Abstract: A bipolar diaphragm or membrane electrolyzer comprising a housing containing an end anode element, an end cathode element and a plurality of bipolar elements with their major dimensions lying in a substantially vertical plane and comprised of a bipolar wall separating the anode compartment and the cathode compartment and vertical foraminous electrodes parallel positioned a certain distance from the bipolar wall, diaphragms or membranes separating the anodes and cathodes a series of baffles distributed along the entire width of the electrode compartment and extending from the bipolar wall to the foraminous electrode to form a series of vertical flow channels extending over a large portion of the height of the wall, the said baffles being alternately inclined one way and the other way with respect to the vertical plane normal to the bipolar wall plane and spaced from one another whereby the ratio of the electrode surface intercepted by the edges of two baffles laterally defining a vertical flow channel to the f

Abstract: An electrolytic cell, especially for the oxidation of nickel (II) hydroxide, having a container for the electrolyte as well as anodes and cathodes fitted overlappingly at short distances from each other and connected to a source of current by means of lugs, which the anodes and the cathodes are supported by the container bottom and the lugs of the anodes and the lugs of the cathodes have been offset in relation to each other.

Abstract: A hanger bar for use in electrolytic copper or zinc production cells comprising a steel reinforced bar with extra reinforcement at the contact points, the extra reinforcement being provided by a block of copper or a copper alloy having greater strength than the remainder of the bar.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell with a tank for the electrolyte is disclosed wherein several plate-like electrodes are fitted in the tank together with members for connecting the electrodes to the source of electric current, the members, connected to at least one pole of the source of electric current, being aluminum or, when welded with an aluminum additive, alternatively copper conductor rails or suspended conductors which have been attached to the titanium shell part on its opposite side in relation to the titanium electrodes or directly to the titanium electrodes either by gas arc welding or by welding aluminum on the titanium shell part of the electrolytic tank or on those parts of the titanium electrodes adapted to be attached to the conductors.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for electro-chemically machining an article, such as an aerofoil shaped blade for a turbo machine. The assembly comprises a plurality of electrodes 2,3 for location adjacent a workpiece 7. Each electrode 2,3 is constrained to move in a first direction towards each other and towards the workpiece 7 and has two side members 22,23 carried by a main body 21. The side members 22,23 are constrained to move with the main body 21 and also relative to the main body in directions parallel to the first direction. The side members 22,23 advance ahead of the main body 21 and when they abut the side members 22,23 of the other electrodes 2,3 their advancement is stopped while the main bodies 21 of the electrodes 2,3, continue to approach each other for a predetermined distance. In this way edge effects during machining are eliminated enabling an accurate shape of article to be produced.

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

Abstract: A wettable cathode for an electrolytic cell for the electrolysis of a molten charge, in particular for the production of aluminum, where the said cathode comprises individual, exchangeable elements each with a component part for the supply of electrical power. The elements are connected electrically, via a supporting element, by molten metal which has separated out in the process. The interpolar distance between the anodes and the vertically movable cathode elements is at most 2 cm.

Abstract: An improved anode and base assembly for diaphragm type electrolytic cells is disclosed. In the present embodiment, downwardly facing annular portions at the base of the anode risers of dimensionally stable anodes of the type well-known in the art are welded from below directly to a metal cell base cover which seals the electrolyte contained within the cell from the cell base which is generally of copper or aluminum, thereby eliminating corrosion problems associated with leaks in the rubber gaskets or blankets formally used between the anode risers and the cell base.

Abstract: Electrode elements are provided for monopolar electrolysis cells useful in chlor-alkali electrolysis and having two vertical, planar, opposed electrode surfaces, said surfaces being substantially parallel and spaced apart from one another and being electrically fastened to an electrode frame, said electrode element being characterized in that at least one electrode rod is connected in electrically conductive fashion to the side portion of said electrode frame, extending through the space between said opposed electrode surfaces substantially parallel to said electrode surfaces, the diameter of said rod being smaller than the distance between said opposed electrode surfaces, said electrode rod being provided with conductive members distributed over the length thereof and connected in electrically conductive fashion to both the electrode surfaces and the electrode rod.

Abstract: A replaceable cathode unit, suitable as a module for the building up of stable, non-deformable cathode systems in electrolyzers for the production of magnesium by melted salt electrolysis, is the form of a straight, longitudinal main cathode with active cathode side surfaces and two shorter transverse cathodes arranged approximately at right angles in relation to the main cathode. One transverse cathode is at the front end of the main cathode, and the other transverse cathode is at the back end of the main cathode.

