Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolyzer comprising at least an intermediate electrodic structure interposed between two electrodic end-structures, a separate on each side of the intermediate electrodic structure, device for impressing electrolysis current to the electrolyzer and means for feeding electrolytes to and withdrawing electrolysis products from the electrolyzer compartments. The intermediate electrodic structure comprises a current conducting and distributing core (1) of at least one highly conductive metal sheet; a series of substantially parallel, projecting ribs (2, 10) provided or not onto both surfaces of said core (1); a liner (3) on each side of the core (1) and made of a corrosion resistant metal. These liners (3) are formed by cold- or hot-pressing to fit to the ribs (2, 10) in case core ribs are provided, or have parallel ribs (10') fixed thereto in case core (1) has no ribs. The liners (3) have peripheral projecting flanges (4) parallel to the liners.

Abstract: A power supply component for cutting a wire electrode of an electroerosion machine having a core of hard metal and about it a layer of an electrically conductive material, which is softer than the core. Within a relatively short time, when the machine is in use, the wire cuts a notch in the soft layer, the notch acting as a wire guide. As soon as the notch reaches the harder material of the core, the hard metal prevents any further notch deepening.

Abstract: The invention includes electrodes having a plurality of fibers wherein an essentially continuous metallic coating of high bond strength extends over at least a portion of each fiber, and wherein the fibers provide a large surface area. The electrodes of the invention have an efficient electrical connection at their terminals comprising fiber/metal matrices which provide the desired connections to the terminals without damage to the fibers. The fiber metal matrices also provide excellent electrical contact between all of the fibers, and inhibit wicking of the electrolyte or process stream into the electrical connections. Where the fibers are coated along a substantial portion of their length, they also have a high electrical conductivity. The invention further includes electro-chemical cells, and processes for forming and utilizing the electrodes and cells.

Abstract: A workpart to be the anode for electrochemical machining by a cathode tool is disposed on a shaft having a free end. An electrical coupling housing is disposed on the free end for movement thereon between electrical contact and non-contact positions. A stop extends axially from the free end of the shaft on a connector rod. A fluid actuated piston/cylinder assembly is disposed on the connector rod between the electrical coupling housing and stop. When the piston is actuated, it extends to abut the stop and, as a result of the reaction force, causes the cylinder housing to bias the coupling housing in the opposite direction from piston movement to the electrical contact position to effect electrical connection between the coupling housing and free end of the shaft.The workpart shaft includes a peripheral toothed portion driven by a pinion gear to index the shaft and workpart thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing and shifting flat plate-type structures including first and a second support members for supporting side rails attached generally perpendicular to the support members in a generally parallel and spaced apart position adapted for supporting any number of flat plate-type structures slidably mounted thereon, and a mobile platen for pressing the frame structures together, the improvement being an elongated slider member slidably mounted on the top portion of the side rails for slidably shifting the flat plate-type structures along the top and along the axis of side rails after clamping a plurality of cell structures, for example, to one stationary support member and clamping another plurality of flat plate-type structures together, thereby selectively shifting the desired flat plate-type structures a desired distance apart to remove or replace a flat plate-type structure or its internal parts disposed between the flat plate-type structures.

Abstract: A bipolar electrochemical cell comprising a novel connector for electrically connecting the anode and cathode of adjacent cell units comprising a corrugated, electrically conductive sheet which defines, respectively, with said cathode and said anode, separate channels for feeding gases or a gas and an electrolyte to said electrodes and a spacer placed between the cell separator and one of the electrodes which is adapted to provide, upon compression of a cell stack, dimensional separation of the cell separator and the electrode as well as electrical contact with the electrodes of the bipolar cell connector.

Abstract: A non conductive, edge-strip for use on an electrolytic metal refining anode or cathode to prevent metal deposit problems over the edge contours of this cathode. The edge-strip is in the shape of an elongated profile member with a U-shaped cross-section sized to extend over, and fit snuggly onto an edge of the cathode. The edge-strip is made by pultrusion of fiberglass impregnated with a polymeric resin resistant to acids and alkalis, and externally covered with a surfacing veil resistant to acids and electrochemical attacks.

