Abstract: A device for collecting ionized metal from a liquid solution, such as silver from photographic or radiographic solutions, which is highly efficient in operation and convenient in use. Efficiency of the device results from a unique impeller/turbulator which, besides being adapted to pump liquid through the device, induces a relatively high state of turbulence in such flow that promotes electrolytic action. A cathode on which metal ions are deposited is formed of a flexible sheet of carbon-filled plastic that is low enough in cost to be conveniently disposable.

Abstract: A device for collecting ionized metal from a liquid solution, such as silver from photographic or radiographic solutions, which is highly efficient in operation and convenient in use. Efficiency of the device results from a unique flow path which induces vortex currents that promote increased electrolytic action. A cathode on which metal ions are deposited is formed of a configuration and composition that is sufficiently inexpensive to be considered disposable. Disassembly and reassembly of the device is accomplished with a minimum of effort and manipulative steps.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed, for mechanically agitating, in a non-reciprocating manner, a permalloy composition used in an electroplating procedure, in such a way as to apply a film of improved uniformity of composition and thickness thus avoiding limitations of prior electroplating processes which, due to uneven boundary layer flow patterns caused by reciprocating agitation, result in non-uniformities in film composition and thickness.

Abstract: A process for rapidly etching and cleaning dental metal castings which result in a saving of time to the dentists of as much as 1000 percent as compared to prior art methods. A bath combining both etchant and cleaners is applied to the dental casting and agitated ultrasonically. A deplating current is simultaneously passed through the casting and the bath to further increase the rate at which the cleaning and etching process may progress. This procedure results in a combined cleaning and etching process which is faster than was possible previously for either process alone.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices employed for generation of oxygen-hydrogen gas. Efficient production of gas is achieved by an electrode assembly (18) placed within a chamber assembly (17) the input end of which is elevated above the output end. Electrodes (38) having surfaces (41) with ribs (57) form narrowing, deepening channels (56) down which electrolyte flows in a turbulent manner.

Abstract: In the apparatus of this invention, filtered electrolyte is introduced immediately adjacent to the revolving cathode head of the apparatus and the filtered electrolyte is forced to flow along the surface of the cathode head to the surface of the bath, thereby flushing foreign materials from the cathode head and the part being replicated. A side weir is provided which is positioned normal to the plane of rotation of the revolvable cathode head which assists in drawing the electrolyte contaminated with foreign materials away from the electroforming section so that the contaminated electrolyte can be more effectively filtered and reused.

Abstract: Apparatus in plants, particularly for use in making master phonograph records and the like.In plants (FIG. 1) for galvanic processing in making master phonograph records, the apparatus in accordance with the invention comprises an arrangement of the receptacle (12) containing anode material (16) such that the electrolyte (2) is constrained (19, 35) to a given extent to flow through the receptacle in a direction from the surrounding liquid in a processing tub (1). The receptacle (12) is connected to an outlet (35) for liquid such that there is always a level (37) of liquid in the receptacle lower than the level thereof in the tub. By means of the liquid flow there is gained that particles which may be liberated from the anode material are not carried over to the object on which electro deposition takes place.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus and method is provided, whereby generally flat workpieces, such as metal plates and the like may be electroplated, on a continuous basis, automatically and without manual intervention. The workpieces are delivered horizontally through a bath of electrolyte. They are conveyed through the bath by being engaged by driven contact wheels that also serve as one of the electrodes. The other electrode is in the bath electrolyte solution. As the workpieces are delivered through the bath, they are engaged and disengaged by the contact wheels, but are always in engagement with contact wheels for not only continuous conveyance, but for continuous electrical connection therewith. A particular slide mount is provided for holding an opposite side of the plate as the plate is carried along its flow path, and this mount is adjustably positionable to accommodate different width workpieces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sparger in which there are a plurality of nozzles extending from a vertical sparger pipe, and alternating the vertical sparger pipes or sparger tubes have the nozzles at mid-stations between the adjacent sparger nozzles; with the entire sparger being directed to discharge the fluid to impinge upon the workpiece such as a printed circuit board at an acute angle preferably less than 90.degree.. The resulting pattern on the workpiece is a plurality of footprints, all overlapping a minimum amount on the target area. A further aspect of the invention is directed to having the spargers on one side of the workpiece direct fluid in a downstream direction, whereas the spargers on the opposite side of the workpiece direct the fluid in an upstream direction or contra to the movement of the workpiece such as a printed circuit board.

