Abstract: A processing chamber comprising a reaction vessel having an electro-reaction cell including a virtual electrode unit, an electrode assembly disposed relative to the electro-reaction cell to be in fluid communication with the virtual electrode unit, and an electrode in the electrode assembly. The virtual electrode unit has at least one opening defining at least one virtual electrode in the electro-reaction cell. The electrode assembly can include an electrode compartment and an interface element in the electrode compartment. The interface element can be a filter, a membrane, a basket, and/or another device configured to hold the electrode. The interface element, for example, can be a filter that surrounds a basket in which the electrode is positioned.

Abstract: Oxygen-consuming zero gap chlor-alkali cell was configured to minimize peroxide formation. The cell included an ion-exchange membrane that divided the cell into an anode chamber including an anode and a cathode chamber including an oxygen gas diffusion cathode. The cathode included a single-piece of electrically conducting graphitized carbon cloth. Catalyst and polytetrafluoroethylene were attached to only one side of the cloth. When the cathode was positioned against the cation exchange membrane with the catalyst side away from the membrane, electrolysis of sodium chloride to chlorine and caustic (sodium hydroxide) proceeded with minimal peroxide formation.

Abstract: A functional water containing a fluorine-containing component obtained by electrolyzing an aqueous solution containing fluoride ion using electrodes having conductive diamonds, a method of producing the same, and a method and an apparatus of rinsing electronic parts using the functional water as a rinsing water. The fluorine-containing component produced by electrolyzing the fluoride ion using the conductive diamond, has stronger rinsing effect than that of a fluorine-containing component obtained by electrolyzing the fluoride ion itself before electrolysis or the fluoride ion using other electrodes. Therefore, an amount of hydrofluoric acid used can greatly be decreased.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices that control fluid flow, which comprise a substrate having an upper surface adapted to contact a flowing fluid and an elastic sheet immobilized with respect to the substrate, typically at a minimum of two immobilization points. The elastic sheet has a deflectable active area at least partially contained between the immobilization points; the lower surface of the sheet faces the upper surface of the substrate. Optionally, two or more electrodes are provided in contact with the active area of the elastic sheet. The device also includes an actuation means for deflecting the active area toward or away from the upper surface of the substrate. Additionally, the invention provides various methods for controlling fluid flow as well as methods for making devices that control fluid flow. The invention is particularly suited for microfluidic applications.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for producing chlorine and basic hydrogen peroxide suitably includes an anode partition and a cathode partition separated by a membrane. The cathode partition is divided into a catholyte compartment and a gas plenum by a gas diffusion cathode. The anode partition electrolyzes alkali chloride received from the laser to produce free chlorine and alkali ions. The catholyte partition reduces oxygen received from the gas plenum through the cathode, and produces alkaline peroxide from the oxidized components combined with alkali ions received through the membrane from the anode partition. The cell is particularly useful in a fuel regeneration system (FRS) for a chemical oxygen iodine laser (COIL).

Abstract: A bipolar multi-purpose electrolytic cell for high current loads has a frame, two electrode edge plates with metal electrode sheet, and power supply and of bipolar plates. Each includes a plastic electrode base body with electrode rear spaces and/or with coolings spaces that are incorporated on one or both sides: incorporated supply and discharge lines for the electrolyte solutions and the cooling medium, metal electrode sheets which are applied to both sides of the base body and are solid and/or perforated in the electrochemically active area: electrolyte sealing frames, which rest on the solid metal electrode sheets and which are made of flexible plastic, and: ion exchanger membranes, which rest on the perforated metal electrode sheets and/or on the electrolyte sheets and/or on the electrolyte sealing frames and which are provided for separating the electrode spaces.

