DE2456148A1 - ELECTROLYSIS CELL - Google Patents

Description

24561A8

Patent attorneys Dipl.-Ing. R W-eicsuann,

Dipl.-Ing. H. Weickmann, Dipl.-Phys. Dr. K. Fincke Dipl.-Ing. RA Weickmann, Dipl.-Chem. B. Huber

8 MUNICH 86, DEN

PO Box 860 820

MÖHLSTRASSE 22, CALL NUMBER 98 39 21/22

HtM / th '

Case 3313/3314/3334/3335 /

3366

HOOKER CHEMICALS AND PLASTICS CORPORATION, .Niagara Falls, N.Y. 14302, USA

Electrolytic cell

The invention relates to an electrolytic cell comprising a cathode busbar assembly, cathode fingers, and. an anode base with anodes. .

The invention is thus directed to electrolytic cells, those for the electrolysis of aqueous solutions and in particular aqueous alkali metal chloride solutions are suitable.

Electrolytic cells have been used on a large scale for many years for the production of chlorine, chlorates, chlorites,

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Hydrochloric acid, alkalis, hydrogen and other related Chemicals applied. Over the years these cells have been developed to a standard based on the electrical energy used enables high levels of operating efficiency. The operating efficiencies close the Current, decomposition, energy, power and voltage yields. Recent developments regarding the Electrolytic cells are aimed at improvements that while maintaining high operating efficiencies Increase the production capacity of the individual cells. This is to a large extent by modifying or redesigning the individual cells and increases in the currents at which the individual cells are operated, has been achieved. The increased production capacities of the individual cells, which work at higher currents, lead to one given space requirements of the cell lead to higher production rates and reduce the investment and operating costs.

In general, recent developments aim to look at · ^ lent the electrolytic cells to larger cells, the higher ones Have production capacities and are designed to work at high currents and at the same time the Enable high operating efficiencies to be maintained. Within certain operating parameters is the production capacity of the cell, the higher the current strength at which the cell can be operated. If the Cell is designed for higher currents, however, it is important to maintain high operating efficiencies, Simply increasing the size of the components of a low-amperage cell does not result in one Cell that can be operated at high amperage and at the same time enables high operating efficiencies to be maintained. For operating at high currents Cells is a variety of construction

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Improvements needed to maintain high operating efficiencies and a large production capacity can be achieved.

The electrolytic cell of the invention can be adapted so that it can be used as an electrolytic cell of various types, of which the chlor-alkali cells are superior Meaning are. The electrolytic cell according to the invention is in particular with "regard to chlor-alkali cells, and particularly in relation to chloralkali junction cells. By explaining this particular However, embodiments are not intended to demonstrate the utility of the electrolytic cell of the invention in relation to other types of electrolytic cells be restricted.

In the past, the chlor-alkali diaphragm cells were designed to operate at relatively low currents of about 10,000 A or less could be operated and accordingly low production capacities exhibited. A typical cell of this type is the Hooker cell type S, which was developed by the applicant and used for A breakthrough in electrochemical engineering at the time of its development and initial use. The Hooker cell type S was subsequently improved by the applicant with a number of cells of the type S, for example by the types S-3, S-3A, S-3B, S-3C, S-3D and S-4 and those at · increasingly higher currents of about 15,000, 20,000, 25,000, 30,000, 40,000 and up to about 55,000 A could be operated with correspondingly higher production capacities. The construction and the performance these are Type S Hooker cells from Shreve in Chemical Process Industries, Third Edition, page 233 (1967), McGraw-Hill; Mantell in. Industrial Electrochemistry, Third Edition, page 434 (1950), McGraw-Hill, · and Sconce in Chlorine, Its Manufacture, Properties and Uses, A ,, rC, S, Monograph, pages 94 to 97 (1962) Reinhold, described,

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In US Pat. No. 2,987,463, a chloralkali diaphragm cell is described which, at a current strength of about 30,000 A can be operated and differs in some ways from the Type S Hooker cells. In the Applicants' US Patents 3,464,912 and 3,493,487 disclose chloralkali diaphragm cells which are used in a Current strength of about 60,000 A can be operated.

The prior art cited above shows the development of the construction of chloralkali diaphragm cells used in higher current densities and correspondingly higher production capacities. They are now chlor-alkali diaphragm cells have been developed that work at high currents of about 150,000 A and more to about 200,000 A and while maintaining high operating efficiencies result in correspondingly higher production capacities.

