Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical half-cell (1) with a gas diffusion electrode (7) as cathode or anode wherein the gas chamber (6) is divided in particular into two or more gas pockets (6a, 6b, 6c) arranged one above another, the electrode chamber (2) of the half-cell (1) being divided into compartments (2a, 2b, 2c) which for the passage of the electrolyte (23), are connected to one another in cascade fashion via chutes (17), (18), (19).

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for electrochemical decomposition of sodium azide in aqueous alkaline solutions form sodium hydroxide, ammonia, nitrogen, and oxygen. The apparatus contains five major parts, which are (1) an electrolyzer which contains one or more cell units, (2) a rectifier which supplies D.C. electrical current to the electrolyzer, (3) a tank which holds the electrolyte (containing sodium hydroxide and sodium azide) needed to be processed in the electrolyzer, (4) a vacuum which can remove off gases generated by electrolysis in the electrolyzer, and (5) a recovery system which can further separate off gases. It is optional to add a pump in between the tank and the electrolyzer to be used for filling, mechanical agitation, or recycle.

Abstract: A process for removing NO from exhaust in which NO-containing exhaust is guided to a first electrode on which the NO is anodically oxidized to NO.sup.+, the NO.sup.+ is subsequently transported through an NO.sup.+ -conducting solid electrolyte to a second electrode on which the NO is cathodically reduced.

Abstract: An electrochemical autothermal reformer (EATR) provides hydrogen. The EATR includes an autothermal reformer region, a reformer anode supply region, and a composite membrane layer separating the reformer anode from the autothermal reformer region. The composite membrane layer includes a mechanically stable porous ceramic support member with a thin gas permeable ceramic substrate layer overlaying the support member. Overlaying the substrate layer is a first thin metallic catalyst layer which promotes the dissociation of H.sub.2 to 2H.sup.+ +2e.sup.-. Overlaying the first catalyst layer is a metallic oxide layer capable of conducting 2H.sup.+ +2e.sup.- at elevated temperatures. Overlaying the metallic oxide layer is a second thin metallic catalyst layer which promotes the recombination of 2H.sup.+ +2e.sup.- to H.sub.2.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ozone generation and delivery system that lends itself to small scale applications and requires very low maintenance. The system includes an anode reservoir and a cathode phase separator each having a hydrophobic membrane to allow phase separation of produced gases from water. The system may be configured to operate passively with no moving parts or in a self-pressurizing manner with the inclusion of a pressure controlling device or valve in the gas outlet of the anode reservoir. The hydrogen gas, ozone gas and water containing ozone may be delivered under pressure.

Abstract: A ceramic element is provided which can be injection molded from an electrolyte and a binder. The ceramic element includes a tube support portion and a plurality of tubes extending from the tube support portion. The plurality of tubes are arranged in rows and columns. A plurality of vias extend from one surface of the tube support portion to an opposite surface of the tube support portion. The ceramic element is coated with an electrically conductive coating and a current collector coating. The vias are coated with the electrically conductive coating and plugged. After the coatings are removed in selected areas of the ceramic element, the tubes of the ceramic element form a series-parallel array because tubes in the same column are connected in parallel electrically and tubes in adjacent rows are connected in series electrically. Two ceramic elements are sealed together to form a modular electrochemical device. The electrochemical device can be either an oxygen generator or a fuel cell.

Abstract: An electrode is mounted in a vertical manner in an electrolytic liquid in an electrolytic cell. A harmful gas collecting hood is disposed within the electrolytic cell to cover the entire upper portion of the electrode. One end of a bottom surface of the hood lies at a higher location than the other end of the bottom surface of the hood. An inlet of a harmful gas treating pipe line is disposed in the vicinity of that portion of the bottom surface of the hood which lies at the higher location thereof. A harmful gas generated around the electrode is smoothly guided to the inlet by a guide effect of the hood and sucked into the inlet.

