Abstract: An apparatus for electrolytically plating, cleaning, or otherwise treating a surface of revolution of a metallic workpiece. The treatment is carried out by a pair of electrodes each having a conductive portion and a porous dielectric cover that engages the surface to be treated. The electrodes are resiliently supported by an arm that is mounted on a shaft that is coaxial with the surface of revolution to be treated. The arm has portions extending radially outwardly from the shaft, each portion being provided with a resilient member to which an electrode is secured so that when the shaft is rotated the electrodes are moved in a circular path and are resiliently urged into engagement with the surface to be treated. Means are provided for supplying electrolyte to the electrodes and for supplying electric current to the workpiece and the electrodes to carry out the electrolytic treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for cleaning the bottom of mercury cathode electrolytic cells or the like, usable in closed cells which are cut off from the power supply and maintained under suction, characterized in that said apparatus consists essentially of a plate or strap that is displaceable along the bottom of the cell, and having an overall length substantially corresponding to the width of the cell-bottom to be cleaned, said strap normally resting on or near the bottom of the cell, and means for moving said strap along the bottom of the cell to scrape or dislodge mercury sludge and other residues that have accumulated during the operation of the cell. The means for moving the strap along the bottom of the cell may be manually actuated from outside the cell or they may be actuated by motor means situated outside the cell.

Abstract: Hydrochloric acid electrolyzers serve to decompose hydrochloric acid to hydrogen and chlorine with the aid of electric current.

Abstract: A filter-press type ion exchange membrane-method electrolysis cell comprising(a) an anode structure which comprises a rectangular anode frame including a top element, a bottom element and two side elements and anode plates welded to the anode frame,(b) a cathode structure which comprises a rectangular cathode frame including a top element, a bottom element and two side elements and cathode plates welded to the cathode frame, and(c) an ion exchange membrane interposed between the anode structure and the cathode structure;whereinthe two side elements of the anode frame and the two side elements of the cathode frame have a tubular structure with a rectangular cross section,the top and bottom elements of the anode frame and the top and bottom elements of the cathode frame have a .].

Abstract: An improved cell is disclosed for producing metal by electrolytic reduction of a metal halide dissolved in at least one molten halide of higher electrodecomposition potential than the metal halide. The cell includes a plurality of cell elements, including an inner refractory lining and a plurality of carbonaceous elements. Included among the carbonaceous elements are carbonaceous lining elements located inside of and abutting a portion of the inner refractory lining and carbonaceous electrode elements abutting the inner refractory lining. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, some carbonaceous lining elements abut other carbonaceous lining elements, and some carbonaceous electrode elements abut other carbonaceous electrode elements. The improved cell also includes carbon felt gaskets located between at least some of the abutting elements for sealing of the joints of abutment in order to minimize the effects of physical shifts in the carbonaceous elements.

Abstract: A contactor and a dangler assembly for particular use in a plating barrel for electro-chemical plating operations. The dangler assembly is comprised of a sheathed electrical conductor having a connector disposed at one end and the contactor disposed at the other end. The contactor is comprised of a generally cylindrical housing and an elongated lag screw. An internal passageway defined by three coaxial bore sections extends between opposed casing outer and inner ends and is dimensioned to closely receive a portion of the length of the sheathed electrical conductor from the cable other end. The side wall of the second or central one of the bore sections is advantageously threaded substantially over the length thereof to enhance conductor retention thereby. Upon insertion of the lag screw into the passageway from the casing inner end, the lag screw shank axially penetrates the electrical conductor to cause radial expansion thereof into close retained engagement by the passageway side wall.

Abstract: The device comprises a tank filled with electrolyte, flat electrodes which are stacked horizontally so as to rest upon one another under the action of gravity and at least a certain number of which are consumable. Two successive electrodes are separated by spacer elements having the same thickness and formed of material which is inert to electrolysis. The contact surfaces between the spacer elements and the electrodes therefore permit substantially uniform erosion of the consumable electrodes over their entire surface and the spacing between two consecutive electrodes thus remains constant.