Abstract: Electrically conductive solid, dense feed-through paths for the high-speed low-loss transfer of electrical signals between integrated circuits of a single silicon-on-sapphire body, or between integrated circuits of several silicon-on-sapphire bodies, are provided by an electroforming method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a metal on a large-diameter cylindrical bore which passes right through the central portion of a large part. The invention consists in placing and centering the large part (1) between an upper tank (4) and a lower tank (3), so as to define a chamber (8) inside which the bore (2) is disposed and outside which the peripheral portions (9) of the part (1) extend, said chamber being filled with electrolyte. The electrolyte is homogenized and regenerated continuously outside the chamber (8) before being injected in the chamber (8) and before being entrained in a spirally descending motion to the level of the bore (2). The metal deposit takes place under the effect of a direct current which circulates between metal anodes (14) disposed in the bore (2) and the part (1) which serves as a cathode.The invention is used for depositing nickel on the bores of turbine rotor wheels so as to adjust dimensions or prevent fretting corrosion.

Abstract: Disclosed is the ultrasonic treatment of a solid polymer electrolyte to dislodge reaction products. Also disclosed is the use of an amide anodic surface to provide a hydrophobic surface. Disclosed is a SPE chlor-alkali cell having COOH p.i.m., and oxidation of the catholyte. The catholyte oxidant may be a peroxy compound, or it may be carried by an oxygen bearing particle. Alternatively, it may be a redox couple. Catalysts are disclosed. The use of an Si bipolar unit is disclosed.

Abstract: In a process for manufacturing an electro-galvanized steel strip, which comprises: moving a steel strip in an acidic electro-galvanizing bath containing cobalt and chrominum in parallel with the plane of at least one anode plate to subject said steel strip to an electro-galvanizing treatment, thereby forming, on at least one surface of said steel strip, an electro-galvanized layer excellent in bare corrosion resistance and corrosion resistance after chromating; the improvement characterized by: keeping the cobalt content in said electro-galvanizing bath within the range of from 8 to 30 g/l, as converted into metallic cobalt, the chromium content in said electro-galvanizing bath within the range of from 0.1 to 1.5 g/l, as converted into metallic chromium, and the temperature of said electro-galvanizing bath within the range of from 35.degree. to 60.degree. C.; and, flowing said electro-galvanizing bath between said steel strip and said anode plate at a flow velocity of at least 0.

Abstract: The apparatus for electrochemical purification of contaminated liquids comprises a settling chamber with an outlet pipe to discharge purified liquid, which communicates with an electrocoagulation chamber having in its bottom portion a system of soluble electrodes and provided with an inlet pipe to feed contaminated liquid, disposed above said system of soluble electrodes, and with an inlet pipe to feed electrolyte, disposed below said system of electrodes. The bottom portion of the electrocoagulation chamber is also provided with partitions made of an insulating material and intended to reduce the intensity of mixing of liquid currents flowing up the electrocoagulation chamber.

Abstract: The electrolysis device of the present invention comprises an elongated vertically disposed hollow housing having an upper end and an open lower end. The housing has at least one inlet opening spaced above the open lower end. An anode is placed within the hollow housing, and a cathode plate is detachably mounted to the lower end of the housing. An electrically operated impeller is mounted between the inlet opening and the open lower end of the housing, and it draws fluid within the inlet opening and drives it outwardly through the open lower end of the housing. The silver ions collect on the negatively charged cathode plate.

Abstract: The thickness, uniformity, and surface smoothness requirements for surface coatings of glass microspheres for use as targets for laser fusion research are critical. Because of their minute size, the microspheres are difficult to manipulate and control in electroplating systems. The electroplating apparatus (10) of the present invention addresses these problems by providing a cathode cell (20) having a cell chamber (22), a cathode (23) and an anode (26) electrically isolated from each other and connected to an electrical power source (24). During the plating process, the cathode (23) is controllably vibrated along with solution pulse to maintain the particles in random free motion so as to attain the desired properties.

Abstract: The invention contemplates recovery of silver (a precious metal) from waste photographic-fixer solution, the apparatus being so devised and controlled that high purity is achieved in the reclaimed metal without contamination of the remaining solution. As a result, the remaining solution may be recycled, and requirements for replenishment of fixer chemical are held to minimum quantities. In an automated employment of the invention, assurance is provided that electroplating action will be called for only when it can be safely performed, without impairment of quality in the reclaimed metal or in the recycled solution.

