Abstract: A separating system for separating a fluid mixture incorporates a smart surface having reversibly switchable properties. A voltage is selectively applied to the smart surface to attract or repel constituents of a fluid mixture, such as oil and water produced from a hydrocarbon well. The smart surface can be used in a conditioner to increase droplet size prior to entering a conventional separator, or the smart surface and other elements of the invention can be incorporated into an otherwise conventional separator to enhance separation. In a related aspect, a concentration sensor incorporating smart surfaces senses concentration of the fluid mixture's constituents.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning method and an ultrasonic cleaning device are provided, which are capable of performing simultaneously cleaning and sterilization of medical appliances or the like, and which can also be used for washing hands for disinfection without any special waste water treatment. The ultrasonic cleaning method for cleaning an object to be cleaned by using an ultrasonic wave includes the steps of putting cleaning fluid and the object to be cleaned in a cleaning tank (16), and applying ultrasonic vibrations to the cleaning fluid from an ultrasonic vibration member disposed in the cleaning tank (16) while ejecting air containing ozone into the cleaning fluid. The vibration portion has a communicating conduit 40 that opens at the surface thereof, and air containing ozone is discharged into the cleaning fluid from the communicating conduit.

Abstract: A device comprising: a chamber containing two immiscible conductive liquids, the liquids having an interface therebetween; and electrodes arranged to apply a voltage across the interface between the said liquids such as to control the shape of the interface.

Abstract: A carbon based material produced from the consolidation of amorphous carbon by elevated temperature compression. The material having unique chemical and physical characteristics that lend themselves to a broad range of applications such as in electrical, electrochemical and structural fields.

Abstract: The system consists of two electrodes (1, 4), at least of dielectric layers (2, 3) in one of which (3) is crystallizing material or materials with a possible dielectric solvent, melt or combinations thereof, a voltage supply (5) and a closed circuit. In the invention it is used a dielectric polarization with a new method and an apparatus for the control of the crystallising of materials.

Abstract: A method of preparing a material surface, such as palladium, to facilitate desirable reactions, especially exothermic reactions in a liquid medium, involves placing the material whose surface is to be treated into an electrolytic cell as at least one of the electrodes and then concurrently stimulating the material electrically, vibrationally and photonically. The electrolytic cell includes a solution in water of an electrolyte, a siliceous surfactant and a pH-adjusting agent, all heated and maintained at or just below its boiling point. A series of voltage pulses are applied to the electrodes over an extended time period while also being illuminated with intensity-modulated light pulses. The material surface thus treated exhibits crater sites and silica coatings, evidencing a change in bonding of the palladium surface, as well as a sustained exothermic reaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for electrolytically treating flat work pieces (1), more especially for electrolytically treating electrically conductive structures S that are electrically insulated against each other on the surfaces of the work pieces. The method comprises conveying and processing the work pieces (1) on the conveying paths T?, T? in the device, said device comprising at least one assembly A located between tow conveying paths, said assembly including a first and a second rotatable contacting electrode (2, 8) with the contacting electrodes being associated each with one of the conveying paths, and first contacting electrodes (2) abutting against the work pieces being conveyed in a first conveying path T?, and being spaced from the second conveying path T? and second contacting electrodes (8) abutting against the work pieces being conveyed in the second conveying path T? and being spaced to the first conveying path T?.

Abstract: An electrolysis treatment apparatus for performing electrolytically treating a metal strip that is running in a certain direction is provided. A number of electrolysis cells continuously perform the electrolysis treatment with alternating currents in acidic electrolyte solutions. The electrolysis cells are arranged in series along the running direction of the metal strip. In each of the electrolysis cells, one electrode or two or more electrodes is/are provided. Each electrode is disposed so as to face a running path of the metal strip and applies alternating current. A soft start portion is provided at an entry region of the electrode at which the metal strip is fed in. Current density of the alternating current in the plural electrolysis cells is set so as to be the lowest in the electrolysis cell disposed furthest downstream with respect to the running direction of the metal strip. In at least one electrolysis cell except the electrolysis cell that is disposed furthest downstream.

