Abstract: Dioxins are eliminated from soot by conversion into oil and water. A gas stream of smoke and dioxin-entraining ash is passed through a curtain of water in a separator to separate the dioxin-entraining ash from the gas stream. The ash-water mixture is separated by a centrifuge, the separated ash is mixed with water and the mixture is again separated by a centrifuge into ash and an emulsion-like oil-water mixture in which dioxins are dissolved. This separated ash is also washed with water and the various wash waters and the dioxin-containing oil-water mixture are admixed and electrolyzed in a primary electrolyzer equipped with a carbon anode and a stainless steel cathode to decompose the dioxin components. The remaining aqueous liquid is electrolyzed in a secondary electrolyzer with an aluminum anode and a stainless steel cathode to generate hydrogen by electrolysis of water and metal hydroxides by electrolysis of aluminum.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for purifying fluids comprising at least one electrochemical cell having a cathode (3), an anode (5) and an electrolyte (7),

Abstract: This invention pertains to improved formulations of platinum-molybdenum alloys for use as anode catalysts. These electrocatalysts find utility as a constituent of gas diffusion electrodes for use in fuel cells that operate at less than 180° C. or in applications whereupon hydrogen is oxidized in the presence of carbon monoxide or other platinum inhibiting substances. The new formulations derive unexpected activity through creating highly dispersed alloy particles of up to approximately 300 Å on carbon supports. The desired activity is achieved by carefully controlling the platinum to molybdenum ratio during preparation and judiciously selecting a proper loading of alloy on the carbon support.

Abstract: A cell for the electrowinning of aluminium comprising one or more anodes, each having a metal-based anode substrate, comprising a metal core covered with an metal layer, an oxygen barrier layer, one or more intermediate layers and an iron layer. The anode substrate is covered with an electrochemically active iron oxide-based outside layer, particularly a hematite-based layer, which remains dimensionally stable during operation in a cell by maintaining in the electrolyte a sufficient concentration of iron species. The cell operating temperature is sufficiently low so the required concentration of iron species in the electrolyte is limited by the reduced solubility of iron species in the electrolyte at the operating temperature, limiting the contamination of the product aluminium by iron to an acceptable level. The iron oxide-based layer is an applied coating or an oxidised surface of a substrate, the surface of which contains iron.

Abstract: A cell for the production of aluminium by the electrolysis of an aluminium compound dissolved in a molten electrolyte, in which an outer mechanical structure forming an outer shell (21) houses therein one or more inner electrically-conductive cathode holder shells or plates (31) which contain a cathode mass (32) and is/are connected electrically to the busbar. The cathode mass (32) has an aluminium-wettable top surface (37), preferably at a slope forming a drained cathode. The inner cathode holder shell or shells (31) is/are separated from the outer shell (21) by an electric and thermic insulation (40), the cathode holder shell(s) (31) also serving to distribute current uniformly to the cathode mass (32). The or each cathode (30) formed by the cathode holder shell (31) and cathode mass (32) is removable from the cell as a unit.

Abstract: Improved electrolytic cells are described. The cells comprise the novel electrolyte K2HPO4, or a less alkaline phosphate buffer solution, electrodes having a modified composition, or a combination of the new electrolyte and a modified composition electrode. The K2HPO4 electrolyte, or less alkaline phosphate buffer solution, and modified electrodes can be used in liquid delivery devices which deliver a liquid agent at a constant rate or a controlled variable rate over a period of time.

