Abstract: There is disclosed a bipolar electrolytic cell comprising a row of spaced-apart electrodes which include at least one bipolar intermediate electrode. There are an inlet for the supply of electrolyte liquid and an outlet for the discharge of treated liquid, the cell being such that liquid can flow from the inlet to the outlet via a path in which it passes in succession through all the spaces between the electrodes in the row, in each case across the faces of the two electrodes on opposite sides of the space. There is a coating of electrically insulating material on that external surface of each of the electrodes which is on the outside of the row, the insulating material for example being a plastics material such as nylon.

Abstract: A new electrolyzer for the industrial production of fluorine gas which uses bipolar and monopolar electrodes within a tank containing an electrolyte of an anhydrous mixture of mineral fluorides and hydrogen fluoride. A compact construction is achieved which requires only two current connections.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for electrically and mechanically connecting the backplates of a bipolar electrode to be used in a filter press electrolytic cell for electrochemical production. This method employs the use of a metal laminate strip having surfaces of metallic substances identical and corresponding to the metallic makeup of the given backplates which can be welded between the anode and cathode backplates using standard weldment procedures. The metal laminate strips are placed in a spaced series such that the anode and cathode backplates present two parallel planes in spaced relation to each other thereby leaving a space for the escape of hydrogen gas, preventing hydrogen embrittlement of the titanium anode backplate.

Abstract: An improved hollow bipolar electrode unit for use in an electrolytic cell is disclosed, comprising at least one connecting device within the hollow region of the electrode unit to provide mechanical support and electrical communication between the anode and cathode of such bipolar electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method of electrolysis utilizing an electrode fabricated from an alloy of titanium and a rare earth metal. The electrode may be a cathode, or, when having a suitable electrocatalytic coating, an anode, or even a bipolar electrode with anodic and cathodic regions. Also disclosed are electrolytic cells containing such a bipolar electrode, and electrolytic cells containing electrodes fabricated of alloys of titanium and rare earth metals.

Abstract: A hollow bipolar electrode is provided which comprises an anode member and a cathode member. Each member has a base structure and a plurality of removably attached blades or plates extending from the active surfaces of the base structures. The blades or plates are arranged to intermesh when the elctrodes are arranged in a cell. In a preferred embodiment the blades are comprised of a plurality of nested U-shaped sheets.

Abstract: A retaining and restraining support structure for a plural cell electrolyzer is comprised of a sleeper assembly for supporting the electrolyzer cell along its longitudinal dimension, and a tension bar assembly for maintaining each of the cells in a substantially vertical plane, while insuring good mechanical connection and fluid communication therebetween, wherein the tension bar assembly includes plural longitudinal, adjustable tension bars and diagonal, adjustable tie bars.

Abstract: Outlet weir of tank is lower than inlet and electrolyte is forced to flow in alternately downward and upward paths between anodes and cathodes at velocities in excess of 10 feet per minute and preferably 20 to 100 feet per minute. Cathodes (or anodes) are spaced from bottom of tank for flow underneath and anodes (or cathodes) have an upper edge of active area over which electrolyte flows, to produce upward and downward paths. Difference of electrolyte level between downward and upward flow cycles is at least 1/4 inch and not more than 6 inches, while spacing between adjacent electrodes is at least 1/4 inch and not more than 3 inches. Levels of upper edges of active areas may be consecutively lower and bottom of tank may slope downwardly to correspond.

Abstract: In the electrolytic production in water of insoluble metal hydroxide from the metal thereof, more especially of coagulant ferric hydroxide from iron, rectangular channels with flanking ribs provide for pre-established, uniform spacing of the electrode plates and intermediate binary wiping structures. Electrolytic current contact is protected against corrosion by a metallic embossment on the plates. Binary reciprocating wipers are at different wiping levels between successive plates and reversely directed to the opposite surfaces thereof. The wipers are urged against the plate surface by bilateral springs, as the surfaces recede due to thinning of the plates as they are consumed. Terminal panels, on which the wipers land after a reciprocating stroke, coextensively bound the plates; protuberances facilitate the transit of a wiper between them. The terminal panels may be employed to concurrently generate oxygen or chlorine as a supplement to coagulant ferric hydroxide.

Abstract: A bipolar cell comprising a plurality of spaced electrode plates defining a sinuous flow path therethrough, wherein the flow path sweeps out the entire space between adjacent plates so as substantially to prevent the formation of stagnant areas and thus minimize the growth of precipitate between the plates.