Abstract: A unipolar liquid activation apparatus with an anode cell (40), a cathode cell (41), and a direct current power supply (43), the anode cell having an anode (46), a liquid inlet (50) and an anolyte outlet (51), the cathode cell having a cathode (47), a liquid inlet (52) and a catholyte outlet (53), means to electrically connect the anode and cathode respectively to the direct current power supply. The cells can also include connected solution electrodes (44, 49). Alternatively the anode and cathode can be compound electrodes (81, 83) with means to electrically connect the inner anode electrode and the inner cathode electrode. The anode cell and cathode cell may be adjacent to each other and electrically connected by an electronic membrane (104) in contact respectively with the anode and cathode and allowing flow of electrons only from the cathode to the anode.

Abstract: A cathodic protection polymeric compound is disclosed. The compound has flowable material to serve as a binder, carbonaceous conductive media dispersed in the flowable material, sacrificial metal particles also dispersed in the flowable material. The carbonaceous conductive media serve as a carbon-based electron transfer agent and are in the form of particles, platelets, fibers, tubes, or combinations thereof. A galvanic circuit is formed by the metal particles serving as anodes, a metal substrate to be protected serving as the cathode, and the conductive media serving as the electron transfer agent. The flowable material can also include an ionically conductive or an inherently conductive polymer to further enhance the galvanic circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatuses for the decontamination of fluid, particularly the removal of heavy metals and/or arsenic and/or their compounds from water, by means of electrocoagulation followed by adsorption, wherein the water to be purified subjected to electrodes of different polarities. The invention can include means for control of the pH of the fluid. The invention can also include control systems that allow self-cleaning of electrodes, self-cleaning of filters, and automatic monitoring of maintenance conditions.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for electrolytically controlling the formation of scale and biofilm in water purification and other systems. An anode is deposited on or disposed on or adjacent to a surface, such as that of a quartz UV tube, providing a low pH environment which inhibits the formation of carbonate scale and biofilm.

Abstract: The present invention of a carbon material activation equipment and method is advantageous in that since a carbon material used for electric process does not have to be an electrode shape, it is possible to separate the activated carbon material from a reactor free from damage to the activated carbon material after the electric process. A carbon material activation equipment according to the present invention comprises a reactor 12 to be filled with a particulate carbon material, an insulating container 10 with said reactor 12 placed therein, an electrolyte 18 to fill said insulating container 10 and said reactor 12, a counter electrode 14 placed under said reactor 12 in said insulating container 10, and a voltage applying means 22 to apply a voltage to said reactor 12, a working electrode, and said counter electrode 14.

Abstract: This invention relates to technology of carbographite materials, in particular, to production of oxidized graphite for making low foaming temperature foamed graphite, which is used for manufacturing flexible foil, fireproof materials, water-purification sorbents, materials for cleaning up spills of petroleum products, and so on. The method for producing oxidized low foaming temperature graphite comprises the stages of (a) preparing a mixture based on graphite particles and at least one aqueous solution of an acid; (b) activating the surface of said graphite particles to produce acid-containing functional groups on the surface of the particles; (c) treating the graphite particles to produce a graphite intercalation compound; (d) washing said compound with water; (e) drying said compound, and heat-treating it to produce foamed graphite, wherein stage (b) and (c) are carried out by electrochemical treatment at a quantity of electricity within 300 to 600 mA·hour/g of graphite.

Abstract: A process of one embodiment of the invention includes providing a fuel cell bipolar plate comprising carbon exposed at an outer surface of the bipolar plate and reacting a diazonium salt with the exposed carbon so that a functional group is attached to the exposed carbon to increase the hydrophilicity of the bipolar plate where the functional group is attached.

Abstract: An integrated water treatment system for sanitizing the water in a water system and reducing scaling includes an electrolytic cell through which water is passed. An electronic control system is coupled to the electrolytic cell, to provide a drive current to the cell to generate a sanitizer by electrolysis. The control system applies a variable frequency alternating voltage drive to said cell to reduce scaling build-up in the system.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus includes a storage unit storing water to be treated including a pharmaceutical drug, an apply unit applying the water to be treated to the storage unit, an addition unit adding into the water to be treated metal salt generating halide ions when dissolved in the water to be treated, and an energizing unit applying a current to a pair of electrodes immersed in the water to be treated in the storage unit. The pharmacological activity of the pharmaceutical drug is eliminated or reduced by decomposing or altering at least a portion of the chemical structure of the pharmaceutical drug included in the water to be treated through electrolysis.

