Bipolar Electrode Patents (Class 204/268)
  • Patent number: 5322597
    Abstract: An electrochemical fluorination process comprises passing by forced convection a liquid mixture comprising anhydrous hydrogen fluoride and fluorinatable organic compound, e.g., tripropyl amine, at a temperature and pressure at which a substantially continuous liquid phase is maintained, between the electrodes of a bipolar electrode stack. The bipolar electrode stack comprises a plurality of substantially parallel, spaced-apart electrodes made of an electrically-conductive material, e.g., nickel, which is essentially inert to anhydrous hydrogen fluoride and which, when used as an anode, is active for electrochemical fluorination, and the electrodes of the stack are arranged in either a series or a series-parallel electrical configuration. The bipolar electrode stack has an applied voltage difference which produces a direct current which can cause the production of fluorinated organic compound, e.g., perfluoro(tripropyl amine).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: William V. Childs, Frank W. Klink, John C. Smeltzer, Jeffrey C. Spangler
  • Patent number: 5312530
    Abstract: A surface processing device for cleaning and other surface processing of running material, where the material is passed under movement in a path (19A) through the device, wherein the device is provided with means, comprising an inner cavity (13) that is fed with a processing agent under pressure and has a jet forming slot (20) to direct to the running material a well defined laminar jet of the processing agent under an acute angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventor: Reine Lindwall
  • Patent number: 5296121
    Abstract: In an electrolyzer system having metallic supply and discharge piping subjected to shunt currents, the improvement which comprises a removable target electrode in the section of said piping subjected to said shunt currents, said target electrode having a lower overvoltage than the metallic piping being protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Richard N. Beaver, deceased, Gordon E. Newman
  • Patent number: 5292405
    Abstract: An electrolysis cell provides a plurality of electrode stacks arranged electrically and mechanically back-to-back in a vertical orientation to develop an electrically neutral effluent. The electrode stacks comprise a plurality of electrode plates that seal against an inert housing by seals with a U-shaped cross-section. The cell is fully insulated and provides a series electrolyte flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Graham Wicks
  • Patent number: 5266176
    Abstract: Bipolar electrode for an electrolyser of the series type, comprising two metal plates (1, 2) arranged in parallel facing each other, an electrically conductive solid mass (3) maintained under pressure between the two plates and a means for heating the solid mass to a temperature which is at least equal to its flow temperature. The bipolar electrode is suitable for electrolysers of the series type, in which sodium chlorate and hydrogen are produced by electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Solvay (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Frederic Muret, Emile Cabaraux
  • Patent number: 5256262
    Abstract: An electrolytic deburring system and method employing a relatively weakly conducting electrolyte with the cathode immersed in the electrolyte in which an anodic potential is applied to the workpiece being deburred. A conductive element acting as a virtual cathode is placed between the cathode and the part to provide a more conductive path than the existing path through the electrolyte to concentrate deburring action and/or shield a portion of the workpiece from the deburring action.For deburring a multiplicity of parts at the same time, two electrodes are immersed in the electrolyte and a potential difference is applied between them. Spaced parts placed between the electrodes assume potential differences leading to selective material removal from the relatively anodic portions of each part. The polarity of the applied potential may be reversed, thereby reversing the polarity of the potential differences between the parts to selectively remove material from the newly anodic portions of the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Inventor: Karl-Ingemar Blomsterberg
  • Patent number: 5256268
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating water by passing the water through an electrolytic bath provided with an anode and a porous cathode. The water is qualified by the decomposition and the reduction of chloride compounds in the water while the water passes through the porous cathode that occupies full area of a cross section of the flow path of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Nobutaka Goto, Hiroyuki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 5225061
    Abstract: A novel bipolar electrode module is provided. Such module includes a generally-rectangular, plate-like metallic cathode, a generally-rectangular, plate-like metallic anode, the plate-like metallic cathode and anode being disposed in edge-to-edge butting relationship, thereby to align the plate-like metallic cathode to lie in the same plane as the plate-like metallic anode; and the butting relationship between the plate-like metallic anode and the plate-like metallic cathode being provided by a coextensive joint between the respective abutting edges of the plate-like metallic anode and the plate-like metallic cathode, the joint comprising a mechanical integration fit between a plurality a plurality of male tongues on an edge of one metallic plate and a similar plurality of female grooves in an edge of the other metallic plate. The joint provides: structural rigidity for the module; and electrically-conducting zone of low resistance; and no increase in module thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Inventor: Goethe O. Westerlund
  • Patent number: 5049252
