Abstract: In a fuel cell which has an activated carbon-containing anode and an activated carbon-containing cathode and is preferably used for the oxidative treatment of waste waters containing oxygen or oxygen-containing compounds, the cathode has been subjected to partial anodic oxidation in a mineral acid at a potential .epsilon..sub.h of from +1.3 to +10V and then doped with molybdenum(VI) and/or tungsten(VI) and/or vanadium(V) compounds, and the anode has been subjected to partial anodic oxidation in an aqueous mineral acid, cathodically reduced in an aqueous mineral acid and then impregnated with cobalt hydroxide and/or nickel hydroxide and/or copper hydroxide and/or zinc hydroxide, the anode and the cathode being separated by a porous polyelectrolyte through which the waste water flows.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing an electrochemical process involving hydrogen and gaseous compounds capable of dissociating into or combining with hydrogen ions using a solid electrolyte concentration cell. Specific applications are fuel cells for producing an electrical current and separation of hydrogen from a gaseous mixture. A novel proton-conducting membrane comprised of an interpenetrating polymer network serves as the solid electrolyte. For increased strength, a membrane may be composited with or utilized with a porous support.

Abstract: A solid state electrochemical ceramic cell adapted to alter the composition of gas exhaust streams containing noxious component passing therethrough comprising: a porous, high surface area body having a gas-receiving first end seal portion, a gas egressing second end seal portion and substantially gas impervious side walls defining the length of the cell; a high surface area, porous solid electrolyte forming the body of the cell interior; a gas communicating passageway through the cell length extending from the first seal end portion through the second seal end portion and adapted to carry gas through the length of the cell; a first electronically conductive region and a second electronically conductive region, said regions disposed in electronically opposing segment of the cell; a first electrode connection member located in said first conductive region and a second opposing electrode connection member located within said second conductive region; said end seal portions adapted to be positioned in gas-tight

Abstract: An apparatus, used in operation of electrolytic cells, to balance the interface pressure between liquid electrolyte and gas within the pores of a vertically disposed gas electrode. An electrode is sectioned into a plurality of lateral, or horizontal, gas compartments, vertically superposed, along one face of the electrode. The opposite face of the electrode is exposed to the liquid electrolyte. Each lateral compartment is supplied with gas. Each lateral compartment is also connected, via a separate gas line, to the bottom of a separate vertical chamber in a weir system. Each chamber has a vertical height equal to the depth of its respective cell compartment beneath the surface of the liquid electrolyte. The top of each weir chamber is provided with an overflow weir. Further, the chambers are arranged so that the overflow weir of each chamber flows into the next chamber, in order of decreasing vertical height. Gas is allowed to escape each lateral electrode compartment into a weir chamber.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for removing impurities from a liquid, the liquid containing impurities is supplied to an electrolytic bath at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. Electrolysis is performed by applying a voltage to electrodes consisting of a metal which easily dissolves upon electrolysis. The liquid is then exposed to atmospheric pressure, and is treated in a flotation separation tank. Fine bubbles formed during the treatment of the liquid in the flotation separation tank attach to the impurities flocculated in the liquid by electrolysis. The flotation separation of the flocculated impurities is performed very efficiently, and high-purity water can be recovered.

Abstract: Purification of hydrogen is realized in an assembly comprising anode and cathode gas diffusion electrodes, an electrolyte situated between the electrodes, first and second gas passages adjacent the electrodes and means for applying a voltage across the electrodes.

