Abstract: Various systems and methods for protecting electrowinning anodes having electrocatalytically active coatings in a bank of electrolytic cells from being damaged by reverse currents. In the first embodiment, one or more auxiliary power sources are provided that, when triggered by one or more predetermined conditions being met, keep the bank of electrolytic cells in an electrical state that is relatively harmless to the anodes having electrocatalytically active coatings. In a second embodiment, the invention is directed to a method of maintaining the polarization of anodes in an electrowinning cell positive of the cathodes (i.e. in a potential region where the anode coating is not susceptible to significant damage). In a final embodiment, the invention is directed to various methods for the installation of replacement anodes and maintenance of electrowinning cells.

Abstract: A mixed hydrogen-oxygen fuel generator system uses an electrolytic solution to generate gaseous hydrogen-oxygen fuel through the electrolysis of water. This generator system includes: at least one electrolytic cell with multiple metallic plates used as an internal isolation system in which two of the plates separately connect to both the positive and negative terminal of a DC circuit. These plates are used for the electrolysis of the electrolytic solution in the cell(s) to produce, under pressure, mixed hydrogen-oxygen fuel. The apparatus also includes a cooling system containing a water cooling tank in which there are two zones: one is the electrolytic solution circulation coil and the another is a water circulation zone.

Abstract: The basic principles of the method for heavy metals electroextraction from technological solutions and wastewater includes pretreating to remove Chromium-6 and high concentrations of heavy metals and periodically treating in a six-electrode bipolar cylindrical electroreactor made of non-conducting material to achieve lower accepted levels of impurities. Six cylindrical steel electrodes form two triode stacks and are fed with three-phase alternating current of commercial frequency (50-60 Hz), which can be pulsed. Each phase of the three-phase current is connected to three electrodes of one triode stack or in parallel to two triode stacks. The parallel connection of three-phase current to two triode stacks is performed so that the same phase of the three phase current is connected in parallel with each two opposite electrodes of six electrodes located along the periphery, or with two adjacent electrodes. A bipolar stationary aluminum electrode is situated in the inter-electrode space.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electrolyzer for electrolyzing water into a gaseous mixture comprising hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The electrolyzer is adapted to deliver this gaseous mixture to the fuel system of an internal combustion engine. The electrolyzer of the present invention comprises one or more supplemental electrode at least partially immersed in an aqueous electrolyte solution interposed between two principle electrodes. The gaseous mixture is generated by applying an electrical potential between the two principal electrodes. The electrolyzer further includes a gas reservoir region for collecting the generated gaseous mixture. The present invention further discloses a method of utilizing the electrolyzer in conjunction with the fuel system of an internal combustion engine to improve the efficiency of said internal combustion engine.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an electrode plate for a water electrolysis device, which is formed from a metal plate having such a thickness as to be capable of being press-formed, and which comprises a flat plate portion, and a peripheral edge portion positioned on the outer side of the flat plate portion and bent so that recesses and protrusions are alternately arrayed along an outer peripheral edge thereof.

Abstract: In order to make plating thickness uniform in a metal plating apparatus, a metal plating apparatus capable of performing metal plating to a uniform thickness is provided by aligning lines of electric force uniformly and in parallel by disposing a pair of conductive perforated plates 20a and 20b, which are electrically connected to each other, between plating metals 16 immersed in a plating solution and an object 18 to be plated.

Abstract: Electrolysis cell consisting of 2 monopolar electrodes and one or more intermediate bipolar electrodes, where the one monopolar electrode and the parts of the bipolar electrodes charged in the same sense thereto together form the working electrode and the other monopolar electrode and the parts of the bipolar electrodes charged in the same sense thereto together form the counter electrode the space between counter and working electrode is undivided the surface of the counter electrode consists of electrochemically active and inactive parts the sum of the electrochemically active parts of the surface of the counter electrode is smaller by a large amount than that of the electrochemically active parts of the surface of the working electrode.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet to allow the flow of fluid through the housing. An anode and a cathode are positioned within the housing, the cathode distal from the anode. Preferably, one or more bipolar electrolytic plates, spaced apart, are slideably positioned between the anode and cathode. Each electrolytic plate has four edges with three of the four edges securely fitted within the housing so as to form a seal with the housing. The fourth edge in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid therethrough. The two sides of the housing, the end caps and the top and bottom plates of the housing comprise grooves. The length of the grooves of the top and bottom plates alternate in size. The alternating top grooves, alternating bottom grooves and one of the alternating end cap grooves receive three of the four edges of each electrolytic plate.

