Abstract: A separator (1), electrode (2) and collector (3), each made of a polygonal sheet, are stacked up in a multi-layer serial arrangement of [{fraction (3/2)}/½] sub n/3, with the provision of a through-hole in the respective sheets in the corresponding position for passage of a liquid. The stack is accommodated in a housing (8) so that it may be compressed from both sides at a pressure 0.5 kg per cubic meter G by tightening a retainer (4) which doubles as a cover. The liquid to be treated is passed through the capacitor through an inlet and outlet (5).

Abstract: A method for operating an electrolysis cell at a range of pressures and current densities, the cell having an ultrathin composite membrane, preferably comprising an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene base material impregnated with a hydrogen conducting ionomer. The resulting membrane is unexpectedly durable and efficient when used in an electrolysis cell operating at high membrane pressure differentials, thereby allowing greater cell current densities and efficiency.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell is provided for producing a sodium hypochlorite solution with active chlorine from brine. A plurality of the cells are typically employed with provision for cooling the electrolyte. The cell comprises a cylindrical metallic cathode with a smaller cylindrical metallic anode disposed within the cathode to define an annular passage through which the electrolyte passes. In preferred embodiments, the annular passage can contain particulate material such as carbon to enhance surface contact, and an anionic membrane can be provided between the anode and cathode to divide the annular passage into two chambers.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrolysis of beverages. The apparatus comprises an electrolysis chamber for oxidizing and reducing beverages; a first pump coupled to the electrolysis chamber for pumping out the oxidized beverage; and a second pump coupled to the electrolysis chamber for pumping out the reduced beverage. The electrolysis chamber may further comprise one or more neutral, anion or cation membranes.

Abstract: A mediated electrochemical oxidation process is used to treat, oxidize and dispose of biological waste materials. Waste materials are introduced into an apparatus for contacting the waste with an electrolyte, which comprises one or more oxidizing species in their higher valence states in aqueous solution. The electrolyte, which can be regenerated, is used to oxidize specific molecules of the waste materials, breaking them down and preventing the formation of dioxins. The waste treatment process takes place at a temperature range from room temperature up to a temperature slightly below the boiling point of the electrolyte solution (usually the temperature will be below 100° C.), and can be altered by adding ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: In a production system of electrolyzed water A, alkaline water and acid water produced in electrode chambers 12, 13 of an electrolyzer 10 are discharged through discharge conduits 41, 42 connected to the electrode chambers 12, 13 through a flow passage changeover valve 50. The discharge conduits 41, 42 are provided with manually operated faucets 43, 44 and 45, 46, respectively. When the faucets of either one of the discharge conduits 41 and 42 was opened, the electrolyzed water produced in the electrode chamber communicated with the discharge conduit opened at its faucets is discharged. Simultaneously, a drain valve provided on a drain conduit connected to the discharge conduit opened at its faucets is closed while a drain valve provided on a drain conduit connected to the discharge conduit closed at its faucets is intermittently opened.

Abstract: Compound electrodes are used instead of an anode and solution electrode and cathode and solution electrode in an electrochemical system that does not rely on a diaphragm or membrane directly between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. The compound electrode consists of a solution electrode inside the anode or cathode electrode with a liquid or gel or electrolytic membrane located between the solution electrode and the anode or cathode electrode. The compound electrode may be used in a electrolytic cell, a fuel cell or a unipolar activation cell.