Abstract: A sodium chlorate plant comprising a plurality of cell units linked in parallel flow relationship is described. The plant utilizes a single acidification, brine make up and heat exchange for liquor circulating therein. Each cell unit includes a plurality of individual chlorate cells linked in parallel-flow manner with a single reaction tank. The individual chlorate cells have a box-like body structure with lower inlet and upper outlet mild steel manifolds welded thereto. The cell box is cathodic on three sides and constructed of mild steel, the fourth side being an anode plate bolted to and insulated from the remainder of the cell box. Spaced interleaved vertical thin anode and cathode plates are located within the cell box and are welded into vertical slots formed in the respective backing plates to provide a plurality of parallel vertical electrolysis paths between the lower inlet and the upper outlet manifolds.

Abstract: An electrolytic apparatus is disclosed for recovering a metal from a solution in which the metal is present in ionic form. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes an elongated strip of plastic film coated on both sides thereof with conductive coatings to form anodic and cathodic surfaces. The film strip is located between two end plates to form a cell. The strip is formed into a spiral or helix so as to place the anodic surface opposite the cathodic surface. The cell is mounted within a canister and fluid passageways are provided to enable metal ion-containing solution to pass through the helical cell. Electrical leads are provided to equally distribute the plating current throughout the cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolytic cell having electrode units of opposite polarity where each of the electrode units have fingered electrodes extending outwardly therefrom toward the electrode unit of opposite polarity. In this way, the electrodes are interleaved between electrodes of opposite polarity. At least one of the electrode units has a base plate with fingered electrodes mechanically and electrically connected thereto. The fingered electrodes bear a synthetic separator such as a microporous diaphragm or a permionic membrane thereon with lap at the base. The electrolytic cell is characterized by a fingered, interleaved electrode of the electrode unit of opposite polarity compressively bearing upon the lap, whereby to provide an electrolyte-tight seal.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for electrolysis of sea water comprisinga housing having an opening at the bottom and top of the housing for in-flow of sea water and out-flow of electrolyzed sea water, respectively;a plurality of flat plate-like anodes vertically disposed in the housing with the major surface area of the anodes being parallel to the flow of sea water through the cell;a plurality of flat plate-like cathodes vertically disposed in the housing with the major surface area of the cathodes being parallel to the flow of sea water through the cell;an outwardly projecting portion for passing an electric current provided at the lower side edge of each of the anodes;an outwardly projecting portion for passing an electric current provided at the upper side edge of each of the cathodes;an electric current-passing plate secured to the lower portion of the housing and connected to the portions for passing an electric current to each of the anodes; andan electric current-passing plate secured to the upper portion of th

Abstract: An improved electroplating cell comprising a cathode coaxially aligned with an anode in a solution containing metal ions, the cathode having a plurality of vane sections extending substantially radially therefrom at spaced intervals along the length thereof.

Abstract: Relates to anodes for electrolytic cells, for the electrolysis of brine solutions, having primary lead-in means of high conducting capacity (copper) for supplying anodic current to the cell from outside the cell and connected to a current supply source, primary conducting means of lower conducting capacity (titanium, or tantalum or alloys thereof) inside the cell, secondary conducting means of lower conducting capacity (titanium, or tantalum or alloys thereof) inside the cell for conducting current to an electrocatalytically active coating carried on a valve metal base, said electrocatalytic coating being capable of catalyzing halogen ion discharge without becoming passivated over long periods of time, said anodes serving to distribute the current in a cascade fashion from the primary lead-ins to the anode face.

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: The specification describes an electrolytic cell for the treatment, particularly the purification and sterilization of water, which comprises a closed container with a lower inlet opening and an upper outlet opening for the water and electrodes which are adapted to be connected with the positive pole and the negative pole of a DC source. In the interior of the electrolytic cell free movable particles are located whose density is higher than that of the water to be treated and which are prevented from leaving the electrolytic cell by suitable means adajcent to the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for an electrolysis cell is provided comprising at least two opposed electrode working faces, and placing between the working faces a resilient, compressible member against which compression of the electrode takes place during its insertion into the cell. Upon inserting said electrode assembly into a smaller opening within the cell, which opening is defined by the adjacent electrodes, compression of the resilient, compressible elastic member through insertion of the electrode assembly into the opening takes place and automatically guides the assembly such that its working faces are correctly positioned relative to the adjacent electrodes. The degree of compression of each electrode assembly is determined by spacer assembly guides or appendages mounted on the electrode face. These guides determine the gap between the electrode face and adjacent electrodes.