Abstract: A method of electrochemically treating a substrate is provided comprising the steps of: (a) providing an electrolyte in contact with the substrate; (b) providing a device which faces the substrate and is in contact with the electrolyte, the device having: (i) a common first electrode arranged to define cells therein; and (ii) a plurality of individually addressable second electrodes, wherein a plurality of the cells contain individually addressable second electrodes; and (c) altering the potential of at least one of the second electrodes relative to the common first electrode so that: (i) the common first electrode generates a first redox product; and (ii) the at least one of the second electrodes generate a second redox product which is able to modify a region of the substrate facing the at least one electrodes, wherein the electrolyte is such that the second redox product is quenchable by the first redox product.

Abstract: An active portion of a nano-size element is selectively destroyed by applying an electric potential to the nano-size element having a carbon network structure of carbon as an outer shell while immersed in an electrolytic solution. For example, an electric potential of 1.20 to 1.60 V (RHE) is applied to the carbon nanotubes in electrolytic solution so as to oxidize the active portion in each carbon nanotube and to thereby selectively remove the ends. Consequently, an open end is created in the carbon nanotube.

Abstract: Describes a cathode assembly for electrolytic cells, e.g., chlor-alkali electrolytic cells, comprising a foraminous cathode substrate, a deposited erodible mat comprising synthetic (man-made) fibers, e.g., polyamide (nylon) fibers, on the foraminous surface of said cathode substrate, and a synthetic diaphragm on said erodible mat. Also described is a method for preparing the cathode assembly that comprises depositing a mat of erodible synthetic fibers on the active surface of the foraminous cathode, e.g., by drawing an aqueous slurry of the erodible synthetic fibers through the foraminous cathode, and subsequently forming, e.g., by vacuum deposition, a synthetic diaphragm on the erodible mat.

Abstract: A method for the photoelectrolysis of a liquid or gaseous species, comprises irradiating an ion exchange membrane of a membrane electrode assembly, wherein the membrane is an optically transparent material and comprises the species.

Abstract: A method for recovery of intact graphitic fibers from fiber/polymer composites is described. The method comprises first pyrolyzing the graphite fiber/polymer composite mixture and then separating the graphite fibers by molten salt electrochemical oxidation.

Abstract: An alkaline electrolyte solution is electrolyzed by a diaphragm-less electrolyzer to provide electrolytic water as purging and disinfecting water. The alkaline electrolyte solution is a mixture of at least one alkaline electrolyte selected from caustic sodium carbonate, caustic potassium carbonate, phosphorous sodium carbonate and sodium hypochlorite, and at least one neutral salt selected from sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bromide and potassium bromide. The purging and disinfecting water is added to a water circulatory system. The result is that contaminants and noxious chemicals in the circulatory system are oxidation decomposed to thereby purge the circulating water, and noxious microorganisms such as germs, yeasts, fungi, and viruses, growing in the water circulatory system and causing degradation of water or development of slime are disinfected and thereby purged from the water circulatory system. The purging and infecting method can be carried out in a simple manner with minimum cost.

Abstract: A facility for selecting and refining electrical parameters for processing a microelectronic workpiece in a processing chamber is described. The facility initially configures the electrical parameters in accordance with either a mathematical model of the processing chamber or experimental data derived from operating the actual processing chamber. After a workpiece is processed with the initial parameter configuration, the results are measured and a sensitivity matrix based upon the mathematical model of the processing chamber is used to select new parameters that correct for any deficiencies measured in the processing of the first workpiece. These parameters are then used in processing a second workpiece, which may be similarly measured, and the results used to further refine the parameters.

Abstract: A highly accurate, efficient, and non-mechanical method of removing material from the surface of a golf club head using the principles of electrolysis. The process generally includes positioning at least one electrode in close proximity to a portion of a rear surface of a striking plate, flowing a liquid containing an electrolyte between the rear surface portion and the electrode, and applying a low voltage between the rear surface portion and the electrode. The electrode has an overall negative charge and the golf club head has an overall positive charge, such that a pulsed high-density DC current passes between the electrode and the rear surface portion. This results in negatively charged electrolytes in the liquid attracting positively charged molecules of the rear surface portion, such that the designated amount of material from the rear surface portion is removed by electro-chemical oxidation and carried away by the liquid flow.