Abstract: The invention illustratively contemplates recovery of silver from waste photographic-fixer solution, the apparatus being so devised and controlled that high purity is achieved in the reclaimed metal without contamination of the remaining solution. As a result, the remaining solution may be recycled, and requirements for replenishment of fixer chemical are held to minimum quantities. In an automated employment of the invention, assurance is provided that electroplating action will be called for only when it can be safely performed, without impairment of quality in the reclaimed metal or in the recycled solution.

Abstract: A method and assembly for depositing a metal on a cylindrical bore which passes through the central portion of a large part. The invention consists in placing and centering the large part (1) between an upper tank (4) and a lower tank (3), so as to define a chamber (8) inside which the bore (2) is disposed and outside which the peripheral portion (9) of the part (1) extends, said chamber being filled with electrolyte. The electrolyte is homogenized and regenerated continuously by a current which flows between metal anodes (14) in the bore (2) and the part (2) serving as a cathode.The invention is used for depositing nickel on the bores of turbine rotor wheels so as to adjust dimensions or prevent fretting corrosion.

Abstract: In an electrolytic treating on a strip of metal, namely electroplating, electrolytic degreasing or any other electrolytic treatment on a strip of metal, in order to fludify the liquid between the plane parallel plate electrodes immersed inside the tank or between the plane parallel electrodes and the metal strip passed therebetween by jetting the liquid from the nozzles into the tank, a plane dummy plate or plates are arranged between the nozzles and the plane parallel plate electrodes to adjoin the electrodes and extend in the direction of the nozzles in the same planes as the electrodes to thereby prevent the damping of the jet flow velocity. Moreover, the plane parallel plate electrodes have their edges on the nozzle side arranged in positions at which the half-value width of the nozzle jets from the nozzles overlap each other to thereby ensure a uniform distribution of the jet flow velocity.

Abstract: An anode for a cell for electrolytic recovery of nonferrous metals especially copper is provided with a plate-shaped deposition surface, a hanger for suspending the anode in the cell, and a perforated pipe along a bottom edge of the anode for discharging bubbles of gas upwardly in the electrolyte along the faces of the anode. A bar along an edge of the anode can be provided with a feeder for the gas communicating with the pipe and the hanger may have a passage communicating with this feeder.

Abstract: A portable unit for recovering metallic silver from photographic processing solutions includes a lightweight, molded tank structure. Spaced, elongate, stationary anodes are disposed within the tank and are positioned parallel to each other. An elongate cathode assembly is supported for rotation in the tank about an axis parallel to the anodes. The cathode assembly includes a specially configured apertured barrel designed to promote efficient contact between photographic solution and the remainder of the cathode components. The barrel is readily removed from the unit and disassembled to permit cathode components to be stripped of plated silver. Alternate cathode constructions are disclosed by which extremely efficient plating and silver recovery may be accomplished. The unit also includes a drive shaft seal assembly for supporting the cathode assembly for rotation. The seal assembly is flexible to permit operation of the device even when misaligned bearing support structures are provided.

Abstract: An electrolytic stripping cell is provided which is particularly adapted for use in processing shredded, silver brazed, stainless steel honeycomb scrap. The cell comprises a mesh anode basket which rotates within a cathode cylinder to provide partial stirring of the cell electrolyte. The anode basket includes a central hollow shaft having holes therein through which the electrolyte continually circulates. The basket includes wiper blades for dislodging silver dentrites which grow between the anode and cathode and which, as they fall, are collected in a mesh basket located at the bottom of the cell housing.