Abstract: A limiting-current-type hydrocarbon sensor comprising a solid electrolyte formed of a barium-cerium-based oxide, capable of detecting hydrocarbon stably and accurately regardless of whether no oxygen is present or a high concentration of oxygen is present. The cathode on the surface of the solid electrolyte is formed of an alloyed layer including Au and Al. In particular, an alloyed layer including an Al—Au intermediate phase is suited for the alloyed layer of the cathode. The alloyed layer comprises a first layer including an Al—Au intermediate phase and making contact with the surface of the solid electrolyte and a second layer including a metal Al phase and covering the first layer. The Al phase of the alloyed layer blocks oxygen, and the Al—Au intermediate phase smoothens hydrogen association and reduces the resistance of the electrode. The hydrocarbon sensor can thus detect hydrocarbon accurately even when oxygen is included in an atmosphere.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for insertion into slag for determining the activity of a metal oxide in the slag is disclosed. The sensor includes a reference electrode comprising a mixture of a metal alloy and a metal oxide, the metal alloy and the metal oxide each being exposed on a surface of the reference electrode. The sensor also includes at least one oxide electrode comprising a mixture of a metal alloy and a metal oxide different from the mixture of the reference electrode, the metal alloy and the metal oxide of the oxide electrode each being exposed on a surface of the oxide electrode. The sensor further includes a refractory housing holding the reference electrode and each oxide electrode. The reference electrode and each oxide electrode extend from the refractory housing such that the surface of the reference electrode and the surface of the oxide electrode are each in direct contact with the slag when the sensor is inserted into the slag.

Abstract: Barrel-shaped anodes and cathodes are alternately arranged in layers in a concentric manner with space between the electrodes. Anodes are ferrite poles with a long hole along the center axis or a pipe, and the hole is filled with a metal with a low melting point heated to the temperature at which it has some fluidity.

Abstract: A cermet composite material is made by treating at an elevated temperature a mixture comprising a compound of iron and a compound of at least one other metal, together with an alloy or mixture of copper and a noble metal. The alloy or mixture preferably comprises particles having an interior portion containing more copper than noble metal and an exterior portion containing more noble metal than copper. The noble metal is preferably silver. The cermet composite material preferably includes alloy phase portions and a ceramic phase portion. At least part of the ceramic phase portion preferably has a spinel structure.

Abstract: For eliminating dioxins from soot containing dioxins adhering to incineration ash by decomposing them, in an easy and simple manner and at low cost, into a harmless and useful oil and water and recovering the oil and water, a mixed gas 3 composed of smoke and dioxin-entraining ash is passed through a particulate matter separator 6, where the mixed gas passes through a curtain of water 5 to cause the dioxin-entraining ash to be taken up in water. The ash-water mixture is separated into ash and water on a centrifuge 12. The ash is washed with washing water 22 to elute the oleaginous dioxins entrained by the ash to give an emulsion-like oil-water mixture and the resulting mixture is separated, by means of a centrifuge 23, into ash and the emulsion-like oil-water mixture in which dioxins are dissolved. This ash is washed first with acidified water 26, then with alkaline washing water 28 and further with neutral water 29, followed by separation into moist ash and aqueous washings.

Abstract: A nitrogen oxide sensor enabled to enhance the measurement concentration of a total of nitrogen oxides by oxidizing or reducing the nitrogen oxides on the surfaces of electrodes in addition to the control of an oxygen concentration by an oxygen pump. An electrode (3a) in a gas chamber (18) constructing an oxygen pumping portion (3) is made of a material (e.g., Pt-3 wt % Rh) having a function to oxidize a nitrogen oxide gas.

Abstract: The invention concerns a diaphragm chlor-alkali electrolysis cell comprising a cover, a conductive base for supporting the anodes and a cathode in the form of a box provided with internal wall, external wall and tubular fingers made of a mesh or perforated sheet covered with a porous diaphragm. One or more copper sheets for electric current distribution are fixed to the cathode external walls. The connection between the copper sheets and the cathode external walls is made by means of bolts with the interposition of a conductive and deformable element provided with residual elasticity under compression. The weldings for the assembling of the cathode walls are free from internal stresses.