Abstract: An electrode which comprisesa wall of plastics material,an electrically-conductive electrode surface on one side of the wall and displaced therefrom,an electrically-conductive electrode surface on the opposite side of the wall and displaced therefrom,at least one electrically-conductive connecting member in electrical contact with one of the electrode surfaces,at least one electrically-conductive connecting member in electrical contact with the other of the electrode surfaces,and in which the electrically-conductive connecting members are embedded in the wall of plastics material and are in electrical contact with each other.Also, an electrolytic cell comprising a plurality of said electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an oxygen-cathode for use in electrolysis or an alkali chloride, comprising a current collector made of a compact carbonaceous material, electrode substrate(s) made of a porous carbonaceous material and the catalyst carried on the electrode substrate(s), wherein the electrode substrate(s) and the current collector have been joined together and integrated into one body as carbon, and a process for preparing the oxygen-cathode.

Abstract: Monopolar, bipolar, and hybrid filter press electrolytic cells for electrolytic processes utilizing a novel method of introducing and removing electrical energy are disclosed. The invention contemplates a novel low pressure, high surface contact area connecting means for joining the anode element and cathode element of electrode assemblies. The invention also contemplates a low pressure, high surface contact area contact of the current distributor member to the back plate.

Abstract: A bipolar type electrolyzer unit cell includes an anode-side pan-shaped body and a cathode-side pan-shaped body which each comprise a hooked frame, frame wall, and partition wall and are disposed back to back; rod shaped frames inserted between the hooked flange and the frame wall in each body, and a bipolar type of electrolyzer in which a plurality of the unit cells is arranged in series.

Abstract: An ion exchange membrane electrolyzer having at least one electrolytic cell containing a gas diffusion cathode, a current distributor, an anode supported by a wall of the electrolytic cell housing, and spacing means separating the current distributor which is in contact with said gas diffusion cathode from said ion exchange membrane wherein the force exerted by gas pressure applied to one face of the gas diffusion cathode is transmitted to said anode via said current distributor, and/or said spacing means, and said ion exchange membrane.

Abstract: An improved frame useful in a filter press type electrolytic cell having a channel of U-shaped configuration and filled with a mixture of a thermosetting resin and a filter. The frames can be used in an electrolytic cell for the electrolysis of brine to produce chlorine and caustic.

Abstract: A compact, electrochemical converter can be achieved using thin plates of electrolyte and interconnector. Impermeable, straight, thin plates of solid-oxide electrolyte are fabricated by high energy plasma spray methods under controlled temperature conditions. Thin sheets of nickel alloys or silicon carbide or platinum alloys can be used to form the interconnector. The electrolyte and interconnector plates can be assembled into a converter stack at an elevated temperature such that upon cooling and during subsequent operational temperature excursions, the electrolyte plates will remain in compression. The stacks can be connected together to form modules which can be used as stand-alone electricity generators or used in combined cycle, cogeneration and gasifier systems.

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

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

Abstract: An inorganic gas separator which has a porosity between 30 and 70% and a pore diameter between 10 and 100 .mu.m, and which is gas impermeable when soaked-through with liquid, is mounted in a frame, divides a cell housing into two compartments, and is moistened by capillarity with liquid fed through channels extending in the frame. In each compartment are mounted a porous foil, an electrode, a pre-electrode, a metal plate and an insulating plate. On the cell-housing thermo-electric heat pumps are mounted for cooling and the unit formed by the housing and the pumps is surrounded by an outer casing.

Abstract: A mobile anode-block cleaning machine has a steerable workshop floor vehicle provided with its own propulsion system and with a cleaning cabin in which anode remnants are freed from melt incrustations with the aid of a separator. The cleaning operation is completed in a chamber, closed to the exterior, provided in the cleaning cabin, the chamber air expediently being cleaned with the aid of a filter. The machine also has a collecting chamber for the storage of the incrustations separated from the anode remnants.

Abstract: The present invention is a circular structural frame particularly suitable for use in an electrochemical cell. The frame comprises an organic plastic or metallic member with a plurality of horizontally and vertically spaced-apart shoulders protruding outwardly from opposing generally spherical anolyte and catholyte surfaces of the plastic member. Each of the shoulders annularly encircles and supports an electrically conductive insert extending from an exterior face of a shoulder on the catholyte surface of the plastic member, through the plastic member, to an exterior face of a shoulder on the anolyte surface of the plastic member.An electrically conductive substantially completely hydraulically impermeable anolyte cover is matingly affixed to the anolyte surface of the plastic member and adapted to minimize contact between the anolyte and the plastic member. The anolyte cover is resistant to the corrosive effects of the anolyte.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell is provided with electrodes which are inserted within electrode frames with internal flow conduits and which are formed by metallurgical bonding, and the use of adhesives and an electrical resistance lowering conductive compound between contact surfaces.

