Abstract: A selectable connection battery housing apparatus includes a central wall assembly which defines a battery receiving region. A first housing cap assembly is selectively connectable to and removable from a first end portion of the central wall assembly, and a second housing cap assembly is selectively connectable to and removable from a second end portion of the central wall assembly. Each housing cap assembly includes a first surface which includes a first conductive strip adapted to connect to at least three first ends of three batteries retained in the battery receiving region inside the central wall assembly. The first housing cap assembly includes a second surface opposite to the first surface. The second surface includes a second conductive strip adapted to contact first ends of two of the at least three batteries and includes a third conductive strip adapted to contact a first end of one of the at least three batteries.

Abstract: Thin film dissimilar metals sandwiching a thin film of non metal that is permeable to oxygen molecules and ions to convert chemical and thermal energy into electrical energy in an external resistance is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of recovering a reusable metal from a nickel-hydrogen rechargeable battery characterized in that the method comprises crushing the nickel-hydrogen rechargeable battery to obtain a crushed material, separating alkali, organic substances and iron from the crushed material to obtain a separated component from which at least the alkali, organic substances and iron are separated, obtaining the reusable metal to be recovered as an oxide from the separated component by calcination, and processing the oxide by a molten salt electrolysis method with an electrolytic molten salt bath. According to this method for recovery, electrode materials effective for nickel-hydrogen rechargeable batteries and the like can be recovered efficiently and in a large amount in lower cost compared to the ordinary separation, purification and refining utilizing chemical processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of processing used batteries, especially zinc-carbon and alkali-manganese batteries, in order to recover any usable or environmentally relevant substances, comprising the mechanical reduction of the initial material followed by the separation of the battery granulate thus obtained into a fine and a coarser fraction. The coarser fraction is further separated into a magnetic and a non-magnetic part, followed by principally wet chemical steps to sort out the fractions containing the individual useful or environmentally relevant substances and their separation.

Abstract: Household sealed cell alkaline and zinc carbon batteries may be recycled for use in steel making as follows. The batteries are pulverized then run through an acidic bath to neutralize the alkaline electrolyte. Next the materials are rinsed, then dried and mixed with granulated carbon steel typically in a ratio of 5 parts battery material to 95 parts granulated carbon steel. The mixture is compressed into briquettes for introduction into steel making furnaces.

Abstract: A process for treating an AB.sub.5 Ni--MH battery to recover purified positive and negative electrode components of the battery is disclosed. An AB.sub.5 Ni--MH battery is placed in a mineral acid leach solution to cause the positive and negative electrode components of the battery to separate. The positive and negative electrode components are maintained in the leach solution until the negative electrode component breaks down into its dissolved rare earth metal constituents and metallic solids. The metallic solids remaining from the negative electrode component and the positive electrode components are separated from the mineral acid leach solution and subjected to an elutriation process and thereafter to ball milling to obtain Ni rich powder and Fe. The mineral acid leach solution containing the completely dissolved rare earth metals is subjected to a phosphate precipitation process to recover La and Ce in precipitate, and then subjected to a second precipitation process to recover Ni, Co, Mn and Al.

Abstract: A mechanically rechargeable, electrochemical metal-air battery of the type having a plurality of metal-air cells, each of said cells comprising (a) a housing having a base, two major surfaces and two minor surfaces, defining an interior space for containing therein a replaceable metal electrode having an electrically conductive skeletal member encompassed by an active metal component, the interior space communicating with an opening opposite the base through which the replaceable metal electrode is selectively removed to enable the mechanical replacement thereof with a freshly charged metal electrode; (b) at least one generally planar, air permeable but liquid impermeable, air electrode, each of the electrodes being installed in a window-like opening provided in at least one of the major surfaces; and (c) an electrolyte in contact with the metal and air electrodes; the improvement comprising a first woven mesh separator attached to an inner, electrolyte-facing surface of each of the air electrodes and a secon