Abstract: An improved bipolar electrode having an anodic member and a cathodic member connected in an assembled position spaced a distance apart with a connector constructed of an electrically conductive material disposed between and engaging portions of the anodic member and the cathodic member, the connector mechanically supporting the anodic and the cathodic members in a spaced apart relationship and establishing electrical continuity therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bipolar electrode and method for electrically and mechanically connecting the backplates of a bipolar electrode to be used in a filter press electrolytic cell for electrochemical production. This method employs the use of explosion bonded solid metallic strips between the two backplates of a bipolar electrode to provide the esential electrical and mechanical connection therebetween while leaving sufficient air space to allow the escape of hydrogen gas thereby preventing hydrogen embrittlement of the titanium anode backplate.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrode for use in an electrochemical reactor. The electrode comprising a plurality of metallic filaments consisting of carbon fibers coated with a metal, each of the metallic filaments being in electrical contact with at least several of the other metallic filaments for transmitting an electrical potential substantially throughout the electrode when the electrode is in use in the reactor.

Abstract: A countercurrent extraction column for a liquid-liquid extraction of two phases which are insoluble in each other with simultaneous electrolysis. The column comprises an outer tube, an inner tube within the outer tube, with the inner tube dividing the column into an inner anode chamber and an outer cathode chamber which encloses the anode chamber without the use of a diaphragm. A plurality of bores establish communication between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber. An anode is provided in the anode chamber and a cathode is provided in the cathode chamber. A hollow sheet metal cylinder is disposed around the inner tube in the area of the bores between the cathode chamber and the anode chamber. The cylinder acts as a cathode cylinder member and is chargeable in its interior by one of the phases through bores located at the top of the cathode cylinder. Sheet metal strips are attached in a radially inwardly extending manner to the interior surface of the cathode cylinder.

Abstract: A novel cathode is provided which comprises a porous titanium sheet having a cathodic exposed surface of hydrided titanium, preferably where the core of the sheet is of less porosity or higher density than the surface. The hydrided surface of the cathode may include a coating of silver thereon and therein within the pores, or the hydrided surface of the cathode, either as such or one provided with the silver coating may further include a coating of MoS.sub.2 thereon and therein within the pores. Such cathode can be either a monopolar or a bipolar electrode. The core of the cathode is of low porosity to provide improved current transfer and has a surface area of large pore size to enable low cathodic overvoltage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for regenerating zinc from an alkaline zincate solution. To this end, the solution is contacted with two electrodes under tension, so that zinc is deposited on the negative electrode and oxygen is evolved at the positive electrode, the solution being conveyed at a sufficient speed for the zinc to be deposited and then detached from the electrode. In an alternative embodiment, during a first period, the solution is conveyed at a low or zero speed so that the zinc can be deposited, and is then conveyed at a higher speed so as to detach the zinc particles. The negative electrode is preferably made of magnesium and can be a cylindrical bar or inter alia can be formed with projections. The invention is applicable to electric vehicles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of conducting electrolysis in a bipolar electrolyzer. According to the disclosed method an electrical current is passed from anodes of a first electrolytic cell through an electrolyte to cathodes of the first electrolytic cell, evolving hydrogen at the cathodes. The electrical current then passes from the cathode of the cell through a bipolar unit to the anodes of a subsequent cell in the electrolyzer. The disclosed method is characterized in that the electrical current passes from the cathodes of the first cell through the bipolar unit to the anodes of the subsequent cell by first changing direction and passing laterally through a cathodic element of the backplate to conductor means between the cells, thereafter changing direction and passing through the conductor means, and then changing direction and passing laterally through the anodic element of the backplate to the anodes of the subsequent cell.

Abstract: A novel electrode is provided which comprises a porous titanium sheet having a cathode exposed surface which may be untreated titanium or hydrided titanium, and a core of a dense (e.g. expanded) titanium material (e.g. sheet) which is of less porosity or higher density than the surface, the core extending beyond the cathodic surface to provide an anodic member, or a means for connection for current transfer. The cathodic element may include a coating of silver thereon and therein within the pores, or the hydrided surface of the cathode, either as such or one provided with the silver coating may further include a coating of MoS.sub.2 thereon and therein within the pores. The exposed cathodic surface of the electrode is of large pore size to enable low cathodic overvoltage. The extending anodic element is coated (e.g. with platinum) to provide the anodic function.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell expandable anode assembly particularly useful as anodes in commercial chlor-alkali productions cells, said assembly having two parallel, foraminous working faces and a simple spreading means. This spreading means plays no role in the conduction of electricity from any external power source to the working faces. Rather, said electrical conduction role is performed by an intermediate, stationary conducting means connecting the working faces at one of these ends which also physically holds the anodes in place within the cell by rigidly connecting them to one end of each of the working faces and rigidly connected then to the anode base of said anode assembly.