Abstract: Apparatus for use as an electrode, which is particularly suited for use in electro-plating non-continuous conductive objects, particularly double-sided circuit boards, is described. Specifically, this electrode comprises: a housing having a plurality of sides and an internal enclosed air chamber, wherein at least one of the sides is flexible and conductive and the remaining sides are rigid and non-conductive; a port extending through one of the sides and into the chamber for routing a compressed fluid into the chamber; and means for holding a printed circuit board against the electrode such that whenever sufficient fluid is routed into the chamber the flexible side forceably distends into abutting electrical contact with a surface of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An electrochemical system for determining the concentration of a bacteria or other enzymatic agents in a liquid sample (14). The system includes mounting means (20) for mounting an electrode assembly (16), and drive means for rotating the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly comprises a shaft (22) having a longitudinal axis and a longitudinally extending interior passage (40), an electrode (24) mounted at the lower end of the shaft, and sparging means (26) extending laterally from the lower end of the shaft. The sparging means is in communication with passage (40) through openings (50). The electrode and sparging means are mounted such that they are immersed in the sample when the shaft is mounted by the mounting means. The electrode assembly further comprises conductor means (44, 46) for electrically connecting the electrode to the electrochemical system. The electrode assembly is rotated during measurement of the concentration of the enzymatic agent.

Abstract: A ventilating system for a high speed electroplating apparatus having a pretreating section, a plating section and a post treating section for electroplating a workpiece sequentially transferred from each section by a conveyor. Each section has a cover which together completely enclose the apparatus except for inlet and outlet areas. An exhaust fan is positioned in a duct connected to the enclosed treating sections for exhausting the accumulated gases to the atmosphere outside the work area.

Abstract: The apparatus is particularly intended for depositing chromium on the bearing surfaces of bearings and end stops of turbine rotors made of chromium steel in order to obtain a good coefficient of friction thereon. The apparatus comprises a vat (1) having a vertical axis 00' constituted by a cylindrical portion (2) terminated by a conical portion (3), said vat (1) being filled with electrolyte, first means (7, 8) disposed near the top of said vat (1) for feeding the vat (1) with electrolyte, second means (4) situated at the bottom of the vat (1) for emptying the electrolyte, third means (32, 33) situated between the second means (4) and the first means (7, 8) for regenerating and circulating the electroylte, fourth means (15) for supporting a curtain of anodes (17) made of the metal to be deposited and for rotating the electrolyte about the axis 00', and fifth means (29) for applying current of given polarity to the curtain of anodes (17 ).

Abstract: An improvement of the method for preparing cupric ion-free cuprous chloride powder in which copper metal is added to a highly acidified solution of cupric chloride to reduce the cupric ions to cuprous ions and oxidize the copper metal to cuprous ions. The improvement involves applying an electromotive force to the solution by immersing interconnected copper and platinum electrodes in the solution. The electromotive force is applied only after the reduction of cupric ions is near completion. The electromotive force is applied for a sufficient time to insure essentially complete reduction of cupric ions in the solution. Cuprous chloride is then separated from the cupric ion-free solution by evaporation and isolated by conventional techniques to provide an improved cuprous chloride powder product which is essentially free of cupric ions. The electromotive force is also applied during the evaporation of the acidified solution to prevent possible cupric ion formation.

Abstract: An electronic flame off (EFO) electrode used to form balls on bonding wire builds up layers of aluminum oxide during use. The aluminum oxide is removed by moving the EFO electrode next to a cleaning electrode, and causing a glow discharge to pass across the gap between them. The EFO electrode is charged negative with respect to the cleaning electrode, and a noble gas, such as argon, fills the region around the gap.

Abstract: The intermittent electrolysis of a portion of the used ammoniacal etching solution generates oxygen at the anode which is mixed into the remainder of the circulated etching solution for reoxidation and regeneration before it is returned to the etching chamber. The portion of the solution which goes through the electrolysis cell, and has its metal content reduced, is returned to the beginning of the circulation loop rather than to the etching chamber, in order that the metal content of the circulated solution may be quickly reduced. This reduction is quickly picked up by a metal content measuring device in the branch supplying solution to the electrolysis cell.