Abstract: An intercell connector system is disclosed. The system includes two adjacent terminals attached to two adjacent cells and intercell connector selectively overlapping the adjacent ends of the terminals. The intercell connector includes a conductive first member and a second member which are held together by a fastening device which can be selectively loosened and tightened. When the fastening device is loosened, the two members are adapted to be moved out of engagement with one of the terminals thereby disconnecting the electrical circuit between the terminals.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for electrolysis of an aqueous sodium chloride solution is provided with a closure for its open side which is resistant to degradation by chlorine and ozone. The cover has an external elastomeric layer which is stable when exposed to ozone and a polytetrafluoroethylene layer facing the aqueous solution which resists attack by chlorine, and intermediate polyamide, polyester or fiberglass mesh on synthetic rubber layers. The synthetic rubber layer is chloroprene vulcanized with lead oxide.

Abstract: An electrolytic diaphragm or membrane cell is disclosed in which flexible clamp members are arranged to provide sealing engagement between the diaphragm or membrane and its associated support elements.

Abstract: An electrode package is disclosed which comprises a substantially flat elrode (32) surrounded by two substantially flat inner frames (1) which are surrounded by a substantially flat outer frame (20) with holes (21, 22) for supply of electrolyte to and holes (23, 24) for discharge of electrolyte from the electrode. Each of the inner frames is provided with a grid (13) that improves the electrolyte flow and serves as a support for a membrane when used in membrane cells, and furthermore with flow-distributing projections and possibly barriers, making it possible to achieve varying flow patterns for the electrolyte with the same basic construction. The outer frame is preferably provided with ridges, going all the way round, for the simple fitting and sealing of a membrane against it. The electrode package will, thus, be particularly suitable for use in membrane cells in electrolyzers of the filter-press type, said use also being described herein.

Abstract: An electrolyzer consisting of a stack of elemental electrolytic cells held between two end plates connected by tie rods.Each tie rod (9) is associated with a hydraulic jack (20) enabling variable tightening by remote control. A displacement pick-up (16) and a pressure pick-up (17) supply signals (25,26) to a force and position control cabinet (18).The invention is made use of in the production of hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis of water.

Abstract: An electrode compartment is a part of a filter press type electrolytic cell for electrolyzing an alkali metal chloride. The electrode compartment comprises lower, upper and side frames to form an electrolyzing chamber, and current lead bars which are inserted from the bottom of the lower frame in the vertical direction to be parallel to lifting flow of an electrolyte and the electrode being mechanically held through fitting means on the lead bars in the electrolyzing chamber.

Abstract: A disinfection device has a plurality of electrodes arranged in planes, the electrodes in the planes being conductively connected by conductive and non-conductive carrier elements at their opposite ends. The elements alternate on opposed walls of the housing and fit together by reason of projections and corresponding recesses on the conductive and non-conductive elements. The electrodes may be, in certain embodiments, of expanded metal or sintered metal.

Abstract: In an apparatus for plating the cylindrical flat surface of a metal substrate which is seated in a recess in a substrate case, a shield is mounted on the case around the edge of the surface of the substrate. The shield has an opening therethrough of a diameter adjacent the substrate substantially equal to the diameter of the surface of the substrate, and at the top surface thereof smaller than the diameter of the substrate so as to extend over the substrate. The portion of the opening adjacent the substrate is beveled radially inwardly at an angle of between 45 degrees and 60 degrees.

Abstract: An electrolyzer cell is made up of a pair of electrodes (1,1') separated by a diaphragm (2). The diaphragm is sandwiched between a pair of frames (3,3') and generally includes its own frame (4). It is difficult to make frames sufficiently accurately for large cells (e.g. up to 2 m.sup.2). using conventional techniques of cutting the frame out from a sheet of material or by one-piece moulding. The present invention uses assembly of elongate frame components. Preferably they are joined together using dovetail joints (31,41), which ensure adequate sealing, and with the dovetails shifted from one frame to the next to ensure a more uniform pressing effect.