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating water contained in a tank to remove contaminants by passing a current through a novel electrode arrangement characterized by vertically disposed electrodes plates. Positive and negative half length electrode pairs are arranged vertically with respect to one another. Such electrode pairs are used in conjunction with full length, active or passive vertical electrode plates which are each adjacent a vertical pair. Preferably the electrodes and tank are made of aluminium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Inventor: Wilfred A. Murrell
  • Patent number: 5009763
    Abstract: A apparatus and method for the reduction and oxidation of constituents of a fluid is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a honeycomb-like structure of oxygen ion conducting ceramic having at least one passage. The passage is lined with a porous bipolar electrode and porous electrodes are formed outside the passage on the ceramic structure, the electrode in the passage being between the outside electrodes. If a voltage is applied to the outside electrodes, reducible and oxidizable constituents in a fluid passing over the passage electrode are oxidized and reduced. The capacity of the apparatus may be increased by increasing the number of passages/electrodes located between the outside electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Advanced Technologies Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph E. Hise
  • Patent number: 4992156
    Abstract: A submerged pool purifier which has a cell including an immersed enclosure (20) to which a number of electrodes (28) are disposed in parallel array along with a masking grid (29) on each electrode. Wires (30) are routed inside existing pool piping connected to opposed electrodes on one end and a power supply (58) to the other. The wires immerge from the pool piping at a convenient location and the egress is interfaced with a compression fitting (36) making the connection watertight. The power supply changes AC electrical power to DC and a polarity reversing timer (60) reverses the polarity at regular intervals to the cell eliminating scale deposits. The DC current to the electrodes that are submerged in pool water containing dilute halite salt cause an electrolytic action ultimately producing nascent oxygen and sodium hypochlorite. In a second embodiment, the electrodes utilize a copper-silver alloy creating copper and silver ions for pool purification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Inventor: Michael A. Silveri
  • Patent number: 4957611
    Abstract: An electrolytic process and apparatus for the production of copper cathodes from acid solutions of copper sulphate by a direct electro-deposition of said metal on lead bipolar electrodes arranged "in series" into electrolyzers consisting of lead electrodes (3) juxtaposed to special frames (1) adapted to define together with said electrode electrolytic cells, absolutely separated from each other and adapted to prevent any formation of shunt currents. The alternating succession of the frames (1) and electrodes (3) is carried by a support structure and is then compressed at the ends thereof by means of two heads and is hermetically sealed by means of packing means interposed between a frame and the adjacent ones. The process can be also applied to other metals other than the copper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Inventor: Rinetto Collini
  • Patent number: 4944859
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell recovery of metal comprising a first partition wall provided with partition openings situated beneath the level of an electrobath and disposed between a dissociated metal recovery chamber and an electrolytic chamber having an anode and a cathode and a second partition wall adapted to constitute an intermediate chamber between the first and second partition walls for recovery of dissociated Cl.sub.2 gas; and also the arrangement of bipolar electrodes in the electrolytic cell and the shape of a control plate for preventing the deposition of sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Toho Titanium Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Matsunami, Kunio Maehara, Susumu Kosemura
  • Patent number: 4931166
    Abstract: An electrode assembly for organic electrosynthesis (and a cell cascade comprising a plurality of such assemblies) for electrochemical reaction between a liquid first phase and a liquid (organic) second phase. The assembly comprises a non-permeable, electrically charged, rotated electrode, in use in contact with the first phase, to which the second phase is charged, and the reaction product of the two phases is removed from the electrode. Also, a process using the assembly or cascade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries PLC
    Inventor: Colin Ramshaw
  • Patent number: 4929325
    Abstract: A removable electrode protective assembly for use in a bipolar battery having common aqueous electrolyte-carrying manifolds. The protective assembly is in electrical communication with the electrolyte contained in a plurality of shunt tunnels extending through the battery and is easily removable from the battery to provide easy access to the various components of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Globe-Union Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald K. Bowen, Jeffrey P. Zagrodnik
  • Patent number: 4927509
    Abstract: A bipolar, filter press type cell is disclosed having a liquid permeable diaphragm which is particularly suited for the electrolysis of a brine solution to produce chlorine and caustic or the electrolysis of an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide to produce an aqueous alkaline hydrogen peroxide solution. The cell can include a multiplicity of cell units extending generally in a vertical as well as a horizontal direction. A porous, self-draining electrode assembly includes a current distributor in contact with a side of the electrode opposite the electrolyte active side of the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: H-D Tech Inc.
