Abstract: In an electrolytic cell for producing a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen bipolar electrodes adapted for operating electrically in series have a through shaped configuration and are arranged so that their depressions are on one and like side. Interposed between the electrodes are gaskets of electrical insulating material forming the cell tank. Each gasket is placed around the edges of the electrode depression so that a portion thereof axially of the electrolytic cell is in touch with the adjacent electrode. The electrolytic cell is held as a unit with studs extending through openings in peripheral portions of the electrodes that project laterally of the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for gas generators producing oxygen and hydrogen or oxyhydrogen gas, the apparatus comprising a solid state current limiting circuit in combination with an assembly of electrolytic cells. The current-limiting circuit replaces the variable auto-transformer commonly heretofore employed for adjusting cell current and regulates cell current.

Abstract: A compact electrolytic cell with direct through-flow comprises an electrode stack formed as a cartridge unit which is readily exchangeable into and out of a housing which is made of commercially available plastic tubing materials. The cell can be adapted to meet a wide range of application requirements by the variation of parameters such as salt concentration, flow rate, etc.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell used to separate gas from a gaseous mixture by reduction of said gas at the cathode and regeneration of said gas at the anode is characterized in that one or more substances formed during the cathodic reduction and/or the anodic regeneration is chemically converted, preferably by catalytic decomposition, to produce further quantities of said gas, the gas formed by both the anodic regeneration and the chemical conversion being recovered as the product. In an especially preferred embodiment a plurality of said cells are used in apparatus for extracting oxygen from the air by using a cathode comprising high surface area graphite powder which reduces oxygen to produce peroxyl ions, each cell being further provided, externally of the cathode compartment, with means for catalytically decomposing the peroxyl ions produced, suitable catalysts being CoFe.sub.2 O.sub.4 or NiCo.sub.2 O.sub.4.

Abstract: A novel electrolysis unit (10) for forming sodium chlorate from sodium chloride utilizes a reaction tank (12) and a bank (18) of electrolysis cells wherein the cells (20) are rigidly joined together using a bipolar cell divider plate (42) between adjacent cells. The cells (20) contain interleaved anode (34) and cathode (32) plates which define upwardly-extending electrolysis channels (36). The bank of cells (18) is connected to the reaction tank (18) to receive a plurality of individual flows of electrolyte to the cells (24) and to forward a plurality of individual flows of electrolyzed material (26) to the tank (12). The cell divider plate (42) comprises anodic (64) and cathodic (62) metal layers intimately and integrally connected, by explosive bonding to an electrically-conducting metal layer (66), usually copper.

Abstract: To solve pollution problems in electrolytic cells for the production of zinc by electrolyzing a solution of a zinc salt, shielding baffles are provided above the cell anodes, the gap between adjoining baffles being such as to provide a satisfactory tight seal while permitting the evacuation of noxious gases and mists through manifolds formed through the cell walls.

Abstract: In an electrolytic cell for the production of chlorine and hydrogen from hydrochloric acid, the cell comprising a plurality of spaced bipolar electrodes each provided with vertical grooves for the passage of gas, and a plurality of diaphragms each subdividing the space between adjacent electrodes, the improvement which comprises providing the grooves with a depth of about 18 to 35 mm at least in the upper part of the electrodes. Advantageously the grooves have a width of about 2 to 3 mm and the spacing between adjacent grooves of each electrode is about 4 to 6 mm, the depth of the grooves at their bottoms is about 12 to 15 mm and increases in upward direction to about 20 to 30 mm, and the distance between the electrodes and the diaphragms is from about 0.05 to 1 mm. The voltage drop and energy consumption are less than with different groove configurations and the chlorine content of the hydrogen gas is reduced.

Abstract: An electrolyzer for the generation of hydrogen gas having parallel electrodes comprising a single cell with multiple cells connected in a series arrangement and a common electrolyte passing there through. The electrolyzer utilizes both sides of the electrodes except for the end electrode with a micro-porous separator isolating each pair of electrodes. The electrolyte passes from cell to cell through electrolyte and gas channeling and between the cells which effectively reduces electrical short circuiting within the electrolyzer.The electrolyte and gas channeling carries the electrolyte to and from each cell to effectively reduce shunt currents between the cells and prevent short circuiting of the electrolyzer while still utilizing a common electrolyte and cooling the electrolyte.