Abstract: The invention provides a refueling system for automated recharging of zinc-air batteries of the type having a plurality of active zinc anode elements formed of active zinc material attached to a support frame immersed in an aqueous alkaline electrolyte in a battery casing, each anode element being in alternate array with an air cathode, the system comprising automated means for simultaneously separating a plurality of spent anodes from the casing, means for removing used electrolyte from the casing, transport means for conveying spent anodes to an anode processing station, the anode processing station, at which zinc which has been at least partly oxidized is removed from the support frame, means for attaching new or reconstituted active zinc material to a cleaned support frame to form an active zinc anode, automated means for simultaneously introducing a plurality of active zinc anodes into the casing, and means for introducing fresh electrolyte into the casing.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an alkaline-zinc slurry for use in batteries, the slurry comprising an admixture of (a) at least partly oxidized zinc; (b) an aqueous solution of at least one Group Ia metal; and (c) an inorganic or organic inhibitor. The process includes the steps of electrolyzing the admixture in a cell with a corrosion-resistant anode and a non-zinc-adherent cathode such that the zinc deposits on the cathode self-detach or are removed until no more than a preselected amount of zinc remains in the solution, provided that the current density at the cathode is preselected so that the electrowon zinc will have, after homogenizing into particles, a density within the range 0.2-2.0 g/cc and a surface area within the range 0.5-6.0 m.sup.

Abstract: A method for reactivating and recovering electrolyte cells by drilling a hole through the battery case and injecting a volume of electrolyte liquid into the case for absorption into the cell separator material. The battery is subjected to multiple charge/discharge cycles while the cell opening remains unsealed, and is subjected to a final charge prior to sealing the drilled hole through the cell outer case.

Abstract: Renewable fuel cells that produce hydrogen gas, on demand, are used to power a vehicle. When the usable volume of hydrogen gas produced by the fuel cells is depleted, the magnesium anode is converted into magnesium hydroxide precipitate. The magnesium hydroxide precipitate is removed and collected for recycling and the magnesium anode and salt water electrolyte is replaced, thus easily and conveniently re-energizing the fuel cell. The magnesium hydroxide precipitate is recycled to recapture the magnesium which is then formed into new magnesium anodes. The primary power source for the recycling is derived from solar energy. The only waste product produced by the operation of the fuel cell is non-polluting water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for working up waste active-mass of consumed, broken accumulator plates, deriving from rubbish-shoots, into active mass, wherein the waste active-masses removed from positive and negative plates are deacidified, washed with water, separately stored and then subjected to heat-treatment. According to the process of the invention the air-dry positive or negative active-mass or the mixture thereof is subjecteda) to heat-treatment at a temperature of 630.degree. to 700.degree. C. for 8 to 60 minutes, then either ground in a manner known per se or fed into a lead-powder mill in an amount of at most 80% by mass, calculated on the mass of the lead charged into the mill, and in both cases ground to an average particle size of less than 60.mu., orb) to grinding in a manner known per se, preferably to an average particle size of less than 60.mu., then subjected to a heat-treatment at a temperature of 630.degree. to 700.degree. C.

Abstract: This invention relates to sanitizing and disinfecting compositions. More particularly, the present invention concerns anhydrous sanitizing and disinfecting concentrate composition suitable for dilution in water to produce aqueous antimicrobial solutions, particularly suited for use as mouthwashes, in human and animal hygiene, and as fresh fruit and vegetable sanitizers, and sanitizers for food processing and other equipment.

Abstract: There is described an absorber assembly for alkali electrolyte solutions comprised of an absorber member including an alkali neutralizing compound disposed within a chamber of a porous material.

Abstract: A method of charging a metal-air or metal-oxygen electrochemical cell which serves to extend the useful life of the cell. Charging of the cell takes place with the addition of hydrogen to the air or oxygen cell which prevents the formation of oxygen and reduces the deterioration of the electrodes caused by oxidation. The conventional metal-air or metal-oxygen cell which is capable of injecting air or oxygen to the gas electrode during cell discharge is slightly modified to give it the ability to also inject hydrogen to the gas electrode during charging.

Abstract: Used appliance batteries are subjected to a thermal-mechanical treatment in a closed container at a temperature at which, with the assistance of mechanical pressure and/or impact, metal-plastics and metal-metal bonds are disrupted. Then, after the metal parts, the synthetic plastics parts and graphite electrodes are separated by conventional physical separating methods, vaporized mercury is extracted and washed with sulphuric acid in a washing device and any metal salts are brought into solution and processed by ion exchange. The treatment is carried out in an apparatus which includes a heatable container provided with a closable charging aperture, a discharge orifice and with feed and discharge lines for inert gas. A gas washing device for the inert gas leaving the container employs sulphuric acid with which the vaporized mercury reacts forming mercury sulphate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved methods for processing battery wastes, battery casing debris and other lead contaminated materials. The improved processes of the present invention provide less environmentally stressful methods for recovering lead from such materials while at the same time producing scrap or recyclable ebonite and plastics having reduced and environmentally acceptable lead and leachable lead levels. Most of the lead is first removed by trammel scrubbing. In another aspect of the present invention ebonite and other hard surface materials to which are adhered lead contaminants are mixed with water and abraded in a high energy scrubber to remove the adhered contaminants prior to separation of the cleaned ebonite from solution. This simple and environmentally preferred hydromechanical process provides clean scrap or recyclable ebonite.