Abstract: The device proposed for cleaning metal surfaces consist of pad (12, 34, 91) of insulating material held between a beak-shaped (11, 52, 94) electrode (10, 26, 46) and the metal surface (8) to be cleaned, plus a low-voltage a.c. power supply (2) which is connected via the other electrode to the metal (7). A pump supplies the pad with a highly corrosive, high-density, acid solution. The pad consists of a relatively thick hose or tape. The device has slots (36) into which the gases and vapors produced during cleaning are drawn by an extractor fan (40) and then passed through a washing bottle (41) where they are cleaned. The electrode may have various shapes, and it is possible to replace the tip (28, 94, 98). The electrode is preferably designed with bores through which the acid solution can be fed.

Abstract: An electrolytic disinfectant system especially useful in a maritime application for treating freshwater so as to render it potable, provides a brine solution that is stored in a tank from which hypochlorite as the disinfectant is fed to a freshwater supply. Gases also fed to the disinfectant storage tank including hydrogen is discharged therefrom and passed to a hydrogen recombiner through which the hydrogen is disposed of by reaction with oxygen under control of external heating bands to generate water vapor. The system thereby provides enhanced disinfectant effectiveness and eliminates storage of hazardous chemicals.

Abstract: An electrolyzing apparatus for flowing water containing chlorine ions has an electrolytic cell provided with at least one pair of electrodes, a passage formed between the electrodes, an inlet port and an outlet port communicating the passage, and a power supply for applying voltage across the electrodes.

Abstract: A holder (102) made from an HF-resistant material includes annular suction pads (105, 108). The suction pad (105) is used to hold a small silicon substrate by suction, and the suction pad (108) is used to hold a large silicon substrate by suction. This makes silicon substrates with various sizes processable. A silicon substrate is held by suction by reducing a pressure in a space in a groove of the suction pad by a pump (120). An opening (103) is formed in the holder (102) so that the both surfaces of the silicon substrate are brought into contact with an HF solution (115). The silicon substrate is anodized by applying a DC voltage by using a platinum electrode (109a) as a negative electrode and a platinum electrode (109b) as a positive electrode, and thereby a substrate having a porous layer is produced.

Abstract: A simply configured cooling mechanism for an apparatus for producing hydrogen and oxygen is disclosed. The configuration makes it possible to freely select the type of heat exchanger, without any restrictions, in order to improve cooling efficiency. In particular, a heat exchanger for cooling deionized water in a deionized water tank, which contains an electrolytic cell, is installed outside the tank. An inlet to the heat exchanger is connected to a deionized water flow outlet from the tank that is below the level of the deionized water the tank by a pipe, and an outlet from the heat exchanger to tank is connected to a deionized water flow inlet that is positioned in the tank below the deionized water flow outlet.

Abstract: A ceramic oxygen generator is described which is capable of modular construction to permit the oxygen generation capacity to be expanded. An ionically conducted ceramic electrolyte is formed into a series of rows and columns of tubes on a tube support member and like electrolyte bodies can be connected together to form a manifold therebetween for oxygen produced in the interiors of the rubes. An electrical connection between tubes is formed such that the anodes and cathodes of tubes in a column are connected in parallel while the tubes in the row are, respectively, connected anode to cathode to form a series connection.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for conveying flowing substances with the aid of an electrochemical gas evolution cell whose cell current generates primarily a gas volume flow which secondarily causes the volume flow of a decomposer liquid into a catalytic decomposer and which thereby initiates a quantity flow of the decomposer gas which transports the flowable conveyed medium to the intended location.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for generating an aqueous solution containing at least one active bromine compound comprising the steps of: electrolyzing an aqueous solution containing bromide ions until bromate ions are formed in said aqueous solution; and introducing to the aqueous solution containing bromate ions an acid to generate an aqueous solution containing at least one active bromine compound. The present invention also provides an apparatus for generating an aqueous solution containing at least one active bromine compound. The aqueous solution containing the active bromine compound(s) generated using the process and apparatus of the present invention may be used for water treatment and the recovery of precious metals such as gold.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cell for an electrolytic apparatus which comprises a pressure vessel containing a self-contained electrode unit. The electrode unit has an inlet for the supply of electrolyte and an outlet for liberated ad-mixed hydrogen and oxygen gas. The electrode unit further having plurality of spaced-apart concentric cylindrical electrodes and a pair of internal end plates provided at each end of the concentric cylinders. At least one of the internal end plates includes the electrolyte inlet and/or gas outlet. The pressure vessel comprises a cylindrical outer shell having planar transverse end plates which are connected at or adjacent to the opposed ends of the cylindrical outer shell. The pressure vessel being capable of withstanding explosions of stored liberated gas.

