Abstract: An electrolytic diaphragm cell for the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of an alkali metal chloride is comprised of a cell body having a porous diaphragm separating the cell body into an anode compartment and a cathode compartment. The anode compartment contains at least one anode and the cathode compartment contains at least one cathode. The cathode is comprised of a formaminous metal conductor and a reticulate cathode, with the reticulate cathode being positioned between and in contact with the porous diaphragm and the foraminous metal conductor. The cell has means adapted to supply electric current to the anodes and the cathodes, nd inlets and outlets in the cell body adapted to supply and remove fluids. The electrolytic diaphragm cell of the present invention operates at reduced electrical power consumption by employing three dimensional cathodes having increased internal surface area and increased porosity.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell construction features a novel co-extruded plastic electrode in an interleaved construction with a novel integral separator-spacer. Also featured is a leak and impact resistant construction for preventing the spill of corrosive materials in the event of rupture.

Abstract: A diaphragm of porous sinter material for alkaline water electrolysis characterized by a porous sinter metal oxidized at least partially to metal oxide. A frame structure of the sinter body is provided especially wire net. The base metal of the sinter body is formed by nickel, iron or copper. The method includes forming a porous metal sinter body and oxidizing the same at elevated temperature in oxygen-containing atmosphere. The method for production of nickel oxide diaphragms furthermore includes applying to a nickel net a pasty mass of nickel powder containing a binder and burning. Applying in a thin layer as by brushing nickel powder of a particle size of about 1 to 10 mm in a rubber solution in toluene upon a carrier, especially a nickel net, and this arrangement is subjected to sintering at 700.degree. to 1,000.degree. C. for a time or duration of 10 to 20 minutes in inert or reducing atmosphere especially in hydrogen and the sinter body which is obtained is subjected to roasting in air at 1000.degree.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses the use of a specific fuel fed electrode in depositing metals from solutions thereof and in the absence of an external applied potential. Basically as shown in FIG. 1, the electrode comprises an electrically conductive porous substrate 3 bearing on one surface thereof a fuel activating catalyst 4. The porosity of the substrate is sufficient that the current density at surface 2 of the substrate 3 opposite the catalyst 4 will assure substantially complete depletion of metal ions very near the surface of the porous substrate, whereby the catalyst surface and the pores remain substantially free of deposited metal.

Abstract: An electrolyzer for the generation of hydrogen gas having parallel electrodes comprising a single cell with multiple cells connected in a series arrangement and a common electrolyte passing there through. The electrolyzer utilizes both sides of the electrodes except for the end electrode with a micro-porous separator isolating each pair of electrodes. The electrolyte passes from cell to cell through electrolyte and gas channeling and between the cells which effectively reduces electrical short circuiting within the electrolyzer.The electrolyte and gas channeling carries the electrolyte to and from each cell to effectively reduce shunt currents between the cells and prevent short circuiting of the electrolyzer while still utilizing a common electrolyte and cooling the electrolyte.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anode-cathode assembly useful in brine electrolysis cells. Principally featured is an anode-cathode assembly wherein the anode is C- or U-shaped, and is fitted around the cathodes instead of being fitted between two cathodes.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell is provided suitable for chloralkali electrolysis comprising a housing; an anolyte chamber in the housing; an anode disposed within the anolyte chamber; at least one cathode spaced from the anode with at least one portion of the cathode being adjacent said anolyte chamber, the cathode including a cathode chamber, means to supply and remove oxygen and remove alkali hydroxide catholyte from the cathode chamber; and a multi-layer wall defining a boundary between the anolyte chamber and the interior of the cathode chamber comprising a permeable separator material adjacent the anolyte chamber, a foraminous electrically conductive supporting material adjacent the interior of the cathode chamber, and at least partially hydrophobic electrocatalytically active material suitable for the reduction of oxygen adjacent the separator material and the supporting material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of cathode-diaphragm where the cathode is coated with a protective film, and thereafter a diaphragm is deposited thereon.

