Abstract: A water treating apparatus comprising a plurality of treating tanks (2) connected together in series for removing contaminants from a liquid, and an electrode unit (6) disposed at the bottom of each treating tank (2). Water is passed sequentially from the most upstream treating tank toward the most downstream treating tank and is subjected to electrochemical treatment when flowing through the electrode unit (6) of each tank. The electrode unit (6) comprises a tubular case (61) made of an insulating material, and a plurality of electrode plates of a soluble metal each formed with a multiplicity of holes (82) and arranged within the case one above another at a spacing. Current is so passed that the adjacent electrode plates are different in polarity, with the uppermost electrode plate in each upstream treating tank differing in polarity from the lowermost electrode plate in the downstream treating tank adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A waste metal extraction apparatus is disclosed which includes a tank (1) having a plurality of oppositely disposed arcuate baffles (14) disposed on the sidewalls. The baffles are placed in an offsetting relation in order to direct the flow of a fluid through the cell in essentially a serpentine fashion. The arcuate baffles facilitate maintaining a maximum velocity through the turning radius of the fluid passing therethrough to prevent a solids buildup. In addition, the tank is placed at an angle of at least 6 degrees downwardly sloped in the direction of flow. The tank bottom (6) includes a plurality of sockets (20) sized to engage a plurality of cathode supports (21) placed therein, with each support including a mating end (22) for mating with the socket. Each post includes a slot (23) extending substantially therethrough for accepting a cathode (13) therein.

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.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of sterilized and calcium-ion water includes: a housing structure; an electrolytic cell with electrical terminals and electrodes installed in the housing structure; a plurality of electromagnetic valves separately provided at a water-intake pipe and a water-drain pipe in communication with the electrolytic cell; a setting switch disposed in the housing structure and electrically coupled with the electrolytic cell for adjusting the current intensity of electrolysis therewith; a hydraulic-pressure switch provided at a water pressure pipe for the control of the water-level in the electrolytic cell; an ultraviolet sterilizing tank connected to the electrolytic cell for sterilizing the electrolyzed water; and a control circuit respectively coupled with the electrolytic cell, the electromagnetic valves and the setting and hydraulic switches; whereby, calcium-ion water can be effectively produced for drinking purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for electroplating surfaces. The apparatus reduces the anode effect on current density, and is therefore particularly suitable for copper or nickel plating of fine-line metal circuitry. Current density regulation is achieved by separating the anode and cathode into separate cells and achieving electrolyte communication between the cells by providing a relatively high-impedance ion path. The preferred embodiment includes a siphon tube as an ion path and a pump and filter in a separate path to maintain electrolyte circulation between the cells.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus for electroplating a plurality of items. The apparatus includes a tank having a bottom wall and side walls and adapted to hold a predetermined quantity of an electrolytic plating solution. A sparger system at the bottom of the tank directs the electrolytic plating solution in an upward direction. A cathode rack supporting the items to be electroplated extends intermediate to anode plates and upwardly from the sparger system. Strategically placed openings in the anodes and an anode screen in conjunction with the sparger system act to reduce the plating thickness variance over the rack.

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.

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.

Abstract: A multiplicity of electrode plates, anodic and cathodic, are alternately arranged in an electrolytic tank side by side at short intervals in a row. A circulating current of the sludge being treated is caused to be produced within said electrolytic tank. Said circulating current including an upward current flowing upward between individual electrode plates and a surface current flowing above the row of the electrode plates and near the surface level of the sludge in a specified direction. Gas bubbles produced between the individual electrode plates and flocs present between the electrode plates are carried to the surface of the tank by said upward current. The surfaced bubbles and flocs being then carried by said surface current to a location which is generally outside the surface area above the elecrode plates. Air bubbles thus collected at one side of the electrolitic tank are beaten out by a shower of sludge falling thereon.

Abstract: Liquid is clarified by passing it between spaced plates of a stack including two interleaved sets of plates, one set being connected to one direct current lead and the other set being connected to the other direct current lead. The liquid may flow through the spaces between the plates in a single direction in parallel paths or may flow in a serpentine path. Impurities removed from the liquid adhere to the plates and may be purged from the plates periodically by reversing the direction of flow of current between the plates. Impurities sloughed off the plates are trapped in a filter in the cell outlet.

Abstract: The process for the electrochemical separation of metal mixtures and metal alloys comprises the steps of dissoloving the starting material in an electrolyte, substituting the metals dissolved in the electrolytic solution in succession in accordance with their electrochemical potential by electrochemically less noble metals in each case and depositing them. The electrolytic solution containing the dissolved metals is passed continuously through several cells, connected to each other, in which the electrolytic solution is brought into contact with said less noble metals. Several of the metals dissolved can be substituted simultaneously by one or more electrochemically less noble metals. Metals that are deposited simultaneously together are separated electrolytically from each other, and metals which have again gone into solution are again substituted outside the electrolysis cells by said less noble metals and deposited.