    Inventors: Indresh Mathur, Allan James, David Bissett
  • Patent number: 4908114
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of carrying out a mobile atom insertion reaction, such as a hydrogen insertion reaction, for the synthesis of reduced, hydrogenated compounds. Such reactions include the production of ammonia and hydrazine from nitrogen, formic acid and methanol from carbon dioxide, and hydrogen peroxide from oxygen. The insertion reactions are carried out at a bipolar mobile atom transmissive membrane comprising a membrane formed of a mobile atom pump material, as a hydrogen pump material, conductive atom transmissive means on one surface of the membrane and conductive atom transmissive means on the opposite surface of the membrane. The mobile atom, such as hydrogen, diffuses across the membrane, to provide a source of hydrogen on the insertion reaction side of the membrane. The insertion reaction side of the membrane is positively biased with respect to a counterelectrode so that a reactant molecule, such as carbon dioxide, is electrosorbed on that surface of the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Inventor: William Ayers
  • Patent number: 4885142
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jerry W. Suitor, C. Martin Berdahl, Wilbur J. Marner
  • Patent number: 4828667
    Abstract: A filter press type electrolytic cell for continuous operation with renewable sacrificial electrodes. Said device enables cells of the filter press type to be fitted with a sacrificial electrode formed from metallic particles or generally from particles which are consumed during the electrolysis, and which can be continuously renewed.The modified cells according to the invention can be used successfully for electro-organic processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Inventors: Giuseppe Silvestri, Giuseppe Filardo, Salvatore Gambino
  • Patent number: 4824534
    Abstract: In this process for electrically separating the electrolyte-bearing main from the electrolyte spaces of an electrochemical cell pile, the electrolyte is passed via drop sections directly from the main into the electrolyte space or directly from the electrolyte space into the main.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Tetzlaff, Dieter Schmid, Jurgen Russow
  • Patent number: 4793910
    Abstract: A multielectrode photoelectrochemical cell in which at least contains two bipolar electrode panels for photoelectrochemical reactions such as water photolysis to produce H.sub.2 O.sub.2 without external bias. In one embodiment of the present invention, a bipolar TiO.sub.2 /Pt multielectrode photoelectrochemical cell was fabricated with five panels in series. The cell permitted unassisted photolytic (Xe lamp) water splitting to produce H.sub.2 and O.sub.2 with H.sub.2 O.sub.2 molar ratio of 2.4/1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: Eugene Smotkin, Allen J. Bard, Marye A. Fox
  • Patent number: 4790923
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell for producing a halogen biocide and oxygen in a liquid containing a halogen salt as the liquid is passed therethrough. The electrolytic cell contains a plurality of electrode plates which are mounted in spaced apart parallel relationship in the cell with less than all of the electrtode plates being connectable to a suitable power supply. The cell is configured so that the end edges of at least the electrode plates which are connectable to the power supply are encased in an electrically insulative chemically resistant material to prevent current leakage between those plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Inventor: Neil W. Stillman
  • Patent number: 4784742
    Abstract: Cathode for use in magnesium production by electrolysis of molten salts. The cathode consists of compact molybdenum, tungsten or alloys of these metals or consists of a substrate coated with molybdenum, tungsten or alloys of these metals. The thickness of the coating is at least 10-20 .mu.m. The substrate can be iron or carbon. Carbon coated with molybdenum, tungsten or alloys of these metals can be used as the cathodic face of a bipolar electrode. The wetting of the cathode by magnesium is improved and the amount of contaminants in the produced metal is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro a.s.