Abstract: A fuel cell or electrolyser assembly comprising a fuel cell or electrolyser stack housed in a chamber containing reactant gas, adapted such that in use the reactant gas applies a compensating force to an end face of the stack in opposition to the outwards force of gases within the stack.

Abstract: An electrode structure for use, for example, in a bipolar electrolyser comprising (i) a pan with a dished recess and a flange around the periphery thereof for supporting gasket means for sealing a separator between the flanges in adjacent electrode structures, which separator is disposed between the surface of the anode of a first electrode structure and the cathode of a second electrode structure such that the anode surface is substantially parallel to and faces but is insulated and spaced apart from the cathode surface by the separator and is hermetically-sealed to the separator, (ii) an electrically conductive plate spaced from the pan, (iii) a plurality of electrically-conductive members to which the electrically conductive plate is electroconductively attached and which provide electrically-conductive pathways between the pan and the electrically conductive plate, (iv) inlet for electrolyte and (v) outlets for liquids and gases wherein where the electrode structure is an anode structure the dished recess

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: A mixed hydrogen-oxygen fuel generator system uses an electrolytic solution to generate gaseous hydrogen-oxygen fuel through the electrolysis of water. This generator system includes: at least one electrolytic cell with multiple metallic plates used as an internal isolation system in which two of the plates separately connect to both the positive and negative terminal of a DC circuit. These plates are used for the electrolysis of the electrolytic solution in the cell(s) to produce, under pressure, mixed hydrogen-oxygen fuel. The apparatus also includes a cooling system containing a water cooling tank in which there are two zones: one is the electrolytic solution circulation coil and the another is a water circulation zone.

Abstract: This invention is an improved fuel cell design for use at low pressure. The invention has a reduced number of component parts to reduce fabrication costs, as well as a simpler design that permits the size of the system to be reduced at the same time as performance is being improved. In the present design, an adjacent anode and cathode pair are fabricated using a common conductive element, with that conductive element serving to conduct the current from one cell to the adjacent one. This produces a small and simple system suitable for operating with gas fuels or alternatively directly with liquid fuels, such as methanol, dimethoxymethane, or trimethoxymethane. The use of these liquid fuels permits the storage of more energy in less volume while at the same time eliminating the need for handling compressed gases which further simplifies the fuel cell system.

Abstract: An electrochemical etching cell (1) is proposed for etching an etching body (15) made at least superficially of an etching material. The etching cell (1) has at least one chamber filled with an electrolyte, and is provided with a first electrode (13), which at least superficially has a first electrode material, and with a second electrode (13′) which at least superficially has a second electrode material. Furthermore, the etching body (15) is in contact, at least region-wise, with the electrolyte. In this context, the first electrode material and the second electrode material are selected such that, after the etching, the etching body (15) is not contaminated and/or is not impaired in its properties by the electrode materials. In particular, the electrode materials are the same materials as the etching material. Also proposed is a method for etching an etching body (15) using this etching cell (1), the first and/or the second electrode (13, 13′) being used as a sacrificial electrode.

Abstract: Dimensionally stable electrodes are fabricated from nitrides of metals in the groups IV B and V B. These electrodes are in the form of particulates for use in bipolar cells. The particulates of these nitrides, which are electrically conductive, are intimately mixed with non-conductive particulates and spaced between two electrical leads. Such bipolar cells have application in metal recover processes and water purification.

Abstract: A redox bipolar cell fabric washing system and method is disclosed that provides for washing fabrics without the use of any added detergents, fabric softeners, or bleaches, or other chemical al additives. The system includes a conventional fabric washing machine with a redox bipolar cell that through a circulation pump continuously treats the wash water by using mixed oxidants or charged wash water to remove contaminants from the fabric. The redox cell includes a housing, a plurality of cathode plates, a plurality of membranes, and a plurality of anodes proximately positioned in an alternate manner with a plurality of flow channels in the housing. The cell produces charged wash water by an electrochemical reaction utilizing electrically charged anodes and cathodes with semi permeable membranes, wherein the oxidation reduction potential of the charged wash water is continuously controlled with a sensor to determine when the fabrics are clean.

