Abstract: A fluid-type multiple electrochemical system. The system includes a substrate for an electric circuit having a plurality of electrode parts formed at regular intervals. The electrode parts each include a reference electrode and an auxiliary electrode. Also provided is a fluid-type substrate having a fluid injection part, a fluid ejection part and a plurality of fluid storages. The fluid storages are formed at the same regular intervals as the electrode parts of the substrate and are connected with each other through fluid passages. The system also includes a sensor substrate having a plurality of unit sensors formed at the same regular intervals as the electrode parts of the substrate. Each unit sensor has an electrode part, an electrode pad for supplying power voltage simultaneously, and an electrode wiring.

Abstract: An apparatus for electroplating a rotogravure cylinder out of a plating solution is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plating tank adapted to support the cylinder and to contain a plating solution so that the cylinder is at least partially disposed into the plating solution. The apparatus also includes a non-dissolvable anode at least partially disposed within the plating solution. A current source is electrically connected to the non-dissolvable anode and to the cylinder. An ultrasonic system may be provided to introduce wave energy into the plating solution includes at least one transducer element mountable within the tank and a power generator adapted to provide electrical energy to the transducer element. A holding tank having a circulation pump, a mixing system and heating and cooling elements for the plating solution may be provided.

Abstract: A substrate plating apparatus forms an interconnection layer on an interconnection region composed of a fine groove and/or a fine hole defined in a substrate. The substrate plating apparatus includes a plating unit for forming a plated layer on a surface of the substrate including the interconnection region, a chemical mechanical polishing unit for chemically mechanically polishing the substrate to remove the plated layer from the surface of the substrate leaving a portion of the plated layer in the interconnection region, a cleaning unit for cleaning the substrate after the plated layer is formed or the substrate is chemically mechanically polished, a drying unit for drying the substrate after the substrate is cleaned, and a substrate transfer unit for transferring the substrate to and from each of the first plating unit, the first chemical mechanical polishing unit, the cleaning unit, and the drying unit.

Abstract: Contaminated water, particularly, ballast water, blackwater, galley water, accommodation water, laundry water, fresh water and seawater, is disinfected by admixture of a highly reactive gas stream containing ions of oxygen and nitrogen, formed by exposure of air to short-wavelength ultraviolet radiation, and of chlorine, formed in situ by electrolysis of salt in the water. Solids removal can be accomplished by electrophoresis in the same unit employed for electrolysis to release chlorine, or in a separate unit. Heavy metals maybe removed by plating or sacrificing electrodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for plating a substrate is provided, wherein fine pits formed in the substrate, such as fine channels for wiring, are filled with a copper, copper alloy, or other material with low electrical resistance. The method is performed on a wafer W having fine pits (10) to fill the fine pits with a metal (13) and includes performing a first plating process (11) by immersing the wafer in a first plating solution having a composition superior in throwing power; and performing a second plating process (12) by immersing the substrate in a second plating solution having a composition superior in leveling ability.

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

Abstract: A method for installation of a flexible resin impregnable liner for lining a lateral pipe which leads into a main pipe having at one end a flexible collar for installation at the location where the lateral liner meets the main, wherein after installation the collar extends along the interior of the main seating against the opening of the lateral. The flexible liner is installed by inserting the liner into the lateral pipe and using fluid under pressure to expand the lining against the lateral wall to form seals with the collar at the lateral/main pipe junction.

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: Provided are an apparatus and a method for purification of water in which impurities in contaminated water can be removed with a reduced amount of flocculant and with high efficiency. The apparatus comprises, in the order from the side where contaminated water is introduced, an electrolysis tank (1) for electrolyzing the contaminated water, a gas mixing tank (2) for mixing carbon dioxide into the contaminated water electrolyzed, a coagulation tank (3) for mixing Fe3+ supplied from a flocculant producing device (7) to coagulate impurities in the contaminated water, and a floatation tank (4) for floating and separating the impurities coagulated. The electrolysis tank (1) electrolyzes the contaminated water to lower zeta potential of colloid particles in the contaminated water, and then the contaminated water is mixed with Fe3+ in the coagulation tank (3), thereby reducing the amount of positively charged Fe3+ to be added for neutralizing the colloid particles.