Abstract: A process for the regeneration of an at least partially spent Zn-alkali slurry for use in metal-air batteries, including subjecting the slurry to at least the steps of (i) separating the slurry into dissolved and undissolved phases; (ii) electrolyzing the separated dissolved phase so that Zn deposits on a cathode in removable form; (iii) removing Zn from the cathode and consolidating the Zn into particles; and (iv) combining the Zn from step (iii) with the separated undissolved phase from step (i) and an additional aqueous Group Ia metal hydroxide.

Abstract: Renewable fuel cells that produce hydrogen gas, on demand, are used to power a vehicle. When the usable volume of hydrogen gas produced by the fuel cells is depleted, the magnesium anode is converted into magnesium hydroxide precipitate. The magnesium hydroxide precipitate is removed and collected for recycling and the magnesium anode and salt water electrolyte is replaced, thus easily and conveniently re-energizing the fuel cell. The magnesium hydroxide precipitate is recycled to recapture the magnesium which is then formed into new magnesium anodes. The primary power source for the recycling is derived from solar energy. The only waste product produced by the operation of the fuel cell is non-polluting water.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for locating and electrically isolating failed cells in a network of cells is disclosed. The apparatus includes a device for sampling voltage and current levels of each of the cells of the battery. Another device compares the sampled voltage and current levels to voltage and current limits to determine whether a cell has failed. If a cell has failed, control circuitry produces an activation signal which is conveyed to a switch associated with the failed cell. The activation signal drives a heating element of the switch. The heating element, which surrounds a fusible link of the switch, melts the fusible link. The fused link congregates at the base of the switch. In the case of a parallel network of cells, the fused link forms an open circuit, while in the case of a series network of cells, the fused link forms a bypass circuit. Consequently, the switch isolates the failed cell from the good cells remaining in the battery.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for maintaining the specific gravity of acid in a lead-acid battery within a predetermined range to prevent undesirable plate degradation and gassing during storage. Extended shelf-life is accomplished by employing a battery which is formed to the desired voltage and which is stored in a damp condition with the electrolyte maintained in a range which, in the most preferred embodiment, is between about 1.015 and 1.320. A desiccant, for example a gelled sulfuric acid desiccant, is placed in the battery housing, out of contact with the plates, to absorb the water vapor which is generated by the self-discharge reactions. The amount of desiccant is selected so that all the water vapor formed during such reactions is removed to maintain the specific gravity of the electrolyte in said range. Extended shelf-life results, and the desiccant can be used to form the battery electrolyte at the time it is desired to place the battery in service.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering lead from scrap lead/acid batteries involves first mechanically breaking up the batteries into small pieces, then feeding the small pieces into a substantially vertical, upwardly diverging separation/leaching column through which ammoniacal ammonium sulphate solution (AAS) passes upwardly at a speed that allows the removal of metallic lead and lead alloys as sinks from the bottom of the column, with comminuted case material floating up and out of the column, while the lead compounds remain in suspension in the column for lead sulphate dissolution. The insoluble lead dirxide from the pastes is removed from the AAS downstream of the column and is slurried with sulphuric acid to convert the lead dioxide to lead sulphate, which is then returned to the separation/leaching column. The clarified AAS is fed to an electrowinning tank where metallic lead is plated out.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved methods for processing battery wastes, batter casing debris and other lead contaminated materials. The improved processes of the present invention provide less environmentally stressful methods for recovering lead from such materials while at the same time producing scrap or recyclable ebonite and plastics having reduced and environmentally acceptable lead and leachable lead levels. Most of the lead is first removed by trommel scrubbing. In another aspect of the present invention ebonite and other hard surface materials to which are adhered lead contaminants are mixed with water and abraded in a high energy scrubber to remove the adhered contaminants prior to separation of the cleaned ebonite from solution. This simple and environmentally preferred hydromechanical process provides clean scrap or recyclable ebonite.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved methods for processing battery wastes, batter casing debris and other lead contaminated materials. The improved processes of the present invention provide less environmentally stressful methods for recovering lead from such materials while at the same time producing scrap or recyclable ebonite and plastics having reduced and environmentally acceptable lead and leachable lead levels. Most of the lead is first removed by trommel scrubbing. In another aspect of the present invention ebonite and other hard surface materials to which are adhered lead contaminants are mixed with water and abraded in a high energy scrubber to remove the adhered contaminants prior to separation of the cleaned ebonite from solution. This simple and environmentally preferred hydromechanical process provides clean scrap or recyclable ebonite.