Abstract: A unitary frame and membrane assembly particularly useful in a filter press electrolytic cell arrangement is provided by the present invention. The assembly comprises a rigid, peripheral frame member having separable peripheral frame portions. A permselective membrane member is positioned between the separable peripheral frame portions, and the membrane member and frame portions are secured together to form a unitary frame and membrane assembly. The present assembly is adapted for use as the barrier component in electrolytic cells which utilize a separatory membrane barrier between the cell electrodes.

Abstract: A monopolar filter press electrolytic cell suitable for use in the electrolysis of an aqueous alkali metal halide brine to produce (cell liquor, halogen and hydrogen, the cell comprising a plurality of flexible anode plates and flexible cathode plates and a cation perm-selective membrane positioned between each adjacent anode plate and cathode plate, and comprising a non-conducting flexible spacing plate positioned between each anode plate and adjacent membrane and between each cathode plate and adjacent membrane, the anode plates, cathode plates and spacing plates each having openings which define four separate compartments lengthwise of the cell and which provide respectively an inlet for brine, an inlet for water or alkaline water, an outlet for brine and halogen and an outlet for cell liquor and hydrogen the spacing plates being provided with passages which connect the compartments providing an inlet for brine and an outlet for brine and halogen with the anolyte compartments and which connect the compartm

Abstract: The new conductor facility for electrodes, in particular for electrodes immersed in corrosive molten salts, features the following components:(a) A graphite pipe or tube which is open at both ends, fits tightly into a recess in the electrode and passes through the furnace or cell wall or roof.(b) A metallic electrical conductor, which is positioned inside the graphite pipe and can be pushed forward inside it, is made of a metal with a melting point lower than the temperature of the molten salt charge and makes contact with the electrode in the liquid state at the operating temperature of the furnace or cell.(c) A protective pipe, which surrounds the graphite pipe and is made of a dense, electrically insulating ceramic material, has one end tightly embedded in the electrode and the other end passing through the wall or roof, and is stable under the operating conditions of the furnace or cell.

Abstract: A distributor comprising two substantially parallel covering sheets separated by a plurality of inserts provides uniform fluid flow through a cell and, consequently, improved cell efficiency. Additionally, the distributor, positioned between a cell's fluid inlet port and membrane spacer, reduces membrane flexing along the line where the spacer and adjoining gasket interface, thus diminishing the incidence of early membrane failure.

Abstract: A device for applying voltage to a part to be treated by an electrochemical process in which physical contact is established between a current supplying device and the part to be treated only at the moment of treatment, in particular in the case of enamelling by electrophoresis. The device includes an insulating housing (9) for a contact unit, said housing surrounding a connection box (11) connected to electricity supply cables, the insulating housing and the connection box being movable with respect to each other and including contacts (13, 12) which are closed by movement of the insulating housing with respect to the connection box when the contact unit housing is pressed against the part to be treated. The device applies in particular to enamelling by electrophoresis.

Abstract: A bipolar current collector-separator for electrochemical cells consists of a molded aggregate of electro-conductive graphite and a thermoplastic fluoropolymer combined in a weight ratio of 2.5:1 to 16:1. The bulk resistivity of such a molded bipolar current collector-separator is less than 4.times.10.sup.-3 ohm inches (.OMEGA. in.). It has excellent corrosion resistance to a variety of feedstocks such as brine, aqueous HCl, etc. and to various electrolysis products such as caustic, chlorine, hydrogen, etc. In one alternative form the anodic side of a current collector-separator for a water electrolyzer is covered by a thin layer of a passivated metallic foil thus protecting the graphite current collector against attack by oxygen.