Abstract: An EKG structure comprising geosynthetic material associated with at least one conducting element wherein the structure comprises at least one core element substantially enclosed by at least one sheath, one or both comprising the geosynthetic material; the use thereof as an electrode, a method for treating substrate with the EKG structure, the treated substance obtained thereby.

Abstract: A method of electroplating iron or an iron alloy with a solution containing an iron-chelating agent to catalytically cycle the undesirable Fe(III) species back to Fe(II) for electroplating. The iron-chelating agents may be siderophores, specifically, for example, desferrioxamine E, desferrioxamine B, alcaligin, bisucaberin, putrebactin, rhodotorulic acid, enterobactin, vibriobactin, azotochelin, myxochelin, fluvibactin, and serratiochelin.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices that control fluid flow, which comprise a substrate having an upper surface adapted to contact a flowing fluid and an elastic sheet immobilized with respect to the substrate, typically at a minimum of two immobilization points. The elastic sheet has a deflectable active area at least partially contained between the immobilization points; the lower surface of the sheet faces the upper surface of the substrate. Optionally, two or more electrodes are provided in contact with the active area of the elastic sheet. The device also includes an actuation means for deflecting the active area toward or away from the upper surface of the substrate. Additionally, the invention provides various methods for controlling fluid flow as well as methods for making devices that control fluid flow. The invention is particularly suited for microfluidic applications.

Abstract: For electrolytic treatment of electrically mutually insulated, electrically conductive structures 4 on surfaces of electrically insulating foil material (Fo), is unloaded from a store 15?, 15?, transported on a conveying line through a treatment unit 1 and brought in contact with treatment fluid F1. During transportation, the material Fo is guided past at least one electrode arrangement, having at least one cathodically polarised electrode 6 and at least one anodically polarised electrode 7, both being brought in contact with the treatment fluid F1 and being connected to a current/voltage source 8. Current flows through the electrodes 6, 7 and the electrically conductive structures 4. The electrodes 6, 7 are screened from each other so that substantially no electric current is able to flow directly between oppositely polarised electrodes 6, 7. The material Fo is finally loaded back onto a store 15?, 15?.

Abstract: A contact is disposed to come into contact with a metal layer formed on a substrate being treated, the contact being in contact with a surface being treated from an opposite surface through a through hole present in a substrate. Alternatively, a contact is disposed to come into contact with a metal layer formed on a substrate, the contact coming into contact at an approximate center of the substrate. Alternatively, a plurality of needle bodies are disposed to be in electrical contact with a metal layer of a substrate being treated, thereby power supply for electrolytic polishing/plating to a substrate being treated being implemented, without restricting to a periphery of a substrate, from a plurality of points on a surface thereof. Due to any one of these, liquid treatment equipment enables to improve uniformity in plane of an electric current sent to a surface being treated and of liquid treatment.

Abstract: An electrochemical processing chamber which can be modified for treating different workpieces and methods for so modifying electrochemical processing chambers. In one particular embodiment, an electrochemical processing chamber 200 includes a plurality of walls 510 defining a plurality of electrode compartments 520, each electrode compartment having at least one electrode 600 therein, and a virtual electrode unit 530 defining a plurality of flow conduits, with at least one of the flow conduits being in fluid communication with each of the electrode compartments. This first virtual electrode unit 530 may be exchanged for a second virtual electrode unit 540, without modification of any of the electrodes 600, to adapt the processing chamber 200 for treating a different workpiece.

Abstract: A method for removal of solid deposits from surfaces of electrodes of a DC electrolytic cell for disinfecting of water in a closed system, especially in a swimming pool, SPA or hot tub, includes simultaneous spinning the water over the electrode surfaces and electrolytic release of the deposits from the surfaces without interruption of the disinfecting process. The method further includes a) changing the polarity of the electrodes of the cell at predetermined frequency for electrochemically releasing the deposited scale from the electrode surfaces; b) circulating the water through a hydrocyclone containing a DC electrolytic cell for disinfecting of the water so that the deposits are washed off the electrodes of the cell; c) periodically removing the scale particles from a drained chamber located at the bottom of the hydrocyclone.