Abstract: An ozone generator which operates at constant pressures to produce a continuous flow of ozone in an oxygen stream having from 10% to 18% by weight of ozone. The ozone generator includes one or more electrolytic cells comprising an anode/anode flowfield, a cathode/cathode flowfield, and a proton exchange medium for maintaining the separation of ozone and oxygen from hydrogen. The ozone generator also has an anode reservoir which vents oxygen and ozone and a cathode reservoir which vents hydrogen. The anode reservoir can be filled from the cathode reservoir while continuing to produce ozone. The ozone generator is readily configured for self-control using a system controller programmed to operate the anode reservoir at a constant pressure.

Abstract: An electrode for electrolyzing an electrolyte comprising an ammonium fluoride (NH4F)-hydrogen fluoride (HF)-containing molten salt and having a composition ratio (HF/NH4F) of 1 to 3 to prepare a nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) gas and an electrolyte for use in the preparation of NF3 gas, and a preparation method of the NF3 gas by the use of the electrode and the electrolyte. The electrode comprises nickel having 0.07 wt % or less of Si content and containing a transition metal other than nickel. The electrolyte also contains a transition metal other than nickel.

Abstract: An electrode (1) having an active surface for contacting an electrolyte. The electrode (1) comprises first and second metallic materials (2, 3) arranged to provide a number of first metallic material to second metallic material interfaces at the active surface. The invention also relates to a method of making such an electrode (1) and to an electrolysis cell provided with such an electrode (1).

Abstract: An insoluble anode for sulfate electrolytes composed of, generally, from 1 to 99 wt % titanium or titanium alloy and the remainder lead or lead alloy, comprising a titanium-lead active layer, or a titanium-lead active layer covering and a core being made from titanium or lead. The anode is produced by infiltration of porous titanium with lead, either by consolidation of the mixture of titanium and lead powders. The anode formed of the active layer, or of the active layer covering and a sheet core is fabricated in the shape of a plate. The anode formed of the active layer covering and a rod or tube core is fabricated in the shape of a lattice. Advantageously, the titanium-lead active layer is dispersion-strengthened by zirconium carbide or titanium carbide particles, and it's surface is released of a portion of lead.

Abstract: An anode of a cell for the electrowinning of aluminum comprises an iron-nickel alloy body or layer whose surface is oxidized to form a coherent and adherent outer iron oxide-based layer, in particular hematite, the surface of which is electrochemically active for the oxidation of oxygen ions and which reduces diffusion of oxygen from the electrochemically active surface into the iron-nickel alloy body or layer. The anode may be kept dimensionally stable during cell operation by maintaining a sufficient amount of dissolved alumina and iron species in the electrolyte to prevent dissolution of the outer oxide layer of the or each anode and by reducing the electrolyte operating temperature to limit dissolution of iron and by reducing the electrolyte operating temperature to limit dissolution of iron species in the electrolyte.

Abstract: A bipolar cell for the electrowinning of aluminum has bipolar electrodes each comprising a carbon cathode body having on one side an active surface on which aluminum is produced and connected on the other side through an oxygen impermeable barrier layer to an electrochemically active anode layer having an oxygen evolving iron oxide-based outer surface. The anode layer may comprise a metal-based anode substrate and a transition metal oxide-based outside layer, in particular an iron oxide-based outside layer, which either is an applied layer or is obtainable by oxidising the surface of the anode substrate which contains iron. During operation, the anode layer can be kept dimensionally stable by maintaining in the electrolyte a concentration of transition metal species which are present as one or more corresponding transition metal oxides in the electrochemically-active layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a NOx concentration-measuring apparatus for measuring a NOx concentration by using a main pumping cell including an electrode (inner pumping electrode and outer pumping electrode) having no or low decomposing/reducing ability with respect to NOx to control an oxygen concentration in a measurement gas to have a predetermined value which substantially does not affect measurement of NOx component, and using a detecting electrode having certain or high decomposing/reducing ability with respect to NOx to decompose NOx so that an amount of oxygen produced during this process is measured, wherein the detecting electrode is a cermet electrode composed of an alloy of Pt—Rh and a ceramic component, and Pt and Rh are contained in a weight ratio of Pt:Rh=20:80 to 1:99.