Abstract: The fuel cell interconnect units may include a fuel compartment, an air compartment adjacent to the fuel compartment, a plurality of fuel flow fields that are in communication with the fuel compartment and have a fuel outlet, and a plurality of air flow fields that are in communication with the air compartment and have an air outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for preparing sterilizing water, which comprises an electrolyzer wherein an anode chamber (10) and a cathode chamber (20) partitioned by an ion exchange membrane (40) form a unit cell (A), being alternately arranged and successively equipped with close relation; water inlets (61, 62) and water outlets (71, 72) are provided on the end plate (60, 70) at both ends of the electrolyzer; said anode chamber (10) and cathode chamber (20) having circulative openings at the vicinity of each edge at both sides centered from anode plate (11) and cathode plate (21), of which two circulative openings of diagonal direction among them have plural passages of fan-shape, in order for water introduced through the openings to pass through the passages to rapidly go through each electrode; and a gap-control gasket (30) and a gasket for preventing leakage of electrolyte (31) having plural horizontal members are provided at the center to form an anode reaction chamber (13) and a cathode r

Abstract: An electrolytic cell with an anode and cathode for the electrolysis of hydrochloric acid and brine is provided. The anodes and cathodes of the present invention are made of a bulk ceramic or intermetallic material.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for controlling flow dynamics of a plating fluid during a plating process. The invention achieves this fluid control through use of a diffuser membrane. Plating fluid is pumped through the membrane; the design and characteristics of the membrane provide a uniform flow pattern to the plating fluid exiting the membrane. Thus a work piece, upon which a metal or other conductive material is to be deposited, is exposed to a uniform flow of plating fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the generation and collection of an aqueous peracid solution at the cathode of a PEM electrolyzer. The electrochemical process introduces carboxylic acid (such as distilled table vinegar, lactic acid, citric acid or combinations) to the anode and a source of oxygen to the cathode. The PEM electrolyzer has a gas diffusion cathode having a cathodic electrocatalyst that is capable of hydrogen peroxide generation. The peracid solution is generated at the gas diffusion cathode and the solution is very pure and may be used for disinfecting or sterilizing various items or solutions. In a second embodiment, the carboxylic acid may be provided directly to the cathode, such as in the form of an acid vapor.

Abstract: A reactor comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a conically spiraling fluid flow channel coupled between the inlet and the outlet. The reactor may be an electrochemical reactor comprising a fluid flow channel that spirals about an axis, the fluid flow channel comprising an anode, a cathode across from the anode, and a membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode. The reactor may have a number of design parameters that are based upon one or more reaction species and that favor the occurrence of a reaction associated with the species. The reactor may be used for the electrolysis of water or for the production of other chemical products.

Abstract: A method and system for electrolysis of water to increase the dissolved oxygen content, raise oxidation reduction potential, and perform direct oxidation of dissolved contaminants in situ. This is accomplished by an electrolytic catalytic oxidation (ECO) cell having an innovative configuration of electrodes in a cartridge designed to maximize water contact with an efficiently designed affecting system. The cartridge consisting of multiple mesh electrodes arranged transversely to imposed water flow electrolyzes passing water when energized. The mesh construction of the electrodes allows water flow to be essentially through the electrodes, with a narrow gap set up between cathode and anode to reduce voltage requirements of the system. The cartridge anodes are preferably plated with a mixed metal oxide such as iridium oxide and ruthenium oxide to catalytically improve the production of oxygen.

Abstract: In order to regulate the metal ion concentration in an electrolyte fluid serving to electrolytically deposit metal and additionally containing substances of an electrochemically reversible redox system, it has been known in the art to conduct at least one portion of the electrolyte fluid through one auxiliary cell provided with one insoluble auxiliary anode and at least one auxiliary cathode, a current being conducted between them by applying a voltage. Accordingly, excess quantities of the oxidized substances of the redox system are reduced at the auxiliary cathode, the formation of ions of the metal to be deposited being reduced as a result thereof. Starting from this prior art, the present invention relates to using pieces of the metal to be deposited as an auxiliary cathode.