Abstract: A system for treating a barren solution typically containing a heavy metal such as copper, and complexed cyanide, from a precious metal mill, is treated in a first electrochemical cell to remove the heavy metal and free the cyanide whereafter the treated solution can be returned to the precious metal mill as leaching solution; the barren solution flows through a porous cathode in which the heavy metal is electrochemically deposited, and against an inert anode; the deposited heavy metal is recovered in a sheet form by employing the heavy metal loaded cathode as an anode in a second electrochemical cell, the heavy metal entering solution and being deposited on a cathode sheet typically of stainless steel or titanium from which a deposited sheet of the heavy metal is readily peeled; the porous cathode free of heavy metal can be reused in the first cell.

Abstract: A method and device for installing gasket members between two adjacent flat plate structures including removably attaching a gasket member on each side of a frame member to form a frame member and gasket member assembly, interposing the frame member and gasket member assembly between at least two cell frame members disposed adjacent to each other, and contacting the flat plate structures with the frame member and gasket member assembly such that the gasket members adhere diametrically opposed to each other on the flat plate structures. The frame member includes a rib portion around the outer periphery of the frame member, the rib portion forming a pair of shoulders opposite each other and facing away from each other and adapted for receiving a pair of gasket members such that the gasket members contact the rib portion and protrude a predetermined distance beyond the shoulder members.

Abstract: A fiber aggregate in which many of the fibers are oriented in the tangent direction of the circumference satisfactorily can be produced by a process and an apparatus according to the present invention. The best feature of the present invention is the following arrangement for a plurality of electrodes used in a process and an apparatus according to the present invention. Vertically extending foil, net or needle-shaped electrodes for orienting the fibers electrostatically are disposed alternately along the circumference of the vertically cylindrical space so as to divide the vertically cylindrical space into equal parts. In addition to this arrangement, the plurality of electrodes may be rotated as well as moved vertically in order not to disturb the fiber aggregation. A fiber aggregate obtained by the present invention has an improved strength and anti-thermal properties.

Abstract: A device for silverizing water has a plurality of electrodes including silver electrodes so that a passing water is saturated with silver ions, and a temperature maintaining unit with cooling and heating elements to maintain a required temperature and silver ions saturation of water.

Abstract: A waste metal extraction apparatus is disclosed which includes a tank (1) having a plurality of oppositely disposed arcuate baffles (14) disposed on the sidewalls. The baffles are placed in an offsetting relation in order to direct the flow of a fluid through the cell in essentially a serpentine fashion. The arcuate baffles facilitate maintaining a maximum velocity through the turning radius of the fluid passing therethrough to prevent a solids buildup. In addition, the tank is placed at an angle of at least 6 degrees downwardly sloped ind the direction of flow. The tank bottom (6) includes a plurality of sockets (20) sized to engage a plurality of cathode supports (21) placed therein, with each support including a mating end (22) for mating with the socket. Each post includes a slot (23) extending substantially therethrough for accepting a cathode (13) therein.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell having a body adapted to be located so that the inlet and outlet are each on or adjacent the lower surface thereof and including electrodes whereby electrolysis of water passing through the cell can be effected, the arrangement being such that, if the water remains in the cell, then gas formed will displace water from the electrode so as to reduce, and finally stop, electrolysis.The cell may also have a third electrode which is located in the cell adjacent the upper surface thereof, which is in connection with one of the other electrodes, the resistance between the two electrodes being low when the cell is full of liquid, but high when gas displaces the liquid and exposes the third electrode.

Abstract: The invention is a dampening device for use in a vertically disposed electrochemical cell unit of the type at least having: (a) a peripheral flange which defines at least one electrode chamber, said peripheral flange having a upper, substantially horizontally disposed flange portion, a lower substantially horizontally disposed flange portion, and two disposed side flange portions; and (b) at least one outlet port passing through the upper horizontally disposed flange portion or through one of the two vertical side flange portions or through the lower flange portion and connecting the exterior of the cell with the electrode chamber.

Abstract: The cell stack can be operated as a fuel cell stack or as an electrolysis cell stack. The stack consists of a series of alternate fuel cell subassemblies with intervening electrolysis cell subassemblies, and interspersed cooling plates. The water produced and consumed in the two modes of operation migrates between adjacent cell subassemblies. The component plates are annular with a central hydrogen plenum and integral internal oxygen manifolds. No fluid pumps are needed to operate the stack in either mode.