Abstract: The present invention provides a porous electrode used for a conductive material-filled polymer composite. At least one surface of the porous electrode is an open porous structure, which includes a plurality of macropores and micropores randomly distributed and interconnected with each other. The conductive material-filled polymer composite includes a polymer substrate and conductive particles filled therein. When the surface of the open porous structure of the porous electrode is bonded with the conductive material-filled polymer composite, the conductive particles in the conductive material-filled polymer composite can be trapped in the macropores of the porous structure, and the polymer substrate in the conductive material-filled polymer composite can be immersed into the micropores of the porous structure. This enables a better direct contact between the conductive particles and the porous electrode.

Abstract: A vacuum operated electrolytic generator producing a solution of chlorine dioxide from a buffered aqueous alkali metal chlorite solution in one pass through the cell is disclosed. The cell contains a high surface area anode, a corrosion-resistant highly conductive cathode, and a cation ion exchange membrane between the anode and cathode. An eductor is used on the anolyte effluent line to create a vacuum and draw the anolyte through the cell. Preferably, an eductor is used n the catholyte effluent line. Ascending anolyte effluent line with a non-corrosive check valve leads from the cell to the anode eductor. Sensors are used to monitor the composition of the anolyte effluent and/or the anolyte feed.

Abstract: A nitrogen oxide gas sensor wherein an alloy electrode of platinum and rhodium or a cermet electrode of platinum, rhodium, and zirconia or of a rhodium alloy and zirconia is used as the gas sensing electrode. The electrode of the sensor is suitable for measuring nitrogen oxide such as NO and NO2 in an exhaust gas.

Abstract: An electrode for use in an electrochemical machining process comprising an outer metal skin of corrosion resistant material, an inner core of conductive material, and an insulating coating disposed on an external surface of the outer metal skin. The external surface is partially coated with the insulating coating so as to define a pattern of raised areas to be formed on an internal surface of a predrilled hole in a workpiece.

Abstract: A water and fuel conditioning device includes a core or casting made of 40-66% copper, 2-30% zinc, 10-25% nickel, 2-5% tin, 0-1.5% iron and 0-2% lead, all percentages being by weight. Water flowing in contact with this core exhibits greater electrical charge than with prior art devices. The same composition is effective as a fuel conditioner to reduce emissions. In both applications, the near absence of lead has environmental advantages.

Abstract: A Mg—Ca sacrificial anode according to the present invention is disclosed, which is capable of providing a melts protection effect during a dissolution of Mg by adding Ca, which is a low melting point modification element, to Mg and obtaining characteristics which are equal to or better than a conventional Mg alloy group sacrificial anode in view of an open circuit potential and an anode efficiency.

Abstract: A non-carbon, metal-based slow-consumable anode of a cell for the electrowinning of aluminium self-forms during normal electrolysis an electrochemically-active oxide-based surface layer (20). The rate of formation (35) of the layer (20) is substantially equal to its rate of dissolution (30) at the surface layer/electrolyte interface (25) thereby maintaining its thickness substantially constant, forming a limited barrier controlling the oxidation rate (35). The anode (10) usually comprises an alloy of iron with at least one of nickel, copper, cobalt or zinc which during use forms an oxide surface layer (20) mainly containing ferrite.