Abstract: An electrode chamber unit intended for use in an electrochemical cell including at least one porous percolating electrode in the form of a bed of electrically conductive particles, e.g. of graphite.

Abstract: The invention is an electrochemical article suitable for use in monopolar or bipolar electrochemical cells comprising:an organic, planar plastic member having a plurality of horizontally and vertically spaced-apart shoulders protruding outwardly from opposing generally coplanar surfaces of said planar plastic member;at least one electrically conductive insert extending from an exterior face of a shoulder on a first surface of the planar plastic member, through the planar plastic member, to an exterior face of a shoulder on a second surface of the planar plastic member, wherein each of said shoulders annularly encircles and supports each of said inserts;an electrically conductive, substantially completely hydraulically impermeable protective liner resistant to the corrosive effects of electrolyte matingly contacted with the first surface of said planar plastic member and adapted to minimize contact between the electrolyte and said planar plastic member within the cell; andan electrical connection means electri

Abstract: A method is disclosed for conditioning a gas sensor. The electrode arrangement of the sensor is surrounded by an electrolyte and is partitioned off from the atmosphere by a gas-permeable membrane. The electrode arrangement is introduced into a calibrating gas and the calibrating gas is kept in isotonic equilibrium with the electrolyte. The composition of the electrolyte is not varied substantially while maintaining the operating conditions of the sensor and without having to introduce the sensor into a medium containing the calibrating gas. For this purpose, the membrane of the sensor is covered with a gas-tight and water-vapor-tight overlay, and the isotonic equilibrium is brought about and maintained by means of the gas that diffuses out of the electrolyte through the membrane as far as the overlay.

Abstract: A collar for protecting the iron spade of an anode rod for a carbon block that serves as an anode in the electrolytic production of aluminum comprises a plurality of shaped carbon blocks each with two close-fitting, abutting end faces and recesses which jointly correspond in cross-section to that of the anode spade or pin and surround the anode spade or pin projecting out of the anode block; the base areas of the said carbon collar blocks form a plane which is in contact with the carbon anode. The shaped carbon blocks are manufactured out of 60-90 wt % carbonaceous solids and 10-40 wt % bitumen binder. Because of their low pore volume the protective collars exhibit a low absorption capacity for sodium and a favorable combustion behavior during the electrolytic process.

Abstract: An electrically conductive arbor indexer shaft is coupled to an indexing D.C. motor by an insulator connector and the indexer shaft in an indexed position is tightly gripped by a resilient electrically conductive clamp connected to an electrically conductive support to which a buss is engaged for supplying electrical current to the arbor via the indexer shaft, clamp and support. During the ECM process, a workpart on the arbor is made an anode by current passing through the arbor indexer shaft, clamp, support and buss with the resilient clamp insuring sufficient electrical coupling of the arbor indexer shaft to the other upstream current carrying components.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an oxygen-cathode for use in electrolysis of an alkali chloride, comprising a current collector made of a compact carbonaceous material, an electrode substrate made of a porous carbonaceous material and the catalyst carried on the electrode substrate, wherein the electrode substrate and the current collector have been joined together via the mutually facing carbonized surfaces thereof, and a process for preparing the oxygen-cathode.

Abstract: The invention is an electrolytic unit comprised of a plurality of parts connected in a manner to form a substantially planar electrolytic unit comprising:a central support element component, a plurality of bosses on each side of the support component projecting outward from said support component;a peripheral flange structure composed of at least one piece and having an internal surface which sealably receives and attached to at least a portion of the external peripheral surfaces of the support unit.

Abstract: The invention is a structural frame adapted for use in an electrochemical cell comprising:a plastic member with a plurality of horizontally and vertically spaced-apart shoulders protruding outwardly from opposing generally parallel first and second surfaces of said plastic member;at least one electrically conductive insert extending from an exterior face of a shoulder on the first surface of the plastic member, through the plastic member, to an exterior face of a shoulder on the second surface of the plastic member, wherein each of said shoulders annularly encircles and supports each of said insert;an electrically conductive, substantially completely hydraulically impermeable cover resistant to the corrosive effects of the electrolyte matingly contacting the first surface of said plastic member and with at least a portion of the inserts, said cover being adapted to minimize contact between the electrolyte and said plastic member;a gas permeable current collector positioned substantially parallel to the second