    Inventors: Oddmund Wallevik, Ole J. Kaasa, Gunnar Endal
  • Patent number: 4783246
    Abstract: A hypochlorite generator is disclosed which can make use of multiple, flat, plate-like bipolar electrodes. The electrodes are housed in non-conductive casing members which can be outfitted with fastening means that facilitate easy access for inspection and cleaning of electrodes. Bipolar electrodes are recessed in the casing members whereby a fluid flow passageway is left between plate electrodes. Desirable fluid flow velocities may be achieved, coupled with excellent cell efficiencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: ELTECH Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Leonard E. Langeland, Charles W. Clements
  • Patent number: 4770753
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries PLC
    Inventor: Colin Ramshaw
  • Patent number: 4758322
    Abstract: Apparatus for the electrolysis of solutions. The apparatus comprises bipolar elements formed of a conductive plate peripherally surrounded by an insulating frame provided with feeding and discharging channels along peripheral zones of the frame. A cavity is formed with the conductive plate as the bottom and the frame as wall. Separating elements can be inserted between the bipolar elements. The separating elements consist of a porous diaphragm and an insulating frame also having feeding and discharging channels. Electrodic structures, consisting of cut and expanded metal sheets, nets or other material having high internal porosity may fill up the remaining space between two lateral bipolar elements and a central separating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Assignee: Metkon S.A.
    Inventor: Giancarlo Sioli
  • Patent number: 4734180
    Abstract: A bipolar type electrolyzer unit cell includes an anode-side pan-shaped body and a cathode-side pan-shaped body which each comprise a hooked frame, frame wall, and partition wall and are disposed back to back; rod shaped frames inserted between the hooked flange and the frame wall in each body, and a bipolar type of electrolyzer in which a plurality of the unit cells is arranged in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masatoshi Sato, Keiji Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 4728409
    Abstract: An electrochemical reactor is provided with spaced apart anode and cathode monopolar electrodes. At least one bipolar electrode, and preferably a plurality of bipolar electrodes, are disposed between the monopolar electrodes. Each bipolar electrode has a plurality of openings therethrough occupying a suitable surface area thereof, such that gas disengagement from one side of the electrode is facilitated by passage of such gas through the openings therein to the other side of the electrodes. Such a cell is particularly useful in production of peroxide by electroreduction of oxygen. Such an arrangement allows relatively high superficial current densities to be used, as well as permitting use of gas impermeable separators (e.g. diaphragms or membranes) disposed adjacent the bipolar electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Canadian Patents and Development Limited
    Inventor: Colin W. Oloman
  • Patent number: 4726891
    Abstract: A flat plate bipolar electrolytic cell frame unit has a plurality of connectors removably attachable to the centerboard. Anode and cathode plate supports or ribs have outer plate supporting edges and are cooperable with the connectors, when the latter are secured to the centerboard, to enable adjustment of the ribs to preselected positions whereat their edges define preselected planes, such that when the anode and cathode plates are subsequently welded to said edges and assembled with the connectors to the centerboard, the anode and cathode plates of adjacent bipolar cell units are parallel and closely spaced by a predetermined distance. The connectors are removably secured to the centerboard and the ribs are welded at their adjusted positions to their respective connectors. Thereafter the welded together connectors and ribs are removed from the centerboard to enable unencumbered welding of the anode and cathode plates to said edges of the anode and cathode ribs respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Richard N. Beaver, Hiep D. Dang
  • Patent number: 4680100
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrodes having fibers which provide large surface areas, high bond strength between the core fibers and metallic coatings thereon, and efficient electrical connections; electro-chemical cells including such electrodes; and processes for forming and utilizing the electrodes and cells of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: American Cyanamid Company
    Inventor: Louis G. Morin
  • Patent number: 4666580
    Abstract: The present invention is a structural frame particularly suitable for use in an electrochemical cell. The frame comprises an organic plastic member with a plurality of horizontally and vertically spaced-apart shoulders protruding outwardly from opposing generally coplanar anolyte and catholyte surfaces of the plastic member. Each of the shoulders annularly encircles and supports an electrically conductive insert extending from an exterior face of a shoulder on the catholyte surface of the plastic member, through the plastic member, to an exterior face of a shoulder on the anolyte surface of the plastic member.An electrically conductive substantially completely hydraulically impermeable anolyte cover is matingly affixed to the anolyte surface of the plastic member and adapted to minimize contact between the anolyte and the plastic member. The anolyte cover is resistant to the corrosive effects of the anolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Richard N. Beaver, Gregory J. E. Morris, Hiep D. Dang, John R. Pimlott