Abstract: An electrowinning cell comprised of a tank; an electrolytic solution within the tank defining a solution surface at a predetermined level within the tank; a plurality of flat metallic electrode plates, each of the plates having a support beam along an edge thereof; a support assembly disposed outside the tank for supporting a plurality of the electrodes by the support beams, the support assembly dimensioned to position the electrodes in side-by-side, spaced apart, parallel relationship with a lower portion of the electrodes immersed in the electrolytic solution and an upper portion disposed above the solution surface, the upper portions of the electrodes and the solution surface forming parallel channels extending from one side of the tank to a second side of the tank; a plurality of apertures formed in the tank wall along the one side of the tank, the apertures being disposed above the solution surface and positioned wherein at least one of the plurality of apertures is located between an adjacent pair of th

Abstract: A spherical section electrochemical cell stack is disclosed for generating a product gas such as oxygen from a supply fluid such as water. In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a spherical section top end plate; a spherical section bottom end plate; one or more spherical section electrochemical cells secured between the top and bottom end plates so that curvature dimensions of the top and bottom end plates and cell are in parallel alignment to thereby minimize any distances between the end plates and cell; and a spherical section pressure header secured to the bottom end plate so that curvature dimensions of the bottom end plate and pressure header are in opposed alignment to thereby define an integral high pressure chamber between the bottom end plate and pressure header. The integral high pressure chamber may be filled with a drying and/or filtering agent so that the product gas may pass through the chamber before leaving the cell.

Abstract: A filtering mechanism for especially well suited for corrosive mists which are generated from electro-refining systems. A layer of bristles forming a brush is secured to an electrode within the electro-refining system. As the electro-refining system produces a mist of corrosive chemicals above the slurry, the mist rises through the bristles. As the mist passes through the bristles, the corrosive chemical adheres to the bristles; hence, the corrosive chemical does not pass into the surrounding environment. Periodically, the bristles are washed to remove the corrosive chemicals. In one embodiment of the invention, the edge between the electrodes and the wall of the slurry bath are partially sealed with a pliable member which assists in directing the mist through the bristles.

Abstract: The printed circuit boards (LP) are conducted through treatment baths (BB1 through BB3) in vertical attitude on at least two horizontal conveying paths (TW1 through TW4) proceeding next to one another, these treatment baths being accommodated in treatment cells (BZ10 through BZ13, BZ20 through BZ23, BZ30 through BZ33) that are arranged successively and next to one another. The end walls of the treatment cells are provided with vertical slots (S) and allocated seals (D) for the passage of the printed circuit boards. The bath liquid emerging from treatment cells arranged next to one another is collected in common collecting tanks (AW1 through AW3) and is returned into the treatment cells with the assistance of pumps (P). A common treatment cell for treatment zones lying next to one another can also be provided in a common collecting tank. The conveying of the printed circuit boards on the conveying paths lying next to one another preferably ensues with a common conveyor device.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for producing an electrolytic copper foil for a printed wiring board by supplying current between a rotary cathode and an electrolytic anode in a copper electrolyte so as to electrodeposit copper on the surface of the rotary cathode, wherein an anode for high electric current is placed opposite to the electrodeposition starting surface of the rotary cathode in such a manner that a part of the anode is projected above a liquid level of the copper electrolyte, and the copper electrolyte existing between the anode for high electric current and the opposed rotary cathode surface is electrolyzed by providing a high electric current with a current density higher than that of the electrolytic anode, and an apparatus for producing an electrolytic copper foil for a printed wiring board having excellent properties.