Abstract: An efficient electrolytic recovery system, having several safety mechanisms, for recovering precious metals from a liquid medium is described. The system includes at least oen electrolysis cell unit having a plurality of reticulate metal foam cathodes. The system of the invention will efficiently recover such precious metals as Au, Ag and Pt. The system may also include a pH adjust means and a means for oxidizing cyanide in the liquid medium.

Abstract: A high pressure electrolytic cell and an overall system incorporating one or more of such cells are provided, especially adapted for the electrolytic tetramerization of carbon monoxide.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell which comprises at least one anode and at least one cathode, an inlet channel through which liquor may be charged to the electrolytic cell, and an outlet channel through which liquor may be removed from the electrolytic cell, in which the outlet channel is operatively connected to the inlet channel, and in which the inlet channel comprises an ejector. The inlet and outlet channels may be formed in a unit made up of a plurality of shaped sheets, e.g. of electrically non-conducting plastics material, which together form the inlet and outlet channels.

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.

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.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell which is preferably of the filter press type and which comprises at least one anode and at least one cathode, an inlet through which liquor may be charged to the electrolytic cell and an outlet through which liquor may be removed from the electrolytic cell, and means for recirculating liquor to the electrolytic cell, in which said recirculating means comprises a unit formed of a plurality of shaped sheets whch are preferably planar and together form at least one channel inside of said unit, said channel connecting the inlet and outlet of the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A treatment plant for the recovery of silver from spent photo fix solution is provided in which the concentration of silver in the spent solution is reduced to meet Environmental Protection Agency standards in two sequential stages. In the first stage, silver is recovered electrolytically by plating out on vertically disposed, rotating cathodes as the spent solution flows from one electrode chamber to another arranged in serial fashion in the electrolytic unit assembly. The silver concentration is then further reduced by passing the overflow from the electrolytic unit upwardly through a column of shredded steel wool or ion exchange resin.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrochemical cell with moving electrode which can be used for chemical current sources or electrolyzers in which one electrode is being consumed. A constant spacing between the electrode 1 and 6 is provided for. This is achieved by applying a force, for instance gravity, on one side of one electrode, which is transferred by means of a slanting plane or links at the sides of the electrodes to a direction perpendicular to the electrode surface, causing the motion of one electrode towards the other when one of them is consuming (dissolving).

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolytic cell for use in electrowinning metal values from solutions containing same, which comprises a housing arranged to contain solution to be subjected to electrolysis, anode means, cathode means, inlet means for feeding fresh solution into the housing and outlet means for removing treated solution from the cell, wherein the cathode means comprises an assembly which contains material upon which electrowon metal values are deposited and which assembly is arranged to be removed from the cell for removal of the material bearing deposited metal values and replacement by fresh material, and subsequent return of the cathode assembly to the cell.

Abstract: To provide for essentially uniform current density at the respective cathodes of an electrolytic cell, a plurality of cathodes are located, spaced from each other, at one side of an anode, and resistance elements connect the respective cathodes to a negative supply terminal or supply bus (N, 11), the resistance elements having respective resistance values which decrease as the distance of the respective cathode from the anode increases. A single anode (2), preferably separated from the cathode space (5) by an ion exchange membrane (6), can be located centrally within the cathodes; or two anodes can be located spaced from each other with a plurality of cathodes located therebetween. Each cathode is connected with a quick disconnect plug-or-push terminal to the respective current supply, which may be a controlled constant current source.

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.

Abstract: It is provided in an electrochemical polishing and pickling method and apparatus for treating metal surfaces that an electrolyte stream (18) entering a casing (12) is divided into an anodic partial stream (20) and a cathodic partial stream (22). The anodic partial stream (20) flows past a dielectric wall (32) as well as the surface (10') to be polished or pickled, while the cathodic partial stream does not reach the surface (10') to be polished but instead is recycled directly into an electrolyte reservoir (30) after having passed the cathodes (24).

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

Abstract: This invention is directed to an electrode unit to be used for purification of emulsions and polluted waters, especially oil-bearing waters, by electrolysis which comprises vertically placed adjacent electrode plates of a soluble material, spacers for adjusting the distance between the electrode plates and equipment for adjusting the depth of immersion of the electrode plates. The tips of the electrode plates defines the only area of the plates in contact with the liquid to be purified and the depth of immersion of the electrode plates is adjusted in order to keep the current density between the electrode tips within a desired area. In addition, the space in between the plates is also adjusted in order to keep the current density between the electrode tips within the desired area.

Abstract: A device for silverizing running water and an electrode therefor are formed so that the electrode has a curved guide provided on its one surface and a plurality of through-going openings located outside of the curved guide, to direct water to be silverized from inside of the curved guide to its outside and then through the openings.