Abstract: A fluid management system for use in water electrolysis systems for filtering the system water and recombining hydrogen and oxygen. The fluid management system includes a phase separation tank having a filter containing a catalyzed ion exchange resin. Hydrogen/water mixture and an oxygen/water mixture are introduced into the resin where hydrogen is recombined with oxygen to produce recovered water. Trace contaminant ions and particles are removed from the water by the ion exchange resin and the filter.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell using an oxygen cathode, for use in an ion-exchange membrane electrolytic soda process or the like, the electrolytic cell having; a structure, wherein, for effective supply and discharge of a caustic liquid and for an effective handling of a caustic liquid leakage, provided on an outer-side edge of the electrolytic cell are an upper chamber as a caustic liquid discharge outlet, a lower chamber as a caustic liquid introduction inlet, and a caustic-liquid room frame connected via a caustic liquid passage to thereby reduce a caustic liquid leakage; a structure, wherein a lower gas chamber is provided at the lower outer end of a cathode element to thereby handle a caustic liquid leakage from a gas diffusion electrode to a gas room; or a structure which uses a gas-liquid permeating gas diffusion electrode to supply an oxygen gas from an upper chamber communicating with a gas room and discharge a gas and a caustic liquid into a lower chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochemical cells and electrochemical systems using a one piece or unitary electrode plate hereinafter also referred to as a double electrode plate (DEP) which serves to electrically connect two adjacent cell compartments and wherein the current flow in the electrodes is parallel to the working face of the electrode. In the cell designs disclosed, the cells are assembled as a contiguous stack of cells (cell stack) appearing similar to a filter press where the electrical connections between adjacent cells are made using the double electrode plate.

Abstract: An improved electrolyzer is disclosed herein. The electrolyzer includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet at a common end. Within the housing are disposed electrode elements, and a passageway that connects the inlet to the outlet. In accordance with the improvement disclosed and claimed herein, a divider is disposed in the fluid flow passageway between the inlet and outlet. It serves to cause fluid entering the inlet to flow through one section of the passageway, and then through another section of the passageway before exiting through the outlet.

Abstract: The plating apparatus has a plating section in which a plating process is performed and a control section for regulating the plating solution. The plating section includes a plating bath containing plating solution, an anode provided in the plating solution, and a plating object serving as a cathode placed in the plating solution opposite the anode. The control section includes a regulating tank for regulating the composition and/or concentration of the plating solution, and a replenishing tank for injecting solution into the plating solution in the regulating tank. The plating apparatus also includes a mechanism for circulating plating solution between the regulating tank in the control section and the plating bath in the plating section. The plating section is installed in a first room, while the control section is installed in a second room, which is separate from the first room Accordingly, contamination in the plating section is prevented.

Abstract: An electrochemical treating apparatus comprising an electrolytic cell comprising an anode and a cathode spaced apart from the anode, the anode including an electrode material made of diamond and the cathode including an electrode material made of diamond. Also disclosed is an electrochemical treating method for electrochemically decomposing a substance contained in a gas or solution, which comprises introducing a gas or solution containing a substance to be treated into the electrolytic cell, passing an electric current through the electrolytic cell, and recovering a treated gas or solution. In a preferred embodiment, the electrolytic cell comprises an anode including an electrode material made of diamond, a cathode including an electrode material made of diamond and an ion exchange resin or an ion exchange membrane as an electrolyte disposed between the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: An electrode (10, 112) containing platinum has its surface modified with sulfur, tellurium, or selenium, or compounds thereof, which renders the surface highly selective for the conversion of oxygen to hydrogen peroxide. The high selectivity of the electrode, and its ability to function in acidic electrolytes make it suitable to a variety of electrochemical processes. In a preferred embodiment, an oxygen concentration device (A) incorporating the electrode as a cathode (10) also includes an anode (12) and a selective membrane (14), formed from a solid polymer electrolyte material, between the anode and the cathode. An oxygen-containing atmosphere is brought into contact with the cathode where it is converted to hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide passes through the membrane to the anode where it is reconverted to purified oxygen.