Abstract: A cathode for electrolysis comprising a hydrogen-occluding material for use in an electrolytic cell partitioned by the cathode into two chambers including a reaction chamber and an electrolysis chamber. The cell is arranged so that a reactant is reduced or hydrogenated in the reaction chamber. The cathode comprises an ion exchange membrane or porous membrane. A first layer made of a hydrogen-occluding metallic palladium or a palladium alloy is formed on the reaction chamber side of the membrane. A second layer which is a porous catalyst layer made of a platinum metal black or gold is formed on the first layer. Also disclosed is an electrolytic cell using the cathode for electrolysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a limiting-current type hydrocarbon sensor comprising a solid-electrolytic layer made of a Ba—Ce-based oxide, and provides a sensor capable of stably detecting hydrocarbon at high sensitivity, regardless of the concentration of oxygen in an atmosphere. A material mainly containing Al is used for at least one of two electrodes on the solid-electrolytic layer made of a Ba—Ce-based oxide to block oxygen at the electrode, i.e. cathode, whereby a hydrocarbon sensor being stable, high in sensitivity, compact, easy to use and low in cost can be provided. Furthermore, the other electrode, anode, of the limiting-current type hydrocarbon sensor is made of a material mainly containing Ag.

Abstract: An anode for use in zinc electrowinning is described. The anode is made of a lead-silver alloy which has been cast as a billet rolled and subjected to heat treatment either during or after rolling. The temperature of treatment is high enough to cause recrystallization of the alloy and to prevent precipitation of any alloying elements. The anode has a surface grain structure which facilitates rapid oxidation of the anode to condition the anode. The anode preferably contains at least 0.03 to 0.45% silver and Lip to 0.08% calcium.

Abstract: A method for pickling products in a metal alloy containing iron, and products in titanium and alloys thereof, in the absence of nitric acid as an oxidizing agent, and for the recovery of the exhausted solutions, characterized in that the recovery of the exhausted solutions deriving from pickling comprises the following steps: sending of the pickling solution, both as catholyte and as anolyte, in an electro-chemical cell optionally of the membrane type to separate the Fe2+ (or Ti2+) ions to be disposed of, from the Fe3+ (or of the Ti3+ and Ti4+) ions to be recovered, obtained by reduction at the cathode of the Fe3+ ions which are in the catholyte to Fe2+ (or of the Ti3+ and Ti4+ ions to Ti2+) and of oxidation at the anode Fe2+ (or Ti2+) ions which are in the anolyte to Fe3+ (to Ti3+ and Ti4+); treating the catholytic solution coming out of the cell and enriched in Fe2+ (or Ti2+) ions as to allow the separation in two phases, a

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell and a process for converting anhydrous hydrogen halide to halogen gas using a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) or a separate membrane and electrode arrangement, such as gas diffusion electrodes with a membrane.

Abstract: A sulfur dioxide gas sensor having a high selectivity of SO2 gas, and an operability at a high temperature which comprises: a solid electrolyte having oxygen ion conductivity; a detecting electrode for measuring sulfur dioxide gas, electrically connected to at least a part of a surface of the solid electrolyte and containing glass and either gold or a gold alloy; and a basic electrode for measuring sulfur dioxide gas, electrically connected to at least a part of a surface of the solid electrolyte and containing Pt.

Abstract: This invention pertains to improved formulations of platinum--molybdenum alloys for use as anode catalysts. These electrocatalysts find utility as a constituent of gas diffusion electrodes for use in fuel cells that operate at less than 180.degree. C. or in applications whereupon hydrogen is oxidized in the presence of carbon monoxide or other platinum inhibiting substances. The new formulations derive unexpected activity through creating highly dispersed alloy particles of up to approximately 300 .ANG. on carbon supports. The desired activity is achieved by carefully controlling the platinum to molybdenum ratio during preparation and judiciously selecting a proper loading of alloy on the carbon support.

Abstract: An inert anode for production of metals such as aluminum is disclosed. The inert anode comprises a base metal selected from Cu and Ag, and at least one noble metal selected from Ag, Pd, Pt, Au, Rh, Ru, Ir and Os. The inert anode may optionally be formed of sintered particles having interior portions containing more base metal than noble metal and exterior portions containing more noble metal than base metal. In a preferred embodiment, the base metal comprises Cu, and the noble metal comprises Ag, Pd or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention includes uranium-bearing ceramic phase electrodes and electrolysis apparatus and electrolysis methods featuring same, including methods of metal production and the like by the electrolytic reduction of oxides or salts of the respective metals. More particularly, the invention relates to an inert type electrode composition, and methods for fabricating electrode compositions, useful in the electrolytic production of such metals. The present invention also includes an inert-type electrode composition, and methods for fabricating electrode compositions, used in processes for generating energy from fossil fuels.