Abstract: A membrane assembly for electrochemical processes, and a method of constructing an electrochemical cell utilizing the membrane assembly, are provided. A self-supporting thick block consisting essentially of membrane material has an electrode chamber formed therein extending the length of the height thereof. The membrane assembly block comprises a plurality of layers of material contacting each other and forming the membrane with the chamber extending through the layers, perpendicular to them. An electrode and electrolyte are disposed in the electrode chamber.

Abstract: A strengthened fiber diaphragm and method for making such a diaphragm for use in electrochemical cells, the strengthening being accomplished through solution introduction of a zirconium compound into the fabric of the diaphragm.

Abstract: An electrode system comprises two discs or plates forming an anode and a cathode, each of the discs or plates having a structure of parallel ridges and grooves on at least one of the main surfaces, the discs or plates being assembled together with their structures facing and orientated so that the ridges on one disc or plate cross the ridges on the other disc or plate and a membrane is located between the structured surfaces of the discs or plates so as to be abutted on both sides by the ridges thereof and form the grooves between the ridges into chambers on each side of the membrane.

Abstract: A resin modified asbestos diaphragm is prepared by diluting a heat curable polyvinylidene fluoride homopolymer resin latex containing no more than about 5% resin solids with an aqueous solution containing about 4% to 5% sodium hydroxide. From about 6 to about 11 parts of asbestos fibers are then slowly added to this alkaline resin latex solution for each part of resin solids contained therein with agitation to produce a clear aqueous slurry of resin coated asbestos fibers. To this slurry is then added an aqueous solution of 10% to 15% sodium hydroxide to swell the asbestos fibers. The resulting slurry is deposited on a screen to form a diaphragm which is carefully dried and cured at elevated temperatures to complete the polymerization of the polyvinylidene fluoride resin and form a bonded resin coated asbestos fiber product that is dimensionally stable. Such resin modified asbestos diaphragms may be used in electrolytic cells for electrolyzing alkali metal halide solutions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing a cathode-diaphragm assembly for an electrolytic cell, where the diaphragm is adherent, e.g., to itself and to the cathode. The cathode-diaphragm unit is prepared by first depositing a protective film on the catalytic cathode, and thereafter depositing the diaphragm material under such conditions that the diaphragm material becomes self-adhering and conforms to the cathode but is spaced from the cathode. In this way the diaphragm is subsequently removable without damage to the cathode catalyst.

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

Abstract: An improved electrolytic cell for the electrolysis of alkali metal halide solutions to produce halides and alkali metal hydroxides is provided wherein current reductions are obtained by the passage of an oxidizing gas, such as oxygen, into a porous cathode to depolarize the cathode and eliminate the porduction of hydrogen. The cathode is provided with small diameter pores for diffusion of said oxidizing gas, and larger diameter pores or holes for liquid product flow through the cathode. The cathode, separator, and anode may be in direct contact with each other in a sandwich configuration, thus eliminating the need for a catholyte compartment and external H.sub.2 O feed lines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of diaphragms of fibrous potassium titanate and an organic binder for electrochemical cells and has as the object to develop such a method in such a direction that it allows the manufacture of diaphragms which are relatively thin but have, at the same time, a sufficient long-term chemical and mechanical stability at high operating temperatures. According to the invention, provision is made for this purpose to apply potassium titanate, together with polytetrafluoroethylene and a styrene-butadiene copolymer, from a suspension, to a screen with a mesh width between about 0.1 and 0.4 mm. The diaphragms made by the method according to the invention are suitable particularly as cover layers in fuel cells with an alkaline electrolyte.