Abstract: An electrolytic bath is divided into an anodic chamber and a cathodic chamber by a cation-exchange membrane. A base alkaline solution of high impurity concentration is supplied into the anodic chamber from a tank of a base material as well as a circulating anolyte overflowed from the anodic chamber is supplied and circulated from an anode circulating tank, and NaOH solution of low impurity concentration is supplied and circulated into the cathodic chamber through a tank of a refined solution. The concentration of the circulating anolyte is detected, and based on this detected value the supplying amount of the base NaOH solution is controlled and electrolysis is performed. Thus, the concentration of NaOH solution in the anodic chamber is kept stable, and the refined NaOH solution of low impurity concentration can be obtained in the cathodic chamber.

Abstract: Gas-diffusion electrodes containing modified carbon products are described wherein the modified carbon product is a carbon product having attached at least one organic group. The modified carbon product can be used for at least one component of the electrodes such as the active layer and/or the blocking layer. Methods to extend the service life of electrodes as well as methods to reduce the amount of fluorine containing compounds are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an electrochemical plating cell having a cell body configured to contain a plating solution therein. An anode assembly is immersed in a fluid solution contained in the cell body, the anode being positioned in an anode compartment of the cell body. A cathode assembly is positioned in a cathode compartment of the cell body, and a multilevel diffusion differentiated permeable membrane is positioned between the anode compartment and the cathode compartment. The multilevel diffusion differentiated permeable membrane is generally configured to separate the anode compartment from the cathode compartment, while allowing a fluid solution to flow therethrough in a direction from the anode compartment towards the cathode compartment.

Abstract: An anode as a workpiece, and a cathode opposed to the anode with a predetermined spacing are placed in ultrapure water. A catalytic material promoting dissociation of the ultrapure water and having water permeability is disposed between the workpiece and the cathode. A flow of the ultrapure water is formed inside the catalytic material, with a voltage being applied between the workpiece and the cathode, to decompose water molecules in the ultrapure water into hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions, and supply the resulting hydroxide ions to a surface of the workpiece, thereby performing removal processing of or oxide film formation on the workpiece through a chemical dissolution reaction or an oxidation reaction mediated by the hydroxide ions. Thus, clean processing can be performed by use of hydroxide ions in ultrapure water, with no impurities left behind on the processed surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: An electrolytic process for the production of metallic copper in an electrolytic cell including anode and cathode chambers separated from each other by a porous member, an anode disposed in the anode chamber, and a cathode disposed in the cathode chamber. The process comprises providing an ammoniacal alkaline electrolyte solution containing diammine cuprous ions in each of the anode and cathode chambers, and applying direct current to the anode and cathode to produce metallic copper on the cathode and to produce tetrammine cupric ions on the anode. An electrolytic cell apparatus including anode and cathode chambers separated from each other by a porous member, an anode disposed in the anode chamber, a cathode disposed in the cathode chamber, and a DC current source connected to the anode and cathode, wherein each of the anode and cathode chambers contains an ammoniacal alkaline electrolyte solution containing diammine cuprous ions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the electrochemical cell comprises: a first electrode, a second electrode, and a membrane disposed between and in ionic communication with the first electrode and the second electrode. A first flow field is in fluid communication with the first electrode and disposed opposite the membrane, with a second flow field in fluid communication with second electrode and disposed opposite the membrane, and an electrically conductive pressure pad adjacent the first flow field and the first electrode. The pressure pad comprises a mixture of at least one substoichiometric oxide of titanium and an elastomeric material.

Abstract: Acidity in water leaching from a mass of sulphide tailings is prevented by de-oxygenating the water prior to entering the mass. A cover comprising an electrolytic cell, either galvanic or impressed-current, gives rise to a cathode reaction in which the redox voltage of the water drops to 003 volts or less. The cover can be thinner, and much less expensive, than an equally-effective non-reactive cover. The electrolyte is water contained in water-retaining soil, or a depth of water, lying over the cathode. The cathode is steel mesh, or a layer of graphite, spread over the whole mass of tailings.