Abstract: A reactor for use in electrochemical processing of a microelectronic workpiece is set forth and described herein. The apparatus comprises one or more walls defining a processing space therebetween for containing a processing fluid. The processing space includes at least a first fluid flow region and a second fluid flow region. A first electrode is disposed in the processing fluid of the first fluid flow region while a second electrode, comprising at least a portion of the microelectronic workpiece, is disposed in the processing fluid of the second fluid flow region. Fluid flow within the first fluid flow region is generally directed toward the first electrode and away from the second electrode while fluid flow within the second fluid flow region is generally directed toward the second electrode and away from the first electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating electrolytic products, including chlorine and ozone, that includes an electrolytic cell having a cathode in a cathode chamber, an anode in an anode chamber, an electrode chamber separating element disposed between the cathode and anode and sight tubes for visualizing the amount of catholyte and anolyte in the electrolytic chambers is provided. The cathode and the anode include first sides, that are contained within the electrode chambers and participate in the cell's oxidation-reduction reactions, and second sides that project outside of the electrode chambers and which may serve as replacement surfaces for the first sides.

Abstract: A sodium chloride electrolytic cell is provided, comprising a gas diffusion electrode that allows smooth supply and discharge of catholyte for electrolyzing sodium chloride and allows oxygen gas to come in good contact therewith. The sodium chloride electrolytic cell comprises an anode chamber having an anode into which an aqueous solution of sodium chloride and a cathode chamber having the foregoing gas diffusion electrode for producing an alkaline aqueous solution, the anode chamber and the cathode chamber being divided by an ion exchange membrane. The sodium chloride electrolytic cell is arranged to effect electrolysis in such a manner that there occurs no pressure differential between the catholyte chamber and the gas chamber in the gas diffusion electrode. Further, a nickel mesh substance is fitted in a concave portion having the same size as that of the gas diffusion electrode formed in the central portion of a thin nickel plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ozone generating system that combines single-use elements or segments with an extended use fixture that is used to activate the single-use elements. One embodiment of the invention consists of a strip of proton exchange membrane (PEM) having the ozone producing catalyst applied directly onto one side of membrane. Optionally, the application of this catalyst may be divided into segments or patches, wherein each segment represents the limited-use portion of the ozone generator. Each segment may be advanced into a fixture that provides the balance of the electrochemical system required for operation of the ozone generator. This balance of system may include additional subsystems, with a power supply, water source, electrical contacts, electronic controllers, sensors and feedback components, being typical examples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substrate plating apparatus for plating a substrate in a plating bath containing plating solution. An insoluble anode is disposed in the plating bath opposite the substrate. The substrate plating apparatus comprises a circulating vessel or dummy vessel provided separate from the plating bath, with a soluble anode and a cathode disposed in the circulating vessel or dummy vessel. An anion exchange film or selective cation exchange film is disposed between the anode and cathode and isolates the same, wherein metal ions are generated in the circulating vessel or dummy vessel by flowing current between the soluble anode and the cathode therein, and the generated metal ions are supplied to the plating bath.

Abstract: A manufacturing method and apparatus of strongly alkaline ionized water exceeding pH 12.0 by electrolysis of water. As an electrolysis solution supplied to a cathode cell of an electrolytic bath, alkaline ionized water produced in the cathode cell is used, and an operation, in which the alkaline ionized water produced in the cathode cell is circulated and supplied to the cathode cell and is subjected to application of electrolytic voltage, is repeated, so that a cation is accumulated to increase the pH value. As a method for circulating and supplying the alkaline ionized water produced in the cathode cell to the cathode cell, a circulation container bath is used, and the circulation container bath and the cathode cell of the electrolytic bath are connected via a circulating line containing a circulating pump. The circulation container bath has a withdrawing system containing a water collecting device for withdrawing alkaline ionized water having a desired pH value to the outside.

Abstract: The plant comprises: an electrolysis cell (1″) having a soluble anode (2″1) and an insoluble cathode (3″) without an interposed membrane, means for introducing the bath into the cell and for removing the bath from the cell, means for maintaining an appropriate bath density gradient in the said cell so that, if D1 is the density of the bath in the vicinity of the cathode and if D2 is the density of the bath in the vicinity of the anode, (D2−D1)>100 g/l. Associated process. By virtue of the densitometric separation, the dissolved metal is not redeposited on the cathode and the overall dissolution yield is improved.