Abstract: A stream of process liquid is treated while flowing through in a horizontally elongated chamber having an open top. Longitudinally elongated electrode blades are aligned with the longitudinal dimension of the chamber. An overhead disbursement chamber supplies a sweeping air stream over the open top of the chamber for removing foam and gas reaction by-products. The electrode blades are separated and held at a desired spacing by small portable guides located below and above the blades.

Abstract: The electrolytic cell has a trough-like container with a bottom, with side walls and with at least one inlet and at least one outlet for the electrolyte. Numerous plate-like electrodes are disposed in the container and are partly immersed in an electrolyte bath. The bottom of the container which is in contact with the electrolyte bath has numerous openings for the passage of electrolyte, and below the bottom there is disposed at least one distribution chamber for recirculated electrolyte. At least one of the side walls of the container is equipped with at least one recirculation chamber for recirculating electrolyte from the electrolyte bath into the distribution chamber, the upper portion of the recirculation chamber being connected with the electrolyte bath and the lower portion of the recirculation chamber communicating with the distribution chamber.

Abstract: Electrically-conductive compression pad suitable for use in an electrolysis cell stack. In a preferred embodiment, the electrically-conductive compression pad comprises a single sheet of electrically-conductive material, such as a metal. The electrically-conductive sheet has a top surface and a bottom surface and is bent upwardly and downwardly in a step-wise fashion to form an alternating pattern of parallel ribs and channels, the alternating pattern extending across the entirety of the sheet and being reversed on the bottom surface of the sheet. The pad also comprises a plurality of elastomeric strips, each strip being positioned within a corresponding channel and being secured to the sheet by an adhesive. The strips are preferably dimensioned and made of an appropriately compressible material so that, when the pad is compressed, the strips expand laterally to fill their respective channels and lie flush with their adjacent ribs.

Abstract: A plurality of rows of wells are drilled in the soil of the area to be stabilized, and then pairs of electrodes, i.e., an aluminum anode and a copper-graphite cathode connected to a source of a bipolar pulse current, are inserted into each well in such a manner that during operation all anodes of odd wells are connected to a positive terminal (for odd pulses) of the source, while all cathodes of even wells are connected to a negative terminal (for odd pulses) of the source. After a certain period of treatment the anodes and cathodes are reversed so that all anode of even wells are connected to the positive terminals (for even pulses) of the source, whereas the cathodes of the odd wells are connected to the negative terminal of the source. Controlled directional structuring of the soil mass is carried out by adjusting the duration of current pulses, intervals between two sequential bipolar pulses of pulse current, and current density in the pulses.

Abstract: Electrolysis cell consisting of 2 monopolar electrodes and one or more intermediate bipolar electrodes, where

Abstract: An electrolysis plate is described which consists of an outer non-conductive frame, particularly a frame having a fiber-reinforced cresol resin, an electrically conductive, bipolar graphite plate which is mounted therein and is preferably slotted on both sides, and, in the region of the electrolyte feed, has plastic skirts for the forced direction of the electrolyte solutions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ion exchange membrane type electrolyzer, which comprises electrodes at opposed positions via an ion exchange membrane, spacers are mounted in dot-like arrangement on openings of electrode surface to maintain spacing between the ion exchange membrane and surface of at least one of the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an electrolytic cell including an anode, a cathode and at least one bipolar electrode arranged between the anode and the cathode. This cell is characterised in that said bipolar electrode includes a substrate and a compact diamond film which is made conductive by a doping agent and which coats said substrate.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation system for removing contaminants from waste effluents comprising an electrocoagulation reactor (140) having charged and uncharged plates and allowing serial flow of water therethrough. The reactor (140) is connected to a voltage source (160) to charge some of the pates positive and negative plates. The system allows waste water to enter the reactor (140) for coagulation therein, the waster water leaving the reactor (140) to enter a defoam tank (200) for agitation which allows trapped bubbles to rise to the surface of the tank (200) as foam. From the defoam tank (200), waste water goes through a sludge thickener, to allow sludge to settle at the bottom thereof and waster water is drawn off from the sludge thickener to flow to a clarifier (250). The pump removes sludge forming at the bottom of clarifier (250) to take it back to the sludge thickener. The sludge is drawn out the bottom of the sludge thickener for transport to a press (280) where most of the water is removed therefrom.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell is disclosed which comprises: (a) an electrolyte; and (b) a plurality of bipolar electrodes surrounded by the electrolyte and electrically connected in series during operation of the cell, the bipolar electrodes each comprising a cathode side, an anode side, and an electrically conductive connection between the cathode side and the anode side, wherein the cathode side and the anode side of at least one of the bipolar electrodes are movable and mechanically separable with respect to each other so that one of the two electrode sides can be removed from the cell, while the other electrode side remains in the cell.