Abstract: A method of carrying out an electrochemical reaction comprises setting up a fluidized bed of particles at least some of which have at least their surfaces conducting or semi-conducting, using upwardly flowing liquid electrolyte, with or without reactant liquid, for the purpose, and applying a voltage gradient across at least a portion of said fluidized bed of particles, the size of particles, the conductivity of and rate of flow of the said electrolyte and/or reactant liquid and the voltage gradient being such that not only are anodic and cathodic faces established in respect of each of some of the at least partly conducting particles but the electropotentials on said faces on substantially each bipolar particle are such that said electrochemical reaction takes place on at least some of said bipolar particles but only on one portion of the surfaces thereon of said particles.

Abstract: An improved bipolar electrode having an anodic member and a cathodic member connected in an assembled position spaced a distance apart with a connector constructed of an electrically conductive material disposed between and engaging portions of the anodic member and the cathodic member, the connector mechanically supporting the anodic and the cathodic members in a spaced apart relationship and establishing electrical continuity therebetween.

Abstract: A batch type sodium hypochlorite generator and temporary storage unit comprising a sheet anode and a sheet cathode utilizing vertical S-shaped bipolar sheet electrodes in series therebetween, the cathode and cathodic end of each bipolar unit being substantially encircled by the anode or anodic end of the next adjacent bipolar unit and forming an electrolytic cell therebetween; said anode portion of each electrode having the surface thereof coated with a dimensionally stable electrode coating which is extremely resistant to passivation; nonconductive spacers between each such electrolytic cell to both hold the electrodes in proper alignment and to minimize stray currents between the electrolytic cells; and control means for feeding brine to such generator and discharging such sodium hypochlorite solution therefrom when required.

Abstract: A bipolar electrode comprisingA. an anode member comprising a substrate made of an anticorrosive metal or metal alloy and an electrically conductive coating formed on the surface thereof;B. a cathode member comprising a metal or a metal alloy;C. a partition wall for separating the anode member from the cathode member, the partition wall comprising an anode-side sheet made of the same type of anticorrosive metal or metal alloy used as the substrate of the anode member and a cathode-side sheet made of the same type of metal or metal alloy used as the cathode member; andD. a composite member for electrically and structurally connecting the anode member and the cathode member to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bipolar electrode and method for electrically and mechanically connecting the backplates of a bipolar electrode to be used in a filter press electrolytic cell for electrochemical production. This method employs the use of explosion bonded solid metallic strips between the two backplates of a bipolar electrode to provide the esential electrical and mechanical connection therebetween while leaving sufficient air space to allow the escape of hydrogen gas thereby preventing hydrogen embrittlement of the titanium anode backplate.

Abstract: A bipolar system electrolytic cell having a partition wall made of explosion-bonded titanium plate and iron plate which is electrically connected to anode of titanium substrate at its titanium side and to cathode of iron at its iron side, space is preferably given between anode and the partition wall and also between cathode and the partition wall. An assembly having a number of such unit cells arranged in series is useful for electrolysis of sodium chloride which can be performed under a low voltage per unit cell.

Abstract: Novel vertical multiunit electrolyzers with bipolar metallic electrodes for the electrolysis of halide containing electrolytes to produce oxidized halogen compounds and to a novel electrolysis of electrolytes which is designed to produce a gas lift effect to sweep solid deposits off the electrodes and out of the electrolyzer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spring-loaded electrolytic cell bank of modular construction in which a unitary anode and cathode cell is sandwiched with an identical cell and a multicontact, strip form conductor is interposed therebetween. The conductor establishes electrical connection betwen an anode of one cell and a cathode of the adjacent cell forming a bipolar series connection. The multi-contact conductive strips may be in the form of flat bars having louvers therein, an undulate strip or an askew helix which will contact the adjacent cell units at a plurality of contact points. The cell units and conductive strips are alternated in a filter press type cell bank for electrolytic processes such as the production of chlorine and caustic from the electrolysis of an aqueous brine.

Abstract: A novel electrolytic system, especially suitable for chlorate manufacture, is provided constituted by a novel electrolyzer and a novel reactor. The electrolyzer is designed for multicell assembly employing sheet metal electrodes and includes construction specially designed to hold the electrodes in place and to minimize internal liquor overflow within the cells. Electrolyte flow from cell to adjacent cell is in one direction only, and electrolyte product flow from cell to adjacent cell is in the opposite direction only. The flooded reactor provides suitable electrolyte retention time, temperature and product composition control, respectively, as well as gas separation with liquor level controlled for flooded electrolyzer system. A pipe riser is employed with liquor interconnection means to cause flow between the electrolyzer and the reactor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolytic cell for the generation of low cost halogen biocidally active agent from an aqueous solution having a low halogen salt content for use in the treatment of sewage or other liquid affluents, especially those of fresh water swimming pools or fresh water cooling towers. The electrolytic cell is used in line with pumps generally associated with the distribution of waters for swimming pools or cooling towers.