Abstract: A Kit of modular components for the manufacture of an electrochemical reactor (1) of the so-called filter-press type having a substantially tubular body (1a), closed at the opposite ends by end plates (2, 3) and in which is defined a sequence of electrolyte cells (4z, 4b) in fluid with pipes (7 to 10) extended in said body (1a), in a direction parallel to its axis (AA), for the collection and distribution of process fluids, distinguishes itself in that it comprises: a plurality of electrochemically functional flat elements (13, 13a) selected from bipolar elements and separation elements, a plurality of frames (11), all identical to each other, realized with an electrically non-conducting material and structured to enclose and support inside them, in a per se known way, respective pre-selected electrochemically functional flat elements (13, 13a), each of the frames (11) being equipped with an equal plurality of through-holes (14, 14a; 15, 15a; 211, 22; 26, 27) parallel to the axis of the respective frame (11)

Abstract: An electrowinning cell, having a tank with an opened upper end defined by a tank edge, electrolyte within the tank and a plurality of flat, metallic electrode plates disposed within the tank in side-by-side, spaced-apart, parallel relationship. Adjacent electrode plates define an electrode gap therebetween. An injector manifold is disposed at the bottom of the tank for feeding electrolyte into the tank at locations below the electrode plates. A collector grid, comprised of a plurality of collectors having ports, define an upper level of electrolyte by collecting the electrolyte from the tank. The ports are disposed in spaced-apart relationship within the open upper end defined by the tank edge. The collector grid and the injector creating a flow of electrolyte upward between the plates as the electrolyte flows from the manifold locations below the plates to the ports.

Abstract: Dielectric rails (112) support an electrode stack (109) that is compressed between end pressure plates (118). The stack is composed of a dielectric spacer (46, 103) forming a central spacer opening, separating a pair of electrode plates (101,102) that each have a different configuration of openings. A first electrode plate (101) of the pair has a central aperture, while the second electrode plate (102) of the pair has peripheral apertures. A compression device such as a hydraulic cylinder (124) compresses the stack, sliding the plates and spacers together to form a pressure-tight reaction chamber (108). When the cylinder is released, any plate or spacer is readily removed from the stack for replacement or maintenance merely by lifting it off the rails. An electric potential can be applied to each electrode plate at a connecting ear (116), which may be a one of the rail guides (116).

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: An electrolysis cell comprises a housing receiving a plurality of parallel electrodes separated by guides to define a plurality of passageways through which an electrolyte solution is flowed from an inlet end to an outlet end, the solution being subjected to electrolysis by applying an electrical potential between electrodes. At the inlet and outlet ends, spaced wall means engage with the electrodes to extend the electrolyte passageways and confine electrolyte to the respective passageways whereby a short circuit through the electrolyte between electrodes is avoided.

Abstract: An improved chlorination system for pools, spas, potable water supplies, and the like, provides a vertically oriented electrolytic cell connected between a pump and a lightly salinated pool. The cell preferably contains a metallic electrode, such as copper, and a precious metal coated titanium electrode, and has means for passing an electric current through the cell. The present invention further provides a novel electrode stack design, conducive for forming an efficient chlorinator comprising a plurality of interconnecting electrode stacks of separate electrical cells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming interconnects embedding a metal such as copper (Cu) into recesses for interconnects formed on the surface of a substrate such as a semiconductor substrate. The method includes providing a substrate having fine recesses formed in the surface, subjecting the surface of the substrate to plating in a plating liquid, and subjecting the plated film formed on the surface of the substrate to electrolytic etching in an etching liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for contaminant separation utilizes an interleaved array of oppositely charged electrode plates for fluid treatment. Spacing between the parallel electrode plates is graduated so that the volume of the cavities between the opposing electrodes provides varying levels of treatment of a broad range of contaminants from a variety of fluid columns. A fluid flow path extending substantially orthogonal to the direction of the electrical field established between opposing electrode plates provides a feed stream with exposure to the varying levels of electrical charges between the electrode plates. The method and apparatus provides an effective means of contaminant separation by a device having a small footprint and requiring low amounts of electrical energy.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell system includes a hydrogen electrode; an oxygen electrode; a membrane disposed between the hydrogen electrode and the oxygen electrode; and a compartmentalized storage tank. The compartmentalized storage tank has a first fluid storage section and a second fluid storage section separated by a movable divider. The compartmentalized storage tank is in fluid communication with the electrochemical cell. Further, an electrochemical cell includes a hydrogen electrode; an oxygen electrode; an electrolyte membrane disposed between and in intimate contact with the hydrogen electrode and said oxygen electrode; an oxygen flow field disposed adjacent to and in intimate contact with the oxygen electrode; a hydrogen flow field disposed adjacent to and in intimate contact with the hydrogen electrode; a water flow field disposed in fluid communication with the oxygen flow field; and a media divider disposed between the oxygen flow field and the water flow field.