Abstract: A bipolar metal electrode for the electrolysis of hydrochloric acid, comprising a nickel alloy cathode plate and a titanium anode mesh coupled together by a hydrogen barrier, where the hydrogen barrier is an aluminum plate, where the titanium anode mesh is connected to a titanium backplate by a plurality of titanium supports and where the titanium backplate is spaced apart from the nickel alloy cathode plate by the aluminum plate. An electrolyser comprising one or more bipolar electrodes according to present invention. A method of producing chlorine from hydrochloric acid comprising providing one or more bipolar metal electrodes according to the present invention or an electrolyser according to the present invention, and contacting the one or more bipolar electrodes or the electrolyser with hydrochloric acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrolyte cell with an end anode and an end cathode and bipolar cell elements disposed between outer cell elements comprising these and electrically connected with them and connected in series one with the other, wherein each cell element comprises one or two gas diffusion electrode(s) of which one forms simultaneously the ceiling of the subjacent electrolyte chamber and the floor of the superjacent electrolyte chamber and the end anode and the anodes of the bipolar cell elements comprise a perforated, electrically well-conducting electrode structure, wherein each electrolyte chamber is charged with electrolyte and reaction gas, such as oxygen, and a particular mixture of electrolyte and the resulting product as well as residual reaction gas are drawn off from each electrolyte chamber, wherein the cell elements are combined in the form of a stack, that [sic] the end cathode and the cathodes of the bipolar cell elements comprise a perforated, electrically well-conducting support w

Abstract: Bipolar plate made of a composite material for use in a filter-press electrolyzer. Said plate comprises a central portion (6) which is electrically conductive and is obtained by heat-pressing of a mixture of graphite or conductive carbon and a thermoplastic polymer powder resistance to corrosion and two terminal portions (7,8) containing the distribution holes (2,3,4,5) for the inlet of the fresh electrolytes and for the outlet of the exhausted electrolytes and electrolysis products. Said terminal portions are integral with the central portion and are obtained during said heat-pressing from a mixture of graphite or conductive carbon and said thermoplastic polymer powder with a ratio between said powders lower than that of the central portion. Said mixture of the terminal portions may further contain also a non-conductive compound powder, in which case the mixture may also be free from graphite or conductive carbon powder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell having split fluid and current feed. Specifically, the cathode or anode inlet and outlet fluid may be fed from both, rather than from just one end of the electrolyzer. Alternatively, or additionally, the current may be fed to the anode or cathode side of the cell at one point, but may be removed from the opposite end of cell at two points. By feeding the fluid from both ends of the electrolyzer, the internal shunt current within each manifold is reduced, while the active area in the electrolyzer is increased without increasing the overall area of the current distributors. By removing the current from the electrolyzer at two points rather than just one, the voltage required by the electrolyzer may be reduced by half than if the current were removed at just one point.