Abstract: A reciprocating electrode scrubber is provided which cleans the surfaces of an electrodic liquid treater having an elongated electrode mounted within a cylinderical container and having a second electrode attached to the interior surface thereof. The scrubber includes a ring-shaped body having a U-shaped cross section and includes first and second, spaced-apart, circumscribing wiping structures sized to fit in the space between the first and second electrodes; means coupled with the body for selectively, axially, and reciprocally moving the body; and means yieldably biasing the structures outwardly to hold them in contact with the electrode surfaces to be cleaned. In operation, the body reciprocates along the surfaces of the electrodes to keep them free of accumulated particles which may inhibit the electrodic action of the liquid cleaner.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell structure frame and cell utilizing same comprising an organic plastic member having electrically conductive inserts extending through annular shoulders on respective coplanar surfaces of the plastic member. Electrically conductive, hydraulically impermeable anolyte and catholyte resistant covers matingly contact each respective coplanar surface of the plastic member. An electrically conductive, hydraulically permeable current collector is positioned substantially coplanar with and contacts at least a portion of one of the covers. An electrically conductive, hydraulically permeable, resilient mattress is positioned substantially coplanar with and contacts at least a portion of a side of the current collector opposite the side of the current collector which contacts the cover. A catalytically active electrode is positioned substantially coplanar with and contacts at least a portion of a side of the mattress opposite the side of the mattress which contacts the current collector.

Abstract: The invention is a method for making an electrolytic unit havinga substantially planar, plastic, plastic member;a plurality of horizontally and vertically spaced apart shoulders on each side of the plastic member projecting outwardly therefrom and annularly encircling and supporting a plurality of electrically conductive inserts which extend from an exterior face of a shoulder on one surface of the plastic member, through the plastic member, to an exterior face of a shoulder on an opposite surface of the plastic member; anda frame structure composed of at least one piece and having an internal surface which sealably receives the external peripheral edges of the plastic member;said method comprising:attaching in any order:(a) a plurality of horizontally and vertically spaced apart shoulders to the plastic member;(b) at least one portion of the frame structure to the peripheral edges of the plastic member; and(c) a plurality of cover pieces to at least a portion of the horizontally and vertically spaced apart s

Abstract: A structural frame adapted for use in a solid polymer electrochemical cell, which comprises a generally planar organic plastic member having a plurality of horizontally and vertically spaced-apart shoulders protruding outwardly from opposing generally coplanar anolyte and catholyte surfaces of the plastic member. Electrically conductive, hydraulically impermeable, anolyte and catholyte corrosion resistant covers are matingly affixed to the respective surfaces of the plastic member. A hydraulically permeable, electrically conductive, current collector is contacting and positioned adjacent the catholyte cover. An ion exchange membrane, having an electrically conductive, electrocatalytic material bonded to or embedded in the surface of the membrane is positioned adjacent and in contact with the current collector. The frames are removably and sealably positioned in coplanar relationship, each plastic member being spaced apart by an anode on one side and a cathode on the other.

Abstract: The present invention is a structural frame particularly suitable for use in an electrochemical cell. The frame comprises an organic plastic member with a plurality of horizontally and vertically spaced-apart shoulders protruding outwardly from opposing generally coplanar anolyte and catholyte surfaces of the plastic member. Each of the shoulders annularly encircles and supports an electrically conductive insert extending from an exterior face of a shoulder on the catholyte surface of the plastic member, through the plastic member, to an exterior face of a shoulder on the anolyte surface of the plastic member.An electrically conductive substantially completely hydraulically impermeable anolyte cover is matingly affixed to the anolyte surface of the plastic member and adapted to minimize contact between the anolyte and the plastic member. The anolyte cover is resistant to the corrosive effects of the anolyte.

Abstract: A novel contact roll assembly particularly suited for use in electro-chemical plating of metallic strip. A contact roll is rotatably mounted on a stationary support which is attached to a bus bar. Regions of contact between the stationary support and the contact roll are preferably by metallic inserts carried by the support. The inserts not only provide support for the contact roll but also provide bearing surfaces for journalling the roll and provide large surface contact areas for flow of plating current.