Abstract: The invention comprises methods and apparatus for conducting a stream of electrolyte solution with an electrical potential applied between the nozzle of the apparatus and the piece of equipment to be decontaminated. The apparatus provides a nozzle that is capable of conducting the electrolyte to the component to be decontaminated in an effective manner without short circuiting the electrical system. Moreover, the method provides a means by which the exposure time of the component to the electrolyte is controlled such that corrosion of the component is minimized while the component is effectively decontaminated.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolyte permeable, non-asbestos diaphragm for chlor-alkali electrolytic cells. The diaphragm is a cohesive matrix of a non-asbestos structural component and a binder, and is prepared by codepositing the non-asbestos structural component and the binder, along with a pore forming component, from a slurry, rendering the binder thermoplastic, and removing the pore forming component. Also disclosed is a method of preparing the diaphragm, a method of utilizing the diaphragm, and an electrolytic cell containing the diaphragm.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating chlorine gas from sodium chloride and for transmitting the generated gas to water for purification of the water.

Abstract: An electrode boiler has a pair of boiler electrodes defining a volume therebetween to be filled with electrolyte to be heated by electrical current passage between the electrodes through the electrolyte. A porous insulating matrix is confined by a pair of porous insulating support walls between but spaced apart from said electrodes in the volume occupied by said electrolyte. The space between said walls is filled with a plurality of insulating members, thereby providing paths exhibiting increased resistance to electrical current flow relative to the electrical resistance of the electrolyte located between said electrodes and said support walls in the direction perpendicular to said support walls. The insulating members may comprise spheres, pellets or cylindrical rods or tubes made of glass, polymeric material, ceramics or the like.

Abstract: Shunt currents can be eliminated in electrochemical devices by introducing nulling currents via auxilary electrodes. In electrochemical devices including those having a circulating electrolyte, such electrodes are designed to have a generally annular shape in order to provide a substantially uniform current density profile along a common electrolyte carrying manifold. The uniform current density profile allows for the elimination of these harmful shunt currents with a minimum of power consumption.

Abstract: A separator for an electrolytic cell or similar cell is made of a porous polymeric material, preferably porous polytetrafluoroethylene, and comprises a plurality of tubular portions of such material with one or two flange(s) at end(s) thereof for sealing to other such flanges and to the cell. The flanges are so constructed that when being sealed in place they do not strain or tear and do not strain or tear the material of the tubular portions. The separator is especially useful as a replacement for deposited asbestos diaphragms in electrolytic cells for the manufacture of chlorine and caustic.

Abstract: A diaphragm for use in the electrolysis of aqueous solutions of ionizable compounds in electrolytic diaphragm cells is comprised of a support fabric impregnated with particles of an inorganic clay of the montmorillonite group.The diaphragms are physically and chemically stable, provide reduced cell voltages during operation of the cell and having increased operational life.

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 apparatus for producing hydrogen and oxygen or oxides wherein electrolysis of an aqueous system is carried out using, in the cathode compartment of the electrolysis cell, a hydride-forming liquid metal, the resulting hydride being thermally decomposed to produce the hydrogen.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolytic cell having an electrolyte tank, planar first electrodes substantially parallel to and spaced from each other and electrically in parallel with each other in the tank, and a series of hollow second electrodes of opposite polarity to and interleaved between the planar first electrodes. The hollow second electrodes are substantially parallel to and spaced from each other and electrically in parallel with each other. An ion permeable separator is on the electrically active external surfaces of the hollow second electrodes between the planar first electrodes and the hollow second electrodes. Reactant feed and gaseous product recovery, as well as bus bars, are above the electrolyte tank thereby allowing ease of assembly and disassembly and flexibility in the number of units to be utilized.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solid polymer electrolyte bipolar electrolyzer having an anode facing surface of the bipolar electrolyzer of enhanced resistance to crevice corrosion and hydrogen uptake.

Abstract: An improved anode element for monopolar filter-press electrolysis cells comprises providing said anode element with an integral hollow member positioned above the upper surface of said anode element. Preferably, said hollow member is formed as an integral extension of the electrode frame, said hollow member having an outlet for withdrawing chlorine gas and being adapted to permit continuous fluid contact with said anode element, said hollow member being further adapted to provide sufficient hydrostatic pressure in said anode element for optimal liquid flow through the diaphragm over the entire operating cycle of the electrolysis cell.