Abstract: A nonsaturable microdryer is provided for electrolytically removing moisture from sealed containers, particularly electronic equipment. An electrode/electrolyte assembly is disposed within a channel between the interior and exterior of a sealed container. A catalytic barrier disposed between the interior of the sealed container and the electrode/electrolyte assembly prevents the build-up of explosive concentrations of hydrogen by converting back-diffusing hydrogen and oxygen back into water, which is then recycled. A semipermeable membrane disposed between the exterior of the sealed container and the electrode/electrolyte assembly allows selective removal of hydrogen and prevents intake of water.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process and apparatus for the treatment of sodium-nitrate-containing electrolytes during the electrochemical machining of the surfaces of iron-containing workpieces. By adding an oxidizing agent, more particularly ozone, increased production of nitrite in the electrolyte is prevented and, thereby, premature passivation of the surface of the workpiece during the electrochemical metal removal. An apparatus for the oxidation of the electrolyte is comprised of a processing station inserted into the electrolyte circuit, an ozone generator, and a reactor.

Abstract: A halogen production apparatus comprising a halogen production device and a metal-halogen secondary cell which contains in its electrolyte the same halogen as is produced by the production device. Drive power is supplied to the production device from a commercial power terminal. Charging power is supplied from the commercial power terminal to the secondary cell during a first period of time, for example, during a period of time in which the power cost is low. During this period of time, the halogen produced by the secondary cell is added to the halogen produced by the production device. During a second period of time different from the first period, for example, during a period of time in which the power cost is high, the power generated by the secondary cell is supplied to the production device while a portion of the halogen produced by the production device is being supplied to the electrolyte of the secondary cell.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte structure for fuel cells and other electrochemical devices providing oxygen ion transfer by a multiplicity of exposed internal surfaces made of a composition containing an oxide of a multivalent transition metal and forming small pore-like passages sized to permit oxygen ion transfer while limiting the transfer of oxygen gas.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for separating oxygen from a mixture of gases such as air. The apparatus includes an electrochemical cell that includes a cathode, an anode and an electrolyte. Oxygen in the air is reduced to the superoxide ion (O.sub.2.sup.-) at the cathode; the superoxide ion is transported across the cell through the electrolyte; and the superoxide ion is then reoxidized to oxygen at the anode and collected.

Abstract: This invention provides a calibration unit for generating known concentrations of an oxidizing or a reducing gas in an inert carrier gas. THe gas-generating electrode is sandwiched between an ion-exchange membrane and a porous diffusion membrane for minimizing the liquid layer thickness around the electrode and for regularizing the rate of diffusion of the gas generated. The present invention is especially useful for calibrating gas sensors which detect, measure, and monitor the concentration of a gas in the atmosphere, and for providing an accurate low concentration of gas for use wherever desired.

Abstract: The present application discloses an equipment for continuously processing a band-shape material comprising transverse sliding shafts disposed on a base table, a basal board which freely slides transversely along said transverse sliding shafts, transverse-feeding means by which said basal board is quickly and/or slowly moved transversely, vertical sliding shafts disposed on said basal board, a tool of abrasion in combination with elctrolytic polishing which freely slides vertically along said vertical sliding shafts, vertical-feeding means by which said tool is moved vertically against said basal board and a polishing head which is disposed on said tool and composed of electrodes for electrolysis and abrasive matters for abrasion and by which continuously sent band-shape material is polished.

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 device for supply or discharge of electrolyte for an electrolyzer of filterpress type has several compartments fed through channels (3) which open out into a common tranquilization chamber (4) of thin cross-section, which in turn is fed with electrolyte by way of a duct twisted, for example, into a spiral (51) of small cross-section.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a settling chamber with outlet pipes to discharge purified liquid and sludge and an electrocoagulation chamber installed in the settling chamber and communicating with the latter. The electrocoagulation chamber has an inlet pipe to feed contaminated liquid, an inlet pipe to feed electrolyte, and a system of soluble electrodes disposed below the inlet pipe to feed contaminated liquid. Apertures are provided in the walls of the electrocoagulation chamber along the perimeter thereof below the liquid level in the settling chamber, the apertures receiving the nozzles of injectors which transfer a part of foam from the electrocoagulation chamber to the settling chamber.