Abstract: Metal articles having a durable visible marking on a smooth Type III hard anodized surface particularly useful for shock absorber tubes are produced by applying an alkaline solution to the anodized surface for not less than about 15 seconds at temperature of 100°-140° F.; applying a pattern of lacquer based solvent ink to said surface; and sealing the applied pattern by applying a liquid selected from the group consisting of nickel acetate, cobalt acetate and boiling water to said pattern.

Abstract: A method for removing ammonia from a gas comprising HCN, ammonia and water, by first contacting the gas with aqueous ammonium phosphate to remove ammonia from the gas, and then passing the resulting ammonium phosphate solution through an electrolyzer to convert oxalates and formates into hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A washing, cleaning and sterilizing solution is produced by electrolyzing an electrolyte solution composed of mixed caustic soda and salt in an electrolyzer. The solution is used as it is or diluted with tap water or non-potable water. The solution is applicable to washing, cleaning and sterilizing metal goods, medical instruments, nursing products, foodstuff, farm products, marine products, dishes, cooking utensils, plastic goods, surrounding, facilities, fiber products, machine parts, machine goods, various containers, electrical communication components, vehicles, or the like.

Abstract: A method and device for carrying out electrofiltration. Electrofiltration is a commonly known method, which is frequently used in industry for purifying suspensions, such as wastewater resulting from manufacturing processes. Conventional devices used for carrying out electrofiltration have the drawback that large amounts of expensive metals such as titanium, gold, iridium, platinum, and the like have to be used as counter-electrodes to the membrane electrodes. The method and device improve the filtration results compared to those of conventional filtration methods and modules without requiring the use of large amounts of expensive metals for the counter-electrodes. To this end, in the method the membrane electrodes are displaced, and a device carries out the method. The method and device can be used for separating substances.

Abstract: A method of electrolytically debonding a paint coating from an electrically nonconductive member wherein the paint coating is bonded to a surface of the nonconductive member. The method comprises providing an electrode blanket on the paint coating, the electrode blanket comprised of a first blanket layer in contact with the paint coating, a negative electrode layer in contact with the first blanket layer, a second blanket layer covering the negative electrode layer, a positive electrode layer in contact with the second blanket layer, and a third blanket layer covering the positive electrode layer. An aqueous-based electrolyte solution is applied to the electrode blanket. An electric current is passed from the negative electrode to the positive electrode, evolving hydrogen at the negative electrode, thus creating an alkaline condition thereby causing delamination and degrading of the paint coating on the electrically nonconductive member.

Abstract: A method for increasing and/or modulating the yield shear stress of an electrorheological fluid includes applying a sufficient electric field to the fluid to cause the formation of chains of particles, and then applying a sufficient pressure to the fluid to cause thickening or aggregation of the chains. An apparatus for increasing and/or modulating the transfer or force or torque between two working structures includes an electrorheological fluid and electrodes through which an electric field is applied to the fluid such that particles chains of particles are formed in the fluid and, upon application of pressure to the fluid, the chains thicken or aggregate and improve the force or torque transmission.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for conducting a chemical reaction. The reaction is conducted in a reaction vessel or mixing occurring in at least a partial liquid environment in which reactants are disposed. The reaction is conducted in the presence of cavitation and an electrical current.

Abstract: A process for the removal and destruction of dissolved nitrate from water, which comprises a removal step where nitrate is eliminated from said water or effluent in the form of a more concentrated solution thereof, and a destruction step where said more concentrated nitrate solution is subjected to an electrolysis operation for nitrate destruction by electrochemical reduction thereof, the electrolysis operation being performed in several cycles in a divided cell with anolyte and catholyte compartments, where said concentrated nitrate solution is initially used as a catholyte and spent catholyte is then used as an anolyte. An apparatus suitable for performing such a process.

Abstract: From 5 to 60% by weight aqueous alkaline solutions of reduced indigoid dyes are prepared by reducing the indigoid dye electrochemically in the presence of a mediator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrowinning cell adapted to recover metal ions from a solution as their corresponding elementary metals. The electrowinning cell includes a reservoir and a filter in fluid communication with the reservoir. The filter is operative to receive a solution containing metal ions from a location proximate to the cathode and to retain a first portion of the solution having a first concentration of metal ions and to remove a second portion of the solution having a second concentration of metal ions lower than the first concentration. The electrowinning cell additionally includes return means operative to return the first portion of the solution to the reservoir. The present invention also relates to a method of concentrating metal ions in a solution for use in an electrochemical cell and to a system for reducing metal ions in a solution to their corresponding elementary metals.