Abstract: When the operation of a fuel cell using phosphoric acid as an electrolyte is stopped, the concentration of phosphoric acid is decreased to thereby lower crystallization temperature of the electrolyte and at the same time reactive gas remaining inside the main body of the fuel cell is replaced by an inert gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides method and apparatus for the automatic recirculation of battery electrolyte from industrial and similar batteries. The invention employs a vacuum system to remove electrolyte from a cell of the battery, transfer it to a central location where it can be treated, and then return it to the battery for its continued use. The invention lends itself to many forms of electrolyte treatment, including temperature adjustment, filtering, and removal of excess gases. The invention may be readily employed on virtually all industrial batteries with minimal modification and effort, and it greatly decreases maintenance time and expense for such batteries while increasing their flexibility and uses.

Abstract: A process for the disposal of rechargeable storage cells based on sodium and sulphur includes embedding each storage cell in a wax-like, solid material and then opening the storage cells. After opening, the sodium is first removed from the storage cell. Subsequently, the storage cell is opened further, and reaction products, a second reactant and components of the storage cell are taken out for re-utilization or processing to form waste materials that are free of pollutants and capable of disposal.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for recovering the components of spent lead acid batteries of the type comprising an active mass desulphurization stage in which sodium sulphate is formed, characterized in that the sodium sulphate solution thus formed is fed to an electrolysis stage in which a soda solution is produced at the cathode and a sulphuric acid solution is produced at the anode. The soda solution produced at the cathode is recycled to the active mass desulphurization stage, and the sulphuric acid solution produced at the anode is recovered for reuse as battery electrolyte in the production of new lead acid batteries.

Abstract: A method for rejuvenating Ni-H.sub.2 battery cells suffering a voltage anomaly providing an improved cell output voltage and capacity. After the battery containing the cells suffering the voltage anomaly is removed from service, the battery is discharged. Discharging the battery reduces the hydrogen pressure within the cells, thereby increasing the rate of mass transport of free water back to the electrode stacks of the cells. The cells are then left to stand for a period sufficient to allow any free water to diffuse back to the electrode stacks. If gravity is available, the cell can simply be rotated to return the free water to the stack.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving an industrial wet battery cell is disclosed. The apparatus includes a clamping device for gripping the terminals of the cell and a fluid transfer device for reducing pressure within the battery cell by removing electrolyte from the cell. A process for transferring a battery into a container is also disclosed.

Abstract: A battery receptacle in which either of individual dry batteries and individual or packaged nickel-cadmium batteries can be received to be used as a power source for a radio controllable motor toy so that interchangeability of batteries used in the motor toys and space saving can be realized.

Abstract: A method for removing sodium polysulfide from used sodium/sulfur batteries provides that the cells are granulated under protective measures, the scrap is treated in a solution of sodium cyanide and the solution obtained is treated with air. The solution then contains sodium thiocyanate and sodium hydroxide, which latter can be reacted by means of CO.sub.2 to Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3, precipitated and separated.

Abstract: A method for washing batteries includes washing batteries in water flowing at a low flat rate at a rinse station, collecting the water from the station, introducing fresh water, and repeating this at sequential stations, and causing water to flow between the stations at a given rate by creating a flow channel between them.

Abstract: A method of activating a carbonaceous electrode is disclosed which comprises the steps of heating the electrodes to a desired temperature in water to remove surface debris from said electrodes, providing a negative electrode and a carbonaceous positive electrode spaced apart from each other, providing an aqueous electrolyte having a predetermined concentration of sulfuric acid therein and circulating the sulfuric acid solution through the porous positive electrode, passing an electrical current through the positive and negative electrodes for a predetermined time period sufficient to modify the pore structure of the positive electrode, rinsing said positive electrode, heating said electrode at a desired temperature for a desired period of time to substantially remove the activation layer and surface compound of oxygen and hydrogen on the electrode. The electrodes of the present invention are utilized in molten salt lithium-aluminum/chloride battery systems.