Abstract: Electrochemical apparatus and methods that support periodic, non-steady state, or discontinuous operation without suffering degradation of materials or loss of efficiency. The invention provides a means for positioning one or more electrodes into contact with electrolyte and means for retracting the one or more electrodes out of contact with the electrolyte. The means for positioning and means for retracting may be the same device or different devices. The means for positioning and means for retracting may be designed to provide automatic, passive, or fail-safe retraction of the electrode upon a given shutdown condition, such as a voltage of less than one Volt being applied between the first and second electrodes, expiration of a time period, an ozone concentration greater than a setpoint ozone concentration, contact pressure of less than 5 psig, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A device in accordance with a present invention includes at least one of a stainless steel anode and transition metal oxide cathode.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for producing strong alkaline reductive electrolyzed water and acidic water that enables efficient production of electrolyzed water that has excellent washing and sterilizing effects. There is provided an apparatus for producing strong alkaline reductive electrolyzed water and acidic water, which includes an electrolyzer provided with a strong alkaline reductive electrolyzed water-producing chamber, an acidic water-producing chamber and a partitioning membrane, wherein a flow path diffusing device is provided in the electrolyzer, and a gap between the cathode plate and the anode plate of 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for plating a metal onto a substrate. The apparatus generally includes an anode electrode disposed in the electrochemical cell and a cathode electrode disposed opposite the anode electrode in the electrochemical cell. The apparatus further includes an electrode lid having more than one aperture disposed between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, the apertures configured to electrically connect the cathode electrode and the anode electrode.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a method and apparatus for producing high-purity metals (such as, for example, high-purity cobalt), and also encompasses the high-purity metals so produced. The method can comprise a combination of electrolysis and ion exchange followed by melting to produce cobalt of a desired purity. The method can result in the production of high-purity cobalt comprising total metallic impurities of less than 50 ppm. Individual elemental impurities of the produced cobalt can be follows: Na and K less than 0.5 ppm each, Fe less than 10 ppm, Ni less than 5 ppm, Cr less than 1 ppm, Ti less than 3 ppm and O less than 450 ppm.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to an electrochemical process for decreasing high levels of organic contaminants in metal plating baths. The process involves breaking down the organic contaminants in an electrochemical cell by electrochemical oxidation. The electrochemical cell includes an anode comprising an active material which is stable at low (acid) pH and at the high electrical potential required to break down the organic contaminants by oxidation. Typical examples of such anodes include a valve metal substrate coated with doped tin dioxide, lead dioxide, or platinum-based materials, the latter in some instances being coated on a high surface area valve metal substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bonded membrane-electrode assembly for electrolysis of water, which enables the generation of hydrogen capable of being used as a fuel for a fuel cell by electrolyzing water, and a water electrolyzer constructed using the bonded membrane-electrode assembly, so that hydrogen can be produced safely. The bonded membrane-electrode assembly includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an oxygen electrode bonded to one of sides of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, a hydrogen electrode bonded to the other side of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The oxygen electrode includes a porous sheet-shaped carbon element plated with iridium and coated with a mixture containing carbon and a resin for a solid polymer membrane.

Abstract: A soil remediation system includes an electrochemical cell that is configured to provide increased mass transfer and a decreased diffusion layer between the electrodes to thereby allow formation of a homogenous lead deposit that is substantially free of dendrite formation and easily removed.