Abstract: A processing-liquid reservation unit for a discharge processing apparatus which reserves processing liquid supplied from a processing-liquid supply unit and generates, in the processing liquid, a discharge in a small gap between an electrode and a work piece to be processed so as to process the work piece, the processing-liquid reservation unit for a discharge processing apparatus comprising: a processing tank having an opening portion; a door for opening/closing the opening portion of the processing tank; a tubular elastic member for sealing a space between the door and the opening portion of the processing tank in a state where the door is closed; and a fluid control unit for filling the tubular elastic member with fluid and discharging the same from the tubular elastic member.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for reducing harmful substances, particularly nitrogen oxides, in combustion exhaust gases in a combustion process performed with an oxygen-nitrogen-air mixture (atmosphere). At least one conduit (chamber 48) that conducts the oxygen-nitrogen-air mixture is provided and associated with an exhaust gas conduit (34) that is connected to a combustion chamber, with the conduit being provided with an intermediate wall (44) that separator the chamber is permeable to the oxygen or stores it. Of the oxygen-nitrogen-air mixture, only the oxygen is supplied to a combustion waste gas that is conducted to a combustion chamber.

Abstract: Closed recycle system for chromium plating solution, solution wastes from chromium plating and chromic acid cleaning water in chromium plating composed of a chromium plating chamber including a chromic acid mist recovery device in communication with a recovery vessel for recovering and liquefying chromic acid mists formed upon chromium plating, and a chromic acid mist cleaning tower in communication with the recovery vessel for cleaning chromic acid mists flowing from the chromic acid mist recovery device. The recovery vessel is preferably positioned underground, and also preferably positioned in the recovery vessel. Liquid wastes containing noxious substances formed in chromium plating factories are utilized, and generation of materials leading to public pollution is prevented.

Abstract: An electrolytic processing tank contains alternating cathodes and anodes. Each anode carries a sealing unit on either side thereof. The sealing units include flexible U-shaped sealing members which are in surface contact with neighboring cathodes. A sealing member which is T-shaped as seen in an end view is positioned adjacent the end of each anode. Each T-shaped member has a leg whose thickness is the same as that of the anodes, and a crosspiece which extends partway along the leg. The leg is aligned with a neighboring anode, and the end of the leg remote from the crosspiece abuts the anode. The crosspiece projects beyond the opposite end of the leg to form a flexible flap which establishes a seal with a wall of the processing tank. The crosspieces of neighboring T-shaped members overlap one another.

Abstract: Production of air containing minus alkali ion. As shown in FIG. 2, there is shown an electric stone fine powder 20 having the grain size of 0.3 to 3 microns on the average, an electric stone carrier having the electric stone fine powder 20 uniformly mixed therewith, which is in the form of clothes having a volume intrinsic DC electric resistance of 10.sup.7 to 10.sup.10 .OMEGA..cm. This constitutes a vent contact reaction portion 2 as shown in FIG. 3. This portion 2 is located above an air intake 1a at the lower part of a box 1 and extended over the whole internal surface of the box 1. Ventilation means 3 formed from an electric fan causes the electric stone carrier 30 to subject to direct forced ventilation into contact with air, and minus alkali ion is prepared from water molecules which are moisture in air. The air containing the minus alkali ion is delivered from an air port 1b provided at the upper part of the box 1 to an installation spot.

Abstract: A center post electrochemical cell stack is disclosed for generating a product gas such as oxygen gas from a supply fluid such as water. The invention could be used to generate oxygen on board a space or aircraft and includes: a frame having a base plate and a wall affixed to the base plate so that the wall and base plate define a cell chamber for housing at least one electrochemical cell; and a T-cap having a top plate and a center post affixed to and projecting away from the top plate, wherein the top plate is secured to the wall of the frame to close the cell chamber and the center post passes through a central throughbore in an electrochemical cell within the chamber and is adjustably secured to the base plate of the frame. Consequently, the T-cap and frame cooperate to contain pressure generated by operation of the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: Electrolytic gas producer apparatus is provided wherein a water inlet has a pressure sensor and solenoid valve control passes water through a filter by pump to a reservoir. Cell chambers maintain electrolyte by supply pump and solenoid valve delivering to the cell via solenoid valves responsive to a level sensor. Gas outlet apertures extend into a polling manifold via solenoid valves and thence to a wash tank. The gas is removed from the tank via a manifold to a vacuum pump which draws the gas through a first filter including a drain line and a secondary filter for residual moisture removal. After the pump the gas passes under water in a flashback arrester filled with metal mesh. The gas then travels to a moisture removing filter and delivery pumps for delivery via intermediate solenoid valves, an outlet manifold, and final solenoid valves which control delivery to an electronically monitored outlet flashback arrester comprising infrared sensors to detect and signal a flashback condition.