Abstract: A composite membrane is disclosed fabricated by depositing an inorganic ion-conducting thin film on a cation-selective organic polymer membrane substrate using Pulse Laser Deposition (PLD) or reactive magnetron sputtering. The fabricated membrane combines the advantages of the polymeric membrane including flexibility and low electrical resistance, with the advantages of the inorganic membrane film including resistance to fouling, high selectivity for alkali metal ions over hydrogen ions and resistance to oxidizing chemicals; electromembrane systems and processes for example alkali metal sensing electrodes and other membrane-based electrochemical detectors, electrolytic and electrodialytic systems incorporate such membranes thus improving their performance in terms of current efficiency, salt to acid conversion ratio, reliable operation and membrane life.

Abstract: An electrochemical apparatus and system for extracting and recovering metals from their compounds using electrochemical cells where the anolyte 10 is connected electrically to the catholyte 11 through an independent set of electrodes 13, 14 immersed in each electrolyte and connected to each other by a conductor 16. The specification details the application of this principle to commercial size cells and systems to extract metals from solutions, from ores in-situ, from ores in heaps and fixed beds, from fine metal concentrates dissolved either at the anode cell or in a separate leaching vessel. Alkaline electrolytes are also given for the extraction and recovery of nickel and copper from their oxide ores. A method for extracting gold from ores or residues is also included.

Abstract: An insulating shield plate (1) divides a room of an electrolysis bath (2) into an anode chamber (13) and a cathode chamber (14). An anode (5) is disposed in the anode chamber (13), and a cathode (6), metallic waste (7) and heater (4) are disposed in the cathode chamber (14). An electrolyte (3) stored in the electrolysis bath (2) flows in a circulation path from a circulating pump (10) through a circulating line (12) and filter (11) to return the electrolysis bath (2). An exhaust gas processing device 9 is connected to the electrolysis bath (2). When a voltage is supplied to the anode (5) and cathode (6), a surface of the metallic waste (7) is charged in a positive polarity to dissolve a base metal of the metallic waste (7). Further, a cylindrical anode (33) is arranged in an electrolyte (32) in an electrolysis bath (31), and a cylindrical metal (34) as a metallic waste is arranged in the cylindrical anode (33).

Abstract: A cell, particularly a membrane cell, that will generally be oriented in an at least substantially vertical positioning, is provided with an array of blade electrodes. The blade electrodes are Delta shape in cross-section, having a flat back face and forwardly sloping sides meeting at a forward edge. Such electrodes can be secured to a current distributor bar, typically on a flat front face of the bar. The forward edge of an electrode blade may be placed opposite a counter electrode of the same or different structure, with a membrane separator usually interposed therebetween. Electrical connection can be made to the electrode blades from the distributor bar, and to the distributor bar through boss electrical connectors. Baffles, which may also be secured to the distributor bar, help establish a front chamber, containing the electrode blades, in front of the baffles, and a back chamber behind the baffles. Electrolyte circulates through the front chamber and recirculates through the back chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for continuous uniform electrolytic metallizing or etching of metal surfaces, and to a device suitable for carrying out this method. The invention is particularly suitable for treating printed circuit boards and conductive films in installations through which the metal surface being treated passes horizontally. In order to avoid metal coatings of differing thicknesses being deposited on narrow and wide conductor strips in printed circuit boards, according to the present invention operation is with movable, preferably rotating roller-shaped intermediate electrodes, which roll without short circuit at a very close effective distance above the metal surface being treated, or which contact the surface in a wiping manner. These intermediate electrodes are not electrically connected to the source of bath current, thus serving as bipolar electrodes, and are located between the surface being treated and a suitable counter-electrode.

Abstract: A halogen generator produces a halogen sanitizing agent to sanitize water in a spa or other water feature. A coaxial wall fitting desirably couples the halogen generator to the water feature. The halogen generator desirably includes a bipolar electrolytic cell in which a center electrode plate rotates between stationary anode and cathode plates. The bipolar electrode includes a plurality of vanes which motivate water flow between the anode and the cathode. The vanes on the rotating electrode also produce a flow of water through the generator. In this manner, the bipolar electrode functions as a impeller to pump water through the halogen generator. The vanes are positioned between the electrode and cathode, and are sufficiently spaced from the cathode to inhibit scale formation on the cathode. The vanes, however, generally do not contact the cathode when rotating.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell (20) which is effectively leakproof and can be incorporated into an easily serviceable cell pack (80). Within the cell are a plurality of parallel electrode plates (44, 46, 56) which act as anode and cathode reaction surfaces for processing chemicals. The electrochemical cell housing (33) is preferably formed of durable plastic with all fluid inlets (36, 38) and outlets (40, 42) on its upper face (30). One or more input manifolds (48, 50) are provided to route process chemicals to the bottom of the cell and then distribute them upward across the electrode plates. The housing is formed as a one-piece, monolithic structure with an opening left on top for fitting the top face. At the end of cell assembly, the top face is attached to the remainder of the cell housing so as to form a sealed cell.

