Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the vaporization of volatile active compounds and mixtures of active compounds according to which the active compound or the mixture of active compounds is conveyed from its storage vessel by the use of an electrolytically produced gas stream into the room which is to be supplied with a vaporizing mixture of active compounds, and is there caused to vaporize directly or by the use of inert vaporizers.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell of the type to which electrolyte is continuously charged and from which a product or products of electrolysis is or are continuously removed, the electrolytic cell being associated in close proximity with an item or items of apparatus in which electrolyte may be treated prior to charging to the electrolytic cell and/or in which a product or products of electrolysis may be treated after removal from the electrolytic cell. Also, a plurality of such electrolytic cells and items of apparatus. Electrolyte may be purified in the items of apparatus associated in close proximity with the electrolytic cells prior to charging to the cells, and the product streams from the cells may be treated in the items of apparatus prior to combining the product streams.

Abstract: A zero gravity phase separation water electrolysis system (FIG. 1) for producing hydrogen and oxygen in gaseous form from water, in which the hydrogen output (12), which includes proton water, is fed first to a hydrophilic separator (10), or some other form of a phase preferential, porous separator (such as a hydrophobic separator or a combination of the two; FIG. 5), and then to an electrochemical separator (100), for separating the hydrogen gas from the proton water, with no significant parasitic loss and without the need for venting. The two separators can be stacked and integrated together with the hydrophilic material layer (10A; FIG. 4) of the hydrophilic separator forming the top of the electrochemical separator. The electrochemical separator includes a solid polymer membrane (101) of a sulfonated fluorocarbon sandwiched between two platinum electrodes (102/103).

Abstract: A combination electrolysis cell gasket member and membrane holding member suitable for use in an electrolytic cells of the filter press type including a solid structure in a picture frame type configuration having an inside and outside perimeter surface, said solid structure having a groove in the outside perimeter surface forming a U-shaped member when viewed in cross section and adapted for holding the edges of a sheet-like member therein. Aqueous alkali metal chloride solution may be electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A combination electrolysis cell seal member and electrolysis cell frame cover member suitable for use as a gasket/cover member in an electrolytic cell of the filter press type. The gasket/cover member used for a filter press-type electrolytic cell includes two gasket/cover load-bearing sections integral with a peripheral frame cover section. The gasket load-bearing sections contains a first and second side. The first side contacts a electrolysis cell membrane member and the second side contacts an electrolysis cell frame member. The membrane is interposed between two electrolysis cell frame members each having a gasket/cover member secured thereto.

Abstract: A differential gas pressure control device for an electroylytic cell which comprises an anode compartment in which in operation a gas is generated, a cathode compartment in which in operation a gas is generated, a pipe leading from the anode compartment(s) of the cell through which in operation anode gas passes, and a pipe leading from the cathode compartment(s) of the cell through which in operation cathode gas passes, in which the control device comprises a movable flow controller positioned so as to control the flow of anode gas in the pipe and a moveable flow controller positioned so as to control the flow of cathode gas in the pipe, in which the flow controllers are operatively connected, and in which in operation the anode and cathode gases independently act upon the flow controllers which control the flow of cathode gas and of anode gas respectively.

Abstract: Electrolytic chlorine gas generating apparatus including a housing, a volume of water inside the housing, a hollow salt cell disposed in the water in the housing, a volume of salt particles and of water in the salt cell, an anode mounted in the housing contacting salt solution in the salt cell, a cathode mounted in the housing, means for causing current to flow between the anode and cathode to generate chlorine gas at the anode, and a line attached to the housing to carry away chlorine gas produced by the anode. The apparatus, when the water level in the salt cell becomes low and the top of the salt solidifies into a "dome", prevents chlorine gas from accumulating beneath the solidified salt dome and exploding.