Abstract: A storage stable hydrogen cell comprising an anode cap subassembly, cathode can subassembly, and a grommet is disclosed. For one embodiment the cathode in the cathode can subassembly is configured for contact with the electrolyte. The cathode is hydrogen permeable and substantially impermeable to O2, CO2 and water. In turn, the cathode can preclude the passage of O2, CO2 and water into and out of the cell, and simultaneously can facilitate the permeation of hydrogen through at least one aperture in the cell. In another embodiment, a commercially available Zn-air cell is converted into storage stable H2 cells by sealing a membrane structure around the apertures of the Zn-air cell. Such membrane precludes the passage of O2, CO2 and water into and out of cell but allows the passage of hydrogen generated in the cell through the aperture of the cell and through the membrane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing water containing ozone by electrolysis includes an anodic electrode, a cathode electrode, and a mechanism for advancing and reversing both or at least one of the electrodes, wherein DC voltage is applied between both electrodes in the state of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane pressed by both electrodes, water flows on both sides of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, water containing ozone is produced at the anodic electrode, and an operation for changing a pressing force is carried out, after which, the pressing force returns to an original pressing force, thereby carrying out a recovery of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane while continuing the production of the water containing ozone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for producing electrolyzed water, in which an anion-exchange membrane 2 is provided in an electrolytic cell 1 so as to separate the electrolytic cell 1 to two chambers at the center; each of the chambers separated by the anion-exchange membrane 2 has a discharge port 11a or 11b for the electrolyzed water; an electrode is disposed in each of the chambers of the electrolytic cell 1; a power source is electrically connected to each of the electrodes so as to apply voltage between each of the electrodes; and an electrode selector 5 switches the polarity of each of the electrodes at predetermined time intervals. Thus, it is possible to continuously supply the acidic water maintaining the required concentration of chlorine, improve the efficiency of the treatment and decrease the manpower for cleaning the anion-exchange membrane.

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 process for treating colored liquid comprises a step of contacting a colored liquid and functional water generated by electrolysis of a water solution of an electrolyte under light irradiation, to decolorize efficiently and stably to a low chromaticity.

Abstract: Provided is a cup-shaped plating apparatus which can plate the whole area of a plating target surface with a uniform film thickness. In a cup-shaped plating apparatus including a placement portion of an object to be plated which is provided at an opening end of a plating tank, means for supplying a plating solution into the plating tank, a plating solution outlet port which is formed in the plating tank, a cavity portion into which the plating solution which has flown out of the outlet port flows, a plating solution discharge port within the cavity portion, and a collection tank for the plating solution discharged from the discharge port, which subjects the object to be plated to plating treatment while supplying the plating solution into the plating tank, the shape and/or opening area of the discharge port formed on the downstream side of the cavity portion can be changed.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell and process for the simultaneous production of hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorous ion. The electrolytic cell has an anode chamber housing an insoluble anode capable of oxidizing halide ion, a cathode chamber housing a gas diffusion cathode capable of oxidizing an oxygen-containing gas to produce hydrogen peroxide, a membrane separating the anode and cathode chambers, and means for supplying water containing halide ion to the anode chamber and an oxygen-containing gas and an electrolyte to the cathode chamber, whereby hypohalide and hydrogen peroxide are produced in the anode chamber and the cathode chamber, respectively. Also disclosed is a process for treating water using the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell and method of electrolysis for producing hydrogen peroxide at a moderate current density while preventing metal deposition on the cathode surface. A feed water from which multivalent metal ions have been removed and in which a salt of a univalent metal, e.g., sodium sulfate, has been dissolved in a given concentration is prepared with an apparatus for removing multivalent metal ions and dissolving a salt in low concentration. The feed water is supplied to an electrolytic cell. Even when electrolysis is continued, almost no deposition of a hydroxide or carbonate occurs on the cathode because multivalent metal ions are not present in the electrolytic solution. Due to the dissolved salt, a sufficient current density is secured to prevent an excessive load from being imposed on the electrodes, etc. Thus, stable production of hydrogen peroxide is possible over a long period of time.

Abstract: A method of and system for flushing one or more cells or components thereof in a particle-based electrochemical power source is provided. Reaction solution is delivered to and withdrawn from the one or more cells when the electrochemical power source is in a standby mode of operation.