Abstract: A hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell that uses an electrolysis unit that is sealed and has protection from explosions and corrosion. It has a plate structure that produces maximum efficiency of hydrogen production and can adjust the output to better match the needs of a given engine. The unit has an automatic fill system to keep the electrolyte solution at the proper levels for efficient hydrogen production, and the temperature of the electrolysis chamber remains low, thereby reducing the problems of cooling the chamber and the risk of melting the chamber. The device has an extraction chamber that is baffled to prevent backwash of electrolyte solution out of the electrolyte chamber. The device has an explosion preventer that reduces the explosion risk by working the produced gasses through a neutral fluid.

Abstract: A device for electrolytic oxidation of silicon wafers comprises a plate-like anode (6) and a plate-like cathode (1) as well as an arrangement for holding a silicon wafer (4) between and spaced from the anode and the cathode. The anode, the cathode and the silicon wafer are horizontally arranged, and the anode and the cathode are larger than the silicon wafer. The holder arrangement consists of loose spacers (3, 5) which are provided between the silicon wafer and the respective electrode, and which enclose electrolyte, and the stack of electrodes, silicon wafer and spacers being held together only by gravity.

Abstract: A technique for utilizing an electric field to initiate electroless deposition of a material to form layers and/or structures on a semiconductor wafer. The wafer is disposed between a positive electrode and a negative electrode and disposed so that its deposition surface faces the positive electrode. A conductive surface on the wafer is then subjected to an electroless copper deposition solution. When copper is the conductive material being deposited, positive copper ions in the solution are repelled by the positive electrode and attracted by the negatively charged wafer surface. Once physical contact is made, the copper ions dissipate their charges by accepting electrons from the conductive surface, thereby forming copper atoms on the surface. The deposited copper have the catalytic properties so that when a reductant in the solution is absorbed at the copper sites and then oxidized, additional electrons are released into the conductive surface.

Abstract: This electrolytic apparatus for a welding machine uses an electrolytic cell, a mixing tank and a multi-control switch. The electrolytic cell is composed of several pieces of electrode plates which are assembled in a row, the farthest side of which is connected to the positive and negative poles of electrolysis power. After electrolysis, the gas proceeds in a storage tank and the liquid is guided back into the electrolytic cell for recycling use. The fuel gas then goes into a first chamber to get rid of water. In the meantime, part of the fuel gas will be combined with carbohydrate dissolvent to alter its fuel composition and then be recombined with the rest of the gas to provide a desired fuel. This way, the heat of the gas can be heightened, flame temperature can be lowered, and the output ratio for the fuel gas can be controlled and adjusted to attain a welding gun's flame within a comprehensive scope of temperature and heat.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing electrolytically and collecting separately two gases includes an electrolytic tank, a power supply unit, and two gas tanks. The electrolytic tank has a casing with an open top, a plurality of electrode plates which are spaced parallelly in the casing and which are connected electrically to the power supply unit, and a lid member disposed on the open top of the casing. The lid member has first and second cavities in its upper face and a plurality of partition plates and press plates depending alternatively from its lower face. A plurality of clearances are formed between the partition and press plates. Each of the press plates abuts against a top edge of a respective one of the electrode plates. The first and second cavities are formed respectively with a plurality of first and second through holes which are staggered with one another so that the first and second cavities can be communicated alternatively with the clearances.