Abstract: Electrolysis return circuit for an electrolysis installation, e.g. for electrolysis of pressurized water.Passage is provided from the anolyte outlet (1) to the anolyte inlet (3) via a direct transfer circuit (9) equipped with a crude degasser (10) and transferring the portion ##EQU1## of the anolyte flow A, C being the catholyte flow, and via a circuit (7) equipped with a thorough degasser (8) and transferring, from the catholyte outlet (2) a flow ##EQU2## and vice versa to pass from the catholyte outlet (2) to the catholyte inlet (4).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for decomposing water and producing detonating gas by electrolysis. The apparatus includes a plurality of annular carbon electrodes which are concentrically arranged about a common vertical axis. The annular electrodes are perforated and have upper and lower ends, the lower ends being positioned adjacent to sealing and insulating elements in order to form a plurality of concentrically-arranged cells for containing electrolyte, e.g., water. A solid carbon electrode, preferably cylindrical, is positioned within the smallest concentric electrode and along the common axis. Apparatus is provided for supplying water to the cells, and for applying a direct current across the electrodes in order to evolve the detonating gas from the electrolyte in the cells by electrolysis.

Abstract: A horizontal diaphragmless bipolar electrolyzer comprising a horizontal housing made of electrically insulated material, an anodic or (cathodic) plate at one end of the housing provided with a plurality of blade shaped electrodes vertically arranged along the housing axis, a cathodic (or anodic) plate at the opposite end of the housing provided with a plurality of blade shaped electrodes vertically arranged along the housing axis, at least one bipolar electrode element with blade shaped anodes and cathodes vertically arranged on opposite sides thereof on the housing axis to interleaf with the electrodes of the next unit, means for introducing fresh electrolyte at one end of the housing, means for removing treated electrolyte at the opposite end, a space above the electrode assembly for gas disengagement and removal, a space below the electrode assembly for solid particles collection and means for impressing an electrolysis current thereon.

Abstract: In an electrolytic filter press cell having an electrolyte fluid circulated through anode and cathode frames, a cell frame at least partially supporting an anolyte disengager and a catholyte disengager, the disengagers having at least a first flow conduit and a second flow conduit in fluid flow communication with each electrode, there is provided a variable flow restrictor in the first flow conduit from the disengagers to each electrode frame to selectively vary the flow rate of electrolyte through the disengagers to thereby control the level of foaming of the electrolyte within the disengagers to optimize the amount of gas separated out therein.

Abstract: An improved gas generator comprising a multiplicity of electrolytic cells arranged to accommodate a series current path, parallel electrolytic flow and minimized leakage current paths, in a stacked plate configuration that affords a high degree of portability at low cost.

Abstract: An electrolysis apparatus is disclosed and comprises a plurality of cells connected in series both on the current flow path (an electrical course being connected across the end ones of the electrodes) and the electrolyte/gas flow path (electrolyte entering one end cell through one end electrode and gas issuing from the other end cell through the other end electrode), the cells including at least one series of gas generating cells followed by at least one cooling cell. The end electrodes of a series of cells may be short circuited so that these cells become cooling cells because they are not active to generate gas and instead the electrolyte and gas flowing through them undergoes cooling. The apparatus may be arranged for generating detonating gas or may be modified for generating oxygen and hydrogen at separate outlets.

Abstract: An improved electrolytic apparatus for the production of an alkali metal halate, such as sodium chlorate, from an aqueous solution of alkali metal halide, such as sodium chloride, includes modular, vertical anodes and cathodes in alternating relationship in a housing, and an upwardly oriented flow directing funneling chimney structure in a cylindrical shaped housing and over the electrodes, through which, electrolyte between the electrodes rises, passing from a wider portion of the funnel to a narrower part thereof, and a connected chimney passageway, from which it is returned from recirculation to a location below the electrodes after removal of gas from it. Different structures of the electrolytic apparatus or cell are specifically disclosed in one of which the electrolyte, after having passed through the funnel structure, moves longitudinally with respect to the cell, and in the other of which it moves transversely.

Abstract: An electrolytic apparatus for the production of an alkali metal halate, such as sodium chlorate, from an aqueous solution of alkali metal halide, such as sodium chloride, includes vertical anodes and cathodes in alternating relationship in a housing, and an upwardly oriented flow directing funneling chimney structure in the housing and over the electrodes, through which, electrolyte between the electrodes rises, passing from a wider portion of the funnel to a narrower part thereof, and a connected chimney passageway, from which it is returned for recirculation to a location below the electrodes after removal of gas from it. Different structures of the electrolytic apparatus or cell are specifically disclosed, in one of which the electrolyte, after having passed through the funnel structure, moves longitudinally with respect to the cell, and in the other of which it moves transversely. Also disclosed are apparatuses of the types mentioned which include a plurality of the described funnel devices.