Abstract: A vibratory plating apparatus having a plating liquid in a plating container, a base on which the container is mounted for vibrating movement, and a lid for the top of the container. The bottom of the container has an arcuate bottom. A vibration motor vibrates the container and electrodes are disposed within the container. With this plating apparatus, workpieces can be plated uniformly in a very short period of time at a high current density and with a small amount of plating liquid. Moreover, it eliminates troublesome steps of manually suspending and removing workpieces from hangers.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of carbon dioxide or the bicarbonate ion into useful organic compounds, such as formic acid, formaldehyde and methanol, which comprises carrying out the reduction in a photoelectrochemical cell, wherein the cathode is a p-type semiconductor, and at least part of the energy of reduction is supplied by light, including sunlight.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oxidation and coagulation apparatus and method especially suitable for use with aquariums (especially salt-water aquariums). Water is withdrawn from the aquarium by a pump, and is fed into the oxidizer and coagulator. The oxidizer and coagulator includes a chamber into which the pump discharges water under pressure, a plurality of electrodes disposed in the chamber and connected up to a source of e.m.f. (AC), a plurality of electrically conductive particles (e.g., graphite) disposed in the chamber, a structure for violently continuously circulating the particles within the chamber so that they continuously impact all of the electrodes, and structure for preventing movement of the electrically conductive particles out of the chamber. An outlet is provided from the chamber and a filter is provided for separating particles and coagulants from the water after discharge from the chamber, and then returning the now-purified water to the aquarium.

Abstract: An electrolysis process in which the source of the voltage difference between the anode and the cathode of the electrolysis cell is an electromotive force. The electromotive force is produced in the electrodes by introducing a magnetic field into the electrolysis cell while mounting the electrodes on a conducting element. Movement of the conducting element or magnet, or alternating the magnetic field then creates the necessary electromotive force. Movement of the conducting element may be caused by the flow of electrolyte. Several conducting elements may be contained in each cell.

Abstract: An electrolytic process is described for purifying an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide containing an impurity of a soluble heavy metal complex comprised of a heavy metal cation and a plurality of anions.For example, an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide containing a soluble heavy metal complex, such as mercuric polysulfide, [HgS].sup.+ S.sup.-, is charged to the electrolytic chamber of an electrolytic cell. An electric current is employed to reduce heavy metal cations to a separate phase in elemental form, and simultaneously to oxidize anions to a separate phase in elemental form, and to form a slurry of the separate phases in elemental forms in the aqueous solution.The slurry is removed from the electrolytic chamber and the phases of elemental forms are separated from the purified aqueous solution. The purified alkali metal hydroxide solution is sold commercially or otherwise utilized.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for continuously agglomerating solids of colloidal size or larger suspended in a liquid is disclosed. The process comprises passing the liquid between spaced electrode plates in the presence of a fluidized bed of conductive particles, and subjecting said liquid suspension to an electric field from alternating current applied across said electrodes through the conductive particles of said bed. The turbulence of the particles in said bed has been found to improve conductivity and current efficiency, minimize electrode erosion, and by a mechanical, scrubbing action of the bed particles, minimize fouling or scaling of the electrodes so that the suspending forces of said solids are rapidly and efficiently broken. The agglomerated solids may then be separated from the liquid by conventional means such as skimming, settling, flotation and the like.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing high and uniform processing rates for electroplating, deplating, etching and the like, substantially independent of the surface geometries of the article subjected to the process. In an electroplating application, the article to be plated is supported on a cathode so the electrolyte may be forcibly sprayed on the article from an array of spray nozzles adjacent the surface thereof. Intermixed with the array of spray nozzles may be a second array of openings providing suction to locally remove most of the sprayed electrolyte after impingment on the work piece. In this manner most of the spent electrolyte is removed from the work piece locally so that it is not available to flow down the work piece to shield the surface thereof from the spray of lower nozzles. One or more additional intermixed arrays of delivery ports may also be used to deliver such things as inert gases, brighteners, polishing media, air under pressure to increase agitation, etc.

Abstract: Method for treating metal containing waste water employing a vessel containing the waste water in which there is provided at least one anode and a cathode comprised of a plurality of electrically conductive elements and in which the waste water is subjected to electrolysis during which the cathode elements are being moved. The cathode elements are provided in the form of rods which are arranged in the vessel by means of at least two holding devices so that the rods extend parallel to one another and can be moved in the holding devices relative to one another. The holding devices are moved during the electrolysis process so that the rods strike one another again and again at spaced intervals. An apparatus is provided for practicing the method.

Abstract: A metals recovery apparatus and process for use with an electroplating system acting to remove metals from a used plating solution. The present apparatus includes a plating tank and a pair of electrode plates in spaced parallel relationship. There is a plating solution circulating system in the plating tank for moving the solution between the electrodes in a swirling motion and for adding a controlled amount of additional solution. The circulating system is provided with directional nozzles to cause the swirling motion of the plating solution, which provides a more uniformly distributed plating pattern on the cathode plate.