  • Patent number: 4623440
    Abstract: An electrode, for use in an electrolytic cell, which electrode is associated with a reference electrode adjacent to a surface of said electrode, in which the electrode comprises at least two spaced apart members, at least one of which is foraminate and which comprises an operative electrode surface, and in which the reference electrode is positioned between and spaced apart from said members.A reference electrode may be associated with an anode, and a reference electrode may be associated with a cathode, and the potentials associated with various cell parameters may be monitored, for example over potentials at the anodes and cathodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries PLC
    Inventor: John F. Cairns
  • Patent number: 4620915
    Abstract: An electrode for an electrolyzer comprising at least two mechanically joined parts (1, 2) between which electrical connection is maintained by means of several elastic, thin and electrically conductive louvers (4), positioned at an angle to the surfaces, which louvers are pressed to contact with the surfaces of the electrode parts by means of a mechanical joint (6) between the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Assignee: KemaNord Blekkemi AB
    Inventor: Tommy Ohlin
  • Patent number: 4613414
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell for metal, particularly Mg, production includes a cathode or intermediate bipolar electrode having a cathodic face provided with a plurality of small cavities shaped to trap droplets of molten metal formed during electrolysis. The cavities help the metal droplets to coalesce and reduce the extent of back reaction with e.g. chlorine generated at the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1986
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Olivo G. Sivilotti, Junkichi Iseki
  • Patent number: 4604177
    Abstract: A cell for producing magnesium or other metal by electrolysis of molten chloride or other electrolyte comprises at least one electrode assembly of an anode 24, at least one intermediate bipolar electrode 28, 30, 32, 34 and a cathode 26 defining generally vertical interelectrode spaces between them. To minimize current leakage, the intermediate bipolar electrodes preferably almost completely surround the anode including the edges and the bottom.In operation, a metal/electrolyte mixture is swept up the interelectrode spaces by generated chlorine gas and spills out over the cathode into a duct 20 behind the cathode, the duct including a restricted passage 58 for degassing and an inverted channel 62 to collect product metal and convey it to a metal collection chamber 18.The electrolyte surface is preferably maintained at about the level of the top edges of the intermediate bipolar electrodes by means of a level control device 22 submerged in electrolyte in the metal collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventor: Olivo G. Sivilotti
  • Patent number: 4604171
    Abstract: Unitary, cast structural element for solid polymer electrolyte filter pass electrolysis cell which incorporates into a single unit the central barrier between the peripheral boundaries for the adjacent anode compartment and adjacent cathode compartment of two electrolysis cells located on opposite sides of the central barrier. Also incorporated into the single cast structural element are anode bosses and cathode bosses extending outwardly from opposite sides of the central barrier. These bosses not only serve as mechanical support for their respective flat plate anode and cathode, but also they serve as stand-off means and electrical current collectors and dispersers from the cathode of one electrolysis cell to the anode of the next cell. Simplicity of design coupled with incorporation of many functional elements into one part eliminates many cell warpage problems, inherent high voltage problems and solid polymer electrolyte membrane "hot spot" problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Gregory J. E. Morris, John R. Pimlott, Richard N. Beaver, Hiep D. Dang, Sandor Grosshandler
  • Patent number: 4601804
    Abstract: The thermally insulated cell comprises: a trough with a steel shell which is surrounded by an outer wall, is lined with a material which is resistant to electrolyte and high temperatures, and is closed by a lid; an electrolyte based on alkali chlorides; segregation wells for the addition of aluminum which is to be purified and for the precipitation of impurity crystals; a supply means which is used to feed-in electrolyte material and is also conceived as a waste gas extractor; a collection and run-off system for the high purity aluminum. Provided in the interior of the cell are bipolar electrode units which are connected electrically in series and are arranged immersed in the electrolyte parallel to the end electrodes. The electrode units comprise graphite frames closed and sealed off by a diaphragm plate, which can be wet by the electrolyte but not by the aluminum. The interpolar distance between the inner side of the diaphragm plate and the cathodic graphite frame is preferably 10-25 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Assignee: Swiss Aluminium Ltd.