Abstract: A capping board made of plastic material reinforced with fiberglass, for supporting the ends of a plurality of electrodes immersed in an electrolytic cell such as the cells used for the electrolytic refining of copper. This capping board is made of a plastic resin selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene and acid resistant polyesters, vinylesters, epoxy and phenolic resins, and contains from 10 to 20% by weight of fiberglass, from 2 to 10% by weight of silica, from 2 to 10% by weight of mica and from 2 to 10% by weight of feldspar. Preferably, at least one wooden core is embedded in the capping board in order to reduce the quantity of resin required and the fabrication cost. Such capping boards made of reinforced plastic material allow for substantial increase in the productivity of electrolytic metal refining plants, in particular because they are resistant to corrosion and do not need to be frequently replaced.

Abstract: A unique, current conducting, separator element with controlled anolyte flow distribution is incorporated in an electrolysis cell having anode and cathode electrodes bonded to an ion transporting membrane. The current conducting-fluid distributing separator has a plurality of parallel conductive ribs which contact the anode electrode and also define a plurality of fluid distribution channels through which an anolyte such as water, is brought to the electrode and through which gaseous electrolysis products and the spent anolyte are removed from the anolyte chamber. A pressure dropping flow restrictor is provided in the channel inlets to prevent gases generated at the anode from flowing backward and blocking the anolyte distribution inlet manifold. The pressure dropping element can take the form of a restrictor to reduce the dimension of the channel. Alternatively the separator is molded so that the inlets of the channels have a reduced cross section.

Abstract: An improved electrolytic cell of the filter press type in which the electrode gap may initially be set and accurately maintained during assembly of the cell units is described. The cell units consist of a planar anode mounted in a peripheral anode frame, a planar cathode mounted in a peripheral cathode frame, a barrier, such as a diaphragm or membrane, positioned between the anode and cathode, a spacer member and at least one gasket member positioned between the edges of the anode and cathode frames. The total gasket width in an uncompressed state is greater than the thickness of the spacer member. Upon assembly of the unit, the gasket member is compressed forming a gas and liquid seal. The thickness of the spacer member determines the space between the anode and cathode frame members and, consequently, the space or gap between the anodes and cathodes mounted in the frame members.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new form of brine flow meter necessary in metering brine to an electrolytic cell for the production of chlorine and caustic (sodium hydroxide). The flow meter is made advantageously of a plastic material resistant to the various pH ranges necessary for brine being fed to such an electrolytic cell with the additional advantage of clarity for visual observation of the flow rate and resistance qualities.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolytic cell having an electrode assembly with a base plate, fingered electrodes electrically connected to, spaced from, and extending outwardly from the base plate, and defining valleys between adjacent electrodes. The electrodes have a synthetic separator on their surface. The electrode assembly also has a back screen at the bases of the electrodes which is spaced from and parallel to the base plate. The electrolytic cell is characterized by providing compressive means between each pair of electrodes. The compressive means bear upon the electrode unit and upon the laps of the synthetic separators on adjacent electrodes to form electrolyte-tight seals between the separators.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reducing magnetic disturbances in a series of very high intensity electrolysis cells. The device is characterized by the supply of an anode bus bar both through its two ends and through at least one central riser supplied from upstream cathode outputs and by a branch on the downstream cathode output rods of the preceding cell. Application is to the production of aluminum by electrolysis of alumina in molten cryolite.

Abstract: A perforated support for helping prevent damage to a non-adherent membrane in a chlorine gas-producing cell configuration having downwardly open, gas-trapping pockets adjacent such a membrane in the upper end of a chlorine-producing anolyte chamber. The cathode chamber can be at a greater pressure than the anode chamber to force the diaphragm against the support.

Abstract: A cathode busbar structure is provided for an electrolytic cell which can enable the electrolytic cell to be designed to operate as a chlor-alkali diaphragm cell at high current capacities of about 150,000 amperes and upward to about 200,00 amperes while maintaining high operating efficiencies while in normal or jumpered operation. These high current capacities provide for high production capacities which result in high production rates for given cell room floor areas and reduce capital investment and operating costs.