Abstract: An electrolytic plating cell is provided, wherein by means of flow directional baffle arrangements a rapid, uniform parallel movement of the electrolyte past all electrode surfaces can be maintained, while minimizing energy losses in moving the electrolyte.

Abstract: An apparatus for examining liquid quality, for example, water quality, in which a sensing element is placed in contact with the test water, and which comprises sensing means including a sensing element, means for generating an air bubble in the vicinity of the sensing element and for producing a turbulent flow due to the substantially disordered motion based on the floating power of the air bubble in the vicinity of a sensing surface of the sensing element.

Abstract: A device for applying by way of electrolysis a metal coat onto a cylinder-shaped body, especially for coppering a cylinder, with an outer tank and a process tank arranged above the outer tank, as well as with a circulation and filtering apparatus for the electrolyte. Two anode supports are installed in the process tank and connected to spray pipes. The supports are controlled by adjusting means arranged above the process tank. This latter is designed at its longitudinal ends with pockets whose inner walls are fitted with self-acting sealing elements for the projecting shaft ends of the cylinder.

Abstract: A process of diaphragmless electrolysis comprises providing an electrochemical cell having substantially parallel electrodes in the form of discs axially spaced from each other and connected for common rotation about their axis, one of the discs having means defining a central opening, causing common rotation of the electrodes, introducing matter to be electrolyzed through said central opening, adjusting the speed of rotation until the profile of velocity of effective radial flow between the discs shows a double-humped distribution, and applying a potential between the discs.

Abstract: The specification describes an electrolytic cell for the treatment, particularly the purification and sterilization of water, which comprises a closed container with a lower inlet opening and an upper outlet opening for the water and electrodes which are adapted to be connected with the positive pole and the negative pole of a DC source. In the interior of the electrolytic cell free movable particles are located whose density is higher than that of the water to be treated and which are prevented from leaving the electrolytic cell by suitable means adajcent to the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the recovery of metal values from an electrolyte in an electrodeposition or electrowinning cell are disclosed. A bottom baffle assembly supporting a plurality of bubble tubes and alignment devices is urged upward from the bottom of the electrolytic cell. An electrode assembly, having alignment means which cooperate with the alignment devices on the bottom baffle assembly, engages and aligns with the bottom baffle assembly when the electrode assembly is lowered into the electrolyte. Thereby, the bubble tubes are aligned to provide sheets of bubbles between the anode and cathode faces. The invention also features methods and apparatus for separating the electrodes, after the electrodeposition or electrowinning process, by pulling them apart in the horizontal direction to minimize the chance of damage to the electrodes.

Abstract: Flow-through plating apparatus and method particularly effective for the high speed plating and building up of Pb-Sn alloy on bearing shells. An open-ended, flow-through plating cell having a reciprocating anode is provided with a pneumatic electrolyte shuttling system for transferring electrolyte back and forth through the cell in timed relation to the motion of the anode. The surface to be plated is in a recess whose lateral walls are non-conductive to shield the shell ends from overplating.

Abstract: An electroplating test cell comprises a tank having a housing supported within it, the housing being divided into an annular anode compartment and an inner cathode compartment. A cylindrical cathode support is mounted for rotation within the cathode compartment and is vertically adjustable therein to vary its position relative to electrolyte flowed within the compartment. The housing is supported near the bottom of the tank so that different levels of electrolyte may be maintained above the housing to provide varying liquid conditions ranging from a static pressure head to spray chamber plating. Rotation speed of the cathode support is variable to simulate different speeds of material movement through a plating bath.

Abstract: A thin film of low magnetostriction Permalloy 80% nickel - 20% iron .+-. 1% is electroplated in a bath having a ratio of about 1.8:1 to 24:1 g/liter ratio of Ni to Fe ions with a plating current density from 10 ma/cm.sup.2 - 200 ma/cm.sup.2 when plating in sheet form or an Ni/Fe ratio of 25:1 to 85:1 with a current density of 2 ma/cm.sup.2 - 110 ma/cm.sup.2 when plating through a mask. The fluid in the system is constantly mixed, replenished with fresh iron, acid, and other reagents, is adjusted in temperature and subjected to a continuous laminar regime of mixing. Fresh solution is added to the bath from a reservoir where the above adjustments are made. The inlet for the fresh solution is at the lower end of the plating chamber and directed at a bath mixer which includes a slot through which the fresh solution is directed to optimize mixing in the plating chamber. Complexing agents are avoided. High speed plating is obtained with about 24.4 g/l of Ni.sup.++, 1.05 g/l of Fe.sup.++, 25 g/l of H.sub.3 BO.sub.

