Abstract: A monopolar membrane electrolytic cell is comprised of a plurality of anodes wherein each anode is comprised of a first foraminous surface and a second foraminous surface positioned in parallel and spaced apart, and a frame enclosing the first and the second foraminous surfaces. The frame has two side members, a top member, and a bottom member attached to the foraminous surfaces. A chamber is formed between the foraminous surfaces and bounded by the frame. Conductor rods pass through one of the side members of the frame into the chamber, the conductor rods being spaced apart from the foraminous surfaces. Foraminous conductive connectors are positioned in the chamber and attached to the conductor rods and to the foraminous surfaces; a plurality of cathodes wherein each cathode is comprised of at least one foraminous surface, and a frame which encloses the foraminous surface.

Abstract: A gas-diffusion electrode cell having an electrolyte feed/withdrawal means integral to a frame for the electrode. The integral feed means for electrolyte feed/withdrawal allows a reduced spacing between the gas-diffusion electrode and a separator in the cell, resulting in a lower operational voltage for electrolysis operation.

Abstract: Conventional fused salt reduction cells feature anode conductor sections which are spaced apart and have the function of feeding electric current to the anodes via anode rods. An electrically insulated footbridge positioned over the cell between the anode conductor sections makes it possible to walk above the cell. A housing with slight positive pressure created by the supply of fresh air to it, is preferably provided over this footbridge. Transverse cells are arranged asymmetrically in a pot room. An air-tight, closeable walk-way i.e. gangway is provided on the inside or outside of the long wall of the pot room. Extensions to the cell housings lead to appropriate openings in the long wall of the pot room or to the longitudinal wall of a gangway in the interior of the pot room. The fresh air is passed through the gangway and emerges from the open end of the cell housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolytic cell having a flexible, heat-resistant elastomeric blanket separating the inside of the cell compartment and the base member. The blanket is fabricated of a thermoplastic elastomeric material. The material is comprised of a blend of thermoplastic polyolefin resin, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, with a polyolefin rubber, preferably a polyolefin rubber such as ethylene-propylene copolymer, i.e., EPM or EPDM. Other rubbers, such as butyl, neoprene or natural rubber may be utilized; however, polyolefin rubbers facilitate particularly useful blends. The polyolefin rubber component may be lightly cross-linked. It is preferred that the polyolefin rubber component be substantially fully cross linked and that the crystalline polyolefin resin be the only component in continuous phase.

Abstract: An electrolyzer for producing an aqueous alkali hydroxide solution, halogen, and hydrogen from an aqueous halogenide-bearing electrolyte. The electrolyzer includes a plurality of alternating anolyte and catholyte chambers each formed by a pair of anode plates and cathode plates, respectively. Seals are provided between and around the perimeter of the two anode and cathode plates to define the chambers. A flat membrane member, permeable to ions is disposed between adjacent anode and cathode plates. The anode and cathode plate and seals include passages for the flow of process fluids. Each anode and cathode plate comprises an active portion permeable to the flow of gas and liquid and an inactive portion impermeable to the flow of gas and liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrolytic cell which is comprised of a first frame member housing an electrode and a second frame member housing an electrode. A separator is positioned between the first frame member and the second frame member. A first sealing means contacts a side of the first frame member and one side of the separator. Contacting the second frame member and the opposite side of the separator is a second sealing means. The first sealing means and the second sealing means are elastomeric solids having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional area where the first sealing means is from about 1.1 to about 3 times the width of the second sealing means. Pressing means are provided which press the frames together against the sealing means and the separator to form a substantially fluid-tight seal. The novel electrolytic cells provide the advantages of simultaneously:a. controlling gasket compression pressures,b. controlling gasket frame surface structural forces,c.

Abstract: A method for assembling a filter press type of electrolytic cell is disclosed wherein tightening apparatus is employed at preferably multiple points about the periphery of the stacked electrodes to substantially simultaneously apply a substantially uniform pressure to compress the cell to permit the compressed stack of electrodes to be retained in this compressed state while the cell is assembled in a fluid-tight manner.

Abstract: In a tank of aluminizing electroplating cells which may contain racks for articles, operated with aprotic oxygen-free and water-free organo-aluminum electrolytes, a lining of individual segments coated with resistant materials (enamel or electrolyte-resistant plastics) is provided as an electrically insulating protective device. The outer edges of the side baffles, coated all around, are bent round toward the outside and are held together by connecting straps which are bent round toward the inside. The individual bottom segments coated all around lie on top of each other overlapping in roof tile fashion. The protective device may also include a similarly insulated band arranged all around the cell.