Abstract: An electroplating rack upon which an item to be plated is secured for immersion in a plating solution and in which electrical contact is made between the rack and the item by a clamp having a clamp screw and an opposed clamp pad, both the clamp screw and the clamp pad having a structure which provides the appropriate clamping forces and electrical connections while establishing seals for isolating the electrically conductive elements of the clamp from the plating solution.

Abstract: An electrode membrane structure comprising: an annular support member and a circular membrane portion integrally molded into said annular support, said membrane support being formed of sufficiently thin gas diffusible material, at least in the circular membrane portion and having an array of perforations to facilitate removal or separation of the annular support from the membrane portion, said support and membrane portions including an intermediate annular transition zone therebetween wherein the membrane portion increases in thickness to the support such that the gas diffusible material may be molded to the sufficient thinness required for gas diffusibility and yet maintain stability of dimension.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell assembly of the filter press type having plastic frames and a membrane wherein the membrane is formed to fit between adjacent frames with one or more recesses provided on one or both of the adjacent frames together with sealing gasket means which are formed for effectively controlling electrode spacing and for retaining the membrane in position without membrane damage. The construction not only provides proper sealing and protection of the membrane during use, but also allows for the membrane to be removed, reactivated, and reused.

Abstract: An improved electrolytic cell comprises the combination of a wide electrode, or more closely spaced electrodes, to achieve a narrow gap between electrodes, the electrodes being of conventional, simple, non-adjustable construction, guide spacers separating the anode elements and cathode elements of the electrolytic cell, and a hard, dimensionally stable, diaphragm.

Abstract: A securing device is disclosed which retains membranes in electrolytic cells during assembly and disassembly thereof and which allows safe, effective storage during disassembly of the cell.

Abstract: An electric contact post resistant to heating at the contact in electrochemical machining operations. The post tip, of heat-resistant alloy, slides partially in a sleeve of metallic alloy resistant to heat and corrosion, held in the corresponding post of the post guide hole made in a support of insulating material.

Abstract: There is used a structure modified so that the brine-introduction tube is mounted within a larger-diameter tube sealingly mounted in the brine-introduction opening in the side of the cell top, with an orifice member preferably being mounted within an end of the brine-introduction tube nearer to the cell. This makes it possible to avoid unwanted variations in the brine flow rate and to see instantly whether an orifice member is clogged.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrochemical machining of metal parts by pumping an electrolyte through a machining zone and by applying a potential across a part to be machined and an electrode-tool with the aid of bar-type electrodes enclosed in an envelope of an elastic dielectric material to protect contact surfaces of the bar-type electrodes against electrochemical erosion.

Abstract: A device for supporting a sheet diaphragm on to a surface of a cathode which is made of a flexible insulating material and which can be caused or allowed to expand into the space between the anode and the diaphragm so that the diaphragm is pressed into contact with the cathode.

Abstract: An assembly of electrolyte compartment frames and a separating web for a filter press type of bipolar electrolytic apparatus includes gasketing material between the frames and the web near the ends of the web and a recess in such frames at an end of the web so that when the web differentially expands with respect to the electrolyte compartment frames it may move past the gasketing material and into the recess, thereby preventing distortion of the web and the frames and maintaining a liquid-tight seal between them.

Abstract: A separating web for use in an electrolytic apparatus having a plurality of cells containing anolyte and catholyte includes a pair of thin metal walls not in contact with each other, one of which is of a material, such as titanium, which is resistant to corrosion by and impermeable to such anolyte (which may be brine in an electrolytic cell used for the manufacture of chlorine and caustic or chlorate) and the other of which is of a material resistant to corrosion by and impermeable to such catholyte, which may be steel (which, although resistant to corrosion by the caustic catholyte of a cell for the manufacture of chlorine and caustic or chlorate, may allow the transmission of nascent hydrogen). The walls are separated from each other by a gas space, which may be vented for the escape of any molecular hydrogen formed therein from nascent hydrogen and the web is sealable in the electrolytic apparatus between adjacent cells thereof so as to separate such cells.

