operated impeller is mounted between the inlet opening and the open lower end of the housing, and it draws fluid within the inlet opening and drives it outwardly through the open lower end of the housing. The silver ions collect on the negatively charged cathode plate.

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: Apparatus for generating chlorine gas from sodium chloride and for transmitting the generated gas to water for purification of the water.

Abstract: Shunt currents can be eliminated in electrochemical devices by introducing nulling currents via auxilary electrodes. In electrochemical devices including those having a circulating electrolyte, such electrodes are designed to have a generally annular shape in order to provide a substantially uniform current density profile along a common electrolyte carrying manifold. The uniform current density profile allows for the elimination of these harmful shunt currents with a minimum of power consumption.

Abstract: An apparatus for chlorinating water of a swimming pool. The device includes a main unit that is inserted into a cannister containing water; the main unit including a perforated barrel with a membrane therearound. The barrel containing salt and a gas collection dome fitted on top of the barrel, having a perforated downward shroud containing anode elements connected by wiring to an exterior electric power source; the anode elements extending into the salt and water, and a gas discharge outlet line extending from the dome.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for separating chlorine gas from other (foreign) gases, having an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, a gas impermeable (but liquid permeable) membrane interposed between the anode and cathode electrodes, an aqueous electrolyte, a housing, and a constant voltage power supply. The electrolytic cell may be constructed in either a rectangular or cylindrical geometry, and may be combined with other electrolytic cells to form a multiple cell system. In operation, a stream of chlorine and foreign gases enters the cell at the lower portion of the cathode electrode. The chlorine gas is dissolved into the electrolytic and electrochemically reduced into chloride ions. The chloride ions diffuse through the gas impermeable membrane, and are electrochemically oxidized at the anode into purified chlorine gas. The foreign gases do not participate in the above, and are vented from the cell.

Abstract: A chlorine generator is disclosed for use in chlorinating water in swimming pools, baths, reservoirs, sewage, etc. The generator is of the type consisting of two sealed compartments separated by an ion-permeable membrane and having a cathode in one compartment and an anode in the other. Hydrogen is evolved from the cathode compartment and chlorine from the anode compartment. In this generator, an electrically neutral or bipolar electrode (one not connected in the anode-cathode circuit) is positioned between the anode and the cathode adjacent to the ion-permeable membrane in the anode compartment. The chlorine generator is characterized by a more rapid start up in generating chlorine and in more rapid and more efficient generation of chlorine with chlorine being released at both the anode and the neutral electrode.

Abstract: An electrolytic chlorine generator employing a porous ceramic diaphragm for separating strong caustic solutions existing on one side of a cylindrical diaphragm from weak acidic solutions on the other side thereof without deterioration and wherein the anode and cathodes are rings placed concentrically with the diaphragm and in close proximity to it.

Abstract: An electrolytic generator is disclosed for use in treating water in swimming pools, baths, reservoirs, sewage, etc., and in bleaching chemical pulp. The generator is of the type consisting of two sealed compartments separated by an ion-permeable membrane and having a cathode in one compartment and an an anode in the other. Hydrogen is evolved from the cathode compartment and a chlorine/chlorine dioxide mixture from the anode compartment. In this generator, an electrically neutral or bipolar electrode (one not connected in the anode-cathode circuit) is positioned adjacent to the anode or between the anode and the cathode adjacent to the ion-permeable membrane in the anode compartment. This electrolytic generator is characterized by a more rapid start up and generates a mixture of chlorine and chlorine dioxide at both the anode and the neutral electrode.

Abstract: An extended surface area electrode for an electrochemical cell is provided by causing a bed of conducting particles to be expanded in the form of a fluidized bed by controlled upward flow of electrolyte through an electrode chamber containing current-carrying conducting means which makes contact with the fluidized bed.

Abstract: A fluid bed electrolysis cell and system are provided for efficiently extracting electroplatable metal ions from an electrolyte, the cell employed having preferably a plurality of anodes and cathodes concentrically disposed relative to each other, each of the anodes being partitioned from each of the cathodes by a porous diaphragm such as to define a plurality of anode chambers and cathode chambers. Each of the cathode chambers are adapted to support a fluidizable cathode bed of electrically conductive particulate material, e.g., powdered nickel, copper, and the like.

Abstract: A system for supplying arsine having automatic arsine monitoring and controls to a semiconductor reactor is described wherein arsine is electrochemically generated from an electrolyte solution such as an inorganic acid and an arsenite salt. The electrolytic cell vessel also comprises the cathode structure. A circular concentric barrier is provided to isolate the oxygen produced at the cathode in an annular region from the arsine generated at the anode located centrally within the cell.

Abstract: Describes electrolytic cell with dimensionally stable anodes, non-porous ion-selective membranes separating said anodes from the cathode compartment, and a porous, static bed of loose, conducting cathodic material in the cathode compartment, extending between the conductive walls of the cathode compartment and the membrane and contacting the conductive walls of the cathode and said membranes to carry current between the walls of the cathode compartment and said membranes. This construction reduces the electrodic gap to substantially the thickness of the membranes and presses the membranes against the anodes. It produces greater uniformity of current density over the entire electrodic area, substantially free from localized differences of current density which tend to cause deterioration of membranes by the creation of localized mechanical and electrical stresses in other types of cells, and provides a method for carrying current from the effective cathodic surface to the walls of the cathode compartment.