Abstract: A cooling device for self-baking anodes in electrolytic cells for the production of aluminum includes plural cooling rods extending through openings in a supporting bar and supported thereby in a row covering a band-shaped zone along the center line of the cell anode. Each cooling rod is partly submerged in the anode mix of the cell and has a collar which determines the extent of such submergence. Each cooling rod is an aluminum extrusion having longitudinal ribs radiating from a center section.

Abstract: For achieving stable electrical values, solid electrolytic capacitors must be reformed. To that end they were previously connected to the voltage required for the reforming and were simultaneously subjected to a raised temperature. A barrier resistance was necessary, for that purpose, for each individual capacitor. In the new process, the capacitors are placed on a metal plate which is covered with an elastic conductive plastic. As a result, the need for an individual barrier resistance for each individual capacitor is obviated.

Abstract: An assembly of electrodes suitably for use in electrochemical processes, comprising a plurality of elongated conductive elements as electrodes arranged substantially in parallel in a vertical plane and spaced apart from each other. At least one elongated non-conductive element is interposed between every two adjacent conductive elements. Preferably, both the conductive and non-conductive elements are flexible and the assembly comprises a base fabric of non-conductive material and a plurality of conductive elements incorporated in said base fabric.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell without a diaphragm is provided, having anodes and cathodes mounted, respectively, on an anode end and a cathode end, the ends being substantially vertical so as to provide an open space above the anode and cathode units; the cathodes being perforated, particularly at the top, so as to make the cathode space communicate with the open space provided above the anode and cathode units. The cell is particularly applicable to the production by electrolysis of alkali chlorates.

Abstract: The proposed electrode unit of an electrolyzer for electrolysis of solutions of halogenides of alkali metals comprises a current-distribution support to which there is electrically coupled at least one open-work or perforated electrode member at whose working surfaces there is released gas in the course of the electrolysis of solutions of halogenides of alkali metals. The open-work or perforated electrode member is so arranged in relation to the current-distribution support that its working surfaces are at a certain angle to the vertical plane extending perpendicularly to the plane of the current-distribution support on the side of the electrode member.

Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte cell includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode disposed on one side of and in contact with the membrane wherein the anode includes a substrate coated with lead dioxide and formed with one or more grooves therein, a cathode including a body of sintered nickel disposed on the other side of and in contact with the membrane, and a support structure corrugated on a surface portion thereof with such surface portion being in contact with the body of sintered nickel to maintain the body in contact with the membrane. With this construction, water may be supplied to the grooves in the anode to ultimately cause a reaction at the interface of the membrane and the cathode to product hydrogen gas.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrode assemblies which can be used to build a monoplanar membrane electrolytic cell suitable for the production of chlorine, alkali metal hydroxides and hydrogen having at least one central electrode assembly sandwiched between two end electrode assemblies with membranes therebetween to form a closed cell. Several of these resulting electrolytic cells can be connected in series or parallel to form electrolyzers very suitable for the electrolysis of a solution of sodium chloride or potassium chloride.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolyzer which includes a plurality of partitions, each of which are hollowed out on either side thereof, a plurality of substrates, each of which is disposed in the hollow of a different one of said partitions and each of which is corrugated on one side thereof, with the corrugated side coated with an anodic material, a plurality of solid polymer electrolyte membranes, one side of each of which is disposed in contact with the anodic material of a different one of said substrates, and a plurality of cathode plates composed of porous cathodic material, each of which is disposed in the other hollow of a different one of the partitions and is positioned in contact with the other side of a different one of the membranes.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell comprises two vertically extending, adjacent electrodes. The space between the electrodes is an electrolysis zone. The electrolysis zone has upper, middle and lower portions. The cell further comprises upper and lower plenum chambers above and below the upper and lower portions of the electrolysis zone, respectively. The cell has a channel which at least partially defines a passageway. The channel may be in an electrode, a cell wall, or in both. The passageway extends between the upper and lower plenum chambers but is inaccessible from the middle portion of the electrolysis zone. The cell may have a plurality of passageways. The improved design is particularly applicable to electrolytic processes in which gases are evolved at either or both of the electrodes, and in which the electrolytes and gaseous products are separated by a diaphragm or ion exchange membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of assembling a diaphragm cell having the electrodes of like polarity at a narrow pitch, and interleaved with electrodes of opposite polarity at a narrow interelectrode gap. The electrolytic cell is assembled while avoiding damage of the diaphragm during assembly. This is accomplished by drawing the diaphragm while maintaining a barrier between a pair of adjacent cathodes, avoiding bridging between adjacent cathode fingers. Additionally, where each anode is formed from a pair of metal sheets, the anode sheets are jointed together with leachable joint at the end of the sheets spaced from the anode unit.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell is divided into two compartments by an electrolyte separator. Each compartment contains an electrode which has a surface adjacent the separator. These surfaces each comprise at least one ridge and at least one groove. A ridge of one electrode is opposite a groove of the other electrode and extends at least partially within the groove, thereby retaining the electrolyte separator partially within the groove. Each ridge has a crown portion which is positioned nearest the separator. The crown portions may be tapered and may comprise a nonconductive insulating material.