Abstract: An arrangement for an electrical connector is disclosed comprising a first conductor member, an oppositely spaced second conductor member, a reticulated electrical interface therebetween, and means for fastening together the first and second members and the reticulated electrical interface. In one embodiment the arrangement comprises a high current bus connector. In another arrangement an electrolytic cell is provided. The reticulated interface comprises a network of open-pore cells constructed of an electrically-conductive material. The arrangement is preferably assembled such that the reticulated network is compressed between the first and second conductor members to deform and mateably engage the members for close, current-communicative cooperation therebetween. In another embodiment of the present invention, the reticulate interface material includes side wall portions having a plurality of reticulate edge points on the side wall surfaces.

Abstract: A combination seal and tentering means for an electrolysis cell comprising a substantially solid member interposed between at least one side of a separator of the cell and at least one electrode frame member of the cell. The substantially solid member has a first generally planar surface in contact with one side of the separator of the cell and a second uneven surface in contact with the electrode frame of the cell and a periphery defining a shoulder portion having an inside in contact with the outside surface of the electrode frame member.

Abstract: The invention is an electrochemical terminal unit suitable for use in monopolar or bipolar electrochemical cells comprising:an electric current transmission element in the form of a substantially planar, continuous electrically conductive body having a plurality of bosses on at least one face of electric current transmission element;a metal liner having a profile matching the face of the electric current transmission element having the plurality of bosses;wherein said metal liner is made from a corrosion resistant metal and disposed over the opposite surfaces of said electric current transmission element;foraminous electrode components disposed over said liner and resting over said raised portions, said electrode components and said metal liner being connected together at least a portion of said bosses; andan electrical connection means for connecting a pole of an electric current power supply on at least one of the edges of said electric current transmission element.

Abstract: In the electrolytic production of aluminum by electrowinning or electrorefining processes, cell components such as cathode current feeders which in use are normally covered with molten aluminum are made of a composite material of aluminum or an aluminum alloy or intermetallic compound with an aluminum oxycompound, usually alumina, and possibly containing minor amounts of additives such as borides carbides, nitrides or oxides. The composite material, which remains mechanically stable and electrically conductive at 1000.degree. C., may be prepared by hot pressing powders at 1000.degree.-1700.degree. C. possibly after surface treating the alumina to improve wettability by molten Al. The components are optionally coated, e.g. with TiB.sub.2. The composite materials are also useful as non-current carrying components, including separator walls, weirs, packing elements and baffles.

Abstract: Such a coated valve metal electrode consists of at least one current feed and at least one current distributor. Current feed and current distributor are mechanically and electrically conductively connected via sheet-like connection elements. The active surface of this electrode consists of lamellas of valve metal having an active surface coating.The essential features of this electrode consist in that the coated overall surface of the lamellas F.sub.A and the surface F.sub.P assumed by the overall arrangement of the lamellas (length and breadth of the electrode surface) have a surface factor such that 20.gtoreq.F.sub.A /F.sub.P .gtoreq.4, preferably such that 14.gtoreq.F.sub.A /F.sub.P .gtoreq.6, and in that the greater proportion of the coated surface of the lamellas is directed perpendicularly to the surface of the strip to be coated.

Abstract: A cell head for an electrolytic cell includes a generally tubular protective insert concentrically positioned within the head to shield the inner side walls thereof from the scouring action of corrosive gas bubbles produced during electrolysis within the cell. The insert includes a lower connecting flange which fits between the mating connecting flanges of the cell head and its underlying electrolyte tank to block off access of gas bubbles rising through the electrolytic within the tank to the inner side walls of the cell head. The insert is readily replaceable without replacing the entire cell head.

Abstract: A compact, light-weight solid-oxide electrochemical converter can be achieved using thin plates of electrolyte and interconnector. Impermeable, straight, thin plates of solid-oxide electrolyte are fabricated by high energy plasma spray methods under controlled temperature conditions. Thin sheets of nickel or platinum alloys can be used to form the interconnector. A protective coating is preferred on the contact points to provide electrical continuity when nickel alloys are employed. Stamping or electrodeposition techniques can be used to form corrugated patterns for reactant distribution over the surfaces of each electrolyte plate.

Abstract: A plastic insulator extending around and conforming to the shape of a header bar supporting a lead electrowinning anode includes legs that extend from the top of the header bar downward along the opposite faces of the anode to a level below the bottom edge of the anode, whereat the lower ends of the legs are joined. The upper, outer side surfaces of the insulator are sloped to prevent shorting of cathodes with the anode header bar during loading and removal of the cathodes. In one described embodiment of the invention, the insulator is hairpin-shaped with the lower ends thereof joined by a plastic retaining pin. In another embodiment of the invention, a U-shaped lower section is attached in a telescoping fashion to the lower ends of the legs of the insulator. In one embodiment of the invention, an upper portion of the insulator extends substantially above the top of the anode header bar to guide cathodes between the anodes during loading and removal of the cathodes.

