Abstract: A method for pickling products in a metal alloy containing iron, and products in titanium and alloys thereof, in the absence of nitric acid as an oxidizing agent, and for the recovery of the exhausted solutions, characterized in that the recovery of the exhausted solutions deriving from pickling comprises the following steps: sending of the pickling solution, both as catholyte and as anolyte, in an electro-chemical cell optionally of the membrane type to separate the Fe2+ (or Ti2+) ions to be disposed of, from the Fe3+ (or of the Ti3+ and Ti4+) ions to be recovered, obtained by reduction at the cathode of the Fe3+ ions which are in the catholyte to Fe2+ (or of the Ti3+ and Ti4+ ions to Ti2+) and of oxidation at the anode Fe2+ (or Ti2+) ions which are in the anolyte to Fe3+ (to Ti3+ and Ti4+); treating the catholytic solution coming out of the cell and enriched in Fe2+ (or Ti2+) ions as to allow the separation in two phases, a

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new design of elements for ion exchange membrane electrolyzers for the electrolysis of brine to produce chlorine, hydrogen and caustic soda. This new design solves the problems affecting prior art, by both minimizing the electrolyte concentration and temperature gradients, and the pressure fluctuation resorting to components which are easy to be installed and may be obtained through automated production cycles.

Abstract: A process for separating chlorine gas from a mixture with other gases is disclosed. In the process, chlorine gas, either as an impure gas or as dissolved gas in hydrochloric acid, is reduced at the cathode of an electrochemical cell to form chloride ions, which are discharged at the anode of the same cell as pure chlorine gas. An apparatus for performing the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an electrolytic water including an electrolyzing vessel which is partitioned into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber by a partition membrane, electric current being supplied to electrodes set in the anode and cathode chambers and water to be electrolyzed being delivered into the anode and cathode chambers to produce anodic water in the anode chamber and cathodic water in the cathode chamber, electrolytic water thus produced being discharged through discharge ports disposed on the anode and cathode chambers, wherein the anode chamber is connected with anode side treating water supply means which is capable of supplying, as treating water, sodium chloride solution or potassium chloride solution to the anode chamber and which is capable of adjusting quantities of supply thereof, and the cathode chamber is connected with cathode side treating water supply means which is capable of supplying, as treating water, hydrochloride solution or dilute hydrochloride solution to the cathode c

Abstract: The invention proposes a process and waste treatment plant for regenerating alkali metal hydroxide (3) from an alkaline aqueous waste stream (5) that contains alkali metal C3+ carboxylate byproduct. The waste stream (5) is acidified and the resulting liquour (9) is fed to a first distillation zone (12) to distil carboxylic acid and water. Alternatively, it is fed to a settling zone (14) from which an upper organic layer (16) is recovered as well as a lower aqueous phase (17; 104) which is fed to the first distillation zone. The overhead product (20) from the first distillation zone is condensed and separated into a carboxylic acid layer which is either purged (28) or fed (101) to the settling zone (25). The lower layer (32) of the condensate is redistilled and the water bottoms stream (47) is fed to the cathode compartment (60) of an electrolytic cell (58), while the bottoms stream (52) from the first distillation zone is supplied to the anode compartment (59).

Abstract: An improved electrochemical system, comprising (a) at least two cells in parallel electrical connection to constitute at least two cell stacks, each cell defining an anolyte chamber and a catholyte chamber, and including at least an anode electrode adjacent to the anolyte chamber, and a cathode electrode adjacent to the catholyte chamber; (b) at least one unitary one piece double electrode plate having an electrically conducting frame, the anode electrode in one of the at least two cells being supported on a first portion of the electrically conducting frame, and the cathode electrode in one of the other of the at least two cells being supported on a second portion of the electrically conducting frame spaced from the first portion; (c) at least two single electrode plates, each single electrode plate including an electrically conducting frame for supporting an anode electrode or a cathode electrode wherein the first and second portions of the double electrode plate include at least opposed faces; (d) a me

Abstract: A proton exchange membrane comprising a perfluorosulfonic acid having silica particles embedded therein at a concentration of 0.01 to 5% by weight, said particles having a dimension of 0.001 to 10 micrometers, the membrane having a crystalline phase and an amorphous phase in a ratio adjusted by controlled thermal treatment at a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature, an electrochemical cell containing said membrane and a process for oxidizing a fuel in said electrochemical cell.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrolytic ionized water generator wherein a flow meter is installed in a discharge flow path of an acidic water with such constituents as calcium, magnesium, and the like removed, which is generated by electrolytic processing of city water in an electrolytic cell, solving a problem of degradation in precision of the flow meter over time due to adherence of the constituents of city water such as calcium, magnesium, and the like to the flow meter.