Abstract: A device for silverizing water has a plurality of positive silver-containing electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes, and a housing composed of a plurality of housing portions each having a receptacle for receiving a respective one of the electrodes, wherein the housing portions are substantially identical and can be assembled with and disassembled from one another.

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.

Abstract: A process for producing silver-ionic water, comprising;a step of passing water through a first electrolytic cell chamber containing an anode and a cathode and provided with silver on the anode, under the application of a voltage, to dissolve out silver ions; anda step of passing the water in which said silver ions have been dissolved out, through either one or both of an anode compartment and a cathode compartment of a second electrolytic cell chamber containing an anode and a cathode and separated into said anode compartment and said cathode compartment with a diaphragm formed between both of said electrodes.The process is useful for producing acidic silver-ionic water and/or alkaline silver-ionic water without causing the formation of colloids even under relatively higher silver ion concentration.Also disclosed are useful apparatus for practicing the above processes.

Abstract: Reference voltages selectively calibrated to match electrolyte being processed, influence adjustment of current controllers through which plating voltages are applied to primary and secondary electrodes of a dual chamber tank assembly, the primary reference voltage being modified by feedback of sensed secondary plating current from the secondary cathode. The reference voltages are regulated and limited to enable transfer of information between cascaded tank assemblies.

Abstract: Water is decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen gases by impressing alternate ones of a plurality of sheet electrodes a direct current of given polarity having low voltage and high amperage while simultaneously impressing on the cathode and anodes of a plurality of electrolytic cells, individually sandwiched between the sheet electrodes a high voltage and low amperage direct current, while the sheet electrodes and the electrolytic cells are all immersed in an aqueous electrolyte solution.

Abstract: A seal means for an electrolysis cell including a substantially solid member adapted to be interposed between at least two electrode frame members of the cell. The substantially solid member has two parallel side walls, a generally planar top wall adapted for contacting a generally planar surface, and a bottom wall defined by an uneven surface adapted for contacting at least one electrode frame.

Abstract: A tunnel protected electrochemical device features channels fluidically communicating between manifold, tunnels and cells. The channels are designed to provide the most efficient use of auxiliary power. The channels have a greater hydraulic pressure drop and electrical resistance than the manifold. This will provide a design with the optimum auxiliary energy requirements.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolytic cell used to produce dilute quantities of a halogen solution from water containing dilute quantities of salt to disinfect and sanitize the water, the cell further employs monopolar electrodes of trapezoidal shape and an electrode separating plates that ensures proper alignment and equal separation of the electrode plates during operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for internally electropolishing tubes in which a plurality of elongate tubes are horizontally supported and rotatably driven about their length axes. An outlet fitting including an end dam permits rotation of the tube outlet end therein, allows escape of gases from the upper portion of the tube, and permits overflow of electrolyte liquid thereover and fixedly supports the end of a cathode rod. The cathode rod is formed as two aligned, axially adjacent partial length sections. The positive terminal of an electric current supply connects at a plurality of points to the tube along its length and connects at its negative terminal individually to the outer ends of the two cathode sections.

Abstract: Direct D.C. electrical coupling between a fuel cell and an electrolysis cell is achieved without use of any other electrical power or storage source by use of an oxidant partial pressure control system. This system is based on comparison of the desired fuel cell output voltage with the actual voltage output of the fuel cell and adjusting the partial pressure accordingly.

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.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the production of halogen and halates from a corresponding brine electrolyte which includes a novel anode with each anode having an associated pair of cathodes, said anode comprises an aluminum core having a sheath of a titanium group metal and an electrolytic conductive precious metal coating as the outermost layer, to provide a cell without submerged gaskets and elimination of the normal steel corrosion at liquid-gas interfaces.

Abstract: A cell is disclosed whereby sea water is electrolyzed to form an aqueous hypochlorite solution with reduced formation of interfering deposits on the electrodes. The cell comprises a plurality of electrolytic cell units having a pair of cathodes and an anode placed between said cathodes, an electrolyte inlet at the lower part of an end frame, an electrolyte outlet at the upper part of an end frame. One of a pair of cathodes has an aperture at a position corresponding to the inlet, and the other cathode has an aperture at a position corresponding to the outlet. The anode has apertures at the position corresponding to the inlet and outlet.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for the galvanic recovery of metals from a diluted solution by means of permeable electrodes through which the diluted solution is caused to flow, said electrodes being molten after having been coated with metal. The cathode (6) is made of a very fine metal lattice having no mechanical strength of its own which is stiffened by an inert support formed of plastic netting, said cathode being crossed perpendicularly by the diluted solution flowing therethrough.