Abstract: A combination electrolysis cell gasket member and membrane holding member suitable for use in an electrolytic cells of the filter press type including a solid structure in a picture frame type configuration having an inside and outside perimeter surface, said solid structure having a groove in the inside perimeter surface forming a U-shaped member when viewed in cross-section and adapted for holding the edges of a sheet-like member such as a membrane therein forming a space between the edges of the membrane and the inside of the groove, said structure having at least one orifice interconnecting the groove with the atmosphere around the outside perimeter surface of the structure, said orifice adapted for venting any gases or liquid present in the space formed between the edge of the membrane and the groove. Aqueous alkali metal chloride solution may be electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process station to precisely control the electrochemical anodization of specially prepared silicon substrates. Remotely placed voltage probes are utilized to monitor changes in the potential drop across the wafer as the anodization proceeds. As the available anodilizable area changes, the voltage drop across the wafer and hence the anodization current density is maintained at the desired value by the computer through the use of active feedback provided by these probes. Any desired anodization conditions can be programmed into the system using the system software, thereby adding an even greater degree of control over the process.

Abstract: An apparatus in the form of a disk for the separation of oxygen from gases, or for the pumping of oxygen, uses a substantially circular disk geometry for the solid electrolyte with radial flow of gas from the outside edge of the disk to the center of the disk. The reduction in available surface area as the gas flows toward the center of the disk reduces the oxygen removal area proportionally to provide for a more uniform removal of oxygen.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved electrolytic cell comprising a microporous separator of the diaphragm type, anolyte and catholyte compartments made of plastic materials and metal electrodes with a multipicity of perforations in the electrochemically active area made preferentially by punching perforations of pre-selected shapes. Also disclosed is the presence of a separation chamber located on top and being an integral part of the anolyte compartment for separating the anodic gases from the expent anolyte solution. Also disclosed are methods for mounting and sealing all of the elements of the electrolytic cell that allow for differences in the thermal expansion of the metal and plastic parts. Further disclosed is a method for attaching together several cells to form a stack, where the cells within the stack can be connected in series or in parallel.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell comprising a plurality of anodes and cathodes and a separator positioned between each anode and adjacent cathode to form a plurality of anode compartments and cathode compartments, in which a barrier member is positioned at an upper part of the cell between an anode and an adjacent separator, or between a cathode and an adjacent separator, and which, in operation shields the separator from contact with a gaseous product of electrolysis which may collect in an upper part of the anode compartment, or in an upper part of the cathode compartment. The separator may be an ion-exchange membrane, and the barrier member protects the separator from chemical attach by gaseous products of electrolysis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process and apparatus for controlling the pressure load on gaskets of an electrolysis cell by comparing the internal cell pressure to the pressure of the hydraulic fluid to the cell compressor and activating a controller for adjusting the pressure to a set point based on the data obtained by the comparison. The apparatus includes a hydraulic compressor adapted for pressing cell members together, a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure inside the electrolysis cell, a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in the compressor, and a controller for controlling the amount of hydraulic fluid to and from the compressor.

Abstract: A single assembly of an air processing structure member for air cleaning and humidifying, and an electrochemical reactor which activates a gas alarm for human safety upon detection of a predetermined dosage of gas, such as for example a fatal dose of a gas such as carbon monoxide, and which detoxifies the gas.

Abstract: In an electrode assembly for gas-forming electrolyzers, particularly for monopolar membrane electrolyzers comprising vertical plate electrodes and opposite electrodes and a membrane between the plate electrode and the opposite electrode, the distribution of current in the membrane is improved and the voltage drop is decreased in that the plate electrodes are provided on that surface which faces the membrane with ante-electrodes, which consist of apertured, electrically conducting surface structures, which are electrically conductively connected to the plate electrodes and extend in planes which are parallel to the plate electrodes.

Abstract: An electrolytic pool chlorinator produces chlorinated pool water that is added to the cathode chamber to continuously dilute the caustic concentration of the catholyte before being returned to the pool. The cathode chamber includes a series of baffle plates between the primary cathode and the chlorinated pool water entry port in order to maintain the hydroxyl ion concentration near the primary cathode high enough to provide good current efficiency, yet low enough to avoid significant back-migration of hydroxyl ions. The baffle plates also cause metal hardness ions such as calcium to precipitate before reaching the primary cathode. A negatively-charged second cathode spaced apart from the primary cathode also helps to prevent precipitation of metal hardness ions upon the primary cathode.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus which comprises a first enclosure for containing a first fluid, a second enclosure for containing a second fluid, a pathway between the first and second enclosures through which the first fluid can leak from the first enclosure into the second enclosure, and means for admitting into said pathway a third fluid under greater pressure than either the first fluid or the second fluid, whereby the third fluid leaks into the first and second enclosures and prevents the first and second fluids from intermixing.