Abstract: An improved process for providing hydrogen from an electrolytic cell having an anolyte solution having an anolyte liquid level; a catholyte solution having a catholyte liquid level; generating oxygen at an oxygen pressure above the anolyte level; generating hydrogen at a hydrogen pressure above the catholyte level; the improvement comprising detecting at least one of the anolyte and the catholyte liquid levels as anolyte level and catholyte level data; feeding the level data to central processing means; determining the pressure differential between the levels from the level data, and pressure adjustment data by the central processing means; and providing the adjustment data to pressure control means to maintain the pressure differential within a selected range. The process offers a low cost method of controlling the pressure differential to within 2 cm WC of a set point.

Abstract: A method of water electrolysis for producing acidic water and alkaline water is disclosed, which is effective in preventing the dissolution of electrode material in the acidic water, etc. attributable to a reverse current flowing in a power supply cutoff state and also in preventing electrode deactivation caused by the electrode material dissolution. This enables the electrolytic cell to be operated stably over a long period of time to yield high-purity acidic and alkaline waters. An electrolytic cell 1 partitioned into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber with a cation-exchange membrane 2 as a solid electrolyte is used to electrolytically produce acidic water and alkaline water. A voltage of 1.2 V or higher and/or a current of 20 mA/dm.sup.2 or higher is applied between the anode 7 and the cathode 8 when the electrolytic cell is in a power supply cutoff state.

Abstract: A process for adjusting the pH of an aqueous flowable fluid includes an electrochemical mechanism for adjusting the pH of an aqueous flowable fluid and a mechanism for then electrochemically stabilizing the adjusted pH of the fluid. A device for performing the process is also included. The device includes an inlet and a channel in fluid communication with the inlet. The channel has the appearance and properties of a U-shaped connected vessel. The U-shaped connected vessel includes an inlet accumulating passage in fluid communication with an active zone between two spaced electrodes wherein the active zone has a small volume relative to the passage for accelerating fluid flow from the passage through the active zone complying with the physics of connected vessels.

Abstract: Wastewater containing a surfactant and an oil content that has been emulsified by the action of the surfactant can be freed of the oil content by a method including feeding the wastewater into the anode compartment, for electrolysis, of a diaphragm electrolyzer having an anode and a cathode provided in the anode compartment and a cathode compartment, respectively, which are spaced apart by a porous diaphragm and which are supplied with a dc voltage between the anode and the cathode, passing part of the electrolyzed wastewater through the diaphragm so that it enters the cathode compartment, discharging the influent from the cathode compartment, discharging the remainder of the electrolyzed wastewater from the anode compartment and introducing the same into the intermediate portion of a gas-liquid separator, withdrawing part of the influent from the top of the gas-liquid separator and introducing the same into a layer packed with an adhering material, where it is brought into contact with the adhering material,

Abstract: The non-uniformity of electroplating on wafers is due to the appreciable resistance of the thin seed layer and edge effects. Mathematical analysis of the current distribution during wafer electroplating reveals that the ratio between the resistance of the thin deposited seed layer and the resistance of the electrolyte and the electrochemical reaction determines the uniformity of the electroplated layer. Uniform plating is critical-in-wafer metallization for the subsequent step of chemical mechanical polishing of the wafer. Based on the analysis, methods to improve the uniformity of metal electroplating over the entire wafer include increasing the resistance of the electrolyte, increasing the distance between the wafer and the anode, increasing the thickness of the seed layer, increasing the ionic resistance of a porous separator placed between the wafer and the anode, placement of a rotating distributor in front of the wafer, and establishing contacts at the center of the wafer.