Abstract: Device for the electroactivation of a fluid (1), preferably a somewhat saliferous solution, having a pH value of 6-8, with two electrodes (3,4) that are lowered into the fluid (1) and a thin membrane (5) which has a very small electrical conductivity and is mounted in a way such that the fluid (1) is divided into two separated volumes (7,8). During electroactivation of the fluid (1) on the electrodes (3,4) is applied, preferably during 3-20 minutes, a direct-current voltage (6) with virtual value 50-500 V. The invention also relates to preparations consisting of the mentioned volumes (7,8), which after ceasing of the application of voltage on the electrodes (3,4) have essentially the same pH value as had the fluid (1) before the application of voltage, but present totally different effects on biological material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical deposition system that is designed with a flexible architecture that is expandable to accommodate future designs and gap fill requirements and provides satisfactory throughput to meet the demands of other processing systems. The electrochemical deposition system generally comprises a mainframe having a mainframe wafer transfer robot, a loading station disposed in connection with the mainframe, one or more processing cells disposed in connection with the mainframe, and an electrolyte supply fluidly connected to the one or more electrical processing cells. Preferably, the electrochemical deposition system includes a spin-rinse-dry (SRD) station disposed between the loading station and the mainframe, a rapid thermal anneal chamber attached to the loading station, and a system controller for controlling the electrochemical deposition process and the components of the electrochemical deposition system.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrolyzing water has an electrolytic cell, a pipe having nozzles for admitting water into the cell, at least one anode plate disposed in the cell along a vertical plane, at least one cathode plate disposed in the cell substantially in parallel to the anode plate and facing it, and a pipe for letting out electrolyzed water from the cell. The cathode plate has many through holes. The anode and cathode plates have therebetween a small distance defining a narrow passage therebetween. Water issuing from the nozzles flows into the passage through the holes of the cathode plate.

Abstract: An electroforming apparatus comprises a container unit for storing a plating solution, a cathode part placed in the container unit and for holding an object to-be-plated and an anode part placed in the container unit face-to-face with the cathode part, wherein a current-conductive opening of the anode part is formed to have an area larger than that of a current-conductive opening of the cathode part.

Abstract: A system for cleansing using an alkaline solution formed in an electrolysis chamber. The system comprises an electrolysis chamber wherein the alkaline solution is formed from an electrolyte, such as salt, and water. At least one pump outputs the alkaline solution onto a object to be cleansed. Further, a second pump may output an acidic solution formed in the electrolysis onto the object to disinfect or sterilize the object.

Abstract: A reactant source for an electrolysis cell includes a vessel configured to contain water, a funnel disposed in integrated communication with the vessel, and a door disposed over the funnel. The door may be slidably or pivotally mounted over the funnel and is configured to prevent the introduction of an object into the funnel.

Abstract: This invention relates, particularly, to a plating method and apparatus for a substrate for uses, such as the filling of a metal, e.g., copper (Cu), into a fine interconnection pattern (recesses) formed in a semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A system for electroplating a semiconductor wafer is set forth. The system comprises a first electrode in electrical contact with the semiconductor wafer and a second electrode. The first electrode and the semiconductor wafer form a cathode during electroplating of the semiconductor wafer. The second electrode forms an anode during electroplating of the semiconductor wafer. A reaction container defining a reaction chamber is also employed. The reaction chamber comprises an electrically conductive plating solution. At least a portion of each of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the semiconductor wafer contact the plating solution during electroplating of the semiconductor wafer. An auxiliary electrode is disposed exterior to the reaction chamber and positioned for contact with plating solution exiting the reaction chamber during cleaning of the first electrode to thereby provide an electrically conductive path between the auxiliary electrode and the first electrode.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell system includes a hydrogen electrode; an oxygen electrode; a membrane disposed between the hydrogen electrode and the oxygen electrode; and a compartmentalized storage tank. The compartmentalized storage tank has a first fluid storage section and a second fluid storage section separated by a movable divider. The compartmentalized storage tank is in fluid communication with the electrochemical cell. Further, an electrochemical cell includes a hydrogen electrode; an oxygen electrode; an electrolyte membrane disposed between and in intimate contact with the hydrogen electrode and said oxygen electrode; an oxygen flow field disposed adjacent to and in intimate contact with the oxygen electrode; a hydrogen flow field disposed adjacent to and in intimate contact with the hydrogen electrode; a water flow field disposed in fluid communication with the oxygen flow field; and a media divider disposed between the oxygen flow field and the water flow field.