Abstract: Novel sintered electrodes comprised of a self-sustaining matrix of sintered powders of yttrium oxide and at least one electroconductive agent, the electrode being provided over at least a portion of its surface with at least electrocatalyst useful for electrolysis reaction and bipolar electrodes with the said matrix and electrolysis cells containing the said electrodes.

Abstract: Apparatus for reclaiming silver from solution. Photographic film is transported through a plurality of compartments within which fluids act upon the constituents in the film coating. One of the compartments contains fluid that includes a silver complex dissolved therein, and a silver precipitating unit is positioned within that compartment. The precipitating unit includes anode-cathode elements connected to a source of electrical potential for depositing silver upon the elements.

Abstract: Bipolar cells are designed to permit the introduction of full wave, half wave, or time proportioned, rectified and unfiltered current into a special electrolysis zone which contains coated titanium anodes and steel cathodes with nonconducting baffles which protrude beyond each bipolar electrode in water containing dilute salt solutions. Thereby voltage transformers are eliminated and amperages are very much decreased and easily controlled. For the chlorination of swimming pools, all of the filtered pool water is passed directly through the bipolar electrodes at velocities between 3 and 6 feet per second. This direct liquid flow combined with time proportioned electric current and with iron or stainless steel cathodes prevents the accumulation of precipitates in the cell and permits the control of a wide range of chlorine concentrations while prolonging the life of the coated anodes.

Abstract: An improved hybrid bipolar electrode particularly useful in an alkali chloride electrolysis application, having an anodic member and cathodic member connected in spaced apart relationship by a fastener assembly, a seal being formed between portions of the anodic member and the cathodic member to substantially seal electrolyte from the space between the anodic member and the cathodic member. In one aspect, a barrier member is interposed between the anodic member and the cathodic member to inhibit the contact of migrating atomic hydrogen with the anodic member. In one other aspect of the present invention, a portion of the fastener assembly is constructed of an electrically conductive material and electrical continuity is established between the anodic member and the cathodic member via the fastener assembly, the barrier member serving to effectuate a more even distribution of current flow between the cathodic member and the anodic member in yet another aspect of the present invention.

Abstract: In a pressure electrolyzer suitable for the electrolysis of water or hydrochloric acid or sodium chloride provided with bipolar electrodes forming a plurality of cell units arranged in the form of a cell block, the improvement which comprises a housing for the cell block, said housing being a pressure vessel designed for pressures of at least 1.

Abstract: Describes an electrolysis cell and method of operation in which metal anodes (preferably titanium) provided with an electrically conducting electrocatalytic coating, in an anode compartment, face metal cathodes (preferably diaphragm covered) in a cathode compartment, in which the anodes are spaced from an imperforate valve metal separating partition by a separating wall behind which the anolyte can recirculate downward. The anodic gases rising in the anode compartment discharge into a brine box above the anode compartment near the center thereof and the anolyte recirculates downward near at least one end of the anode compartment, and a method of operation which provides circulation from front to back of the anode compartment and from center to the sides of the anode compartment.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrolytic flow-cell apparatus and a process for effecting sequential electrochemical reactions of redoxidative compounds at a porous working electrode. The porous working electrode has a first face and a second and opposite face, at which faces the sequential reactions are effected.

Abstract: An improved bipolar electrode having an anodic member and a cathodic member connected in an assembled position spaced a distance apart via a fastener assembly disposed between the anodic member and the cathodic member. In one aspect of the present invention, a portion of the fastener assembly is constructed of an electrically conductive material and, in this aspect, the fastener assembly establishes electrical continuity between the anodic member and the cathodic member in addition to providing the mechanical interconnection between the anodic member and the cathodic member.

Abstract: The proposed electrolyzer comprises at least two electrodes having current-distribution supports, whereupon there are mounted electrode members. In said electrolyzer, at least one of the electrodes comprises at least two units having current-distribution supports, whereupon there are mounted electrode members which are joined together along the side edges of their current-distribution supports, the interconnected current-distribution supports of the units making up the current-distribution support of the electrode.

Abstract: Electrolysis cell having bipolar elements arranged side by side are characterized by an assembly of modules, the cohesion of which is ensured by assembly means from module to module. The cell can be applied in particular to the electrolysis of solutions of alkali salts.