Abstract: A recirculation system for electrochemically activated antimicrobial solutions returns antimicrobial solution which has been depleted of active antimicrobial species to a electrolytic cell for regeneration of the active species. Organic load, which frequently contaminates items to be sterilized or disinfected, such as medical instruments, rapidly depletes the active antimicrobial species in a conventional treatment system, reducing the effectiveness of microbial decontamination by electrochemically activated solutions. By recirculating the antimicrobial through the electrolytic cell, the concentration of active species is maintained at a level at which efficient sterilization is achieved.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method consisting: in passing the sea water through an electrically conductive catalyst (10), arranged in the cathode section of an electrolytic cell (1), comprising a cathode section (3) and an anode section (4) provided with, the former, with at least one cathode (11a, . . . ) and, the latter, with at least one anode (18) and separated by a wall (2) permeable only to the cations and in circulating, in the anode section (4), a conductive aqueous solution of a particular anolyte; in providing an electric voltage between the cathode and the anode of the cell (1) while maintaining the contents of the cathode and the anode sections at specific potentials, so as to produce, in the cathode section, consumption of oxygen dissolved in the treated water and in decomposing, in the anode section, an appropriate amount of solution for ensuring the electroneutrality of the treated water.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the production of acid water which performs simple operation to produce acid water without complicated control over the concentration of hydrochloric acid to be added or precipitation of alkaline earth metal salts, which are disadvantages of the prior art electrolysis for the production of acid water. An electrolytic cell for the production of acid water, which comprises a power supply for applying a voltage across an anode chamber and a cathode chamber partitioned by an ion-exchange membrane. The anode in the anode chamber is disposed in close contact with the ion-exchange membrane. The electrolytic cell further comprises means for supplying an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid and water to the cathode chamber and the anode chamber, respectively. Hydrochloric acid is not directly added to the anode chamber but indirectly added to the anode chamber by diffusing through the ion-exchange membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating an exhaust gas stream from cold startup through continuous operating conditions of an internal combustion engine includes an oxidizing catalyst bed disposed in an exhaust pipe and a reducing catalyst bed disposed in the exhaust pipe downstream from the oxidizing catalyst bed. The oxidizing catalyst bed has one or more oxidizing catalysts and the reducing catalyst bed has one or more reducing catalysts. A method is provided for treating an exhaust gas stream both during cold start and during continuous operating conditions of an internal combustion engine by passing the stream through an oxidizing catalyst bed having one or more oxidizing catalysts at a light off temperature; a reducing catalyst bed having one or more reducing catalysts and providing hydrogen into the reducing catalyst bed to condition the reducing catalyst; and introducing hydrogen into the internal combustion engine during cold startup.

Abstract: A zero-gap type electrolytic cell 11 characterized as having a hydrophilic liquid-permeable material 16 interposed between an ion-exchange membrane 12 and a gas diffusion cathode 17. The reaction product passes through the liquid-permeable material and disperses toward edges of the liquid-permeable material before being withdrawn. Hence, the withdrawal direction for the target reaction product is not opposite the feed direction for the reactant gas.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for producing an alkali hydroxide using a gas diffusion cathode. A moistened oxygen-containing gas is uniformly supplied to the surface of the gas diffusion cathode by means of a gas distributing mechanism, such as at least one gas diffuser pipe having a plurality of openings facing the cathode surface.

Abstract: An anode assembly includes a perforated anode and an electrical contact assembly attached to the 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. The contact assembly includes a closed or substantially closed cylinder member of titanium or titanium alloy, a copper lining or disk disposed within the cylinder, and a titanium or titanium alloy post fixed and in electrical engagement with the lining or disk.

Abstract: Wastewater containing a surfactant and an oil content that has been emulsified by the action of the surfactant can be freed of the oil content by a method including feeding the wastewater into the anode compartment, for electrolysis, of a diaphragm electrolyzer having an anode and a cathode provided in the anode compartment and a cathode compartment, respectively, which are spaced apart by a porous diaphragm and which are supplied with a dc voltage between the anode and the cathode, passing part of the electrolyzed wastewater through the diaphragm so that it enters the cathode compartment, discharging the influent from the cathode compartment, discharging the remainder of the electrolyzed wastewater from the anode compartment and introducing the same into the intermediate portion of a gas-liquid separator, withdrawing part of the influent from the top of the gas-liquid separator and introducing the same into a layer packed with an adhering material, where it is brought into contact with the adhering material,

Abstract: A cell frame is for use in an electrochemical cell wherein the cell frame includes fluid communicating inserts for providing process water to the electrochemical cell and to transport waste water and product from the cell. The cell frame comprises inserts positioned about the periphery of the frame to facilitate a uniform fluid field and membrane hydration. The cell frame further comprises a protective plate comprising sealing features and lip extensions to prevent fluid leakage and membrane damage.