Abstract: An electrochemical reformer 1 using reactant feed structures having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions to provide mechanisms for the wicking of liquid reactants into reformer 1 and for the separation and removal of gaseous products from reformer 1. The electrical reformer 1 may be combined with a fuel cell, a portion of the output of which is used to power reformer 1, to create a compact, portable power source.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating ozone, oxygen, hydrogen, and/or other products of water electrolysis, having an electrolyte cell that can be acted upon by water. The water is delivered and carried away in a supply line communicating with the electrolyte cell, wherein a bypass line is embodied around the supply line. The electrolyte cell can be connected via the bypass line to the supply line and subjected to water from the supply line. A valve engaging the supply line and the bypass line is provided, and with the valve, the supply line and the bypass line can be opened and/or closed.

Abstract: A duct interconnecting two channels in a fuel-cell flowfield is disclosed. In use, responsive to a flow velocity differential as between the two channels, reaction product water (in the case of a PEM fuel cell) is drawn from one channel to the other via the duct so as to aid in the removal of reaction product accumulations in one or the other of the channels. Each of the two channels may have an associated flow-velocity-increasing means (such as an in-line venturi) associated with each end of the duct. Depending on the location of the duct within a flowfield, the duct may also help to maintain a desired pressure drop and flow of reactant gas along each channel, which helps propel excess water along the channels, and, when the oxidant is oxygen in air, helps prevent localized oxygen depletion.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the electrolytic separation of fluorine from a mixture of gases is disclosed. Also described is the process and apparatus for the generation of fluorine from fluorine/fluoride containing solids, liquids or gases.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ozone generation and delivery system that lends itself to small scale applications and requires very low maintenance. The system preferably includes an anode reservoir and a cathode phase separator each having a hydrophobic membrane to allow phase separation of produced gases from water. The hydrogen gas, ozone gas and water containing ozone may be delivered under pressure.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for producing strong alkaline reductive electrolyzed water and acidic water that enables efficient production of electrolyzed water that has excellent washing and sterilizing effects.

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 provides an electro-chemical 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 electro-chemical 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 electro-chemical 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 electro-chemical deposition process and the components of the electro-chemical deposition system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrolysis device, comprising at least one horizontal electrolytic cell with a housing (6) and an anode (8) that has a membrane or a diaphragm (18), and a cathode (9) that has a gas diffusion electrode (17). The device further comprises supply (21) and discharge (23) means for gas (3) which lead to or away from the gas chamber (22) of the cathode (9), and supply (16; 19) and discharge (16; 20) means for electrolytes (1) which lead to or away from the first electrolytic chamber (4) and to or away from the second electrolytic chamber (5). The anode (8) and the membrane or the diaphragm (18) have at least one respective opening for the supply (19) of electrolytes (1) to the second electrolytic chamber (5), and at least one one further opening for the discharge (20) of electrolytes from the second electrolytic chamber.

Abstract: A level sensing system includes a flow control device disposed in fluid communication with a liquid outlet stream of a hydrogen/water phase separation apparatus and a controller disposed in operable communication with the flow control device. The controller is configured to receive and quantify input data corresponding to a measure of the rate of generation of hydrogen gas from a proton exchange membrane electrolysis cell. A method of maintaining a liquid level in the hydrogen/water phase separation apparatus includes deriving the rate of generation of hydrogen gas from the electrolysis cell, transmitting a value corresponding to the rate of generation to the flow control device, and adjusting the flow rate of the liquid exiting the hydrogen/water phase separation apparatus correspondingly with the rate of generation of hydrogen gas.

Abstract: In forming an electrolytic water, pure water or ultra-pure water is added to at least one solid supporting electrolyte selected from the group consisting of oxalic acid, ammonium oxalate, ammonium formate, ammonium bicarbonate, and ammonium tartrate to prepare a solution saturated with the supporting electrolyte. The solution containing the supporting electrolyte is subjected to hydrolysis to obtain an anodic water and a cathodic water.

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.