Abstract: Electrolytic cell for the production of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chlorate from the corresponding chlorides, which cell is constructed from a plurality of cells (10) connected in series, whereby all electrodes (11, 19) except the terminal electrodes (19) are bipolar and designed with a vertical base plate (14), having one side functioning as anode in one cell unit (10) and the other side functioning as cathode in an adjacent cell unit (10) and whereby the exterior sides of the terminal electrodes (19) have electrical connections for the cell row while the sides turned inwards and both sides of the base plates (14) on the other electrodes (11) have a number of vertical electrode plates (17, 18), fitted essentially at right angles to the base plates (14), and whereby the base plates are positioned in such a manner that the electrode plates (17, 18) of adjacent base plates (14) are interleaved between each other, without direct electrical contact between themselves, forming an electrode package of ele

Abstract: In an apparatus for electrolyzing an aqueous solution, which includes a plurality of electrolytic cells disposed at a plurality of vertically spaced levels and divided by partitions from one another, each of said cells having at least one anode and at least one cathode, said cells including an uppermost cell having an inlet for said solution, and a lowermost cell having an outlet for said solution, the improvement wherein:(a) each cell being separated into at least two horizontally adjacent cell units;(b) the separation adapted to direct the solution flow from the top of one unit into the bottom of the adjacent unit enabling solution flow successively through each unit;(c) a last unit of each cell provided with a passage extending from the top of the last unit to the bottom of the unit at a lower level to direct solution flow downwardly;(d) the anode and cathode being vertical in each unit opposite each other forming a bipolar electrode assembly; and(e) each unit with a gas collecting zone above the anode and

Abstract: Alkali metal hydroxide solutions are purified and concentrated by electrolysis of such solutions in the anode compartment of a hybrid cell comprising an anode compartment and a cathode compartment separated by a cation permeable diffusion barrier. To enable operation, gaseous hydrogen is supplied to the anode, oxygen to the cathode and an aqueous media receptive to alkali metal ions to the cathode compartment. A plurality of the hybrid cells may be operated in hydrodynamic series.

Abstract: An electrolysis device includes at least two layers of electrodes, each electrode layer including a plurality of bipolar electrodes, each bipolar electrode including a cathode portion and an anode portion. The electrode layers are spaced from each other in parallel planes, and the bipolar electrodes of each electrode layer are arranged in a checkerboard fashion, such that each cathode portion in each electrode layer is spaced from and faces an anode portion in an adjacent cathode layer, thus forming a plurality of electrolytic cells between the electrolytic layers.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprises a housing (1,2) divided by a perforated generally horizontal plate (3) into an upper chamber (4) and a lower chamber (5). Bipolar electrodes (19, 21) are disposed in the upper chamber (4) above perforations (23) in the plate (3), between electrolyte inlet and outlet weirs (11, 13) for flowing electrolyte over the plate (3). The lower chamber (5) is a gas-supply chamber for passing a gas, e.g. propylene, up through the perforations (23), so as to bubble the gas through electrolyte (e.g. NaBr solution) on the plate (3) and into the upper gas-collection chamber (4). A reactor may be formed by stacking several cells with their electrolyte flows in cascade. The cell is particularly suitable for electro-organic syntheses involving a gaseous reactant.

Abstract: Device for the recovery of gases formed during the electrolytic preparation of alkali metal chlorides, characterized by scrubbing columns having a hydraulic guard, and by automatic distribution systems for inert gas and for air, said distribution systems being controlled by the operation of the current generator and by the operating amperage of the cells, respectively.This device permits the recovery, under satisfactory safety conditions, of the hydrogen present during the electrolysis of alkali metal chlorides for the production of alkali metal chlorates.

Abstract: A unitary filter press cell circuit is described. The circuit comprises a plurality of individual electrolytic cells mounted on a support structure positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cell circuit. The longitudinal support structure is comprised of the electrolyte inlet conduits for the cell circuit and the electrolysis product outlet conduits for the cell circuit. The composite unit, cells and support structure, may be moved as a single unit, suitably by hoisting, facilitating the removal from service of a faulty circuit and the subsequent substitution with a replacement circuit. The longitudinal support structure is suitably comprised of conduits or headers for catholyte, anolyte, the anodic products and the cathodic products of the cells in the circuit. Although the conduits may be round or oval in cross-section, conduits of a rectangular cross-section are preferred.