Abstract: Wastewater containing a surfactant and an oil content that has been emulsified by the action of the surfactant can be freed of the oil content by a method to including feeding the wastewater into the anode compartment, for electrolysis, of a diaphragm electrolyzer having an anode and a cathode provided in the anode compartment and a cathode compartment, respectively, which are spaced apart by a porous diaphragm and which are supplied with a dc voltage between said anode and cathode, passing part of the electrolyzed wastewater through the diaphragm so that it enters the cathode compartment, discharging the influent from the cathode compartment, discharging the remainder of said electrolyzed wastewater from the anode compartment and introducing the same into the intermediate portion of a gas-liquid separator, withdrawing part of the influent from the top of the gas-liquid separator and introducing the same into a layer packed with an adhering material, where it is brought into contact with the adhering material

Abstract: An electrolyte producing apparatus is formed of an electrolyzing device for producing a strong acidic liquid on an anode side and a strong alkaline liquid on a cathode side through electrolyzing a basic liquid, a mixing device connected to the electrolyzing device for mixing a part of the acidic liquid and a part of the alkaline liquid to form a mixture of the acidic and alkaline liquids, and a measuring device including a light ejecting device for ejecting light to the mixture, and a light receiving device for receiving the light passing through the mixture. A light absorbance of the mixture is measured in an area of wavelengths of about 260 nm to 330 nm. A concentration of hypochlorous acid in the produced strong acidic liquid can be accurately monitored without using a coloring reagent to thereby obtain a pH value of the strong acidic liquid.

Abstract: A high performance electrochemical cell is useful for recovery of metal from aqueous solutions. The electrochemical cell has a cathode assembly that includes a nonporous support member, a primary cathode, and a nonconductive or conductive porous material covering the primary cathode. An anode is spaced apart from the cathode assembly. Fluid is caused to flow through the porous material to the primary cathode, through openings or fluid collection channels in the nonporous support member, and uniformly out of the cell. Uniform and efficient deposition of metal is accomplished over the entire primary cathode because of modulation of fluid flow and increased mass transfer.

Abstract: Apparatus for the destruction of inactivation of microbes by subjecting them to a high potential gradient. The apparatus includes a processing chamber containing spaced apart electrodes, at least one solid insulating barrier dividing the space within the chamber, the barrier having at least one passageway such that no fluid can pass through the chamber without flowing through the passageway, and a voltage source for providing a pulse of voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus concentrates, collects and removes heavy metals, other cations, and anions from media permitting generation of electrical fields. The heavy metals and other cations are electrochemically concentrated and precipitated for rapid removal from the aqueous media. The media, which may be aqueous, soils or wastes, is filtered and passed through a cation or anion exchange resin beds. Metals or anions are captured and held in the resin beds. Current is then applied through the resin beds using opposing electrodes of opposite polarity. In the metal removal units, heavy metals and other cations are concentrated around the negative electrode and lifted to a top of the electrode chamber using hydrogen gas lift. The concentrated solution of heavy metals and cations are removed from the chamber above the negative electrode and are circulated to provide additional time for growth and precipitation.

Abstract: A water treating device includes an outer casing, a reverse osmosis tube, a side cap, and an outlet tube. The outer casing includes an outer tube having a first inlet for water and a first outlet, an inner tube mounted inside the outer tube and including a number of holes defined in a periphery of an end thereof, and a water-permeable layer mounted between the inner tube and the outer tube. The reverse osmosis tube is mounted in the inner tube and includes a second inlet for water from the holes of the inner tube and adjacent to the end of the outer tube. The reverse osmosis tube further includes a second outlet for pure water. The side cap is mounted to seal a first end of the outer casing and includes a first electric rod to interconnect the outer tube with a positive power connection and a second electric rod to interconnect the inner tube with a negative power connection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a sterilizing solution, wherein there is generated a supply of softened water by passing water through an ion-exchange water softener, and a supply of saturated salt solution by mixing a first part of the supply of softened water with a supply of salt. A second part of the supply of softened water is mixed together with a first part of the supply of saturated salt solution in a predetermined ratio and passed through at an electrolytic cell having a working chamber and an auxiliary chamber separated by a porous membrane, one of the chambers including an anode and the other including a cathode, the output from the working chamber being the sterilizing solution. The ion-exchange water softener is regenerated with a second part of the supply of saturated salt solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sterilizing apparatus and a sterilizing method for medical instruments enabling easy sterilization of medical instruments in a short time.There are provided an electrolyzation device which produces acidic electrolytic water as a sterilization liquid by electrolyzing electrolytic water stored in an electrolytic cell, a sterilization bath for storing medical instruments to be sterilized by the acidic electrolytic water, and a circulation device which circulates the acidic electrolytic water between the electrolytic cell and sterilization bath thereby to sterilize the medical instruments.