Abstract: A method for constructing a metallic collector bar-carbonaceous block assembly for the cathode bottom of an aluminum reduction cell comprising (a) positioning a metallic collector bar within a reduction cell on the bottom surface thereof so that the ends of the bar extend through the cell and connect to an external cathode bus system (b) depositing a layer of binder comprising an electrically conductive, carbonaceous cement onto the exposed surface of the bar, (c) positioning a prebaked carbonaceous cathode block having a transverse slot along its length, in the bottom surface thereof, astride the bar to firmly embed the bar within the slot, the slot having a width exceeding the width of the bar and a depth shallower than the height of the bar.

Abstract: Novel bipolar electrodes are provided. Such electrodes include an anode in the form of a plate, which is made of a suitable anodic metal, e.g. platinum plated titanium. The cathode is also in the form of a metallic plate and also is formed of a suitable cathodic material, e.g. steel. The anode and cathode are joined to, but separated by, a generally U-shaped (in cross-section) median electrode plate formed, e.g., of titanium. A plurality of electrically insulating spacer elements, formed of a suitable plastics material, e.g. polyvinyl dichloride, project outwardly from both flat faces of at least the cathode plate by also if desired, from the anode plate. A bipolar electrolytic cell fitted with these novel bipolar electrodes has improved current efficiencies, leading to improved electrolyte flow, minimal gas entrapment, less overheating and improved operating load factors.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for securing a fabricated diaphragm to each of a section of electrodes. A diaphragm encloses each electrode and has an open end adjacent to the electrode plate. The apparatus comprises two bars, one positioned along a first side and one positioned along a third side of the electrode section. A plurality of elements are attached to each of the bars. The elements are positioned between adjacent electrodes and secure one edge of each of two adjacent diaphragms. The elements may be interconnected to provide additional sealing of the diaphragm. A rod is positioned along the second and fourth sides of the electrode section to seal the outer edge of the diaphragm enclosing the external electrodes of the section.The apparatus is employed in electrolytic diaphragm cells for producing chlorine and caustic soda by the electrolysis of alkali metal chloride solutions.A method is provided for employing the apparatus to effectively seal the diaphragm to the electrode section.

Abstract: In the electrolytic production in water of insoluble metal hydroxide from the metal thereof, more especially of coagulant ferric hydroxide from iron, rectangular channels with flanking ribs provide for pre-established, uniform spacing of the electrode plates and intermediate binary wiping structures. Electrolytic current contact is protected against corrosion by a metallic embossment on the plates. Binary reciprocating wipers are at different wiping levels between successive plates and reversely directed to the opposite surfaces thereof. The wipers are urged against the plate surfaces by bilateral springs, as the surfaces recede due to thinning of the plates as they are consumed. Terminal panels, on which the wipers land after a reciprocating stroke, coextensively bound the plates; protuberances facilitate the transit of a wiper between them. The terminal panels may be employed to concurrently generate oxygen or chlorine as a supplement to coagulant ferric hydroxide.

Abstract: A hollow niobium body, rotatable about a horizontal axis, is arranged for partial immersion in an electrolyte of H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, HF and H.sub.2 O. A generally concentric opening at one end receives a cathode. Evolved gases rise therefrom and escape into a vapor space above without contacting the immersed surfaces of the niobium body. The cathode is hollow and is perforate in the portion introduced into the body in order to feed electrolyte into the body. For polishing, constant electric voltage is applied between the hollow niobium body and the cathode and adjusted in such a manner that damped current oscillations occur which are superimposed on the electrolytic current. Not later than after the complete decay of the current oscillations, the voltage is turned off until the oxide layer built up during the current oscillations is dissolved.