Abstract: A cup-type plating apparatus includes a plating tank having a support section provided on an upper end thereof for holding a wafer; a solution feed section provided at the center of a bottom portion of the plating tank; an anode disposed within the plating tank; and a diaphragm for separating the anode from the wafer. The diaphragm is slanted upward from the solution feed section toward the periphery of the plating tank. A gas release port is provided in the plating tank at such a position as to release bubbles collected under an upper end portion of the diaphragm.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an electrolyte cell, an anode, and a porous rigid diffuser. The electrolyte cell is configured to receive a substrate to have a metal film deposited thereon. An anode is contained within the electrolyte cell. A porous rigid diffuser is connected to the electrolyte cell and extends across the electrolyte cell. The diffuser is positioned between a location that the substrate is to be positioned when the metal film is deposited thereon and the anode.

Abstract: An electrolytic apparatus which comprises effecting electrolysis of an electrolytic solution in an electrolytic chamber separated from a reaction chamber by a hydrogen-storing metal member with one surface of the hydrogen-storing metal member as a cathode opposing an anode so that hydrogen thus produced is adsorbed by the hydrogen-storing metal member while allowing hydrogen thus adsorbed and a material to be treated to undergo continuous catalytic reaction in the reaction chamber on the other surface of the hydrogen-storing metal member to cause hydrogenation or reduction reaction by hydrogen thus adsorbed, wherein an electrolytic apparatus having a porous catalyst layer provided on the catalytic reaction surface of the hydrogen-storing metal member is used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing high concentration ozone gas, characterized by employing a pressure swing adsorbing apparatus having a plurality of adsorbing layers filled with ozone adsorbent, in which the ozone adsorbent is one or two or more kinds of adsorbent selected from the group consisting of high silica pentasyl zeolite, dealuminized fogersite, and mesoporous silicate.

Abstract: Electropurification of contaminated aqueous media, such as ground water and wastewater from industrial manufacturing facilities like paper mills, food processing plants and textile mills, is readily purified, decolorized and sterilized by improved, more economic open configuration electrolysis cell designs, which may be divided or undivided, allowing connection as monopolar or bipolar cells. When coupled with very narrow capillary gap electrodes more economic operation particular when treating solutions of relatively low conductivity is assured. The novel cell design is also useful in the electrosynthesis of chemicals, such as hypochlorite bleaches and other oxygenated species.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell includes at least a first and a second, generally planar, membrane-supporting frame each having a plurality of through-holes. Each is sealed to a plurality of annular coupling members located between the frames and generally aligned with a respective through-hole of each frame to thereby define a plurality of sealed conduits through the frames. Each coupling member is attached in a sealed relationship to the first frame by a number of bolts passing through oversized holes in the first frame so as to be capable of movement parallel to the plane of the first frame during assembly of the cell and is sealed to the second frame at a cylindrical interface which provides sealing at a range of distances between the first and second frames. This construction reduces the manufacturing tolerances required for the cell components.