Abstract: A protective shield adjacent the electrolyzer container and electrolyzer cover for a flowing mercury chlor-alkali electrolytic cell is provided to serve as a stop to prevent retaining means utilized to hold the electrolyzer cover in position from being propelled into the work area and hot brine from being spewn into the work area in the event of explosive hydrogen gas buildup within the electrolytic cell gas.

Abstract: An electrolyzer is provided for processing fluids. The electrolyzer includes electrode plates having laterally extending electrical busses. The electrode plates are mounted in a non-conducting external frame having a plurality of ducts for the flow of process fluids between the electrolyte chamber and the ducts. Seals are provided between the electrode plates and the external frame.

Abstract: A current-conductor assembly for conducting a machining current to a wire electrode in a wire-cutting electroerosion machine comprises a pair of coplanar wheels rotatable about their respective shafts and having their respective peripheries for receiving the wire electrode between them. The wheels are urged towards one another to press the wire electrode between the peripheries and a brush connectable electrically to a source of the machining current and adapted to be urged under pressure into electrical contact with a flank of one of the wheels which is electrically conductive for conducting the current to the wire electrode. The brush is an electrically conductive body preferably composed of copper, graphite or a copper/graphits composite material containing a solid-state lubricating material, e.g. MoS.sub.2 or WS.sub.2. The pressing wheel urged towards the conducting wheel is, at least along its peripheral region, composed of an elastomeric material.

Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte (SPE), solid polymer electrolyte electrode, and method for forming from cationic exchange perfluorocarbon copolymer. Disclosed are solution techniques for forming SPEs and SPE electrodes using fluorocarbon vinyl ether copolymers.

Abstract: A low porosity coating comprised of at least two layers of material or composites capable of protecting a metal substrate from the corrosive effects of a chlorine-metal chloride environment at temperature values ranging up to 650.degree. C. The first of the two layers has a coefficient of thermal expansion that lies between the metal of the substrate and that of a metal oxide(s) layer disposed upon the first layer. A layer of metal oxide is disposed on the first layer, the metal oxide having a coefficient of expansion somewhat less than the first layer and a minimum solubility in the chlorine-chloride environment. The material or composite of the first layer and the metal oxide of the oxide layer are applied by a technique which sprays particles of the material or composite and metal oxide(s) against a surface at relatively high velocities and temperatures.

Abstract: Conductor rolls used for masking one face of a metal strip while electro-treating the other face thereof, comprise an elastomeric-covered cylinder having a metallic contact ring in the center thereof for electrical contact with the strip being treated. To minimize high transfer current densities, the edges of these contact rings have been provided with a cantilevered flange overlying a portion of the elastomer. It has been found, due to differential thermal expansion, at operating temperature, of both the elastomer and the metal contact ring, that the cantilevered flange section of the contact ring is forced up to an excessive extent, resulting in high bending stresses generated in the strip at the region of the contact ring-elastomer interface. By providing a taper on the cantilever flange section to compensate for the difference in thermal expansion, bending stresses in the strip are reduced to insignificant values, thereby eliminating creases and scratches in the strip.

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

Abstract: In electrolytic apparatus comprising cell chambers through which is passed an electrolyte and in which sets of anode plates are provided, each of which are connected to current-feeding center pins, and the mutually staggered electrode plates protrude into the gaps between plates having the opposite polarity. To ensure a simple, quick and reliable installation and removal of the anode plates, the center pin is provided with contact straps, which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the pin and serve to secure the anode plate. The contact straps are suitably spaced about 180.degree. apart and have at least one opening, which consists preferably of a tapped bore.The electrolytic apparatus is used in processes of producing alkali chlorate by the electrolytic decomposition of aqueous alkali chloride solutions.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the ion exchange membrane method, which comprises:(a) an electrolytic cell main body;(b) a lid covering the(c) porous and hollow tubular cathodes disposed in the body;(d) a bottom plate having apertures through which an electrically conductive bar can be extended;(e) electrically conductive bars provided with a flange at a lower portion thereof, each inserted through the apertures of the bottom plate into the interior of the body and secured to the bottom plate by the flange;(f) porous anodes each connected to the electrically conductive bar and placed vertically in a face-face relation to the cathode, and disposed between the cathodes;(g) bag-shaped elements, portions of which facing the anodes and the cathodes are formed by a cation exchange membrane, the bottom of which has at least one aperture through which the electrically conductive bar can be extended, and which have each an open top; and(h) a partition plate having openings, which plate is on the top of the body,whereinone or

Abstract: A system for hooding an electrolytic cell used in the production of aluminum comprises a plurality of aluminum hoods supported on the anode rods of the cell. The anode rods are provided with a plurality of cams projecting out of the sides thereof parallel to the anode pins for supporting the hoods. The hoods are provided with a cut-out opening for receiving the anode rod.