Abstract: A method for catalytically reducing pollutants, in particular oxides of nitrogen in oxygen-containing exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, uses a catalyzer unit arranged in the exhaust gas flow of the engine. The catalyzer unit has a catalytic layer, an ion conducting layer and a counterelectrode. The catalytic layer exhibits a non-Faraday modification of the catalytic activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical half-cell consisting in at least one electrode chamber 14 for accommodation an electrolyte, a gas chamber 23 and at least one gas-diffusion electrode 5 as anode or cathode separating gas chamber 23 and electrode chamber 14, in which the gas chamber 23 is divided into two or more gas pockets 20, 20' superimposed on one another after the manner of a cascade, with which the gas supply or gas discharge takes place through openings 11, 12 to the electrolyte 22.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of chlorine directly at the site where it is intended to be used and at the required rate. Hazards associated with the transport and storage of large quantities of liquefied chlorine under pressure are thus eliminated. The chlorine is produced electrochemically from a chloride containing electrolyte which is maintained at a pH no higher than 6, where the chlorine compounds are present as chloride and hypochlorous acid.

Abstract: A fuel mixture combusting virtually free of pollutants and, in addition, requiring only very small quantities of combustible hydrocarbons is produced by introducing liquid fuel, low-nitrogen air and water into a chamber (9) provided with at least one ultrasonic oscillator (7); by decomposing the fuel introduced and at least partially decomposing the water by cavitation; by dispersing the water and the air in the decomposed fuel; and by at least partially electrolytically decomposing the water. The fuel mixture has a foam-like consistency, is very easily combustible and can be stored for a longer time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vessel arrangement for electroplating dies for production of information-carrying disks. The vessel (14) has a large number of gas extraction openings (34) located in a U-shaped manner around the periphery of the vessel opening (20) and in wall parts of the vessel, which lie close to the opening of the vessel and under a lid (16) covering this opening.

Abstract: In an electrolysis apparatus according to the invention for producing hydrogen by decomposing electrolysis liquid with the aid of electric current into hydrogen and oxygen in a pressurized electrolytic cell (11), an electrolytic cell (11) is placed within a liquid-filled pressure shell (10) maintained pressurized with the pressure of a gas produced in electrolysis. The liquid can be selected, for instance, among the following group: silicon oils or fats, fluorized oils, crude oil-based or synthetic oils, or water.

Abstract: A method and a device for NO reduction of exhaust in motor vehicles by reduction on a catalyst is provided. The hydrogen required for NO reduction is generated directly on board the motor vehicle by electrolysis with liquid fixed electrolyte.

Abstract: Electrolytic cell apparatus and methods for generating a useful energy product from a plurality of energy sources. In a preferred embodiment, hydrogen gas is produced at a cathode by transmission of electrons through a low voltage potential barrier to electron flow achieved by careful control of electrolyte constituent concentrations and surface materials on the cathode. A portion of the energy captured in the hydrogen gas is provided by heat transmitting activity of ions dissociated from water at an anode which catalytically dissociates the water and thereby transfers thermal energy from the anode to the ions and other constituents of the cell electrolyte. Thermal energy is replaced in the anode by absorption of heat from the surrounding environment.