Abstract: To propose a method of cleaning a surface of a glass substrate fabricated by a process of strengthening a surface thereof by alkaline ion exchange reaction by selectively removing alkaline metal on the surface by cleaning the surface by using an activated ionic water produced by electric polarization and as a result, to provide a glass substrate for a magnetic disk having a magnetic medium with insignificant corrosion and excellent S/N ratio, in cleaning a glass substrate for a magnetic disk using a glass substrate pulled up from a chemically strengthening treatment solution produced by an alkaline ion exchange reaction, after a final polishing step of fabricating the glass substrate for a magnetic disk, the glass substrate is cleaned by an activated anodically electrolyzed water produced by electric polarization to thereby selectively remove the alkaline metal at the vicinity of the surface.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell unit contains one or a plurality of electrochemical cells which are interconnected for the flow of solutions therethrough. Each electrochemical cell comprises an outer hollow tubular anode electrode and a central core tubular cathode electrode. Mounted coaxially between the outer hollow tubular anode electrode and the central core tubular cathode electrode is a hollow tubular diaphragm. A lower head assembly also includes inlet passageways for bringing solution into the anode chamber and the cathode chamber. An upper head assembly also includes outlet passageways for removing treated solution from the anode chamber and the cathode chamber. At the lower end of the electrochemical cell housing and underneath the lower head assembly, there is provided a collection container which can be in the shape of a box with a centrally depressed area for water accumulation.

Abstract: An improved electrochemical cell such as a fuel cell is disclosed including a porous support plate for enhancing transport of fluids throughout the cell and for enhancing capacitance and transient response capability of the cell. The electrochemical cell includes an electrolyte having opposed major surfaces with an anode and a cathode electrode supported in intimate contact with the opposed major surfaces. A porous support plate is secured adjacent each electrode, and each porous support plate includes a contact bi-layer in intimate contact with the electrode. Each contact bi-layer is comprised of a hydrophobic phase including a mixture of carbon black and a hydrophobic polymer defining a network of hydrophobic gas passages and each contact bi-layer also includes a hydrophilic phase including a mixture of carbon black and a proton exchange resin defining a network of hydrophilic liquid passages integrated throughout the contact bi-layer.

Abstract: A liquid mixture is efficiently separated using a separating membrane against which the liquid is sprayed, the membrane being intermittently heated to increase separation without subjecting the liquid mixture to high heat. The method is suited to flammable, toxic and temperature sensitive liquid mixtures.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for manufacturing an electrolytic ionic water for treating a substrate, comprising an electrolytic cell including an anodic chamber and a cathodic chamber partitioned from the anodic chamber by a porous membrane, a first carbon electrode housed in the anodic chamber, a second carbon electrode housed in said cathodic chamber, apparatus for supplying an electrolyte solution prepared by dissolving a supporting electrolyte in pure water or ultra pure water into the electrolytic cell, apparatus for applying a DC voltage between the first and second carbon electrodes and so as to electrolyze the electrolyte solution, thereby to form an oxidizing ionic water in the anodic chamber and a reducing ionic water in the cathodic chamber, a first discharge port for discharging the oxidizing ionic water from within the anodic chamber, and a second discharge port for discharging the reducing ionic water from within the cathodic chamber.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell or a plurality or block of electrochemical cells is connected through an anode circulation system to a reservoir which is also provided with a built-in controller for maintaining the level of anolyte. The built-in controller can be any suitable regulation device that controls the speed at which the brine is pumped into the anode chamber. A valve-type device is provided on the reservoir for releasing the gaseous mixture of the oxidants to maintain a given pressure in the anode circulation system. The cathode circulation system also includes a reservoir which also includes a valve-type device for the discharge of the excess gas-liquid mixture. A feed unit which contains a pump and a brine tank is connected to the lower part of the anode circulation system. A gas separator for separating hydrogen from the alkaline solution (the catholyte) is also connected to the system.