Abstract: Electrolytic treaters for treating highly conductive liquid media include a conductive housing structure which is fluidically sealed and has inlet and outlet fluid connections, a conductive electrode structure positioned within the housing structure, and a DC power supply connected to components of the housing and electrode structure in such a manner that the output voltage of the power supply is applied across a substantial portion of the liquid media to be treated to control the current flow from the power supply. In a preferred embodiment, the electrode structure is formed by a center electrode rod with a plurality of ring electrodes positioned coaxially between the center electrode rod and the housing. Each ring electrode is formed by a plurality of circumferentially spaced rod elements extending parallel to the center electrode. The rod elements in a given ring electrode are held in place by a plurality of annular spacer baffles which additionally affect the flow of liquid media through the treater.

Abstract: The present invention is a bath which circulates and recycles a multiple mineral solution. The solution is released from the bathtub, filtered at the hair collector and the filtration device, sterilized at the electrolytic sterilizer, and returned to the tub. Non-metallic pipe is used along the circulation route. The electrolytic sterilizer employs several electrode panels which are placed perpendicular to the direction of flow of the solution. The filtration device features a rubber lining in the portions which come into contact with the solution, and has inside of it a dish onto which is lain filter sand. With the use of this invention, it becomes possible to repeatedly use and reuse a highly viscous solution containing multiple minerals as the recycling fluid, jams become infrequent, the filtration and reverse cleansing procedures become less time consuming, and the solution can be effectively sterilized.

Abstract: This invention provides an electrochemical water treatment device for producing hydroxyl free radicals and decomposing by oxidation chemical substances dissolved in water. It utilizes a novel electrode which is capable of operation at sufficiently positive anodic potential to produce hydroxyl radicals.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel electrode which is capable of operation at sufficiently positive anodic potential to produce hydroxyl free radicals and release them into solution, and a process for producing these electrodes. It also provides electrochemical cells utilizing these electrodes, and a novel material included in these electrodes. The electrode consists of titanium metal or a titanium alloy, with an oxide coating that includes titanium dioxide and also includes niobium(IV) oxide or tantalum(IV) oxide, sufficient to impart adequate electrical conductivity to the titanium dioxide under the necessary anodic polarization. An electrode preparation process is described, which allows niobium or tantalum in the oxide coating to be reduced to the +4 valence state, and causes the coating to assume a very stable and insoluble crystal structure. A process for manufacturing ammonium niobate, which is the preferred source compound for niobium in the electrode manufacturing process, is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing contaminants from an aqueous medium. The apparatus includes a fluidized bed of metallic particles through which the medium is flowed and through which an electric current is applied by electrodes for agglomerating contaminants in the medium. In order to allow the electrodes to be non-consumable so that they do not require frequent replacement, the particles are consumable.

Abstract: For the electrolytic extraction of metal from a solution containing metal ions and situated in a first cell, metal is cathodically deposited by means of an anode on an electrically conductive endless band immersed partially into the solution, and is redissolved anodically in the electrolyte of an adjacent second cell by partial immersion of the circulating endless band; the metal dissolved in the second cell is again deposited in high purity on a cathode.

Abstract: A bipolar electrolytic cell includes an anode-side partition having protrusions on the anode side which are electrically connected to the anode through conductive members, or recesses formed by causing the anode-side partition to protrude on the cathode side.Use of this bipolar electrolytic cell enables the conductor resistance on the anode side to be small, allows the anode to be easily replaced when its activity as a catalyst has been deteriorated, and makes it possible to effect easy and economic repairs even when trouble has occurred during operation.

Abstract: An electro-chemical cell suitable for chromic acid regeneration or the electro-chemical treatment of methane sulphonic acid has several plate shaped bipolar electrodes which are spaced by means of frames to form an electrolyte space between every two adjacent electrodes. The electrolyte spaces are closed at the sides and at the bottom so they are impermeable to liquids and adjacent bipolar electrodes are electrically insulated against each other. The electrodes are tightly secured against the frame by means of hose-shaped sealing elements that can expand if internal pressure is applied, these sealing elements each being located in a fixed position in a U-shaped groove inside the frames. The cell is not sealed at the liquid surface of the electrolyte, however, it can be equipped with a cover, depending on the application. In order to remove an electrode, the sealing pressure is decreased by means of a pressure reduction in the interior of the sealing elements.