Abstract: This electrolytic apparatus for a welding machine uses an electrolytic cell, a mixing tank and a multi-control switch. The electrolytic cell is composed of several pieces of electrode plates which are assembled in a row, the farthest side of which is connected to the positive and negative poles of electrolysis power. After electrolysis, the gas proceeds in a storage tank and the liquid is guided back into the electrolytic cell for recycling use. The fuel gas then goes into a first chamber to get rid of water. In the meantime, part of the fuel gas will be combined with carbohydrate dissolvent to alter its fuel composition and then be recombined with the rest of the gas to provide a desired fuel. This way, the heat of the gas can be heightened, flame temperature can be lowered, and the output ratio for the fuel gas can be controlled and adjusted to attain a welding gun's flame within a comprehensive scope of temperature and heat.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing electrolytically and collecting separately two gases includes an electrolytic tank, a power supply unit, and two gas tanks. The electrolytic tank has a casing with an open top, a plurality of electrode plates which are spaced parallelly in the casing and which are connected electrically to the power supply unit, and a lid member disposed on the open top of the casing. The lid member has first and second cavities in its upper face and a plurality of partition plates and press plates depending alternatively from its lower face. A plurality of clearances are formed between the partition and press plates. Each of the press plates abuts against a top edge of a respective one of the electrode plates. The first and second cavities are formed respectively with a plurality of first and second through holes which are staggered with one another so that the first and second cavities can be communicated alternatively with the clearances.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a semiconductor processing device having a processing chamber in which is positioned an electrolyte oxygen pump assembly and tubing for transferring an oxygen containing gas from outside the reaction chamber to within the interior of the electrolyte oxygen pump assembly and tubing for removal of the oxygen depleted gas from within the interior of the electrolyte oxygen pump assembly. In addition, the semiconductor processing tool may further have heating elements for heating a semiconductor substrate within the processing chamber independently from heating of the electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention provides a carbon dioxide-generating electrode apparatus made up of a carbon anode, the upper end part thereof being fixed to a terminal part, and a cathode disposed in a non-contacting relationship so as to face the carbon anode, characterized in that the distance between the carbon anode and the cathode is broadened relatively and continuously from the lower part toward the upper part. The distances between the carbon anode and the cathode are set to be an equal distance at positions on the same horizontal cross section, and the difference (W.sub.1 -W.sub.2) between a distance (W.sub.1) between the side face at the upper end part of the carbon anode and the inner face of the cathode from a distance (W.sub.2) between the side face at the lower end part of the carbon anode and the inner face of the cathode is preferably set to a range of 1.0 to 5.0 mm.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell, such as a rechargeable lithium battery, fabricated in a carbon dioxide atmosphere, having a lithium carbonate passivating layer associated with a lithium ion source electrode and an electrolyte. Fabrication of an electrolytic cell containing an acrylic polymer paste cathode, anode and electrolyte increases the efficiency of the polymer initiator and facilitates free radical chain growth polymerizations.

Abstract: Device for the electrochemical treatment, in particular localized, of a conducting substrate, which comprises a casing provided with an opening and delimiting a space, an electrode arranged in this space and intended to be connected to one of the terminals of a source of electric current, the conducting substrate being intended to be connected to the other terminal of this source, and an electrolyte inlet and an electrolyte outlet, both communicating with the said space, characterized in that it moreover comprises a body made of absorbent, flexible material which does not conduct electricity and which is permeable to gases and liquids, this body being in contact with the said electrode and closing off the said opening, projecting beyond the latter, a first pump mounted on the said electrolyte inlet and a second pump mounted on the said electrolyte outlet, the flow rate of the second pump being greater than that of the first pump and fixed in relation to that of the first pump, so as to create an underpressure

Abstract: A lubricant dispenser has a housing, a piston subdividing the housing into a pair of compartments one of which is generally closed and the other of which is adapted to be connected to a machine to be lubricated, a body of a reactive liquid in the one closed compartment, and a body of a fluent lubricant in the other compartment. The piston is movable against the lubricant body to force same from the housing to the machine. A reactive element in the one compartment can react with the liquid and form a gas when immersed in the reactive liquid to push the piston with the gas against the lubricant body and expel the lubricant from the housing. The reactive element is constituted as a coherent block by a multiplicity of particles of an active substance capable of reacting with the liquid and forming a gas on reaction therewith and a multiplicity of particles intermixed and in electrically conductive engagement with the active particles of a substance that is substantially less reactive.