Abstract: An electrolytic treatment apparatus includes a substantially hollow tubular outer vessel housing closed at its bottom end and provided with a liquid inlet and liquid outlet adjacent its bottom and top ends. A self-contained reactor cartridge unit integrates the vessel cap, electrodes, electrode supports, any electrode wiring connections and any liquid dispersion members into a single removable unit for installation into and removal from the vessel housing so that, when maintenance is required, complete reactor cartridges may be exchanged in a matter of seconds, thereby virtually eliminating downtime of the treatment system for maintenance and other electrode replacement needs.

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

Abstract: A stack of plates (121) (such as fuel cells, electrochemical cells, or enthalpy exchange plates) is surrounded by a sleeve manifold (119) which is shaped to provide manifold chambers (34-39; 146-149; 151-153; 156-158; 161-163; 180-187), and including surfaces (142) for seals (143) to isolate the manifold chambers from each other. Sleeve manifolds (119a, 119b, 119c) may be formed of material of varying thickness, by machining, casting, or extrusion, or may be formed of material (119d) of uniform thickness by bending, casting or extrusion. Sleeve manifolds may be formed of metal, graphite, plastic or reinforced plastic.

Abstract: An apparatus including a basis that has a plurality of wells associated therewith for defining a plurality of electrochemical cells; at least two electrodes sealingly disposed in each electrochemical cell; and circuitry for providing an electrical connection between an electrical source and each said cell. A particularly preferred apparatus employs at least one printed circuit board secured to the base. In a preferred method, candidate materials are introduced into the apparatus and their respective performances are analyzed.

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

Abstract: A high volume electrolytic water treatment system and process for treating wastewater. The system and process is designed to treat waste streams that are both complex and with variable contaminate compositions. The system includes pumping influent water to a headworks screen for removing solids in the water. The screened water is then discharged into primary and secondary surge tanks. The tanks include electrocoagulation electrodes. The electrodes, using alternating current, destabilize materials such as fats, oils, greases and surfactants. The pretreated influent water is then pumped to one or more elongated flow-through modules. The flow-through modules also include electrocoagulation electrodes for further treating of the influent water. From the flow-through modules, the treated water is sent to a foam removal apparatus and then to a clarifier. Clear water from the clarifier then flows into an effluent weir and discharged from the system thereby completing the water treatment process.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation process for removing organic and metal contaminants from a pressurized waste fluid is disclosed in which a clarified waste fluid is produced when the pressure is released.

Abstract: A flow field plate for a fuel cell comprising at least one channel extending from a source of fluid to a drain for said fluid, in which the cross-sectional area of said channel at drain or source is less than 95% of the cross-sectional area at source or drain respectively.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a substrate processing system and method. The substrate processing system generally includes two primary components. The first component is an interface section having at least one first substrate transfer robot positioned therein, and the second component is at least one processing module in communication with the interface section, the at least one processing module having a pretreatment and post treatment cell, a processing cell, at a second substrate transfer robot positioned therein. The substrate processing method generally includes transporting a dry substrate to a processing module via a dry interface. Once the substrate is positioned in the processing module, a robot transfers the substrate between a treatment cell and a processing cell contained within the processing module to complete a predetermined sequence of processing steps.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatus for polishing semiconductor workpieces using electrochemically generated species are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of processing is provided that includes contacting a semiconductor workpiece to a solution, electrochemically generating a chemical species in the solution, and polishing the semiconductor workpiece with the aid of the solution.