Abstract: A countercurrent extraction column for a liquid-liquid extraction of two phases which are insoluble in each other with simultaneous electrolysis. The column comprises an outer tube, an inner tube within the outer tube, with the inner tube dividing the column into an inner anode chamber and an outer cathode chamber which encloses the anode chamber without the use of a diaphragm. A plurality of bores establish communication between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber. An anode is provided in the anode chamber and a cathode is provided in the cathode chamber. A hollow sheet metal cylinder is disposed around the inner tube in the area of the bores between the cathode chamber and the anode chamber. The cylinder acts as a cathode cylinder member and is chargeable in its interior by one of the phases through bores located at the top of the cathode cylinder. Sheet metal strips are attached in a radially inwardly extending manner to the interior surface of the cathode cylinder.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuous electrowinning of copper bearing slurries, including an electrowinning cell wherein a slurry composed of a suitable electrolyte and a copper-bearing solid material, is subjected to the simultaneous reactions of dissolving the copper material and plating out elemental copper as a relatively pure copper product. The apparatus and process also includes means to purify the copper-bearing material before passage to the electrowinning cell so as to prevent contamination of the electrolyte in the cell and, also, a means to recover sulfur which is released during the electrowinning and unreacted copper material.

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: A dielectric processing chamber unit for use in electroprocessing large surface areas including electropolishing and electroplating. The processing chamber unit has an open face, an open top, a sealing strip, an electrolyte inlet and an electrode. The processing chamber unit is placed with its open face against a surface to be electroprocessed and an electrolyte is introduced into the chamber through the inlet. The inlet is located so that the entering electrolyte dislodges gas bubbles formed during electroprocessing and then both the electrolyte and gas leave the chamber through its open top.A method of electroprocessing a surface using such a processing chamber unit whereby a relatively small amount of electrolyte is used and recirculated during processing.

Abstract: A substantially sealed electrolyte container is provided for electroplating articles, and an evacuating means is provided for evacuating the space above the electrolyte surface in the electrolyte container. The article to be electroplated forms the anode or cathode electrode. The electrolyte container is subdivided by porous partitions, which do not disturb the electrical field of force, into cathode and anode chambers, and separate gas extraction means are provided for said chambers. Beneath the electrolyte level in the cathode and anode chambers electrolyte extraction and supply means are provided by means of which the electrolyte is extracted, degassed and returned to the cathode and anode chambers.

Abstract: An electrolytic polishing apparatus, in which a polishing sample is pressed against an opening in a cover of a container, in which electrolyte is caused to rotate by means of a stirring magnet, said container having a central bottom opening and being placed in an outer bowl.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a metal from a liquid solution is herein disclosed. The apparatus includes a receiving tank. A circulating tank is connected to the receiving tank. A circulating pump is connected to the circulating tank. A circulating tank drain pump is connected to the circulating tank. A recovery tank is connected to the circulating tank and the circulating pump. The recovery tank has an anode and a cathode positioned therein. A source of electric current is connected to the anode and the cathode. Metal is removed from the liquid by the method of circulating the liquid between the circulating tank and recovery tank. While the liquid is circulating, the source of electric current supplies a decreasing electric current to the anode and the cathode to collect the metal on the cathode.

Abstract: An electrode system is disclosed which comprises a vessel having an ion-permeable wall; a current feeder within said vessel spaced apart from said ion-permeable wall; and a plurality of electrically conductive particles free to move within a region between the current feeder and the ion-permeable wall and constituting, in use, a particulate electrode. The vessel incorporates at the base thereof a flow distributor such that, when the electrode system is in use, a fluid discharged into the vessel through the flow distributor debouches into the vessel in a direction away from the ion-permeable wall towards one or more surfaces in, or forming part of, the vessel and is deflected by said one or more surfaces towards the ion-permeable wall. An electrochemical cell and electrochemical process using such an electrode system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrolyzer is provided with a vessel containing an electrolyte and in which a lower temperature portion and a higher temperature portion are respectively defined, and with stirring devices or the like for forming circular flows of the electrolyte within the lower and higher temperature portions respectively and for circulating the electrolyte between the lower and higher temperature portions to permit the electrolysis to be carried out.