Abstract: Thermoplastic dispersions of fluoropolymers are intimately mixed with an aqueous slurry of crocidolite asbestos at very low pH, the resulting aqueous slurry mixture is formed into diaphragms for use in a chlor-alkali electrolytic cell while being de-watered, and heat-bonded.

Abstract: A pair of boiler electrodes defines a volume therebetween to be filled with electrolyte to be heated by electrical current passage between the electrodes through the electrolyte. A microporous insulating barrier permeable to the electrolyte is disposed between the electrodes to limit current flow in the electrical current path between the electrodes to a level within the maximum allowable range of the electrode material, the barrier being spaced from the surface of the electrodes at least sufficiently to prevent concentration of current on the electrode surfaces. The barrier includes channels in the vertical direction to accommodate steam removal from the electrolyte.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing liquid permeable diaphragms for an electrolytic cell having a plurality of foraminous electrodes and a space between each pair of adjacent electrodes. The method comprises covering the foraminous electrodes with a liquid permeable thermoplastic support fabric and contacting the covered electrodes with a slurry of an electroactive material. Roller means are placed in the space between the pair of electrodes, the roller means comprising two rollers spaced apart, each of the rollers contacting only one of the pairs of electrodes, and moving the roller means to force the electroactive material into the liquid permeable thermoplastic support fabric whereby liquid permeable diaphragms are produced.

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: Disclosed is a method of vacuum depositing zirconia and magnesia in a porous matrix to form a diaphragm.

Abstract: An electrolytic chlorine generator employing a porous ceramic diaphragm for separating strong caustic solutions existing on one side of a cylindrical diaphragm from weak acidic solutions on the other side thereof without deterioration and wherein the anode and cathodes are rings placed concentrically with the diaphragm and in close proximity to it.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrolytically etching a precision groove pattern in a metal workpiece. A concave shaped shield having a small aperture contains the electrode. The shield diverts gases evolved at the upward facing workpiece away from the electrode while still allowing circulation of electrolyte about the electrode.

Abstract: Magnesium compounds, such as magnesium oxide or hydroxide, at least partially reacted with fluoropolymer containing carboxyl ions, carboxylic acid or carbonyl fluoride functional groups provide compositions which are useful as modifiers for asbestos diaphragms for chlor-alkali cells to reduce the voltage and increase the efficiency of such cells.

Abstract: Porous and electrolyte permeable composite diaphragms for electrolysis cells comprising a chemically inert, fibrous porous matrix or substrate impregnated with a copolymer of divinylbenzene and at least one member of the group consisting of 2-vinylpyridine and 4-vinylpyridine, method of electrolysis of an electrolyte using the said diaphragms and an electrolysis cell containing said diaphragms.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating hydrogen and oxygen. Water is electroically decomposed in an electrolysis cell having a molten electrolyte which contains alkali ions and has a high OH.sup.- ion activity. The anode and cathode chambers are separated from one another by a separator made of an ion conducting aluminum oxide modification known as .beta.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3. Hydrogen and oxygen are then separately withdrawn.

Abstract: A diaphragm for use in the electrolysis of alkali metal chloride brines in electrolytic diaphragm cells is comprised of a support fabric impregnated with a mixture of a non-fibrous component containing silica and glass fibers. The diaphragms are physically and chemically stable and have increased operational life.

Abstract: An electrolytic process and an electrolytic cell for recovering metal values from low grade concentrates. The said concentrate is introduced into the cell containing an aqueous electrolyte so that it is retained in proximity to an anode or anodes and kept out of contact from the or each cathode. The cell is energized so that electrolysis takes place and acid is released at the anode(s) which dissolves the metal values which form cations which migrate to and are discharged at the cathode(s). The impurities in the concentrate form fine particles which are separated from the concentrate by screening, e.g. by means of a grid or grids separating the anodes from the cathodes.

Abstract: The diaphragm or equivalent element in an electrolytic cell is disposed on and maintained by a foraminous metallic or other electroconductive support structure which is electrically connected to the cathode in the cell so that both the supported diaphragm or other separator unit structure and the cathode have the same potential thereby at least minimizing and frequently even avoiding bipolar effects during cell operation.