Abstract: A process for treating a sulfur-containing cell by employing an oxidant, such as a hypochlorite, in conjunction with an alkaline hydrolysis solution, such as a sodium hydroxide solution, to react with the sulfur-containing products to produce sulfides and sulfites and then have the oxidant convert the sulfides and sulfites to soluble sulfates followed by neutralization of the solution with a suitable acid, such as sulfuric acid, to produce a solution safe for conventional disposal.

Abstract: A rechargeable type small electric appliance including a rechargeable battery having negative and positive terminals, the negative and positive terminals being, respectively, connected to a wiring board by a pair of lead members, in which at least one of the lead members is bent in an inverse U-shape so as to have first and second pieces and a bent portion connecting the first and second pieces, the first piece being secured to the wiring board, while the second piece is clamped, at a clamp portion thereof, to a corresponding one of the negative and positive terminals, the bent portion projecting outwardly beyond the clamp portion of the second piece in a radial direction of the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process of extraction and filtration for removing metallic impurities from the acid in used lead-acid batteries. Produced is a reclaimed battery acid fluid which performs very well in new batteries and which avoids the severe costs and environmental risks entailed in present methods of battery acid fluid disposal.

Abstract: A process for recovering in pure metal form substantially all lead from battery sludge is disclosed. The battery sludge is desulfurized, leached with acid, and separated by filtration. Lead is recovered from the filtrate by electrowinning. The residue from the leaching and filtration is treated with concentrated sulfuric acid to cause the simultaneous occurring of the following reactions:C.sub.n (H.sub.2 O).sub.m +H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 .fwdarw.nC+H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 .multidot.mH.sub.2 O (1)C+2PbO.sub.2 +2H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 .fwdarw.2PbSO.sub.4 +CO.sub.2 +2H.sub.2 O (2)up to the quantitative reduction of substantially all of the lead dioxide PbO.sub.2 and elimination of substantially all the organic substances C.sub.n (H.sub.2 O).sub.m contained in the insoluble residue. Lead sulfate from the above reaction is recycled to the desulfurization step.

Abstract: Thin film dissimilar metals sandwiching a thin film of non metal that is permeable to oxygen molecules and ions to convert chemical and thermal energy into electrical energy in an external resistance is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for depassivating a passivated lithium battery in a battery powered microprocessor controlled device by successively and momentarily drawing current from the passivated battery after a turn on of the device while monitoring the power delivery condition of the battery under a load condition until salt crystals on an electrode of the battery are dissipated and the battery is returned to a useful power delivery condition or until a predetermined period of time has elapsed without the battery returning to the useful power delivery condition, whichever is sooner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrometallurgical process for the overall recovery of the components of exhausted lead-acid batteries, in a re-useable form, said components being mainly constituted by such materials as polypropylene, ebanite, PVC; by paste comprising lead sulphatized compounds; and by pure or alloyed metal lead, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:(a) battery crushing,(b) separation of paste by wet-screening,(c) separation of polypropylene by water floating,(d) separation of ebanite and PVC from pure or alloyed metal lead, by means of a first hydrodynamic separation,(e) separation of ebanite from PVC by a second hydrodynamic separation,(f) desulfurization of paste by carbonation by sodium carbonate, with pure sodium sulphate being obtained,(g) recovery of so-obtained pure sodium sulphate,(h) treatment of carbonated paste in order to recovery from it the lead, in pure metal form, by extraction by electrowinning.

Abstract: One or more defective fuel cells in fuel cell stacks are shortcircuited by a process comprising the steps of making plural holes in bipolar plates adjacent to the defective cell from at least one end of their process gas channels, inserting corrosion-resisting conductive wire rods into resultant holes to shortcircuit between the bipolar plates, and then closing the process gas channels of the bipolar plates at both ends with a heat-resisting sealing material to stop the supply the process gases to the defective cells.