Abstract: Device or apparatus for electrolyzing natural and synthetic brines for producing hypochlorite includes an improved chassis structure supporting and cooperating with electrode plates to form a series of electrolytic cells which are easily assembled into a cylindrical casing member to form an electrolyzer. The invention and/or apparatus is characterized by (a) rapid gas removal; (b) improved electrode plate configuration through which the electrolyte is caused to flow in a vigorous and turbulent manner to eliminate fouling of electrode arrays by precipitates and scales formed during electrolysis of natural brines; (c) novel dilution water distribution means for synthetic brine electrolysis; and (d) a series-parallel electrical conductor arrangement which is electrically balanced against changes in electrolyte temperature and salinity; all of which result in a highly efficient, economical, energy-saving, rugged, modular-type device.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell bank comprising two end plate electrodes, a plurality of intermediate electrodes, a plurality of dielectric separators spaced between the electrodes to form electrolytic cell chambers, a plurality of gas separator diaphragms, alkaline electrolyte, manifolds for allowing off-gas withdrawal of hydrogen and oxygen and means for back-pressuring the exterior walls of each end plate to counter-balance pressures developed within the electrolytic cell chambers. The cell bank is utilized to convert water into its constituent gases of oxygen and hydrogen, and the cell bank is sufficiently large to commercially produce hydrogen at pressures equal to the pressures utilized in commercial gas transmission lines.

Abstract: Electrodes are immersed within oil which forms a layer over a quantity of water. When current is passed between the electrodes which are held to a predetermined gap from the interstitial surface between the oil and water, water is caused to undergo electrodecomposition. Gaseous hydrogen is then recovered in the sealed space above the oil-water layers and the oxygen is caused to react with constituents in the oil layer.Consequently, there is produced continuously a quantity of hydrogen which is separately collected and is usable in gaseous form.

Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of halate, such as sodium chlorate, includes an electrolytic cell having a plurality of anodes and cathodes, clearance passageways between which have electrolyte, hypohalite and gaseous electrolysis product, principally hydrogen, moving upwardly between them, an enclosure covering the tops of at least four such passageways and narrowing down to a passageway extending upwardly from the top of the enclosure and a downward passage for circulation of electrolyte which includes an upper baffled portion and a lower unbaffled portion, the unbaffled part being alongside the electrodes and extending to the bottom of the cell, from which electrolyte is drawn upwardly past the electrodes. Natural circulation due to gravity flow and density differences between the liquid electrolyte and that entrained in gas or having gas entrained in it is normally sufficient so that stirring or pumping means are not required.

Abstract: A generator for oxyhydrogen gas comprises a plurality of flat metal electrodes mounted parallel with ring-like spacers between each pair of adjacent electrodes and bolts clamping the spacers and electrodes together to provide a sealed cell between each pair of electrodes within the periphery of the respective spacer. An inlet for electrolyte is connected to one outer cell and an outlet for the gas is connected to the outer cell. The electrodes are imperforate except for apertures adjacent the tops of the cells and in use a DC power source is connected across outer electrodes. The generator is of simple construction and achieves good cooling, high mechanical strength against internal explosions and ensures a minimal quantity of explosive gas in the upper regions of the cells.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of halogens and alkali metal hydroxide by electrolysis of aqueous solution of alkali metal halides in a flowing mercury electrolysis cell wherein the salt solutions do not have to purified and to novel amalgam denuders and a mercury electrolytic cell plant without a salt purification step.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolytic cell having an electrode assembly with a base plate, fingered electrodes electrically connected to, spaced from, and extending outwardly from the base plate, and defining valleys between adjacent electrodes. The electrodes have a synthetic separator on their surface. The electrode assembly also has a back screen at the bases of the electrodes which is spaced from and parallel to the base plate. The electrolytic cell is characterized by providing compressive means between each pair of electrodes. The compressive means bear upon the electrode unit and upon the laps of the synthetic separators on adjacent electrodes to form electrolyte-tight seals between the separators.