Abstract: Diaphragms of deposited asbestos which are consolidated by a polymer are prepared by the steps of dispersing a polymer emulsion into asbestos fibers dispersed in an aqueous solution of a cellulose ether or a high molecular weight polyether polyol, depositing the asbestos fiber slurry on a metal screen cathode by means of filtration, and drying the deposited asbestos fibers. The asbestos fibers are deposited evenly on a cathode of commercial size and the diaphragms are consolidated satisfactorily by the polymer.

Abstract: A diaphragm for use in the electrolysis of aqueous solutions of ionizable compounds in electrolytic diaphragm cells is comprised of a support fabric impregnated with particles of a siliceous composition having the formula:(X).sub.m (Si).sub.p (O).sub.q (H).sub.r.nH.sub.2 OwhereinX is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ti, Zr, Al, Zn and mixtures thereof;p is a number from 1 to about 16;m is zero to about p;q is a number from 2 to about 5p+r;r is zero to about 4p; andn is zero to about 30.The siliceous compositions are capable of undergoing hydration when in contact with at least one of the ionizable compounds in the electrolytic cell. The support fabric has an electroconductive zone along one side.The diaphragms are physically and chemically stable, provide reduced cell voltages during operation of the cell and have increased operational life.

Abstract: A diagraphm for use in the electrolysis of aqueous solutions of ionizable compounds in electrolytic diaphragm cells is comprised of a support fabric impregnated with particles of a siliceous composition having the formula:(X).sub.m (Si).sub.p (O).sub.q (H).sub.r .multidot.nH.sub.2 OwhereinX is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ti, Zr, Al, Zn and mixtures thereof;p is a number from 1 to about 16;m is zero to about p;q is a number from 2 to about 5p+r;r is zero to about 4p; andn is zero to about 30.The siliceous compositions are capable of undergoing hydration when in contact with at least one of the ionizable compounds in the electrolytic cell.The diaphragms are physically and chemically stable, provide reduced cell voltages during operation of the cell and have increased operational life.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the maufacture of a permeable diaphragm for electrolysis cells.The process consists of forming a sheet comprising inorganic fibres and a polyelectrolyte in the form of a finely divided solid which is insoluble in aqueous solutions of alkali metal halides, and of then heating the said sheet to melt the polyelectrolyte.The diaphragms thus obtained are particularly suitable for cells for the electrolysis of sodium chloride brines.

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: An improved bipolar separator for electrochemical cells comprising a molded aggregate of an electrically conductive powdered material and a powdered thermosetting resin in a weight ratio of 1:1 to 9:1 and having a resistivity coefficient, in the direction perpendicular to the major surfaces of the separator, of less than 0.3.OMEGA. cm and having the entire surface exposed to the anolyte, except the area of electrical contact with the anode, coated with a layer of a chemically resistant and electrically non-conductive thermosetting resin and electrochemical cells containing the said bipolar separator and method of producing the said bipolar separator.

Abstract: An alkali metal chloride is electrolyzed in a diaphragm electrolytic cell equipped with an asbestos diaphragm prepared by using asbestos fiber fluffed with a turbo rotary mill before fabrication.

Abstract: A bipolar electrode for an electolyser. It is characterized in that the anode surface and the cathode surface of said electrode both comprise a porous conductive material which includes sintered nickel previously impregnated with nickel molybdate. The invention is used for manufacturing hydrogen by electrolysing an aqueous alkaline solution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing a resin-containing asbestos diaphragm. The diaphragm is prepared by depositing asbestos fibers and resin from an aqueous slurry onto a liquid permeable cathode and subsequently heating the deposited asbestos fibers and resin to cause the resin to bond the asbestos fibers together. As disclosed, air flow is maintained through the diaphragm until the diaphragm is substantially free of entrained water. The heated air is maintained at a temperature below the boiling temperature of entrained water so as to avoid boiling the entrained water.Thereafter, the temperature of the deposited diaphragm is heated to cause the resin to bind the asbestos fibers together.