Abstract: A semiconductor workpiece holder for use in processing a semiconductor workpiece includes a workpiece support operatively mounted to support a workpiece in position for processing. A finger assembly is operatively mounted upon the workpiece support and includes a finger tip. The finger assembly is movable between an engaged position in which the finger tip is engaged against the workpiece, and a disengaged position in which the finger tip is moved away from the workpiece. Preferably, at least one electrode forms part of the finger assembly and includes an electrode contact for contacting a surface of said workpiece. At least one protective sheath covers at least some of the electrode contact. According to one aspect of the invention, a sheathed electrode having a sheathed electrode tip is positioned against a semiconductor workpiece surface in a manner engaging the workpiece surface with said sheathed electrode tip.

Abstract: The present invention has application to the disabling of vehicles such as automobiles and other vehicles having an engine controlled by a motor controller or other component that is vulnerable to malfunctions induced by a pulse of electrical energy. The invention has application to remotely disabling vehicles in high speed pursuits. In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for remotely disabling an electronic device may be deployed from a platform. In various embodiments, the platform may be a stationary platform in the path of an approaching vehicle incorporating the electronic device or a movable platform for pursuing the vehicle.

Abstract: An on-site apparatus and method for preparing aqueous cleaning compositions, including an electrolytic cell for producing and dispensing chlorine and sodium hydroxide for use in various cleaning and/or sanitizing formulations at the point of use.

Abstract: An integral screen/frame assembly for use in an electrochemical cell for supporting and facilitating the hydration of a solid membrane. The screen/frame assembly is comprised of planar screen layers having the frame disposed about the periphery of those layers such that the frame bonds the layers together.

Abstract: According to this invention, an active portion in nano-size substance is destroyed selectively by applying an electric potential to the nano-size substance having a network structure of carbon at an outer shell thereof in electrolytic solution. For example, an electric potential of 1.20 to 1.60 V (RHE) is applied to carbon nanotube in electrolytic solution so as to oxidize the active portion in the carbon nanotubes selectively and remove the ends of them. Consequently, an open end is created in the carbon nanotube.

Abstract: An electrolyte line extends from the outlet of an electrolysis device to a collecting tank and from the same back to the inlet of the electrolysis device. The electrolyte is passed from the outlet of the electrolysis device to a first container which is disposed at a higher level than a second container. Electrolyte collected in the first container is periodically discharged through a first syphon line into the second container, and electrolyte collected in the second container is periodically discharged through a second syphon line into the collecting tank which is disposed at a lower level than the second container. The outlet end of each syphon line is disposed at a distance above the liquid level of the container disposed thereunder, so that electrolyte always flows only in one of the two syphon lines or in none of the syphon lines. When electrolyte flows in none of the two syphon lines, electrolyte is preferably supplied from the collecting tank into the second container.

Abstract: A microfluidic system and method, suitable for “lab-on-a-chip” applications, by which a bubble is inflated in fluid flowing through a microfluidic channel at a predetermined location along the channel and the bubble is maintained at that location to stop flow through the channel in the manner of a valve. The microfluidic channel is formed on a semiconductor chip and a pair of electrodes is formed one on each side of the channel, whereby a bubble is electrochemically inflated between the electrodes and held in fixed position by the channel wall when a voltage is applied across the fluid incident to connecting the electrodes to a voltage source. When the voltage is removed, deflation of the bubble valve rapidly occurs to restore flow. The present invention provides flow control in a microfluidic system regardless of channel cross-sectional geometry and with no moving parts and low power consumption. Moreover, the present invention may be practiced using existing fabrication techniques.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adding a metal, for example sodium, to a melt of a material, for example aluminum, in a vessel, in which a molten compound of the metal or a solution of a compound of the metal is provided in a container (12), the container being positioned outside the vessel, the compound is electrolytically decomposed and ions of the metal are caused to pass through a wall of a solid-state electrolyte (14) which is a conductor therefor, from a first side of the wall to an opposite second side thereof, and to combine with electrons at the second side of the wall and then to flow as molten metal from the container into the melt in the vessel.