Abstract: The disinfecting effect of electric current passing between a contaminated aqueous liquid and an anode immersed in the liquid is enhanced by providing bipolar electrodes between the directly energized anode and cathode so that the flow channels for the liquid between the electrode faces are limited to a width of 3 mm or less, the auxiliary electrodes being insulated from each other and from the directly energized electrodes and disposed in such a manner that the potential difference between each pair of adjacent electrodes is equal.

Abstract: Stable materials, such as films of fluorinated ethylene-propylene copolymers, are bonded to synthetic resinous cell frames with a cyanoacrylate adhesive. The so-covered frames are optimally employed in bipolar electrolytic filter press cells.

Abstract: A novel electrolytic system, especially suitable for chlorate manufacture, is provided constituted by a novel electrolyzer and a novel reactor. The novel separate electrolyzer is designed for multicell assembly employing sheet metal electrodes and includes novel internal construction specially designed to hold the electrodes in place and to minimize internal liquor overflow between adjacent cells. The novel reactor provides suitable electrolyte retention time, temperature and product composition control respectively as well as gas separation with liquor level controlled for flooded electrolyzer system. The electrolyzer and the reactor are connected by liquor interconnection means.

Abstract: A cell frame for a bipolar electrolytic filter press cell includes an electrolysis-associated lower section and a gas disengagement or diverting upper section. A pressure bar extends across the cell frame immediately above the lower section to prevent distortion of the separator by cathode generated gases, and to promote disengagement of the gases. The frame, also, includes external headers in the upper section for collection of the gases evolved by the electrolysis of the electrolytic solutions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bipolar electrolyzer having a plurality of individual electrolytic cells electrically and mechanically in series. Each of the cells has an anolyte chamber, a catholyte chamber, and catholyte liquor withdrawal means. A catholyte liquor trough is disposed along side the electrolyzer and beneath the catholyte liquor withdrawal means. The bipolar electrolyzer is characterized by apparatus for limiting the emission of catholyte liquor laden moisture from the cell liquor trough while simultaneously being capable of indicating a low catholyte liquor level in an individual electrolytic cell of the electrolyzer. Additionally, the apparatus may interrupt the flow of catholyte liquor between the catholyte chambers of the individual electrolytic cells and the catholyte liquor trough, thereby reducing corrosion of the perc pipes. The emission limiting means and low catholyte liquor level indicating means include a top on the cell liquor trough.

Abstract: In a hydrochloric acid electrolysis plate and frame assembly comprising a graphite plate and a frame about said plate so as to provide a gas tight seal while maintaining a sliding fit, the improvement which comprises a tension-free membrane seal fastened to the frame and to the plate across the space where sliding movement therebetween can occur. The membrane advantageously comprises a fabric or film of polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene or a poly-fluoroolefin and is fastened to at least one of said frame and plate by being cemented or bonded. An additional resilient seal such as asbestos fibers may be provided in the space between said plate and frame which space changes in size upon sliding between said plate and frame.

Abstract: In the electrodeposition of metals, the position and shape of the anode with respect to the cathode is critical for uniform deposition of the metal on the cathode. A bipolar electrode comprising a pair of electrically interconnected porous electrodes having surfaces of the metal to be deposited is interposed between the anode and the cathode. The bipolar porous electrode facing the cathode provides metal ions for deposition on the cathode and the bipolar porous electrode facing the anode is plated with metal ions formed at the anode. The position of the bipolar electrode may be periodically reversed, and uniform deposition on the cathode is obtained independent of the shape, size, and position of the anode.

Abstract: A fixture for holding a semiconductor wafer during anodization. The fixture has a major surface with a plurality of concentric ridges on the surface for supporting a semiconductor wafer, with adjacent ridges defining concentric channels therebetween. The fixture includes electrical contact means for contacting the inward surface of the wafer. At least one channel surrounds the contact and an insulating fluid is circulated in the channel to prevent the anodizing solution from electrically shorting to the contact. Means are also supplied for maintaining a vacuum in another channel to secure the wafer against the ridges of the fixture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bipolar electrolyzer having a plurality of bipolar units space from and parallel to each other with a pair of bipolar units defining a single electrolytic cell therebetween. Each of the bipolar units has an anode on one surface and a cathode on the opposite surface, so that the cathode of one bipolar unit faces the anode of the next adjacent bipolar unit. A steel plate is one exposed surface of the backplate and a silicon sheet in electrical contact with the steel plate is the opposite exposed surface of the backplate. The steel plate and the silicon sheet are bonded together with a suitable electroconductive bonding material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anode assembly for electrolytic cells. The anode assembly includes a plurality of parallel silicon anode blades. Between each pair of silicon anode blades are electrolyte-resistant spacers and flexible gaskets with at least one flexible gasket being interposed between the spacer and the silicon anode adjacent thereto and at least one flexible gasket being interposed between the opposite surface of the spacer and the silicon anode adjacent thereto. The anode assembly further includes compressive means passing through each of the silicon anodes, through the flexible gaskets, and through the spacers, providing a compressive force thereon, and this way providing an electrolyte tight seal between the anodes, the flexible gaskets, and the spacers, and this way providing an electrolyte tight wall having silicon anodes extending therefrom.