Abstract: A spacer element for spacing apart interleaved electrodes in an electrolytic cell is constructed of electrically non-conducting and corrosion-resistant material. The spacer element has an integral one-piece structure including a short cylindrical portion of length slightly greater than the thickness of the electrode plate onto which it is to be mounted and a circular head portion located at each end with an inner flat surface to engage the outer surface of the electrode plate with which the spacer element is assembled. Assembly of the spacer element with the electrode plate is effected in a unique procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stack pack type electrolytic cell for the generation of chlorates or hypochlorites of sodium or potassium having the ability to make economical use of materials while eliminating the necessity for large external studs for the electrode components, housings to retain fluids and intercell piping connections since the cell can be increased in capacity by adding chambers and electrode stack packs to the cell makeup or adding electrodes to the stack packs. Such an electrolyzer can utilize mass produced components to produce various capacities and can be assembled either monopolar or bipolar in configuration to make most efficient use of existing electrical supply equipment.

Abstract: Method for recovering metals from cyanide and hexavalent chromium plating baths comprising immersing plated articles in a reclaiming bath containing an aldehyde or an aldehyde percursor, and optionally an oxidizing agent, to precipitate the excess metal in the residual plating bath in the form of free metal or metal hydroxide and to decompose the cyanide and to reduce the hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium. The plating bath and reclaiming bath are regenerated. Apparatus is provided to effect this process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cyclone for use in conjunction with electrolytic cells for separating a gas such as hydrogen from the electrolyte solution so as to significantly increase the efficiency of subsequent cells connected in series in a large bank of electrolytic cells. The subject cyclone is especially useful in a sea water hypochlorite electrolytic cell wherein the flow rate of electrolyte is in the range of 20 to 80 gallons per minute (75 to 300 liters per minute).

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: A process for producing an alkali metal hypochlorite which comprises electrolyzing an aqueous solution of an alkali metal chloride in an electrolytic cell including a plurality of unit cells, each equipped with at least one anode and at least one cathode, in which the unit cells are arranged in series via partitioning plates, wherein hydrogen gas generated at the cathode in each unit cell is passed out of each unit cell such that the hydrogen gas does not contact the cathode portion that takes part in electrolysis in the next adjacent unit cell and an electrolytic cell therefor.

Abstract: An alkali chlorine diaphragm cell such as is constructed in a conventional manner whereby evolved gaseous chlorine rises in the pool of alkali metal chloride solution is provided with recycling means to recycle the solution from an upper level of the solution to a predetermined lower level of the solution adjacent the cell bottom, a plurality of spaced conduits are preferably provided for this purpose.The downward recirculation of the electrolyte through these conduits is induced by the upward movement of the electrolyte caused by the gaseous chlorine rising in the electrolyte outside the conduits. These conduits advantageously are located at or near anode surfaces and prevent or restrain lateral movement of recycled electrolyte until the recycled electrolyte reaches such lower level usually adjacent the bottom of the anolyte chamber.

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 hydrogen evolution cathode for electrochemical reactions consists of a body formed of a powdered electrically conductive material embedded in a cured thermosetting resin and having a cathodically operative surface enriched with powder of a hydrogen evolution catalyst, the powdered conductive material preventing the diffusion of atomic hydrogen through the cathode body. The cathode may be incorporated in a bipolar electrode by bonding it to a thin sheet of valve metal coated with an anodic electrocatalytic material, the body being advantageously extended by projecting parts of electrically insulating cured resin.

Abstract: A water decomposition apparatus for producing detonating gas or oxyhydrogen gas comprises a plurality of electrolytic cells formed between a nested plurality of endless laminar electrodes each sealingly abutting at its upper and lower edges against elastomeric insulating layers on the surfaces of rigid plates. Electrolyte circulation through the assembly is permitted by an inlet aperture in one extreme cell, an outlet aperture in the other extreme cell and an aperture in each intermediate electrode adjacent its upper edge. The inlet and outlet apertures are coupled for electrolyte circulation by immersing the assembly in electrolyte or by an extended duct system connecting the apertures. Current is supplied to the extreme inner and outer electrodes from a d.-c. source. Control means may be provided to reduce the magnitude of the current as the gas pressure rises. A plurality of assemblies may be connected electrically in series across the d.-c. supply.