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

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an electrochemical plating system. The plating system includes a substrate loading station positioned in communication with a mainframe processing platform, at least one substrate plating cell positioned on the mainframe, at least one substrate bevel cleaning cell positioned on the mainframe, and a stacked substrate annealing station positioned in communication with at least one of the mainframe and the loading station, each chamber in the stacked substrate annealing station having a heating plate, a cooling plate, and a substrate transfer robot therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for purifying fluids comprising at least one electrochemical cell having a cathode (3), an anode (5) and an electrolyte (7), said cathode (3) comprising a metal complex, ML, where M represents a metal and L represents an organic or inorganic ligand, said complex being capable of forming the hydroxyl radical by a reaction wherein the metal in the complex is oxidised and acquires an additional positive charge, said anode (5) creating positive ions and electrons, said electrolyte (7) allowing the transfer of a positive charges, said cathode being arranged such that the fluid to be purified can come into contact with the metal complex on the cathode. The invention also provides a related electrode and a related electrochemical cell as well as a corresponding method for purifying fluids.

Abstract: An arrangement for cleaning the bottom of an electrolytic tank of solids settled on the bottom of the tank, said arrangement comprising elements to be moved along the bottom or at least in the vicinity thereof in order to detach solids from the bottom. The arrangement comprises at least one moveable suction element, whereby at least part of the solids accumulated on the bottom is conducted out of the tank.

Abstract: The invention provides an electroflocculation process for producing potable water from impure water, comprising forming trivalent ions in situ by electrolysis of metallic electrodes (16) selected from the group consisting of metallic aluminum electrodes and metallic iron electrodes, wherein water to be treated is caused to ascend sequentially through apertures (22) provided in a stack of parallel metallic plates (16) serving as said electrodes, each plate being charged with a polarity opposite to plates adjacent thereto, apertures of adjacent plates being vertically misaligned, whereby turbulent flow and mixing is created by the sequential passage of said water to be treated from the aperture of the lowest of said plates to the apertures of the plates thereabove to exit from the highest of said plates.

Abstract: An improved electrolysis system having components for separating gases, especially toxic gases produced along with electrolyzed liquids from the respective chambers of the electrolysis cell; for reprocessing and recovering the separated gas/es into useful products; and for treating new or used electrolyzed liquids obtained from the chambers of the electrolysis cell prior to discharge into the environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an alloy electroplating system for semiconductor wafers including a plating chamber connected by a circulating system to a plating solution reservoir. The semiconductor wafer is used as the cathode with an inert primary anode in the plating chamber. A plurality of consumable remote secondary anodes at different voltages in the plating solution reservoir provides the metal ions for alloy plating.

Abstract: A lift/tilt assembly for use in a semiconductor wafer processing device is set forth. The lift/tilt assembly includes a linear guide comprising a fixed frame and a moveable frame. A nest for accepting a plurality of semiconductor wafers is rotatably connected to the moveable frame. The nest rotates between a wafer-horizontal orientation and a wafer-vertical orientation as it is driven with the movable frame by a motor that is coupled to the linear way. A lever connected to the nest provides an offset from true vertical for the nest when the nest is in the wafer-vertical orientation.

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: Apparatus and method are disclosed for introducing ion exchange or other particulates into compartments of an already-assembled electrodeionization or comparable stack by modulating a flow of slurry into the compartments with slugs of gas such as air. The air propels liquid through the cells, scavenging ponded liquid so that the particulates (which are retained, e.g., by a strainer or obstruction, in compartment of the apparatus) are deposited as well-packed beds to fill the compartments. Pressurized air filling protocols may deliver discrete slugs of slurry between bursts of air, and the direction of filling may be periodically reversed to diminish particle bed non-homogeneities or settling gradients that arise during transport. The slugs of air may be applied in the direction of slurry flow, in the reverse direction, or both. Different slurries may be transported in a sequence to form layered and packed beds of enhanced utility.

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: A transport system for the implementation of electrolytic deposition, coating or etching; and more particularly, an apparatus for selective electrolytic metallization and deposition utilizing a fluid head arrangement. A method is provided for making and maintaining an electrical contact with a product being processed in a transport system employed for selective electrolytic metallization and deposition, coating or etching. The method of making and maintaining an electrical contact with a product being processed may be utilizing a fluid head arrangement.

Abstract: A process for cleaning an electrically conducting surface (3) by arranging for the surface to form the cathode of an electrolytic cell in which the anode (1) is maintained at a DC voltage in excess of 30V and an electrical arc discharge (electro-plasma) is established at the surface of the workpiece by suitable adjustment of the operating parameters, characterized in that the working gap between the anode and the cathode is filled with an electrically conductive medium consisting of a foam (9) comprising a gas/vapor phase and a liquid phase. The process can be adapted for simultaneously coating the metal surface by including ions of the species required to form the coating in the electrically conductive medium.