Abstract: An insoluble anode for use in electrowinning metals and electrolytic manganese dioxide production wherein the anodes are composed of, generally, titanium or lead (including titanium or lead alloys). The anode includes a titanium-lead active layer, or a titanium-lead active layer covering and a core being made from titanium and lead and is produced by infiltration of porous titanium with lead, either by consolidation of the mixture of titanium and lead powders. The anode formed of the active layer, or of the active layer covering and a sheet core is fabricated in the shape of a plate. The anode formed of the active layer covering and a rod or tube core is fabricated in the shape of a lattice, wherein the covering is made from a plurality of bushings, which are strung on the core. The titanium-lead active layer is optionally dispersion-strengthened by zirconium carbide or titanium carbide particles, and the active layer surface is released of a portion of lead.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing orthohydrogen and/or parahydrogen. The apparatus includes a container holding water and at least one pair of closely-spaced electrodes arranged within the container and submerged in the water. A first power supply provides a particular first pulsed signal to the electrodes. A coil may also be arranged within the container and submerged in the water if the production of parahydrogen is also required. A second power supply provides a second pulsed signal to the coil through a switch to apply energy to the water. When the second power supply is disconnected from the coil by the to switch and only the electrodes receive a pulsed signal, then orthohydrogen can be produced. When the second power supply is connected to the coil and both the electrodes and coil receive pulsed signals, then the first and second pulsed signals can be controlled to produce parahydrogen.

Abstract: A cermet composite material is made by treating at an elevated temperature a mixture comprising a compound of iron and a compound of at least one other metal, together with an alloy or mixture of copper and a noble metal. The alloy or mixture preferably comprises particles having an interior portion containing more copper than noble metal and an exterior portion containing more noble metal than copper. The noble metal is preferably silver. The cermet composite material preferably includes alloy phase portions and a ceramic phase portion. At least part of the ceramic phase portion preferably has a spinel structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for regenerating exhausted tin-plating solutions which contain tin and copper ions, free complexing agent and complexing agent bound to the copper ions, as well as expended and unexpended reducing agent. By means of a suitable rinsing technique, the rinse water of the tin-plating process is concentrated to a 10 to 15 percent dilution of the process solution. The regenerating solution thus produced is fed to an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell comprises a cathode chamber, a middle chamber and an anode chamber. The cathode chamber is separated from the middle chamber by an anion-exchange membrane and the anode chamber is separated from the middle chamber by a cation-exchange membrane. The regenerating solution is initially provided in the cathode chamber. Here, the interfering copper component is cathodically deposited.

Abstract: An apparatus for water treatment, and in particular for electrical water purification in combination with a filtering apparatus for providing purified water for drinking and other application common in the home, farm or business. Metal, hydrogen and oxygen ions are introduced into water to be treated by using plasma fused iridium coated titanium electrodes and copper alloy electrodes. After ionizing the water to be purified, the water is then filtered in a filter tank which contains layers of various filtration media, including granular activated carbon.

Abstract: A non-carbon, metal-based high temperature resistant anode of a cell for the production of aluminium has a metal-based substrate coated with one or more electrically conductive adherent applied layers, at least one electrically conductive layer being electrochemically active. The electrochemically active layer contains one or more electrocatalysts fostering the oxidation of oxygen ions as well as fostering the formation of biatomic molecular gaseous oxygen to inhibit ionic and/or monoatomic oxygen attack of the metal-based substrate. The electrocatalyst can be iridium, palladium, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, silicon, tin, zinc, Mischmetal oxides and metals of the Lanthanide series. The applied layer may further comprise electrochemically active constituents from oxides, oxyfluorides, phosphides, carbides, in particular spinels such as ferrites.