Abstract: A non-conductive plugger foot is disclosed for breaking through a solidified crust of electrolyte on an electrolytic reduction cell. The plugger foot includes a cylindrical sleeve having at least one downwardly depending leg attached thereto. The opposite end of the sleeve is connected to a vertically movable rod attached to a fluid or air actuated apparatus. A hollow cylindrical shell, which is closed at one end, is designed to receive the sleeve in its opposite end. The sleeve is inserted into the shell such that the leg is completely enclosed therein. The shell is then filled with a heat resistant, non-conductive refractory material which forms a permanent bond between the sleeve, the leg and the shell.

Abstract: An aluminium reduction cell includes an anode 10, electrolyte 12, a cathode 14, a potlining 16 which may be of alumina and cathode current collectors embedded therein. The collectors include a section comprising a major proportion by volume of bodies 22, e.g. of titanium diboride or a TiB.sub.2 /Al cermet, joined or surrounded by aluminium, the section being so positioned that the aluminium is at least partly fluid when the cell is in operation. The bodies, which are preferably close-packed, may be cubic or cuboid or in the form of sheets or thin slabs arranged with their major faces parallel to one another and to the axis of the collector section. The collectors show good electrical conductivity together with satisfactory resistance to magnetic stirring and impact and transverse forces.

Abstract: A bipolar electrolytic cell assembly of the filter press-type comprising a first frame member, a second frame member, a separator interposed between the first and second frames to space apart an anode and cathode and a pre-compressed seal means interposed between at least the first or second frame member and the separator.

Abstract: A method for applying preselected abrasive particles to a cleaned first article surface adjacent a second article surface selected to be substantially free of such abrasive particles includes disposing on the first article surface a first electrically non-conductive tape segment including pores large enough to allow passage of electrodeposition current and electrolyte solution but smaller than the size of abrasive particles to be retained on the first tape segment. The first segment has a porous adhesive layer of relatively low tack level, the adhesive carrying the abrasive particles through a first, relatively weak bond. A second electrically non-conductive tape segment substantially impervious to electrolyte solution and electroplating current and having adhesive on a second segment operating surface is disposed on the second article surface in a manner at least sharing an edge portion with the first segment.

Abstract: Unitary, cast structural element for solid polymer electrolyte filter pass electrolysis cell which incorporates into a single unit the central barrier between the peripheral boundaries for the adjacent anode compartment and adjacent cathode compartment of two electrolysis cells located on opposite sides of the central barrier. Also incorporated into the single cast structural element are anode bosses and cathode bosses extending outwardly from opposite sides of the central barrier. These bosses not only serve as mechanical support for their respective flat plate anode and cathode, but also they serve as stand-off means and electrical current collectors and dispersers from the cathode of one electrolysis cell to the anode of the next cell. Simplicity of design coupled with incorporation of many functional elements into one part eliminates many cell warpage problems, inherent high voltage problems and solid polymer electrolyte membrane "hot spot" problems.

Abstract: The invention is a monopolar electrochemical cell assembly of the type having two end members and at least one electrode unit positioned between said end members, said unit at least having:two substantially parallel, substantially planar electrode components spaced from each other;a sealing means around the perimeter of the unit; anda means to distribute electrical energy to each of said electrode components, said distributing means comprising:an electrically conductive, substantially rigid, planar electric current transmission element disposed in the space between said spaced electrode components said transmission element co-extensive with and extending beyond the perimeter of said electrode components and having a metallic electrical connection means attached to it suitable for conducting electrical current in or out of said transmission element;said transmission element being electrically and mechanically connected to each of said electrode components at a plurality of points spaced throughout the entire s

Abstract: A component for an aluminum production cell comprising a refractory matrix having a rigid porous structure substantially filled with aluminum.

Abstract: An exchangeable solid cathode such that its average density is less than that of the molten aluminum, as a result of which the said cathode floats projecting into the electrolyte from below. At least three vertical, electrically insulating spacers are attached to the work face of the cathode and, due to the upthrust on the floating cathode, press against the work face of the related anode. The said floating cathode also features stabilizing positioning facilities at the side which insure proper lateral positioning of the cathode.