Abstract: A system is provided for removing dissolved metals from industrial wastewater by electrocoagulation. The system includes an electrocoagulation reactor with a DC power supply having an insulation support enclosure with positive and negative electrode plates disposed thereon. The electrode plates are insulated for each other but remain in direct contact with the wastewater as it flows between the electrodes. The DC power supply induces opposite charges on alternate electrodes thereby generating an electric field between adjacent electrodes to cause the electrodes to ionize and go into solution for interaction with the contaminants in the wastewater as it flows through the reactor. The reactor is housed in a pressure vessel container so the exterior pressure on the reactor is higher than its internal pressure preventing leakage of fluids and oxygen and hydrogen gases produced in the reactor by decomposition of water.

Abstract: An integrated solder bump deposition method and apparatus that enables solder bumps to be lithographically formed on a substrate. The apparatus comprises a plurality of electrolyte cells, and etch/clean/passthrough station and a reflow chamber.

Abstract: A system having a fluid source and a pasteurizer coupled with a disinfectant unit in flow communication with the fluid source for use in disinfecting dental or other water lines. The combination of pasteurizer and disinfectant unit is adapted to receive water from the fluid source. A fluid delivery unit is provided in flow communication with the pasteurizer and disinfectant unit combination. The disinfectant unit has a means for supplying hydrogen and oxygen and a means for generating hydrogen peroxide in flow communication with the means for supplying hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: An apparatus including a basis that has a plurality of wells associated therewith for defining a plurality of electrochemical cells; at least two electrodes sealingly disposed in each electrochemical cell; and circuitry for providing an electrical connection between an electrical source and each said cell. A particularly preferred apparatus employs at least one printed circuit board secured to the base. In a preferred method, candidate materials are introduced into the apparatus and their respective performances are analyzed.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel methods for making a substrate for selective cell patterning, and the substrates themselves, wherein the method comprises contacting reactive hydroxyl groups on the surface of a substrate with a hydroxyl-reactive bifunctional molecule to form a monolayer, and using stencils to deposit cell repulsive or cell adhesive moieties in controlled locations on the cell culture substrate. Methods comprising selective differentiation of stem cells to create tissue specific and organ-specific cell substrates, as well as the cell substrates themselves are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrochemical apparatus comprising of an electrode assembly, an internal reservoir and an internal dryer. The internal dryer consists of a chamber filled with a multitude of balls to create mechanical obstacles removing moisture from gasses present inside, reducing the volume of accumulated gasses and acting as anti-splash for the electrolyte. The invention is also directed to an electrode assembly of monopolar electrodes for use in electrical apparatus. The bipolar electrode assembly comprises a pair of electrodes (12, 14), each of the electrodes having a plurality of electrode plates (16, 18) connected in series together. The electrode plates of each of the electrodes are connected to the next electrode plate in the series by a bridging member (20) contiguous with each of the interconnected electrode plates. The invention is also directed to an electrode for use in an electrode assembly.

Abstract: An electrolysis apparatus for producing halogen gases from aqueous alkali halide solution, having a number of plate-like electrolysis cells which are arranged beside one another in a stack and are in electrical contact and which each have a housing comprising two half-shells of electrically conductive material with external contact strips on at least one housing rear wall, and in each case having two essentially flat electrodes (anode and cathode) and the anode and cathode being provided with apertures like venetian blinds for the electrolysis starting materials and the electrolysis products to flow through, being separated from one another by a dividing wall and arranged parallel to one another and being electrically conductively connected to the respective associated rear wall of the housing by means of metal reinforcements, is intended to provide a solution with which, even at current densities above 4 kA/m2 and correspondingly increased production of gas in the boundary layer, it is possible to operate wh

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus includes a reactor vessel having a segmented anode array positioned therein for effecting electroplating of an associated workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer. The anode array includes a plurality of ring-like anode segments which are preferably positioned in concentric, coplanar relationship with each other. The anode segments can be independently operated to create varying electrical potentials with the associated workpiece to promote uniform deposition of electroplated metal on the surface of the workpiece.