    Inventor: Sylvestre Vire
  • Patent number: 4584080
    Abstract: In this electrolysis apparatus, the anode and the gas diffusion cathode are arranged to be separated from one another by means of a partition. At least one element (6) which has the form of a twin trough is located between two half-shells (1, 2) which are located at the ends and of which one carries an anode (4) and the second carries a cathode (5). This twin trough is formed by a common plate (7) and a lateral wall (8), the height of which is divided by the plate and the edges of which are provided with flanges (9, 10). The anode (4) and the cathode (5) are electrically conductively connected to the wall (8) and to struts (13) which protrude vertically from the plate on both sides. In order to form a cavity (16) between the partition (14) and the cathode (5), a sealing element is arranged between these two.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1986
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rudolf Staab, Kurt Hannesen
  • Patent number: 4581114
    Abstract: A generic, simple, economical method for making and assembling either a monopolar or bipolar filter press type electrochemical cell unit. The first feature is making a novel central cell element. This cell element is an integrally formed, unitary, cast structural element for filter press electrolysis cell which incorporates into a single cell unit the central barrier between the peripheral boundaries for the adjacent anolyte compartment and adjacent catholyte compartment of two electrolysis cells located on opposite sides of the central barrier. Also incorporated into the single cast structural element are anode bosses and cathode bosses extending outwardly from opposite sides of the central barrier. These bosses not only serve as mechanical support for their respective flat plate anode and cathode elements, but also they serve as stand-off means and electrical current collectors and dispersers from the cathode of one electrolysis cell to the anode of the next cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Gregory J. E. Morris, Richard N. Beaver, Sandor Grosshandler, John R. Pimlott, Hiep D. Dang
  • Patent number: 4568440
    Abstract: A bipolar electrolyzer is provided which includes a plurality of bipolar electrode sub-assemblies which position the electrodes in the cells in a manner such that improved electrical operating characteristics are achieved. Each bipolar electrode sub-assembly includes an alternating stack of electrically insulating spacer members and bipolar electrodes. Electrodes are horizontally received in a channel in the electrically insulating spacer members which fixes the spaced relationship between juxtapositioned anodes and cathodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Sutter, Russell M. Wiseman
  • Patent number: 4564433
    Abstract: A bipolar electrode has plate-like anode and cathode parts. The anode and cathode parts are secured together, edge-to-edge, to form a single element in one plane by an intermediate connecting piece. The intermediate connecting piece itself is a composite element having parts of materials which are compatible with the respectively adjacent anode and cathode. The two parts of the composite element are joined together by hot isostatic pressure, explosion-plating or diffusion-welding into the composite body, the resultant composite body then permitting welding of the respective anode and cathode plates to the respective anode part and cathode part of the composite element or body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1986
    Assignee: Heraeus Elektroden GmbH
    Inventors: Waltraud Werdecker, Peter Fabian
  • Patent number: 4554063
    Abstract: Especially for bipolar membrane electrolysis cells, cathodic current collectors (8) are required which have a high electrical conductivity, a large contact surface area and a sufficient porosity to ensure the passage of reaction educts and products, for example, water and gas. At the same time, they should be chemically, mechanically and thermally stable. No protective voltage should be required while the cells are closed down. The current collector consists of graphite powder (12) of high purity, having particle sizes in the range from 10 .mu.m-200 .mu.m, and carbon fibres (13) which are irregularly distributed therein and have lengths from 1 mm to 30 mm, the graphite powder/carbon fibre mass ratio being in the range from 10:1 to 30:1. The binder used is polyvinylidene fluoride. For producing the current collector, the binder is dissolved in, for example, dimethylformamide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1985
    Assignee: BBC Brown, Boveri & Company Limited
    Inventors: Moritz Braun, Anna Kaufmann, Edwin Muller
  • Patent number: 4530742