Abstract: Electrolytic chlorine gas generating apparatus including a sousing, a volume of water inside the housing, a hollow salt cell disposed in the water in the housing, a volume of salt particles and of water in the salt cell, and anode mounted in the housing contacting salt solution in the salt cell, a cathode mounted in the housing, means for causing current to flow between the anode and cathode to generate chlorine gas at the anode, and a line attached to the housing to carry away chlorine gas produced by the anode. The apparatus, when the water level in the salt cell becomes low and the top of the salt solidifies into a "dome", prevents chlorine gas from accumulating beneath the solidified salt dome and exploding.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a glass member for a field-assisted ion exchange utilizing anodic and cathodic contacting by molten salts characterized by the glass member being arranged between two salt vessels containing the salts, each of the vessels having a contact opening surrounded by a sealing lip or surface for engaging a surface of the member as the member is interposed between the two openings and each of the vessels having an arrangement for evacuation of the vessels to form a seal between the sealing lip and the surface of the member. An embodiment of the invention includes a device for changing the level of the molten salts, either by dipping electrodes therein or by rotating the vessels so that the contact openings may be submerged in the molten salt or be above the liquid salt to allow a removing and changing of the glass members being processed.

Abstract: A chlorine generating apparatus is disclosed herein by which chlorine gas or sodium hyperchlorite is generated in small quantities from a brine solution economically enough to be practical for use in the backyard swimming pool. The apparatus includes a free standing unit and cell utilizing only salt as its raw material to generate the chlorine required. The chlorine generating cell incorporates a chemical pump for forcibly urging the resulting product to the pool without the use of mechanical pumps or membranes. A device is included whereby hardness minerals are prevented from being deposited within the cell. New methods of reducing maintenance and increasing reliability are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrolyzer for alkaline electrolysis of water has a diaphragm-electr sandwich arrangement wherein a predetermined narrow spacing to provide a minimum distance is maintained between the diaphragm surface and the superjacent electrode. The spacing is provided by a single layer of a filament of predetermined thickness disposed in an array. The filament is strung in a plurality of lengths disposed in a common plane so that the thickness of the spacing is the same as the thickness of the single layer which is equal to the filament thickness. The array is secured by a retaining wire which engages a groove provided in a cell frame of the electrolyzer. The filament is made of plastic material which can withstand electrolysis conditions. An apparatus and method for stringing the filament to provide the array are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an electrolysis cell having a plurality of electrically energized gas conduits is combined with an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for effecting electrochemical reaction between two fluid phases, the first of which is liquid, which apparatus is characterized byan electrode permeable to the fluids,means for containing the first fluid phase in contact with the electrode,means for charging the second fluid phase to the electrodemeans for removing a reaction product of the two phases from the electrode, andmeans for rotating the electrode about an axis, such that when the second fluid phase is charged to the electrically charged, rotating electrode permeated with the first fluid phase, the second fluid phase permeates the electrode from the point of charging and the reaction product is removed from the electrode; a series cell cascade comprising at least two such electrode assemblies in series; and a process for effecting electrochemical reaction between two fluid phases, one of which is a liquid, using such an electrode assembly.

Abstract: System for automatic control of chlorine content and pH in swimming pools. This system includes an electrolytic cell for generation of chlorine and caustic soda as needed, and an acid supply system for adding hydrochloric acid to the pool as required. Generation of chlorine and addition of acid are controlled automatically in response to sensed oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and pH of the swimming pool water. The sensors for this purpose may be placed in a conventional pool recirculation line, and chlorine, caustic soda (which is co-produced with chlorine) and hydrochloric acid may be added to the pool via the recirculation line.The electrolytic cell has a porous separator dividing the cell into anolyte and catholyte compartments. The latter is operated at a slightly higher pressure than the former. Chlorine generated in the cell is separated from spent brine, which is recirculated back to a brine tank where it is resaturated. The system may include a timer.