Abstract: An integrated gasification iron-air electrical system, capable of generating electrical energy from a carbon containing material, is made, the system containing a gasification furnace having at least one gasification reactor zone where a carbonaceous material contacts and reacts with a gas containing steam, to produce a hot gas reaction product containing CO and H.sub.2 ; where the hot gas then contacts discharged iron electrodes at over 450.degree. C., to convert discharged iron compounds to iron compounds, and the recharged iron electrodes are then placed in iron-air cells which generate electrical energy.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide the active substances in storage batteries, both the lead acid and alkaline types, in quasi-fluid form so that they can be replaced by newly charged substances, for rejuvenating the battery after long use, or for immediate charge of the battery.Said battery has a casing (5); active solid cathodic and anodic substances in the form of surface-convoluted negative (15) and positive globules (16), that are close-packed in negative and positive cell compartments (7) and (8) respectively; electrolyte which fills the space between and inside said globules, circulates freely throughout the battery and, if needed, through an external supplementary storage; dielectric separators between cell compartments, electrically insulating negative and positive globules in each cell; and conductive separators providing series connection of adjacent cells.

Abstract: An alkali metal electro-chemical storage cell comprising anode and cathode regions containing alkali metal and cathodic reactant respectively. A cationically conductive solid electrolyte member separating the anode and cathode regions and respective anode and cathode current collectors. The cell is formed with a contact breaker region which in the event of a breach in the electrolyte member functions to make the cell become an open circuit and thus not provide a discharge path for any other cells connected thereto.

Abstract: A method for partially or fully restoring the lost capacities of nickel batteries, as well as the batteries produced by this method, is disclosed.In accordance with the inventive method, a nickel battery is cycled at least 10 times, with each cycle including a discharging step during which the capacity achieved at the end of the previous cycle is reduced by at least 5 percent, and a charging step. The charging rate employed during the charging step is greater than about C/10 per hour. Moreover, while the ratio of the amount of charge delivered to the battery during the charging step of each cycle to the amount of charge withdrawn from the battery during the previous cycle is greater than one, this ratio is chosen so that the temperature of the electrolyte of the battery does not exceed about 30 degrees Centigrade.

Abstract: A fuel cell is constructed of three porous membranes filled with electrolyte. Outer membranes are plated externally with a metal film. The metal films are coated with a release agent. A catalyst film is coated on the release agent and on annular edges of the metal films adjacent each pore of the membranes. Dissolving the release agent recovers the catalyst and leaves only a small catalyst ring on the exposed edges of the metal electrodes adjacent the pores. Metal grids may be added to aid in conduction of electricity. Electrolyte within the porous membrane sandwich is exposed to fuel gas adjacent one electrode and to oxidizer gas adjacent the other electrode in the areas of the catalyst rings, resulting in a compact fuel cell and a highly efficient use of catalyst.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating articles such as batteries in a manner permitting safe disposal thereof, each of the articles comprising a casing having reactive material therein, wherein the article casing is opened to allow access to the interior thereof, fluid is introduced to the interior of the opened casing, and any evolved gas is removed. The steps of opening the casing, introducing fluid and removing gas are performed simultaneously in a reaction vessel which is supplied with the fluid and which is in communication with gas collecting and scrubbing means. The reaction vessel preferably comprises a deluged hammermill and a tank. The hammermill is supplied with articles by a remotely fed conveyor and which discharges into a tank, fluid is supplied to the hammermill and to the tank, and the gas collecting and scrubbing means is in communication with both the hammermill and tank. The fluid preferably is water or an alkaline neutralizing solution.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a process and apparatus for reducing the concentration of dissolved contaminant in a contaminated liquid, with specific application to the regeneration of contaminated electrolyte in an electrolytic cell, wherein the electrolyte is removed from the cell under vacuum and mixed with a washing liquid e.g. water and clean electrolyte. The mixed electrolyte is returned to the cell and the process repeated until the contaminant concentration in the washing liquid and electrolyte are substantially the same.

Abstract: A pair of vacuum chambers (27 and 28) are mounted on a T-bar gripper (19) which engages the back walls of a pair of adjacent batteries (16). Operation of a knurled, internally threaded collar (23) draws the vacuum chambers into sealed (54) engagement with the battery casings. A pair of drills (66) mounted at acute angles greater than 45.degree. are operated to drill angular holes (71) through the casings into the vicinity of the bottoms of the casings. Application of vacuum to the chambers draws electrolyte from the casings to levels below the levels of the entries of the angular holes into the casings.