Abstract: An ozone generator which operates at constant pressures to produce a continuous flow of ozone in an oxygen stream having from 10% to 18% by weight of ozone. The ozone generator includes one or more electrolytic cells comprising an anode/anode flowfield, a cathode/cathode flowfield, and a proton exchange medium for maintaining the separation of ozone and oxygen from hydrogen. The ozone generator also has an anode reservoir which vents oxygen and ozone and a cathode reservoir which vents hydrogen. The anode reservoir can be filled from the cathode reservoir while continuing to produce ozone. The ozone generator is readily configured for self-control using a system controller programmed to operate the anode reservoir at a constant pressure.

Abstract: A device for electrolysis of an aqueous solution of an organic fuel. The electrolyte is a solid-state polymer membrane with anode and cathode catalysts on both surfaces for electro-oxidization and electro-reduction. A low-cost and portable hydrogen generator can be made based on the device with organic fuels such as methanol.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for the electrochemical treatment of a liquid medium, which allows the production of a sterilizing solution as well as the decontamination and purification of liquid mediums from toxic organic substances and other impurities. The apparatus contains a diaphragm-shaped electrolytic midstream cell, a feed line for the liquid medium being processed, a cathodic outlet line for carrying the liquid medium out of the cathode chamber to a place of collection or discharge, an anodic outlet line for carrying the liquid medium out of the anode chamber into a catalytic reactor for breaking down active chlorine, an exit line for carrying the liquid medium to the place of collection, and a bypass line, an additional exit line and a flow switching device. The apparatus can also be equipped with a flow switching device, a connecting line, a midstream expansion tank, a purification filter and other components.

Abstract: A method of operating a chlor-alkali electrolytic cell comprising a catholyte compartment containing a cathode, an anolyte compartment containing an anode, and a liquid-permeable diaphragm partitioning the catholyte and anolyte compartments, is described. The method comprises adding water-insoluble inorganic particulate material, e.g., clay mineral, and alkali metal polyphosphate, e.g., tetrasodium pyrophosphate, to the anolyte compartment of the electrolytic cell while the cell is operating. The water-insoluble inorganic particulate material and alkali metal polyphosphate may be added to the anolyte compartment in the form of an aqueous slurry.

Abstract: A device for producing ion water comprises an electrolytic cell which can be electrolyzed; two ion exchange units which are disposed ion exchange membrane such that the electrolytic cell is partitioned in three electrolytic chambers therein respectively; an anode electrode which is provided in an intermediate electrolytic chamber of the electrolytic cell; and a cathode electrode which is provided in the electrolytic chambers located on both sides of the electrolytic cell respectively, the cathode electrode being flowed half amount of an electric current which is flown to the anode electrode therein respectively, so that the desired pH of the ion can be controlled because the generative quantity of hydrogenous ion can be balanced by controlling the quantity of electricity of turning on electricity.

Abstract: The present invention is an integrated screen comprising a screen portion having openings and an integral protector edge disposed about the periphery of the screen portion. This integrated screen protector edge can be utilized individually as the membrane support/flow field in an electrochemical cell or in conjunction with one or more subsequent screen layers. When utilized with subsequent screen layers, the integrated screen protector edge is disposed adjacent to and in intimate contact with the membrane assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and a method for achieving reliable, consistent metal electroplating or electrochemical deposition onto semiconductor substrates. More particularly, the invention provides uniform and void-free deposition of metal onto metal seeded semiconductor substrates having sub-micron, high aspect ratio features. The invention provides an electrochemical deposition cell comprising a substrate holder, a cathode electrically contacting a substrate plating surface, an electrolyte container having an electrolyte inlet, an electrolyte outlet and an opening adapted to receive a substrate plating surface and an anode electrically connect to an electrolyte. Preferably, a vibrator is attached to the substrate holder to vibrate the substrate in at least one direction, and an auxiliary electrode is disposed adjacent the electrolyte outlet to provide uniform deposition across the substrate surface.