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: An improved, internally supported electrode has been developed which comprises:(a) a gas permeable support section having at least two surface portions; and(b) at least two exposed members individually supported by a surface portion of the support section; wherein the improvement comprises:a plurality of projections separated by at least about 0.1 inch on each of the surface portions, wherein at least a portion of said projections are at least partially imbedded into and bonded with an exposed member.The invention includes an electrolytic cell using the electrode as a cathode and the electrolytic process of using the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: Apparatus for the electrolytic deposition of metal onto metallic or appropriately pre-treated non-metallic objects and cleaning these objects of adhering surface treatment agents after further treatment as well as recovery of these treatment agents, with treatment station, drum installation, anodes, work container, supply bin, rotating arrangement, dosing and measuring arrangements, electrical attachments as well as connected conduit tubes, thereby characterized in that in the work container with overflow arrangement, two anodes are semicircularly arranged around the drum aggregate, whereby the work container is connected across an opening with fractionating arrangement, to a supply container with vacuum space for the surface treatment agent, which can be adjusted to a reduced pressure by means of a vacuum arrangement, and whereby the supply container is connected across a recirculation conduit to the work container, as well as a method using this apparatus. With current density up to 20.0 A/dm.sup.

Abstract: An open-cell electrolyte chlorine generator such as a type used for the chlorination of various aqueous streams including swimming pools is constructed without the use of a diaphragm or membrane isolating or partitioning the electrolyte between the anode and cathode. Instead, a gas separating plate separates the electrolyte above horizontally projecting electrodes, in order to keep the different gasses generated at the different electrodes separated as they rise to the top of the cell. Aqueous buffering reagents are added to the chloride-containing electrolyte to neutralize the hydroxide anions generated at the cathode and to optimize the evolution of chlorine gas by stabilizing the pH of the electrolyte. The chlorine and hydrogen gasses produced may be separately added to the solution which is to be treated, with an optional cooling circuit taking the pre-treated solution and passing it through the cell (in heat-exchanging tubing) prior to treatment with the gasses.

Abstract: Improved electroplating processes and equipment, in which an inert gas (21) is mixed with a liquid electrolyte (20) to form a foam (23) of the gas plus electrolyte, which foam is then circulated (arrows A) through an electroplating chamber (30) in which anodes (12) and cathode substrates (10) are mounted so as to plate a metal from the foam electrolyte onto the cathodic surfaces of the substrates. Preferably, the gas is nitrogen or argon and the electrolyte may be any of various conventional plating solutions, such as a potassium gold cyanide solution in a specific example of a gold-plating process described in detail. The foam process provides improvements in uniformity of the thickness of the plated metal and in the surface appearance.