Abstract: An electroplating mask support structure of particular use in the plating of semiconductor chip lead frames in which a support bar has a number of support stations thereon with masking die containing cavities in the stations.

Abstract: A plating mask of molded unitary configuration with electrolyte admitting openings held to very accurate position and dimension by a molding process in which the mask is formed between two separable molds with forms supported therebetween to exclude material from both mask penetrating and transverse circulation passageways.

Abstract: A composite fiber reinforced plastic frame and method of making such a frame are provided wherein a thin corrosion resistant liner material having a highly reinforced structural core is at least partially formed by wrapped roving layers of glass fiber impregnated with a catalyzed thermosetting resin that possesses high strength and a low coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a membrane or diaphragm-free electrolytic cell device for removal of a metal(s) present as a contaminant(s) in waste water comprising a nonconductive cell box having an upper peripheral flange, anode and cathode bus bars located on said cell box below said flange, inlet and outlet means to pass the liquid through the electrodes contained in said box, means to space the anodes and cathodes contained within said cell box, a plurality of anodes having openings to permit the flow of waste water therethrough, a plurality of reticulate cathodes, and means connecting the anodes and cathodes, respectively, to said bus bars and to a source of electrical energy whereby the metal contaminant(s) present in such water are deposited on the reticulate cathodes predominantly.

Abstract: An electrolyzer cell of the filter-press type intended to operate under high pressure and at high temperature is constructed of spacing frames (4) for supporting and joining the electrodes and the diaphrams (1). Each frame is constituted by several portions (41 to 44), each held at a fixed point (61 to 64) and slidingly joined to one another.

Abstract: The invention involves a cell which may be used for producing molten aluminum by electrolysis of aluminum oxide in a molten bath. The cell includes a cathode and an anode, a bar and a hanger. The bar is connected at an upper end to the hanger and at a lower end to the anode. Flexible means is provided for supplying electrical current through the bar to the anode. A jack means raises and lowers the hanger and thus the anode. Included in the invention, the hanger is mounted at at least two separated points, one higher than the other, in encompassing, sliding relationship, on a single, upright, circular cross-sectioned post passing through the hanger. By this technique, the hanger is constrained to move up and down, without rotation about horizontal axes.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell having an inlet and an outlet for transient electrolytes and including monopolar electrodes arranged in a staggered pattern such that the electrode plates of one polarity extend into the gaps formed between the electrode plates of the opposite polarity.

Abstract: An electrical shunting switch assembly for use with a high continuous D.C. current electrochemical cell system, for electrically shunting or by-passing a cell of the system to permit maintenance or replacement, and then permitting stepped or gradual current diversion back through the cell. This shunting switch assembly includes a plurality of electrically parallel switch modules which comprises a vacuum switch, a series connected resistance value and switch operating means for sequentially operating the switches for current diversion. The switch modules are disposed in a matrix arrangement connected between bus connectors which are connectable across the cell, with switch modules having a low resistance value in alternating adjacent relationship to switch modules having a high resistance value. The low resistance value modules permit high shunting efficiency. The higher resistance value modules provide the capability for stepped or gradual current diversion.

Abstract: In a filter press membrane electrolytic cell there is provided a reinforced electrode frame channel that is backed by a reinforcing strip which also serves as a gasket restraint when the adjacent electrodes are compressed to form the assembled cell.

Abstract: A filter press type electrolytic cell for the electrolysis of brine to produce chlorine and caustic includes a plurality of rectangular frames having U-shaped or channel-shaped walls, the open sides of each of which wall members face inwardly, and a downcomer tube in each frame for conducting product from near the top of the frame to the bottom thereof for withdrawal. The downcomer tubes are located near a framing side but are not within a framing channel. The openings of the framing walls are partially covered by cross members of the same material as the framing to improve the resistance thereof to distortion during closing of the cell. Utilization of the downcomer tubes, preferably of polytetrafluoroethylene for the catholyte compartment and titanium or titanium clad material for the anolyte compartment, allows the maintaining of the framing channel open so that inner walls thereof are electrolytically protected against corrosion.