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

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling the electric energy supply rate to an electroplating installation includes a positionally adjustable actuating member connected to a carrier which supports workpieces to be electroplated in an electroplating vat, and a sensor mounted on the vat and operative for detecting the extent of positional adjustment of the actuating member and generating a signal proportionate thereto. The signal is then transmitted to a source of direct electric current to be used thereat for controlling the output rate of the source. The actuating member is a setting screw which is threaded into a sleeve which, in turn, is mounted on a bracket rigidly connected to the carrier, while the sensor includes a housing rigidly mounted on a lug of the vat, and a potentiometer accommodated in the housing and having a detecting rod which extends beyond the housing and into the path of displacement of the setting screw.

Abstract: A retaining and restraining support structure for a plural cell electrolyzer is comprised of a sleeper assembly for supporting the electrolyzer cell along its longitudinal dimension, and a tension bar assembly for maintaining each of the cells in a substantially vertical plane, while insuring good mechanical connection and fluid communication therebetween, wherein the tension bar assembly includes plural longitudinal, adjustable tension bars and diagonal, adjustable tie bars.

Abstract: A thin sheet apparatus is described as having a front and a back and having a central area and a frame area disposed around the central area. The central area is made of a fluid impermeable material having substantially planar surfaces. The frame area contains two sets of supply orifices and drainage orifices which are opposite one another. The frame area also contains a plurality of channels for each orifice which connects the orifice with the central area. The pluralities of channels for the first set of supply orifices and drainage orifices are located on the front of the frame area while the pluralities of channels for the second set of supply orifices and drainage orifices are located on the back.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metallic device for fixing discharge electrodes on a frame and cross-pieces so as to constitute elements of electrostatic dust precipitator filters, comprising at least one resilient portion for elastically fixing said device on said frame, and a flat portion, connected to said resilient portion, which holds the electrode in place by elastic pressure between itself and said frame, when the resilient portion has been positioned on the frame.

Abstract: A method of preventing the conduction of electricity along a film of molten salt on a surface. An electrically insulating material which is not wet by the molten salt is interposed in the film. The material is in the form of a protrusion on the surface.

Abstract: An aqueous slurry comprising an intimate mixture of colloidal silica, (preferably an amorphous, precipitated, hydrated silica), caustic potash, boric acid and alumina is first prepared and then dried. The dried aggregates are thereafter crushed, calcined and rapidly quenched. It is preferred to dry the slurry in a spray drier and thereafter omit crushing after drying and to calcine the dried admixture by means of a plasma arc so that the mixture is rapidly quenched after calcination. The calcined mixture is introduced into a crusher, such as a ball mill, with a carbonaceous cellulating agent and reduced to a fine pulverulent material. The pulverulent material is then cellulated in a cellulating furnace to form cellular borosilicate bodies. Where desired, the calcined material may be utilized as a ceramic frit.

Abstract: A cell connector for insuring direct electrical communication and positive mechanical connection with a cell in a bipolar permselective membrane electrolyzer, and which precludes fluid or gaseous flow therefrom, is comprised of an electrically nonconductive cell web, an electrically conductive insert disposed in an aperture in the web, an electrode boss bearing a cell electrode on one face and disposed adjacent the insert at a second face defining an electrode interface, an electrically conductive fastener disposed through a bore in the insert and received in mating engagement with the electrode boss for providing an axial compressive force at the electrode interface, and a biasing member in operative engagement with the fastener for providing a force in opposition to the axial compressive force.

Abstract: A cathode for an electro-chemical apparatus, such as an electroplating barrel, is provided with a contactor removably attached to the end of the electrical conductor cable in order to be discarded and readily replaced by another contactor after the plating material "builds-up" on the contactor to a condition where the plating inhibits electrical conductivity. The combination of a cathode and a length of insulated electrical conductor cable extending into the electroplating barrel is referred to in the art as a dangler. The subject dangler assembly comprises an insulated conductor cable having one end stripped of insulation.