Abstract: Contaminating ions are removed from an aqueous medium, e.g. hexavalent chromium ions from cooling tower waters, by an electrochemical method which includes formation of an insoluble iron compound or complex of the contaminant ion, utilizing an anode of iron, iron alloy or insoluble iron compound. The electrodes are treated with an acid solution at regular intervals to remove any substances formed on or lodged between the electrodes. The electrolytic cell includes a plurality of closely spaced generally parallel plate electrodes with electric potential applied to the two end electrodes, and an electrode near each end electrode is of a size protecting the end electrode from flux field effects.

Abstract: Novel vertical multiunit electrolyzers with bipolar metallic electrodes for the electrolysis of halide containing electrolytes to produce oxidized halogen compounds and to a novel electrolysis of electrolytes which is designed to produce a gas lift effect to sweep solid deposits off the electrodes and out of the electrolyzer.

Abstract: A bipolar electrode having, between active materials, a heat sink fabricated from a porous electrical and heat conductive material, such as sintered silver, and impregnating the porous material with a phase-change heat absorbent material having a high heat of fusion, such as beeswax, provides an electrode having a very large thermal capacity for a high discharge current density battery.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electrochemical apparatus including two or more electrochemical cells arranged in series. Each of the cells has at least one particulate electrode and is separated from its adjacent cells by a bipolar member which constitutes a current feeder for at least one particulate electrode. The apparatus is particularly useful in processes for the electrodeposition of metal onto the particles of a particulate cathode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bipolar electrode for stacking with other identical bipolar electrodes to form a filter press electrolytic cell. The anode and cathode compartments are pans, each pressed from a single sheet of an appropriate metallic material and are assembled in back-to-back spaced relation leaving an air space between the two pans. The peripheral channels of the pans are filled with a castable rigidizing material to form solid peripheral edges for sealing engagement of the bipolar electrode by other identical bipolar electrodes. These electrodes may be sealingly clamped together in series with diaphragms or membranes sandwiched in between if desired to form a cell structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to welding, brazing or the like utilizing a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen generated in substantially stoichiometric proportions in an electrolytic cell by electrolytic dissociation of water, the mixture so generated being passed from the generator through a flash-back arrestor and thence to a burner where the gases are ignited. The invention also relates to atomic welding in which the above mentioned mixture is passed through an arc causing dissociation of both the hydrogen and oxygen into atomic hydrogen and oxygen which on recombination generate an intensely hot flame.

Abstract: A cathode for electrolysis reactions comprising an electrically conductive electrode base having an outer coating on at least a portion of its exterior of an alloy of palladium and either silver or lead, process for the preparation of said cathodes and a method of electrolysis using said cathode.

Abstract: Novel bipolar electrodes are provided. Such electrodes include an anode in the form of a plate, which is made of a suitable anodic metal, e.g. platinum plated titanium. The cathode is also in the form of a metallic plate and also is formed of a suitable cathodic material, e.g. steel. The anode and cathode are joined to, but separated by, a generally U-shaped (in cross-section) median electrode plate formed, e.g., of titanium. A plurality of electrically insulating spacer elements, formed of a suitable plastics material, e.g. polyvinyl dichloride, project outwardly from both flat faces of at least the cathode plate by also if desired, from the anode plate. A bipolar electrolytic cell fitted with these novel bipolar electrodes has improved current efficiencies, leading to improved electrolyte flow, minimal gas entrapment, less overheating and improved operating load factors.

Abstract: An electrode or electrode assembly comprising an anode of titanium, a cathode of iron or steel and a layer intermediate said anode and cathode comprising silver or gold.

Abstract: Plural concentric, tubular electrodes are disposed in a cylindrical pressure vessel to establish therein plural, at least, partially serially connected cells in radial, spaced-apart relation. The tubular electrodes are either mounted in an insulative bottom layer of the vessel, or when closed at their lower axial ends, are nested with spacers inbetween. Various provisions are made for cooling and for equalizing the electric current density in the several cells or the volume of the cells is kept similar.