The invention therefore relates to an electrolytic cell which has a cathode busbar arrangement, cathode fingers with comprises a novel structure and anode base with anodes, which is characterized in that

1. That the cathode busbar assembly is at least a supply busbar and a plurality of busbar strips with different relative Includes dimensions made of a highly conductive metal and arranged so that that the supply busbar and the plurality of busbar strips carry an electrical current with substantially uniform current density in the cathode busbar assembly without noticeable Voltage drop along the cathode busbar assembly and with the cheapest energy consumption in the cathode busbar assembly through this to the electrical adjacent to the cathode fingers Lead contact points, and the cathode busbar assembly is in electrical contact with

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at least one side wall of a conductive Metal fabricated, having side walls and containing a plurality of cathode fingers Cathode container;

that the cathode fingers cathode finger reinforcements made of a conductive metal, in the cathode finger assembly containing rods made of a highly conductive metal and fastened to the cathode finger reinforcements attached to the cathode finger reinforcements, the outside of the cathode fingers and those present in them Comprising perforated means of conductive metal forming gas space; with the rods from the highly conductive metal such in the cathode finger assembly are arranged to produce an electric current with a substantially uniform current density in the cathode fingers, without any noticeable voltage drop along the cathode fingers and with the most favorable energy consumption in the cathode fingers lead are able, and the cathpden container a A plurality of cathode fingers contains, which extend over substantially the entire interior of the cathode container extend and which are in electrical contact on the inside of at least one side wall of the Cathode canister are attached while the cathode busbar assembly on the outside of the side wall adjacent to the attached cathode fingers the cathode can is secured in electrical contact; and · ·

that-the anode base is a device made of a highly conductive metal with substantially flat and flat surface and one in the direction of the anodes * or inter-cell connection busbar with a decreasing cross-section, which has a substantially step-like, truncated, right-angled triangle, which is shaped and those relative Dimensions that it has an electrical

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Current with a substantially uniform current density in the anode base, without any noticeable voltage drop along the anode base and with the most favorable energy consumption in the anode base through this leads to the electrical contact points adjoining the anode plates.

The cathode busbar assembly of the present invention comprises at least one supply busbar and a plurality of busbar strips that have different relative Have dimensions or dimensions. The power supply busbar or the busbars and the plurality of busbar strips are made of a highly conductive metal manufactured and arranged such that the supply busbar or the supply busbars and the plurality the busbar strips are adapted to carry an electrical current to electrical contact points connected to the Adjacent cathode fingers to guide and a substantially uniform current density in the cathode busbar assembly without a noticeable voltage drop occurring in the cathode busbar assembly and at the same time the most economical energy consumption in the cathode busbar assembly is achieved. The cathode busbar assembly is on at least one side wall of a cathode container, the means a container having the cathode as a wall, attached. The cathode container contains a variety of Cathode fingers, which extend over substantially the entire interior of the cathode container and the under Achieving electrical contact. at least one inner side wall of the cathode container are attached. The cathode bus bar assembly is in electrical contact with the outside of the side wall of the cathode ^ attached to the attached cathode fingers a, nborders.

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The new cathode busbar arrangement enables the most economical Use of the invested capital, in particular the amount of des.für the cathode busbar assembly used highly conductive metal. The arrangement and the different relative dimensions of the feeder busbar (s) and reduce the number of busbar strips compared to the prior art, the amount of necessary in the cathode busbar assembly highly conductive metal. The supply busbar (s) and the plurality of busbar strips are different due to their arrangement and shape relative dimensions adapted to carry an electric current and a substantially uniform Maintain current density through the cathode busbar assembly.

The cathode busbar arrangement according to the invention can be provided with devices for attaching cathode bridging devices provided when an adjacent electrolytic cell short-circuited and out of the electrical circuit is removed. The cathode busbar assembly can also be provided with cooling devices that prevent the temperatures in the cathode busbar arrangement rise to harmful values and the additional amount of Reduce highly conductive metal, which is necessary for the cathode busbar assembly. The invention Cathode fingers or their structure include cathode finger reinforcements made of a conductive metal, rods made of highly conductive metal, which are arranged in the cathode finger assembly and perforated conductive metal devices attached to the cathode finger reinforcements are attached and the outside of the cathode fingers and a gas space located inside the cathode fingers form. The cathode finger reinforcements can be fitted with a suitable Number of thorns, pins, bolts or projections can be provided. The perforated bodies from the senior

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Metal can be attached to these protrusions, creating an additional cavity for the during electrolysis formed at the cathode and transferred to a collecting chamber Gas is created.