Abstract: The invention concerns a diaphragm chlor-alkali electrolysis cell comprising a cover, a conductive base for supporting the anodes and a cathode in the form of a box provided with internal wall, external wall and tubular fingers made of a mesh or perforated sheet covered with a porous diaphragm. One or more copper sheets for electric current distribution are fixed to the cathode external walls. The connection between the copper sheets and the cathode external walls is made by means of bolts with the interposition of a conductive and deformable element provided with residual elasticity under compression. The weldings for the assembling of the cathode walls are free from internal stresses.

Abstract: A high performance electrochemical cell is useful for recovery of metal from aqueous solutions. The electrochemical cell has a cathode assembly that includes a nonporous support member, a primary cathode, and a nonconductive or conductive porous material covering the primary cathode. An anode is spaced apart from the cathode assembly. Fluid is caused to flow through the porous material to the primary cathode, through openings or fluid collection channels in the nonporous support member, and uniformly out of the cell. Uniform and efficient deposition of metal is accomplished over the entire primary cathode because of modulation of fluid flow and increased mass transfer.

Abstract: Lead and lead-alloy anodes for electrowinning metals such as zinc, copper, lead, tin, nickel and manganese from sulfuric acid solutions, whereby the electrodes are processed by a repetitive sequence of cold deformation and recrystallization heat treatment, within specified limits of deformation, temperature and annealing time, to achieve an improved microstructure consisting of a high frequency of special low .SIGMA. CSL grain boundaries (i.e.>50%). The resultant electrodes possess significantly improved resistance to intergranular corrosion, and yield (1) extended service life, (2) the potential for reduction in electrode thickness with a commensurate increase in the number of electrodes per electrowinning cell, and (3) the opportunity to extract higher purity metal product.

Abstract: A dimensionally stable electrode is provided comprising a hollow substrate with an open upper end for confining a fluid containing a metal, a film covering portions of the external surface; and a mechanism for replenishing the film. Also provided is a method for maintaining the dimensions of an anode during electrolysis comprising adapting an interior surface of the anode to receive a fluid containing a metal, facilitating transport of the metal to an exterior surface of the anode, forming a protective film on the exterior surface, wherein the transported metal is a cation of the formed protective film, and maintaining the protective film on the exterior surface while the anode is in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a racking fixture for holding components while they are electro-chemically processed. The fixture includes at least one shelf for holding the components and is electrically connected to a bus bar. A motor is mechanically engaged with the shelf and causes it to agitate to remove gasses trapped in components held on the fixture. The fixture also includes localized anodes for positioning adjacent to specific portions of the component.

Abstract: A platinum/ruthenium alloy catalyst that includes finely dispersed alloy particles on a powdery, electrically conductive carrier material. The catalyst is particularly resistant to carbon monoxide poisoning when the alloy particles display mean crystallite sizes of 0.5 to less than 2 nm.

Abstract: An electrowinning cell and a cathode for use therein for removal of gold or other precious metals from a solution thereof in a suitable electrolyte. The cathode comprises a perforated steel plate wrapped in layers of woven wire mesh secured thereto. The cathode design is such that the cathode may be cleared of deposited gold sludge by use of an ordinary garden hose spray nozzle without its removal from the cell, making the electrowinning process faster and more economical.

Abstract: An ion supply unit for a water system which is to have its contents purified includes a tank fed from a main water supply and an electrolytic ion generator including silver alloy electrodes. A pump circulates water from the tank through the ion generator and back into the tank at a rate of at least 1 L/s to gradually ionize the contents of the tank and generate a concentrate of silver-ion-laden water. An injector feeds the concentrate into the water system as required.