Abstract: A method for extracting oxygen from a fluid environment, which comprises the steps of (1) contacting a first fluid environment containing oxygen with a first surface of a first oxygen permeable membrane having a first and a second surface, wherein the membrane separates the environment from an interior space of a closed container, (2) transporting a carrier fluid into contact with the second surface of the membrane, wherein the carrier fluid is confined in the closed container and the carrier fluid contains a binding-state oxygen carrier, whereby oxygen which diffuses through the membrane binds to the carrier to give a bound oxygen complex, (3) transporting the carrier fluid containing the bound oxygen complex to a first electrode compartment of an electrochemical cell which forms a second portion of the closed container, (4) electrochemically modifying the binding-state oxygen carrier to an oxidation state having less binding affinity for oxygen, thereby releasing free oxygen into the carrier fluid and produ

Abstract: The invention is an electrochemical cell which is useful to reduce oxygen to hydrogen peroxide at a cathode and a process employing the cell. The cell not only avoids the safety hazard of a hydrogen explosion of the prior art cells but also avoids the need for a rigid separating means and cathode.

Abstract: The invention is an electrochemical cell which is useful to reduce oxygen to hydrogen peroxide at a cathode. The cell avoids the safety hazard of a hydrogen explosion of the prior art cells. The cell has an added advantage in that the dimensions of the cathode are not limited by hydrostatic pressures or by the capacity of the channels and pores of the cathode.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a hydraulically impermeable permselective membrane is operated more efficiently by (1) separating the anode and the cathode of such a cell from the permselective membrane by a spacing means which is porous, hydrophilic, and electrically non-conductive, or alternatively, (2) providing a coating on the metal electrodes of said cell which is hydrophilic, porous, and electrically non-conductive. Said spacing means is of a material selected from the group consisting of at least one of mineral fibers, synthetic organic polymers, and ceramics and glasses.

Abstract: Electrolytic chlorine gas generating apparatus including a housing, a volume of water inside the housing, a hollow salt cell disposed in the water in the housing, a volume of sat particles and of water in the salt cell, an anode mounted in the housing contacting salt solution in the salt cell, a cathode mounted in the housing, means for causing current to flow between the anode and cathode to generate chlorine gas at the anode, and a line attached to the housing to carry away chlorine gas produced by the anode. The apparatus, when the water level in the salt cell becomes low and the top of the salt solidifies into a "dome", prevents chlorine gas from accumulating beneath the solidified salt dome and exploding.

Abstract: The invention is an electrode/gas chamber combination comprising:a gas-permeable, vertically disposed electrode having oppositely disposed first and second vertical surfaces;a gas supply chamber in fluid and electrical contact with the electrode at a plurality of points,said gas supply chamber having a plurality of compartments, at least including a gas inlet compartment, an intermediate compartment, and a gas outlet compartment,each of said compartments being connected to its adjoining compartments through a fluid permeable structure, andwherein at least a portion of some of said compartments open onto portions of a first surface of the electrode thereby providing a pathway for a gas to contact the first surface of the electrode; andwherein at least a portion of the walls of the gas supply chamber are electrically conductive to provide a pathway for electrical current to flow from a power supply to the electrode.

Abstract: An electrolytic membrane cell for the electrochemical production of an alkali metal hydrosulfite by the reduction of an alkali metal biosulfite component of a circulated aqueous catholyte solution is provided. The cell utilizes an improved extended surface multipass porous cathode, an improved catholyte flow path and a hydrophilically treated separator mesh that separates the cation exchange membrane from the anode.

Abstract: An improved multiple layered porous electrode for use in an electrochemical membrane cell is provided having a first perforated support layer, a second layer of fibers, a third layer of fibers less dense than the second layer and a fourth layer of meshed wire cloth.

Abstract: An ion exchange membrane electrolyzer having at least one electrolytic cell containing a gas diffusion cathode, a current distributor, an anode supported by a wall of the electrolytic cell housing, and spacing means separating the current distributor which is in contact with said gas diffusion cathode from said ion exchange membrane wherein the force exerted by gas pressure applied to one face of the gas diffusion cathode is transmitted to said anode via said current distributor, and/or said spacing means, and said ion exchange membrane.