Abstract: An aqueous electrolyte ozone generating system includes on electrolyte tank and liquid-vapor separator tank. Electrolyte tank has a liquid supply port located at its upper part which allows ozone gas-containing liquid (generated at an anode) to be supplied to the liquid vapor separator tank. Water at the bottom part of an separator tank flows back to the anode chamber of the electrolyte tank through a return port, and fresh water is replenished to the system simultaneously while the temperature of the water in the separator tank is controlled. Liquid-vapor separator tank is thin in horizontal width and long in the vertical direction. A heat exchanger wall is installed to and covers most of the surface area of at least one side of the separator tank. A temperature control, capable of providing a cooling effect, is integrally installed to the heat exchanger wall.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is electrolyzed functional water produced by the process comprising a step of feeding water containing electrolytes to a first electrolytic cell equipped with an anode, a cathode and an ion-permeable membrane between them to electrolyze it, and a step of electrolyzing the electrolyzed water obtained from the cathodic side of the first electrolytic cell on the anodic side of a second electrolytic cell equipped with an anode, a cathode and an ion-permeable membrane between them. Production processes and production apparatus of the electrolyzed functional water are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ceramic element is provided which can be injection molded from an electrolyte and a binder. The ceramic element includes a tube support portion and a plurality of tubes extending from the tube support portion. The plurality of tubes are arranged in rows and columns. A plurality of vias extend from one surface of the tube support portion to an opposite surface of the tube support portion. The ceramic element is coated with an electrically conductive coating and a current collector coating. The vias are coated with the electrically conductive coating and plugged. After the coatings are removed in selected areas of the ceramic element, the tubes of the ceramic element form a series-parallel array because tubes in the same column are connected in parallel electrically and tubes in adjacent rows are connected in series electrically. Two ceramic elements are sealed together to form a modular electrochemical device. The electrochemical device can be either an oxygen generator or a fuel cell.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell composed of a cell housing formed at a lower portion thereof with a pair of inlet ports and at an upper portion thereof with a pair of outlet ports, a diaphragm assembled within the housing to subdivide the interior of the housing into a pair of reaction chambers respectively in open communication with the inlet and outlet ports, and a pair of electrode plates disposed within the reaction chambers respectively and opposed to one another through the diaphragm, wherein the electrode plates are applied with electric current to electrolyze water to be treated flowing therethrough from the inlet ports toward the outlet ports, a horizontal partition is provided in the respective reaction chambers to form a plurality of reaction passages between the diaphragm and the respective electrode plates in such a manner that the reaction passages are opened at their opposite ends, a pair of communication passages are formed at opposite sides of each of the electrode plates to alternately connect the oppo

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell, system and process for converting essentially anhydrous hydrogen halide to essentially dry halogen gas. The process of the present invention is useful for converting anhydrous hydrogen halide, in particular, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen bromide and hydrogen iodide, to a halogen gas, such as chlorine, fluorine, bromine, or iodine. In particular, in the present invention, water is provided to the cation-transporting membrane at the cathode in various ways. The present invention allows for recovery of a released fluid at the cathode-side of the membrane and recycling of the released fluid back to the cathode side of the membrane. In this way, the recovered, released fluid may be recycled to continuously supply water to the membrane, thereby allowing the limiting current density of the cell to be increased and/or controlled.

Abstract: A method of electrolytically producing acid water using an electrolytic cell partitioned by a cation-exchange membrane into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber. Chloride ion which generates hypochlorous acid by anodic oxidation is supplied to the cathode chamber without directly supplying chloride ion to the anode chamber. Part of the chloride ion permeates from the cathode chamber into the anode chamber through the cation-exchange membrane. The chloride ion which permeates through the cation-exchange membrane is present at the surface of an anode closely adhering to the cation-exchange membrane in the anode chamber or only in the vicinity of the anode, and is efficiently anodically oxidized to form hypochlorite ion. Also disclosed is an electrolytic cell for carrying out the method of electrolytically producing acid water.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical cell which has an electrode, a membrane disposed in contact with one side of the electrode, and a resilient flow field disposed on the other side of the electrode. The resilient flow field provides uniform electrical contact with the electrode. Such a flow field is preferably an elastomer, which can be be made by molding techniques, thereby decreasing the cost and increasing the ease with which such a flow field may be manufactured. The resilient flow field of the present invention is particularly useful in converting anhydrous hydrogen halide directly to essentially dry halogen gas, such as anhydrous hydrogen chloride to chlorine gas, although it may be used in a cell which converts aqueous reactants.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrolytically extracting lithium at high purity and high efficiency are disclosed, in which the apparatus 1 includes a partition 2 constituted mainly of a perovskite-type Li ion conducting solid electrolyte, a feed chamber formed on one side of the partition in which a crude liquid containing a lithium component and impurities is introduced so as to come into contact with the partition, a recovery chamber formed on the other side of the partition in which a liquid for recovery is introduced so as to come into contact with the partition, and a means for applying an electrical field to the partition in such a manner that the crude liquid side is positive and the recovery liquid side is negative. On applying an electrical field to the partition, the lithium component of the crude liquid selectively passes through the partition in the form of Li ions into the recovery side.

