Abstract: A process for the electrolytic treatment of metal-containing solutions, wherein at least one nonionic surfactant is used in the electrolyte solution, the surfactant reducing the surface tension of the electrolyte solution at a surfactant concentration of 0.2% by weight and a temperature of 24° C. in an aqueous solution with 190 g/l of sulfuric acid and 157 g/l of copper sulfate, which is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10, by from 20 to 60%, is useful for working up ores or the purification of metals, like copper, chromium, nickel, zinc, gold and silver.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting or suppressing acid mist generated in a copper electrowinning method comprising adding to electrolyte from which copper is electrowon, a soluble surfactant comprising an extract from the Quillaja saponaria Molina tree.

Abstract: A process for purification of molten salt electrolytes containing magnesium chloride in which oxygen-containing impurities such as magnesium hydroxychloride are destroyed both electrolytically and chemically. The process comprises passing a direct current through a magnesium chloride-containing molten salt electrolyte, thereby electrolyzing a portion of the oxygen-containing impurities at the anode. In addition, the voltage and current of the direct current are sufficiently high to cause electrolysis of a small proportion of the magnesium chloride present in the electrolyte to thereby produce finely dispersed droplets of elemental magnesium in the electrolyte. The droplets of elemental magnesium react chemically with oxygen-containing impurities present in the electrolyte. The purified electrolyte is transferred to an electrolytic cell for the production of magnesium metal and chlorine gas.

Abstract: An arrangement for cleaning the bottom of an electrolytic tank of solids settled on the bottom of the tank, said arrangement comprising elements to be moved along the bottom or at least in the vicinity thereof in order to detach solids from the bottom. The arrangement comprises at least one moveable suction element, whereby at least part of the solids accumulated on the bottom is conducted out of the tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the electrochemical treatment of an aqueous solution in an electrolytic cell is described. Output solution having a predetermined level of available free chlorine is produced by applying a substantially constant current across the cell between an anode and a cathode while passing a substantially constant throughput of chloride ions through the cell.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the operation of an acid solvent extraction and electrowinning operation by inhibiting acidic aerosol formation, allowing increased acid concentration and allowing higher operating temperature is disclosed wherein an antifoam formulation stable at a solution pH of about 1 to 2 is added. A preferred antifoam formulation comprises a glycol ester and an alkyl phenol ethoxylate in a paraffinic oil solvent added to the acid solution of an acid solvent extraction and electrowinning operation.

Abstract: A process for preparing sodium and aluminum chloride electrochemically is described in which, in an electrolytic cell containing aluminum as an anode and sodium as a cathode which are separated from one another by a sodium ion-conducting solid electrolyte, a fused electrolyte essentially containing sodium tetrachloroaluminate is electrolyzed in the anode compartment, aluminum chloride formed in this process is evaporated from the electrolytic cell and sodium is removed from the cathode compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus (A) for sterilizing medical instruments and other articles includes a tray (12) with an article receiving area (14). An article to be microbially decontaminated is positioned in the receiving area (14) and a microbe blocking lid (10) is closed. A water electrolysis apparatus (30) receives water, splits the water into two separate streams that pass respectively through an anode chamber (34) and a cathode chamber (36), and exposes the streams to an electric field that results in the production of a catholyte solution for cleaning and an anolyte solution for sterilization. The anolyte and catholyte are selectively circulated through the article receiving area (14) by a pump (66) to clean and microbially decontaminate the external surfaces and internal passages of an article located therein. The anolyte or deactivated anolyte provides a sterile rinse solution. A reagent dispensing well (60) receives an ampule (80) or the like.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of electrowinning a metal from an electrolyte comprises the steps of measuring the redox potential of the electrolyte to obtain a measured value, comparing the measured value with a predetermined optimum value and adding a redox agent to the electrolyte to adjust the redox potential of the electrolyte to the optimum value. One embodiment of apparatus (10) for carrying out the method comprises a redox potential measuring device (20) having a housing for the flow of electrolyte therethrough and including a pair of electrodes (22, 24) for measuring the redox potential of an electrolyte flowing through the housing to produce an output measurement value and a redox controller (26) responsive to the output measurement value for controlling the addition of redox agent to the electrolyte of an electrolysis cell (12).

Abstract: A fuel mixture combusting virtually free of pollutants and, in addition, requiring only very small quantities of combustible hydrocarbons is produced by introducing liquid fuel, low-nitrogen air and water into a chamber (9) provided with at least one ultrasonic oscillator (7); by decomposing the fuel introduced and at least partially decomposing the water by cavitation; by dispersing the water and the air in the decomposed fuel; and by at least partially electrolytically decomposing the water. The fuel mixture has a foam-like consistency, is very easily combustible and can be stored for a longer time.