Abstract: A system for the galvanic deposition of aluminum from aprotic organo-aluminum electrolytes free from oxygen and water wherein it is not necessary to remove a galvanizing drum from its associated galvanizing tank in order to load and unload work pieces being galvanized from the drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for the anodic oxidation of aluminum permits the recovery of hydrogen generated from the cathode. The cathode is positioned within a tubular member provided with a multiplicity of small openings each having a size sufficient to allow passage of an electrolytic solution therethrough but to prevent passage of hydrogen bubbles therethrough. Thereby, the hydrogen is collected in the upper space above the surface of the electrolytic solution in the tubular member and is discharged therefrom through a conduit opening thereinto.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plating means, wherein an accurate plating for a smaller work surface is carried out high-speedily. For this purpose, the smaller work surface is enclosed by a mask of the plating means, and a plating solution is jetted for the work surface from a nozzle disposed within a closed space of the mask inside. Further, the plating means according to this invention has means for suctioning and discharging speedily an extra plating solution together with atmosphere within the closed space as well as outer air induced by an outer air induction means. Further, the used plating solution is again returned to a plating solution tank by a preferred recycling system. Thus, consumption of the plating solution is saved greatly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the generation of a gaseous hydrogen or hydrogen and oxygen mixture for use as a fuel. The apparatus includes an electrolytic tank having means for circulating and cooling the electrolyte solution therein, gas removal means and a source of electric power communicating with the electrolyte solution. The method is characterized by dissociation of the aqueous portion of the electrolyte solution and maintaining the temperature of the electrolyte below 150.degree. F.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a settling chamber having an outlet pipe to discharge purified liquid and communicating with an electrocoagulation chamber in whose bottom part a system of soluble electrodes is disposed. The electrocoagulation chamber has an inlet pipe to feed contaminated liquid, disposed above said system of soluble electrodes, and an inlet pipe to feed electrolyte, disposed below said system of soluble electrodes. A separating partition with an aperture and a check valve as well as an injector to deliver a fluid under the check valve are installed in the electrocoagulation chamber between the system of soluble electrodes and the inlet pipe to feed contaminated liquid, the check valve being adapted for a vertical movement under the action of the flow of the fluid delivered by the injector and of the flow of a gas-liquid mixture, ascending from the system of soluble electrodes.

Abstract: For the dehumidification of a cavity preferably the intermediary space (3) between the glass sheets (1, 2) of a window, the dehumidifying device comprises a cell (5, 6, 7) shaped as a cartridge to be inserted in an opening in one of the glass sheets and so arranged as to absorb and by electrolysis to dissociate the water molecules from said cavity (3) by application of external energy. (FIG. 1).

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: Device for selective electrodeposition of metal flat stock, on laddered or bandoliered component strips having at least one station filled with electrolyte through which the component strips are transported lengthwise. The device includes a longitudinal guide means for the component strips-the guide means is provided with a slot shaped chamber. The chamber, at its lower side is in open contact with a plating bath filled with electrolyte on a level lower than the electrolyte level in the plating bath. The guide means has apertures for introducing pressurized gas or air. The plating bath contains tubes with holes in such a position that during operation electrolyte recirculated through a transport pump can be jetted onto the portion of the metal or component strip which extends below the slot-shaped chamber of the guide means into the electrolyte.

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: An electrolyzer for obtaining chemical products, comprising a cell having its inner surface made from a dielectric material, and filled with a circulating electrolyte; the cell accommodates current leads which are nonsoluble, the space between the current leads and the walls of the cell being filled with pieces of a conducting material, said pieces serving as a bulk electrode, and as these pieces react with the electrolyte, a coat of film is formed thereon, which promotes the bipolar action of said pieces when the current leads are energized; in addition, the cell is provided with a means for discharging slime and the products of electrolysis.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/DE78/00024 Sec. 371 Date May 11, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date May 11, 1979 PCT Filed Sept. 14, 1978 PCT Pub. No. WO79/00145 PCT Pub. Date Mar. 22, 1979Liquids with a very low conductivity are sterilized by means of anodic oxidation. For the purpose of increasing the conductivity without using chemically soluble additives, a gas which increases the conductivity, in particular CO.sub.2, is fed to the liquid before the anodic oxidation. For the purpose of carrying out the process, a device with an oxidation reactor (1) has a feed line (5), on the inlet side, for the gas to be fed in and a venting means (22) on the outlet side.

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 process and system are provided for recovering copper from chalcopyrite concentrate. The chalcopyrite is ground to a mean particle size of about 1.5-5 microns. The ground chalcopyrite is then divided into a first stream and a second stream. The first stream is leached in a leach solution containing at least about 100 gpl sulfuric acid and about 10-30 gpl ferric iron to produce a copper sulfate solution containing about 40-75 gpl dissolved copper and less than about 5 gpl ferric iron. The second stream of ground chalcopyrite is combined with the copper sulfate solution and with sulfur dioxide such that the combination reacts to precipitate dissolved copper from the copper sulfate solution as simple copper sulfides and to produce a liquor containing dissolved ferrous iron. The simple copper sulfides are then separated from the ferrous iron liquor.