Abstract: Chlorine ion-containing water supplied from one of water discharge pipelines of an electrolysis vessel of an apparatus for continuously forming electrolyzed water is caused to flow backwardly to one of electrode chambers and a water supply branch pipe thereof, passed through a water supply branch pipe of the other of the electrode chambers and/or a water supply pipeline at the upstream thereof and discharged through the other of the electrode chambers and from the other of the water discharge pipe lines. In this state, water in the electrolysis vessel is electrolyzed while operating the electrode of the electrode chamber in which water is caused to flow backwardly as an anode, and the electrolysis vessel and water channels at the upstream thereof are cleaned and sterilized by electrolyzed cleaning water in which hypochlorous acid is formed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for generating a sterilizing solution through the electrolytic treatment of an aqueous salt solution. An aqueous salt solution is passed, under pressure, into the working chamber of an electrolytic cell, which cell is divided into a working chamber and an auxiliary chamber by a permeable membrane. The solution is filtered through the membrane, and collected from an output of the auxiliary chamber. Gases, such as chlorine, liberated in the working chamber during electrolysis, are dissolved in a water supply, and this water supply is partially or fully mixed with the output of the auxiliary chamber so as to generate a sterilizing solution. The method and apparatus disclosed serves to generate a sterilizing solution with less expenditure of energy and raw materials than in the prior art.

Abstract: A main feature of the present invention is to provide water for medical treatment that can eliminate superoxide anion radicals that trigger various disease. Raw water including at least sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium ions is supplied to an eloectrolytic water treatment apparatus comprising a cathode chamber and an anode chamber. A current within the range of 0.16 mA/cm.sup.2 .about.3.2 mA/cm.sup.2 is applied per each pair electrodes and one diaphragm for 0.5 seconds .about.5 seconds across a cathode electrode and an anode electrode to electrolyze the raw water. By this method, water for medical treatment is produced that has an oxidation-reduction potential value within the range of -150 mV.about.0 mV measured against a platinum electrode. The water for medical treatment can remove from the blood of a patient the SAR that causes various disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing hypochlorite of any concentration as desired by electrolysis and being easy to maintain. A hypochlorite reaction chamber is provided integrally with an electrolyzer, which is divided by a cation exchange membrane, and introducing means for introducing an anode chamber product and a cathode chamber product is provided between the hypochlorite reaction chamber and the anode chamber or the cathode chamber. As a result, it is possible to obtain an apparatus for producing hypochlorite and being easy to handle, and there is no need to install pipings for chlorine outside the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus (A) for sterilizing medical instruments and other articles includes a tray (12) with an article receiving area (14). An article to be microbially decontaminated is positioned in the receiving area (14) and a microbe blocking lid (10) is closed. A water electrolysis apparatus (30) receives water, splits the water into two separate streams that pass respectively through an anode chamber (34) and a cathode chamber (36), and exposes the streams to an electric field that results in the production of a catholyte solution for cleaning and an anolyte solution for sterilization. The anolyte and catholyte are selectively circulated through the article receiving area (14) by a pump (66) to clean and microbially decontaminate the external surfaces and internal passages of an article located therein. The anolyte or deactivated anolyte provides a sterile rinse solution. A reagent dispensing well (60) receives an ampule (80) or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical process for the production of sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid from aqueous sodium sulfate solutions, said process comprising the feeding of an aqueous sodium sulfate solution into a salt splitter device comprising at least three compartments including a middle feed compartment which is between an anode compartment and a cathode compartment, wherein the feed compartment is separated from the anode compartment by a chemically-functionalized anion exchange membrane, and wherein the feed compartment is separated from the cathode compartment by a chemically-functionalized cation exchange membrane. Specifically, the chemically-functionalized anion exchange membrane of the present invention is a perfluorohydrocarbon polymer material to which has been grafted a plurality of benzo-crown ether groups which have been complexed with a metal ion selected from sodium, potassium and lithium.