Abstract: A compound cell for performing an electrochemical reaction at high temperature consists essentially of hollow, cylindrical bodies of a ceramic electrolyte, rings of an electronically conductive material coaxially interposed between each pair of electrolyte bodies, annular layers of ceramic insulating material bonding each ring to at least one of the two adjacent electrolyte bodies, the bodies, rings, and annular layers being diffusion welded to each other to form a cylindrical, gas-tight tube. A pair of electrode layers is associated with each electrolyte body, one layer of the pair covering the associated body inside the tube and conductively engaging one of the two adjacent rings, the other electrode layer of the pair covering the associated body outside the tube and conductively engaging the other adjacent ring.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the treatment of aqueous solutions, comprising a closed container with an inlet aperture and an outlet orifice for water flowing through the container having at least two electrodes positioned within said container which can be connected to the positive and negative poles of a direct current source, at least one electrode being constituted of an elastically deformable electrically conductive body.

Abstract: An improved electrode is disclosed. The electrode is formed of an ion electrical permeable acid proof microporous sheet material which is impermeable to water molecules, the microporous material being supported mechanically on opposing faces by a nonwoven matted fiber body, the fiber body being impregnated with electrically conductive carbon in the form of graphite. The graphite is impregnated to an extent or depth to define within the opposing fiber bodies (separated by the microporous material) separate electrical terminals. Metallic contact terminals for connection in a DC electrical circuit are adhesively joined to the fiber bodies. Both fiber bodies can be made of one or two layers, one of which is graphite impregnated material.

Abstract: The specification describes an electrolytic cell for the treatment, particularly the purification and sterilization of water, which comprises a closed container with a lower inlet opening and an upper outlet opening for the water and electrodes which are adapted to be connected with the positive pole and the negative pole of a DC source. In the interior of the electrolytic cell free movable particles are located whose density is higher than that of the water to be treated and which are prevented from leaving the electrolytic cell by suitable means adajcent to the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A water pot with an electrolyzing device comprises a pot body having an opening at the top thereof and a handle, the pot body including an electrolyzing vessel divided into two chambers by a porous partition formed into a hollow shape, the chambers having therein negative and positive electrodes respectively, means for removing the water from the positive electrode chamber after an electrolyzing operation, a cover detachably mountable on said opening at the top of the pot body, said opening being adapted to supply water to the vessel and said hollow porous partition being adapted to be inserted into the vessel and removed therefrom through said opening. A nozzle is formed in the cover or in the remaining portion of the pot body so as to communicate with the negative electrode chamber.

Abstract: An electrodialysis cell intended to be used for the electrolytic rejuvenation of ferricyanide bleach bath into ferricyanide comprises a vessel which is made of carbon and which serves as anode, and a cathode, the space defined by both electrodes being separated by a cationic permeable membrane which is a wall made of asbestos cement which has been treated with a strong acid to remove a substantial part of the cement. The elements of the cell preferably have a cylindrical structure and are concentrically arranged with respect to each other.

Abstract: An electroplating test cell comprises a tank having a housing supported within it, the housing being divided into an annular anode compartment and an inner cathode compartment. A cylindrical cathode support is mounted for rotation within the cathode compartment and is vertically adjustable therein to vary its position relative to electrolyte flowed within the compartment. The housing is supported near the bottom of the tank so that different levels of electrolyte may be maintained above the housing to provide varying liquid conditions ranging from a static pressure head to spray chamber plating. Rotation speed of the cathode support is variable to simulate different speeds of material movement through a plating bath.

Abstract: An anode-structure for liquid-phase electrolysis comprising an anode and a polymer containing a cation exchange group, said polymer being laminated in the form of a film on one surface of said anode.

Abstract: An electrolytic filter, consisting of perforated conductive electrodes isolated by a separator, is adapted to filter at the first electrode or cathode suspended materials, including colloidal metal particles such a silver or gold made colloidal by borohydride, zinc, iron, etc., reduction or sulfide, etc., precipitation of metallic ion-containing solutions. The method of recovery involves use of the electrolytic filter and a composition including the finely divided metal containing waste solution in combination with floc forming compounds such as alkaline earth metal hydroxide, and negative charge imparting additives such as soluble phosphates and anionic resin flocculating agents. Preferably, the filter includes a floc circulating chamber in which the incoming liquid assumes a vertical toroidal flow pattern.

Abstract: A non-polluting wastewater evaporation disposal method and system wherein hydrogen gas is electrolytically produced from the wastewater, collected and used as a source of fuel to evaporate the wastewater to thereby convert the wastewater to a disinfected non-polluting sterile solid residue and water vapor. A halogen having an atomic number of between 16 and 54 may also be electrolytically produced from the wastewater and used to disinfect the wastewater.

Abstract: Electrode arrangement for electrochemical cells. A deformable sandwich structure (working electrode, insulator, secondary electrode, insulator) forms a primary electrode arrangement. A three-dimensional structure can be formed by rolling up the primary sandwich structure around and axis. The shapes and material structures of electrodes and insulators co-operate with each other to enable axial and/or radial flow of an electrolyte which is pumped through the electrode roll. With such electrode rolls a high ratio of electrode surface to cell volume can be attained. Furthermore, by mounting one or more of the electrode rolls on a hollow axle and pumping the electrolyte through orifices of the axle from its interior into the electrode rolls, the scale-up of current and voltage of a cell is considerably facilitated and advantageously achieved.

Abstract: Describes electrolytic cell with dimensionally stable anodes, non-porous ion-selective membranes separating said anodes from the cathode compartment, and a porous, static bed of loose, conducting cathodic material in the cathode compartment, extending between the conductive walls of the cathode compartment and the membrane and contacting the conductive walls of the cathode and said membranes to carry current between the walls of the cathode compartment and said membranes. This construction reduces the electrodic gap to substantially the thickness of the membranes and presses the membranes against the anodes. It produces greater uniformity of current density over the entire electrodic area, substantially free from localized differences of current density which tend to cause deterioration of membranes by the creation of localized mechanical and electrical stresses in other types of cells, and provides a method for carrying current from the effective cathodic surface to the walls of the cathode compartment.