Abstract: The present invention is a layered article of manufacture or quilt suitable to be useful to construct an electrolytic cell for manufacturing hydrogen peroxide. In use the quilt is placed upon a planar anode and the upper surface contacted with a current collector.

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

Abstract: An automated chlorine generator is provided having a power source, an electrolytic cell able to generate chlorine by the electrolysis of sodium chloride. An anode and a cathode are provided each mounted in a separate compartment with chlorine generation in the anode compartment and hydrogen generation in the cathode compartment, the compartments being in communication through an ion permeable membrane. A mixing container having a first compartment to receive hydrogen and chlorine from the cell is provided with an outlet for water in a second compartment, in communication with the first and having an inlet for water and a float valve to control the inlet. Conductivity probes are used for detecting liquid content in the anode and the cathode compartments as well as a flushing system for draining the anode and cathode compartments.

Abstract: An electrolyzer for electrolysis of water comprises a series of cells each including a substantially open porous anode plate and a substantially open porous cathode plate disposed on either side of and in contact with a solid electrolyte membrane. First and second flow passages extend through the cell, with the first flow passage comprising concentrically aligned bores extending through the center of the cathode plate, the anode plate and the membrane, with the bore in the cathode plate being fitted with an annular sealing gasket. The second flow passage also comprises concentrically aligned bores extending through the cathode plate, the anode plate, and the membrane, with a bore in the anode plate being fitted with an annular sealing gasket. A seal is provided at the outside perimeter of the cathode plate, to prevent the escape of fluid containing hydrogen therefrom. During operation, a source of water is connected to the first flow passage and water is driven into the cell.

Abstract: An electrolysis apparatus for electrolysis of water comprises a series of cells, each cell including a substantially open porous anode plate and a substantially open porous cathode plate with a solid electrolyte membrane therebetween. First and second flow passages extend through the cells, with the first flow passage comprising bores extending through the centers of the cathode plates, the anode plates, and the membranes; the bores in the cathode plates being fitted with annular sealing gaskets. The second flow passage also comprises bores extending through the cathode plates, the anode plates, and the membranes, with the bores in the anode plates being fitted with annular sealing gaskets. A seal is provided at the outside perimeter of the cathode plate, to prevent the escape of fluid, containing hydrogen, therefrom. During operation, water is driven into the first flow passage. The water diffuses through the anode plate from the central bore, and partial electrolysis occurs.

Abstract: An inorganic gas separator which has a porosity between 30 and 70% and a pore diameter between 10 and 100 .mu.m, and which is gas impermeable when soaked-through with liquid, is mounted in a frame, divides a cell housing into two compartments, and is moistened by capillarity with liquid fed through channels extending in the frame. In each compartment are mounted a porous foil, an electrode, a pre-electrode, a metal plate and an insulating plate. On the cell-housing thermo-electric heat pumps are mounted for cooling and the unit formed by the housing and the pumps is surrounded by an outer casing.

Abstract: In a stacked plurality of similar electrolysis cells, each cell having an overhead gas for accumulating gasses produced thereby, the apparatus of the present disclosure includes a shaped transition tube connected to each cell. Inlet liquids and outlet gasses with their respective liquids to be fed and removed through a pair of respective adjacent headers.

Abstract: An apparatus used in high pressure electrolytic cell operation which allows a cell to be operated at high pressures while providing balanced interface pressures between circulating liquids and gases. Each liquid and gas compartment in the cell is connected to a holding tank. Gas pressure in the holding tank is allowed to build up to the pressure required for cell operation before it is released. Positive displacement pumps circulate liquids through the cell at a pressure equal to the pressure of gases contained in the holding tanks. Gases are back-pressured into the gas compartments of the cell at a pressure equal to the pressure of the gases contained in the holding tanks thereby balancing the pressures of gases and liquids in the cell while allowing for circulation of the liquids.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell comprising a cell housing containing at least one pair of oppositely charged electrodes separated by an ion exchange diaphragm characterized in that at least one of said electrodes comprises an electrodically charged electroconductive element, screen or plate spaced from the diaphragm by a resilient compressible mat, said mat being open to gas and electrolyte flow, resistant to the cell environment and capable when compressed of distributing pressure laterally along the diaphragm and a novel method of generating halogen by electrolysis of a halide containing electrolyte.