Abstract: A filter press halate cell is disclosed, where a plurality of electrode units are arranged to form a cell. Each unit comprises a synthetic organic polymeric electrolytic cell frame housing an anode and a cathode in spaced relationship with each other. The cell frame contains electrolyte, initially a metal halide solution, and is arranged to allow electrical current to be conducted through the solution and between the anode and cathode, partially electrolyzing the solution to halogen, metal hydroxide and hydrogen. The halogen and metal hydroxide react at least partially in the cell to form hypohalite, halide and water. Means are taught for introducing feed through an inlet, and withdrawing electrolyte through an outlet. Clearance means and passageway means are taught for conducting reaction products upwardly between the anode and cathode and through the cell, as are means for removing hydrogen at the top of the cell.

Abstract: An apparatus for decomposition of liquid in which vortical negative and positive electrodes are arranged in a closed relation but in short free positions and these two electrodes are supplied with a power through external terminals and the electrolyte is placed to flow between the negative and positive electrodes for the electrolysis between two electrodes under the function of the potential magnetic field formed by the coil current which is generated by the electrodes with active movement of an electrolytic ion so that the electrolysis of water takes place smoothly under the spin functions of the atom and electron.

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 a cyclone for use in conjunction with electrolytic cells for separating a gas such as hydrogen from the electrolyte solution so as to significantly increase the efficiency of subsequent cells connected in series in a large bank of electrolytic cells. The subject cyclone is especially useful in a sea water hypochlorite electrolytic cell wherein the flow rate of electrolyte is in the range of 20 to 80 gallons per minute (75 to 300 liters per minute).

Abstract: Electrical leakage between electrodes in an electrochemical cell is determined by initially overcharging the cell to place it in a fully charged state. Various methods are available to ascertain a full charge, and a convenient method is disclosed in which the full charge is indicated by a predetermined rate of gassing at the electrodes. After receiving a full charge the cell is stored on open circuit for a time, during which some of the charge is dissipated due to leakage, and is then recharged to achieve an onset of gassing condition. The gas from the cell is conducted to a pressure vessel where it is filtered and slowly exhausted to the atmosphere while the pressure is monitored. An anomalous delay, relative to a reference cell, in achieving the onset of gassing condition indicates a cell leakage. The method and apparatus disclosed provides a convenient and considerably faster way than previously known to test for cell leakage.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing methane and other products by processing a slurry of biodegradable waste materials including two tanks containing waste material which are connected to allow fluid flow communication between slurry in each tank, each tank being airtight with respect to the ambient, one of said tanks containing a cathode and the other tank containing an anode to aid in the growth of methane producing bacteria, the tanks provided with movable hoods for collecting gas.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bipolar electrolyzer having individual bipolar units. Each of the bipolar units has a steel cathodic member and a valve metal anodic member in back-to-back configuration. The bipolar electrolyzer is characterized in that the cathodic member is spaced from the anodic member defining an electrolyte tight compartment therebetween, and that the bipolar unit further has conduit means extending outwardly from between the anodic member and the cathodic member. Also disclosed is a method of electrolysis in a bipolar electrolyzer which method is characterized by collecting hydrogen between the anodic and cathodic members of the bipolar unit and removing the hydrogen so collected through hydrogen removal means.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell is provided which is particularly suitable for the production of oxy-halogen compounds such as sodium chlorate by the electrolysis of an alkali metal halide such as sodium chloride. A removable casing divides the cell into a separate cell chamber and a cooling and concentration chamber outside of said casing; means are provided for the circulation of the electrolytic solution between the cooling and concentration chamber and the cell chamber, but there is a substantial seal against the passage of gas from one to the other. Gas such as hydrogen is separately removed from the interior of the casing, a gas sweep is provided across the surface of the electrolyte in the cooling and concentration chamber to cool the electrolyte and evaporate part of it so as to concentrate it. In accordance with this invention, such can be accomplished without danger of explosion.

Abstract: An electrolyzer comprising a cathode and an anode, disposed in an aqueous electrolyte bath, the electrodes each having at least one active surface directed substantially in facing relation to at least one active surface of the electrode of opposite polarity. At least one of the electrodes is permeable to gas and is the source of a gas release at the time of operation of the electrolyzer. At least one portion of the active surface of the electrode permeable to the gas is covered by a porous layer constituted by at least one refractory oxide which is electrically insulative and chemically inert with regard to the electrolyte and to the products formed at the time of electrolysis. The layer has a homogeneous distribution of pore sizes of a value sufficient for the electrolyte to traverse this layer and impregnate the electrode, the mean value of the radii of the pores of the insulating refractory oxide layer being at least as small as one-tenth of that of the pores of the electrode that it covers.