    Abstract: Disclosed are electrodes, e.g., cathodes useful for the preparation of alkali metal halates. The electrodes comprise a substrate selected from the group consisting of titanium, steel, copper, nickel and silver and, in one embodiment, a coating of a Group VIII metal oxide selected from the group consisting of ruthenium, cobalt, rhodium, iridium, nickel, palladium and platinum. In a further embodiment, the coating also contains at least one Group IV metal oxide, e.g., titanium and tin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1985
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William W. Carlin, Debra S. Marzec
  • Patent number: 4529494
    Abstract: A monolithic bipolar electrode for the production of primary aluminum by molten salt electrolysis is composed of a cermet anodic layer 10, a conductive and diffusion-resistant intermediate layer 14, and a refractory hard metal cathodic layer 20, with the edges covered by an electrolyte-resistant coating. The intermediate conductive layer 14 has a coefficient of thermal expansion intermediate to the anodic and cathodic layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Assignee: Great Lakes Carbon Corporation
    Inventors: Louis A. Joo', Duane R. Secrist, James M. Clark, Kenneth W. Tucker, Jay R. Shaner
  • Patent number: 4510029
    Abstract: Directed to the electrolytic purification of molten magnesium chloride cell feed and to a covered cell design therefor wherein preferably a plurality of bipolar electrodes are employed. A current density of about 0.8 to about 1.5 amperes per square inch D.C. is employed, flow of the electrolyte through the cell proceeds in a non-turbulent manner through flow passages in the electrodes, and the solid impurities deposited electrolytically are removed periodically by mechanical action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Assignee: AMAX Inc.
    Inventors: Ramaswami Neelameggham, John C. Priscu, Robert D. Toomey
  • Patent number: 4500403
    Abstract: A divided electrochemical cell assembly comprises stacked bipolar substantially square parallel planar electrodes and membranes. The corners and edges of the electrodes with bordering insulative spacers in juxtaposition with the chamber walls define four electrolyte circulation manifolds. Anolyte and catholyte channeling means permit the separate introduction of anolyte and catholyte into two of the manifolds and the withdrawal of anolyte and catholyte separately from at least two other manifolds. The electrodes and membranes are separated from one another by the insulative spacers which are also channeling means disposed to provide electrolyte channels across the interfaces of adjacent electrodes and membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1985
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventor: Christopher J. H. King
  • Patent number: 4495048
    Abstract: A filter-press type electrolytic cell is disclosed wherein sodium hypochlorite is produced by diaphragmless electrolysis of saline water. The filter-press electrolytic cell is compact and simple in structure, and operates with improved current efficiency, at a reduced cell voltage, and with less power and with minimal maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Assignee: The Japan Carlit Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Murakami, Kaoru Hirakata, Shinichi Shimoda, Reiichi Itai
  • Patent number: 4481085
    Abstract: An apparatus for electrolysis of MgCl.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ishizuka
  • Patent number: 4461692
    Abstract: Discloses an electrolytic cell having base-to-base bipolar electrodes in side-by-side configuration in a cell box where the cathodes are fabricated of titanium. The cathodes adjacent to external walls are perforated whereby to avoid hydride formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1984
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl W. Raetzsch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4459195
    Abstract: A cell for producing a metal by electrolysis of an anhydrous metal halide in a bath of molten salts comprises an external jacket of substantially parallelipipedal shape, having cooling means, ports for the input and output of liquid and gaseous fluids and means for supplying electricity, the lower end of the jacket includes a receptacle zone to collect the metal produced; a plurality of stacked electrodes in the central portion of the cell, each stack comprising, in a vertical direction and in descending order, a current supply electrode, intermediate multipolar members and a current output electrode, defining regular interpolar spaces; and a gas collecting zone in the top portion. The cell is characterized in that the multipolar members are assembled in a vertical stack, and the interpolar spaces are substantially vertical. The cell is particularly well adapted for the production of aluminum by electrolysis of the corresponding chloride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Assignee: Aluminum Pechiney
    Inventor: Yves Bertaud