Abstract: A cap for the access port of the dome of a fused salt electrolytic cell comprising a circular cap body (1) having an outer flange (2) and a sealing surface (3) on its bottom, attached to the sealing surface an inner ring (4) concentric with the outer flange and with the flange defining a circular groove (5) within which the top of an access port (6) fits, within the groove a resilient refractory packing (7) that provides a seal between the top of the access port and the sealing surface.

Abstract: Shunt currents which flow between the electrodes of adjacent cells through the moving conductive fluid and the fluid pool in the manifold of a bipolar cell assembly are minimized by introducing the conductive fluid at the top of an elongated outlet manifold. This results in cascaded flow which interrupts the current path. Shunt currents between the fluid manifold walls of the conductive bipolar elements in the series connected electrochemical cell assemblies are minimized by insulating the manifold walls with insulating, elastomeric sealing grommets. This prevents current flow between the manifold walls through the electrically conductive fluid in the manifold and provides an edgeseal between bipolar plates.

Abstract: In an electrolytic cell, spacers of predetermined thickness are positioned with improved sealing apparatus between the plurality of adjacently positioned and generally parallel electrodes to define and maintain a uniform gap of predetermined thickness between planes which pass through at least the adjacent sides of each pair of adjacent electrode frames.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to fluid-tight, high current density-stable electrical contacts for conductively joining components of an electrolytic cell, e.g., anode and cathode plates, comprising a spring-like spiral or coil of electroconductive metal or metal alloy having an electrically conductive or nonconductive oxidation-resistant filler (seal) between the spiral rings and wherein said spiral rings are positioned so that their edges and common longitudinal axis are substantially perpendicular to the faces of the cell components.

Abstract: A current distributor for an electrode for an electrolytic cell for the electrolysis of aqueous solutions of ionic compounds is provided which comprises an electrically conductive material having a front surface comprised of a plurality of electrode-engaging means projecting from it for attachment to a foraminous electrode. The rear surface of the current collector is suitable for attachment to an electrical conductor. The novel current distributors are particularly suitable for use with reticulate electrodes.

Abstract: An improved multi-layer electrode gasket comprising an outboard layer of a material having a combination of a Type A Shore Scale Durometer hardness (ASTM Specification D-2240-75) ranging from about 40 to about 70 and a Compression Set (ASTM Specification D-395-69-Method A) of zero plus to about 40 percent with an inboard barrier layer of a material which is corrosion-resistant, noncontaminating and stable upon contact with the electrolyte in conjunction with the electrode chamber in which it is used.

Abstract: In filter press electrolytic cell assemblies, gasketing materials are frequently used for sealing the cell contents between individual frames. An improved design of gasket is disclosed, having a bulb profile at one surface with a hollow or indented profile on the opposite. Use of this specific profile gasket, positioned in properly molded or machined sealing grooves in the mating surfaces of electrolytic cell frame members, permits repeated disassembly and reassembly of cell frame components without leakage of electrolytic fluids between cell compartments, or leakage from cell interior to exterior.

Abstract: In an electrolytic cell lubricous material is provided between at least one gasket and the adjacent surface of the membrane between adjacent electrode frames to permit the gasket to deform during assembly and operation of the cell when compressive force is applied to effect fluid-tight seals between the gaskets and the adjacent electrode frames without damaging the membrane.

Abstract: An electrode and sludge collector support device is provided which permits the immersing of electrode and sludge collector into an electrolytic plating bath and which permits the removal of spent electrodes and subsequent replacement of electrodes without the removal of the sludge collector from the bath.

Abstract: An anodizing process having a suspended cathode having a casing of non-electrically conductive material to shield the upper portion of the cathode from effective anodizing communication with the electrolytic bath. The shield can be positioned selectively relative to the length of the cathode whereby the effective area of electrolytic communication can be controlled.

Abstract: In an anode of a cell for alkali metal chloride electrolysis by the amalgam method and comprising a grid-like or net-like level titanium anode surface, optionally current distributing rails, a bridge acting as a primary conducting rail and at least one copper bolt as a current supply means, the improvement wherein the copper bolt has a screw thread, the bridge having a threaded passage for receiving the screw thread and a conical passage for receiving the conical portion of the copper bolt, the copper bolt and bridge being screwed together in a force- and form-locking manner.