Abstract: Oxygen bearing compounds, such as those contained in exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine, including NO and NO.sub.2 (NO.sub.x), CO, CO.sub.2 and SO.sub.2 are catalytically decomposed by use of a solid electrolyte comprising a stabilized oxygen-ion oxide. The electrolyte is in the form of a thin member, or film, across the thickness dimension of which an electric field is applied by use of electrodes at opposite faces thereof. A d-c voltage source is connected to the electrodes for generation of a unidirectionalelectric field through the electrolyte. In accordance with the present invention, means are provided for limiting current drain from the voltage source to a negligable amount such that catalytic dissociation is effected substantially without the consumption of electrical power.

Abstract: A unique, current conducting bipolar separator in a cell for electrolysis of chlorides makes multiple contact with the anodes and cathodes bonded to an ion transporting membrane in an electrolysis cell. Each side of the separator plate includes a plurality of electrode contacting, current conducting ribs or projections which also define a plurality of flow channels to allow fluid transport and good flow distribution. The projections or ribs on opposite sides of the separator plates are angularly disposed relative to each other so that the membrane is supported on one side by ribs of one separator and on the other side by the ribs from another separator which are angularly disposed to the first group. The intersection of the ribs on opposite sides of the membrane, thus, establishes a plurality of pressure areas or bearing surfaces which support the membrane without deforming it and without requiring very precise registration and alignment of the ribs.

Abstract: A submersible energy storage apparatus for an electrical power source is vided which includes an electrolysis unit feed water gas collection assembly and a fuel cell. The electrolysis unit feed water gas collection assembly includes a hydrogen container and an oxygen container wherein each container has a gas outlet and is capable of containing feed water as well as hydrogen and oxygen gases respectively. An electrolysis cell is provided which has a hydrogen outlet, an oxygen outlet and a feed water inlet. The hydrogen outlet is located in the hydrogen container, the oxygen outlet is located in the oxygen container, and the feed water inlet is located in one of the containers. Each of the containers has an opening to the submersible environment so as to be pressure responsive thereto. A barrier device is provided in association with the opening in each container for isolating the feed water in the container from water in the submersible environment.

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: Electrochemical treatment process is characterized in that said treatment is carried out by containing 2-60 v/v % of dispersed bubbles having the first quartile diameter being not more than 2,000 .mu.m in the electrolyte solution and by applying voltage.

Abstract: The diaphragm or equivalent element in an electrolytic cell is disposed on and maintained by a foraminous metallic or other electroconductive support structure which is electrically connected to the cathode in the cell so that both the supported diaphragm or other separator unit structure and the cathode have the same potential thereby at least minimizing and frequently even avoiding bipolar effects during cell operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an interconnect structure on an integrated circuit chip by employing a single chamber for both the required etching and anodization. It has been discovered that an etchant-electrolyte such as phosphoric acid solution in the ratios of one part phosphoric acid to four parts of water can serve as both an etchant and an electrolyte without causing deterioration of the photoresist pattern representing the interconnect structure.

Abstract: A fluid, such as air or water, carrying suspended solids is directed between a pair of oppositely charged, corrugated surfaces in order to subject the flow to an undulating action that increases the frequency with which the solid particles impinge against one another, thereby increasing the rate of flocculation of the solids. In the case of airborne particles, the corrugated surfaces are arranged in an upright condition so that the flocculated particles attracted to one or the other of such surfaces gravitate therefrom into a conveying mechanism that delivers such particles to a collecting receptacle. In the case of liquid-borne particles, the flow is forced to travel upwardly against the force of gravity after passing between the surfaces, thereby encouraging the flocculated particles to settle out into a sump that is associated with the uphill flow passage.

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.