The highly conductive metal is preferably on the cathode finger reinforcements the cathode finger is present and facilities are provided with which the highly conductive Metal can be attached to the cathode finger reinforcements. The highly conductive metal is in the structure of the cathode finger arranged so that the rods or strips of highly conductive metal are formed so that they one carry electrical current and enable a substantially uniform current density in the cathode finger structure, without a noticeable voltage drop occurring along the cathode finger and at the same time being in the Cathode finger sets the most economically advantageous energy consumption.

The novel structure of the cathode finger creates new cathode fingers. The cathode container contains a A plurality of cathode fingers, which extend substantially over the interior of the cathode container and which in standing electrical contact are attached to at least one inner side wall of the cathode container. The cathode busbar assembly is in electrical contact with the outside of the side wall of the cathode canister, which is adjacent to the attached cathode fingers.

There are means for aligning the opposite ends of the cathode fingers that are attached to the inner side wall of the Adjacent cathode container ,, provided, which is opposite the inner side wall to which the cathode fingers attached are"

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The new anode socket comprises a device made of a highly conductive 'metal which has a substantially flat and' flat surface and in which the anode or .Intercell connection busbar removing direction has a decreasing cross-section which is in the form of a has substantially stepped tapered, truncated right triangle. The establishment The highly conductive metal can be made from a solid metal plate consist of the shape described or can be composed of two or more shaped pieces, such as plates, with different relative dimensions, the such are arranged that. their cross-sections have the cross-sectional shape of an essentially step-like tapering, truncated, form right triangle of the above kind. The device made of the highly conductive metal can with Fastening devices for the anode plates may be provided. The device made of highly conductive metal has such relative dimensions and such that it is capable of carrying an electrical current through the anode socket up to electrical ones adjacent to the anode plates To lead contact points and in the anode base an im maintain substantial uniform current density, without a noticeable voltage drop occurring when passing through the anode base and in the anode base of the economically most favorable energy consumption is achieved.

The anode base according to the invention can also be suitable Supporting devices for the establishment from the highly conductive Metal and other suitable support devices which enable the anode base to support other components of the electrolytic cell according to the invention to serve.

To illustrate the prior art reference is made to US-PS 3,432,422.

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Due to the structure of the anode base according to the invention, the invested capital is used in the most economical way, because the amount of highly conductive metal required for the anode base is used to the full.

The arrangement, the shape and the different relative Reduce the dimensions of the device made of the highly conductive metal, compared to the prior art, to a significant extent Know the amount of highly conductive metal that must be present in the anode socket. Furthermore, the facility made of the highly conductive metal due to their arrangement and their different relative dimensions designed to carry an electrical current and a substantially uniform one through the anode socket Maintain current density.

The anode socket can be fitted with an anode bypass busbar be provided to which an anode connection is attached when an adjacent electrolytic cell is short-circuited and removed from the circuit. Of the Anode base can also be provided with cooling devices that prevent the temperature of the anode base from rising detrimental values increases and which have the consequence that the amount of highly conductive used in the anode socket Metal can be reduced.

The electrolytic cell according to the invention can be used in a large A variety of different electrolysis processes can be used. The electrolysis of aqueous alkali metal chloride ^ solutions is however, of the greatest importance, so that the electrolytic cell according to the invention explained in more detail in relation to this process may be. However, this description is not intended to apply to the electrolytic cell of the invention Electrolysis processes be limited.

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Based on the shown in the accompanying drawings preferred embodiment, the invention is explained in more detail below, for example.

Fig. 1 shows a view of a typical electrolytic cell of the invention and illustrates a typical cathode busbar arrangement.

FIG. 2 shows a sectional view along the plane 2-2 through the cell shown in FIG. 1 and another View of the cathode current tube arrangement.

In Fig. 3 is an enlarged partial plan view the cathode container shown in FIG Cell and the relative arrangement of the cathode fingers.

FIG. 4 gives a partial sectional view along the line 4-4 of the cathode container shown in FIG again, showing the relative position of the cathode fingers and the anode plates that are at the end of the Cathode container are arranged.