Abstract: A chlor-alkali diaphragm electrolysis cell comprising pairs of interleaved cathodes (C) and anodes (B), said cathodes having surfaces with openings and are provided with porous corrosion resistant diaphragms, said cell further comprising feed brine inlets and outlets (H, I, L) for the removal of produced chlorine, hydrogen and caustic, said anodes (B) are expanded by internal extenders (F) and have electrode surfaces with openings for releasing produced gaseous chlorine, characterized in that each of said expanded anodes (B) comprises a plurality of pressing means (O,Q) made of corrosion resistant material having elastic properties to maintain the electrode surfaces of the anodes against the diaphragm and said pressing means are longitudinally positioned inside the anodes having very low operating voltages.

Abstract: An electrolytic metal extraction cell (10) is disclosed for the electrowinning of metals from dilute solutions of their salts. A thin-walled tube (12) formed from the metal to be deposited extends between a pair of plastic end caps (13 and 14). The upper and lower end caps (13 and 14) include respective fluid outlet and inlet pipes (22 and 23) having their axes perpendicular to the axis of the tube (12) and tangential to the annular cavity (24) between the tube (12) and a central tubular electrode (21), inducing a spiral or turbulent fluid flow within the annular cavity (24) which promotes even deposition of electrowon material onto the tube (12).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for converting energy to hydrogen gas using an electrolyzer and a metal alloy hydride tank for hydrogen storage, wherein a passive load matching device between the energy source and the electrolyzer maximizes hydrogen output, and the electrolyzer and the metal alloy hydride tank operate at mutually low pressure, near ambient, such that pressurization of the system is not required.

Abstract: In a tank confined electrolysis process, such as electrowinning or electrorefining, having circulated electroplating solution containing sulfuric acid, a multi-element cover system is applied below the electrode conductor connections and above the surface of the electrolyte bath. This cover is evacuated in the interstices below the cover and above the bath at a rate exceeding the stoichiometric ratio causing any leakage to occur into the volume overlying the bath thereby preventing acid aerosol from escape. The rate of evacuation is restricted so that humidity is maintain under the cover and over the surface of the bath to prevent the formation of crystals formed from aerosol droplets which become supersaturated. In a preferred embodiment, a circular weir in combination with gas discharge over the weir to a downcomer is disclosed. Entrainment of air over the weir and into the downcomer is disclosed to provide sufficient pumping for evacuation.

Abstract: A process and system for removing trace amounts of oxygen as an impurity in inert gases is disclosed. The process and system involve an electrochemical cell containing an oxygen ion transporting, solid state metal oxide electrolyte having a high thermodynamic potential and having only one thermodynamically stable valence state for the metal ion component of the electrolyte. The electrolyte is coated with a perovskite anode and a metallic cathode. Operation is conducted at high voltages, e.g., 1.5 volts and above, at elevated temperatures. Purification of inert gases to an oxygen content of about 1 ppm is readily achievable.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus includes a casing having a large opening at the bottom, a substrate being electroplated in the casing, a plating solution injector penetrating through an upper part of the casing for introducing a plating solution into the casing, an exhaust port penetrating through an upper part of the casing for draining the plating solution, a vertically movable substrate stage disposed beneath the casing for holding the substrate and having an opening smaller than the substrate, and a spin chuck for carrying the substrate to the substrate stage. In this apparatus, initially, the substrate is put on the spin chuck. Then, the substrate stage moves up and closes the casing from the bottom, and the substrate is electroplated in the casing. After the electroplating, the substrate stage moves down, and the substrate is transferred to the spin chuck. Automatic transfer of the substrate is possible using a uniaxial robot that moves only in the vertical or horizontal directions.

Abstract: This invention provides an electrochemical water treatment device for producing hydroxyl free radicals and decomposing by oxidation chemical substances dissolved in water. It utilizes a novel electrode which is capable of operation at sufficiently positive anodic potential to produce hydroxyl radicals.