Abstract: An electrolyser consisting of a stack of elemental cells, the said stack being located in a horizontal tubular enclosure.The enclosure consists of a fixed vertical baseplate (2) and of a tubular envelope (1) mounted upon the horizontal bed (8) of the apparatus by way of supporting rollers (7). The body of the stack (4) is supported during the opening operation by chocks (12) and by supporting rollers.The invention is made use of for the production of hydrogen and oxygen by means of industrial electrolyzers.

Abstract: An electrolysis device for electrolytic deposition of a metal on at least one surface of the tape which has been precoated with a metal provides an electrolytic metal deposition band in which there is a first electrode for connection to a first voltage source. A tape drive is provided for moving the tape through the bath including first guide rollers defining a single loop for the tape through the bath. A second electrode is provided in the tape path and mounted to contact the tape above the entrance to the bath and over an area of the one metallized surface and is connected to a second source potential. Second guide rollers along the tape path downstream of the bath, including a second guide roller contact the metallized surface and is connected to a third source potential.

Abstract: Device and method for breaking open the solidified crust of electrolyte on an electrolytic cell, in particular a cell for producing aluminum. At least one projection is provided on the lower part of the shaft of a chisel used on a crust breaker. After breaking through the crust, the chisel is lowered further at least until the lowest projection or projections reaches the lower half of the crust.

Abstract: A remote controlled intercell connector bar jack is disclosed. The jack can have a first contactor and a second contactor spaced apart by a piston and cylinder assembly. The assembly can be remotely expanded or contracted to move the contactors away from each other or towards each other, respectively. The first contactor contacts a movable intercell connector while the second contactor contacts a fixed object such as the wall of one of two adjacent cells connected by the intercell connector. The second contactor can be a plate adapted to rest against a wall of a cell to which the intercell connector is attached and the first contactor adapted to rest against the intercell connector so that the intercell connector is jacked away from the cell wall when the assembly is remotely expanded.

Abstract: An improved frame component for a frame of an electrode useful in a filter press cell having a channel or U-shaped configuration comprising an outer planar wall attached orthogonally to first and second planar side walls with a multiplicity of spaced rigid reinforcing members attached to first and second side walls.

Abstract: A novel electrode is disclosed for a filter press cell operating at medum pressure. This novel electrode comprises two vertical planar foraminous surfaces positioned in parallel and spaced apart, having at least one pair of conductor rods and a frame. The frame has two side members, a top member, and a bottom member, and is attached to the planar surfaces whereby a chamber is formed between the planar surfaces bounded by the frame. The foraminous surface has a tensile strength in the range from about 50 to about 300 pounds per lineal inch measured in the weakest direction of the foraminous surface. One conductor rod of each pair is attached to the frame along with one of the foraminous surfaces. At least one process connection for conveying process material into and out of the chamber is also provided in the frame.

Abstract: The invention resides in an electrolytic cell element representing a frame structure defining partially an anode chamber and a cathode chamber. The frame is composed of a carbon fiber-high polymer composite material.

Abstract: A cathode mask knob is disclosed which has a metal insert for holding a matrix in mechanical and electrical contact with the end of the cathode of an electroforming apparatus. The knob further has a resiliant seal around the insert and an outer shield of a dielectric material.

Abstract: Apparatus usable in the electrolytic treatment of electroactive species in a solution include a porous electrode which is supported across a fluid flow path in such a manner that fluid flowing along the flow path must pass through an effective portion of the electrode.

Abstract: A current conductor assembly for conducting electric current to electrodes in cells for the electrolysis of a salt solution is comprised of a conductor and a nonconductive casing for the conductor. There is a space between the conductor and the casing with an inlet in the casing for receiving a fluid. The conductor assembly has means for supplying a pressurized fluid to the space between the conductor and the casing; means for sealingly attaching one end of the conductor assembly to the electrodes, where this end is immersed in the salt solution; and a compressible sealing assembly for the opposite end of the conductor assembly comprised of a compression means and a sealing means.The conductor assembly employs the pressurized fluid to prevent corrosive attack of the conductor metal should a leak develop in the conductor assembly.

Abstract: A plating barrel having a number of plating electrodes coupled to a constant source of electrical potential outside the barrel and connected to a metal plate which rotates with the barrel. A spring biases a non-rotating conductor against the plate inside the barrel to provide a low resistance path to the constant source outside the barrel. A number of seals prevent plating solution from reaching the contact between plate and conductor to avoid corrosion and/or plating of the contact area.