Abstract: A device for producing ion water having a pleasant odor, comprising an electrolytic cell containing two partition walls equipped with ion exchange membranes such that the cell is partitioned into three electrolytic chambers therein, said device also provided with spicery-supplying means such that ion water is produced inside at least one electrolytic chamber. In addition, an anode is located in the intermediate electrolytic chamber, and cathodes are located in the electrolytic chambers at both sides in the electrolytic cell respectively. Therefore, the desired pH of the ion water having a pleasant odor can be achieved by controlling the quantity of hydrogen ions generated as determined by the amount of electricity delivered.

Abstract: An improved electrochemical system includes at least two cells. Each cell defines an anolyte chamber and a catholyte chamber, and includes at least an anode electrode adjacent to the anolyte chamber, and a cathode electrode adjacent to the catholyte chamber. At least one unitary one piece double electrode plate is provided having an electrically conducting frame. At least two single electrode plates are provided, each including an electrically conducting frame for supporting an anode electrode or a cathode electrode. A separator is between the catholyte and anolyte chambers and has at least a peripheral frame formed of a compressible elastomer. An anolyte chamber forming frame formed of a compressible elastomer and a catholyte chamber forming frame member formed of a compressible elastomer are provided within each cell. The anolyte and catholyte chamber forming frame members and the peripheral frame of the separator are compressed to form fluid tight seals when the electrochemical system is assembled.

Abstract: A process and apparatuses for producing hydrogen peroxide which provides good current density and production efficiency from an electrolytic liquid having an exceedingly low conductivity, such as ultrapure water. An electrolytic cell main body containing an anode 5 and a cathode 6 which are electrically connected to each other via ion-exchange resin particles 9 is used to conduct electrolysis while maintaining the electrical connection. High-purity, high-concentration hydrogen peroxide is produced at a high current efficiency even when the electrolytic liquid has an exceedingly low conductivity.

Abstract: An anode assembly including a perforated anode. A perforated anode holder holds the anode. The anode holder includes perforations at least in a bottom wall such that plating solution may flow through perforations in the anode holder and perforations in the anode. An anode isolator separates the anode and a cathode. The anode isolator includes at least one curvilinear surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for adding electrolytically dissolved tin to the electrolyte solution of a tin plating cell is described. The tin plating process cell has an insoluble anode. In conventional plating processes, this requires the addition of tin salts to the process cell electrolyte. The tin salts represent a substantial cost, both in term of materials and waste removal. The present plating apparatus includes a secondary cell, separate from the main process plating cell, which has a dedicated rectifier, and in which a soluble tin anode and a cathode are separated by a perm-selective ion exchange membrane. The anode compartment of the secondary cell is hydraulically connected to the process cell and serves to continuously add tin to the plating process, as needed.

Abstract: An electrically driven membrane process apparatus is provided comprising a first spacer having a perimeter having a surface with an inner peripheral edge defining an opening, and a recess formed on the inner peripheral edge, and an ion exchange membrane having an outer edge fitted within the recess. The spacer can further comprise a plurality of bosses and an ion exchange membrane having a corresponding plurality of apertures for receiving the bosses. The spacer can include a plastic mesh consisting essentially of polypropylene or polyethylene, and a perimeter surrounding the plastic mesh, the perimeter comprising material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic vulcanizates and thermoplastic elastomeric olefins. The spacer can have an upstanding seal member depending therefrom, received by groove within a corresponding frame member. A second spacer is also provided having a continuous flange depending from its surface and surrounding a throughbore, for pinching a portion of the first spacer.

Abstract: Acid water containing hypochlorous acid is produced by an anode chamber of an electrolytic chamber, and alkali water is produced by a cathode chamber. The acid water is reserved in a reservoir tank and is returned into the anode chamber by actuating a return pump. The acid water returned into the anode chamber is subjected to further electrolysis, and fed in the cathode chamber through a first water supply line, an interconnection means and a second water supply line, so as to sterilize the interiors of the first water supply line, the interconnection and the second water supply line.