Abstract: A chlorine generating apparatus is disclosed herein by which chlorine gas and/or sodium hypochlorite is generated in small quantities from a brine solution economically enough to be practical for use in the backyard swimming pool. The apparatus includes a freestanding unit utilizing only salt, water and electricity as its raw materials to generate the chlorine required. A chlorine-generating electronic cell incorporates a pumping action for forcibly urging the resulting product through a mixing unit to a storage tank without the use of mechanical pumps. A process is included whereby hardness minerals are precipitated from incoming raw water preventing mineral buildup on the cathode portion of the electronic cell.

Abstract: An improved electrolytic cell of simple construction capable of satisfactorily producing periodates comprises a plurality of cathodes mounted vertically in parallel to the long sides of a cell body and spaced at equal intervals from each other, a plurality of open anodic compartment boxes with plate separators adapted to maintain the equal intervals, one or more anodes inserted in the compartment boxes, a plurality of PVC diaphragms mounted on both sides of the anodic compartment boxes in parallel to the cathodes, an anolyte inlet mounted in the lower part of the anodic compartment boxes and an anolyte outlet mounted in the upper part of the opposite side of the anodic compartment boxes, a cell cover provided with air intake holes and cell gas exhaust pipes, and perforated PVC lids for the cathodic compartments positioned between the cell cover and the upper level of the catholyte.

Abstract: System for softening and dealkalizing water by feeding said water to both chambers of an electrolytic cell which chambers are separated by a cation exchange membrane, applying DC voltage to the electrodes of the cell, at intervals, reversing the applied polarities, and drawing soft dealkalized water from the anodic compartments.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for use in dewatering a suspension of solids in which an electric field augments an applied vacuum includes a chamber having walls comprising an ion exchange membrane on which a cake of solids is deposited and an electrode element with the chamber immersed in an electrolyte.

Abstract: A metal amalgamatable with mercury, gold in particular, is extracted from a slurry in which it is dispersed in low concentration, in particular from alluvial sands, by contact with mercury the surface of which is continuously freed of the sulfides which form thereon as a secondary process and is renewed continuously by electrolytic deposit of mercury.

Abstract: An ion exchange membrane cell comprises an anode, a cathode, an anode compartment and a cathode compartment formed by partitioning by an ion exchange membrane. A gas and liquid permeable porous non-electrode layer is bonded at least one of surface of said ion exchange membrane.An ion exchange membrane comprises a gas and liquid permeable porous non-electrode layer which is bonded to at least one surface of said membrane.An aqueous solution of an alkali metal chloride is electrolyzed in an electrolytic cell comprising an anode, a cathode, an anode compartment and a cathode compartment formed by partitioning with an ion exchange membrane wherein a gas and liquid permeable porous non-electrode layer is bonded to at least one of surfaces of said ion exchange membrane and an aqueous solution of an alkali metal chloride is fed into said anode compartment to form chlorine on said anode and to form an alkali metal hydroxide in said cathode compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus, used in operation of electrolytic cells, to balance the interface pressure between liquid electrolyte and gas within the pores of a vertically disposed gas electrode. An electrode is sectioned into a plurality of lateral, or horizontal, gas compartments, vertically superposed, along one face of the electrode. The opposite face of the electrode is exposed to the liquid electrolyte. Each lateral compartment is supplied with gas. Each lateral compartment is also connected, via a separate gas line, to the bottom of a separate vertical chamber in a weir system. Each chamber has a vertical height equal to the depth of its respective cell compartment beneath the surface of the liquid electrolyte. The top of each weir chamber is provided with an overflow weir. Further, the chambers are arranged so that the overflow weir of each chamber flows into the next chamber, in order of decreasing vertical height. Gas is allowed to escape each lateral electrode compartment into a weir chamber.

Abstract: An ion exchange membrane cell comprising an anode, cathode, and an anode compartment and a cathode compartment partitioned by an ion exchange membrane. The ion exchange membrane is a cation exchange membrane having a gas and liquid permeable porous non-electrode layer on at least one side thereof. The cation exchange membrane is composed of a fluorinated cation exchanger having carboxylic acid groups as its ion exchange groups and with its ion exchange capacity being varied in the direction of its thickness.