5 shows an enlarged sectional side view a cathode finger and the cathode container of the cell shown in FIG. 3 along the section line 5-5 and illustrates the arrangement of the on the cathode finger reinforcements arranged highly conductive metal,

Fig. 6 gives a side plan view of the opposite Side of the cathode reinforcements shown in Figure 5 and shows the visible structure of the on it fortified highly conductive metal.

7 shows a side view of another embodiment of the cathode finger reinforcement and illustrates the arrangement of the highly conductive metal attached to it,

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FIG. 8 is an end view of that in FIG. 7 shown cathode finger reinforcement as seen from the line 8-8 and it illustrates the arrangement of the Highly conductive ones attached to the cathode finger reinforcement Metal and the mandrels or pins.

Overall, FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 show together typical embodiments of cathode finger assemblies according to the invention.

FIG. 9 shows a plan view of an anode base which is used in the cell shown in FIG. 1 can be. For the sake of clarity, the anode plates are not shown.

FIG. 10 shows a side sectional view through the in FIG. Fig. 9 reproduced anode base along the Level 10-10 and clarifies in detail the arrangement or the shape of the plate made of the highly conductive metal.

In Fig. 11 the same is shown as in Fig. 10, with the difference that an additional cell base is shown ..

FIG. 12 shows a plan view of an anode base, which is shown in FIG Cell can be used. For the sake of clarity, the anode plates are not shown.

13 is a side sectional view through the anode base shown in FIG shown and clarifies in detail the structure of the plate made of the highly conductive metal.

Finally, FIG. 14 shows the same view as FIG. 13 with the addition of a cell base,

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Used to manufacture the majority of the various components or parts that make up the new electrolytic cell of the invention two different types of metals are used. One of these metals is a highly conductive metal, while the other metal is a conductive metal, the one has good strength and suitable processing properties. The term "highly conductive metal" as used herein means a metal that is associated with electrical current Opposes low resistance and is an excellent electrical conductor. Suitable highly conductive metals are copper, aluminum, silver and the like and alloys of these metals. The preferred highly conductive metal is copper or one of its highly conductive alloys, why is it to be said that if in the following of copper the Speech is, this also means that if it is possible or practical is, instead of copper or one of its highly conductive alloys, any other suitable highly conductive one Metal can be used.

The term "conductive metal" as used herein comprises a metal that offers modest resistance to the flow of electrical current, but still offers one represents a reasonably good conductor for the electric current. The conductive metal also has good strength and good constructive and processing properties. Suitable conductive metals include iron, steel, nickel and the like and alloys thereof such as stainless steel and other chrome steels, nickel steels, and the like. The preferred conductive metal is a relatively inexpensive one Steel with a low carbon content, hereinafter referred to as steel for the sake of simplicity, where the term "steel" used hereinafter also includes the fact that any other suitable metal instead of steel, can be used if this is possible or practical.

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The highly conductive metal and the conductive metal should have adequate resistance to corrosion during the Have the operation of the electrolytic cell or be protected against it in a suitable manner.

As can be seen from Fig. 1, the electrolytic cell comprises -11 a corrosion-resistant plastic cover 12, a cathode container 13 and a cell base 14. The Lid 12 is arranged on the cathode container 13 and with (not shown) fastening devices on the Cathode container 13 attached. A seal is arranged between the cover 12 and the cathode container 13. Of the Cathode container 13 is arranged on cell base 14 and attached to it with the aid of fasteners (not shown). Between the cathode container 13 and the cell base 14, an elastomeric sealing layer is provided. The electrolytic cell 11 is supported by supports 15 which serve as a base for the cell.

The cathode bus bar assembly 16 is in any suitable manner, for example by welding, to the steel side wall 17 of the steel cathode container 13 attached. The cathode busbar assembly 16 comprises a feeder busbar 18 made of copper and a plurality of busbar strips 19, 21, 22 made of copper, the have different relative dimensions and are arranged so that the supply busbar 18 and the Busbar strips 19, 21 and 22 are suitable for an electrical current of substantially uniform current density through the cathode busbar assembly 16 to lead to electrical contact points on the side wall 17 of the cathode container 13,.

The cathode busbar assembly 16 can be equipped with cooling devices 23, the steel plates 24, 25, 26 and 30,

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Inlet openings 27 and outlet openings 28 made of steel. which in an appropriate manner, for example by welding, ■ have been produced and form the cooling device. The cooling device 23 is in any suitable manner, for example by welding, connected to the supply busbar 18 and the busbar strip 19. By the cooling device 23 becomes a coolant, preferably water, via the inlet and outlet openings 27 and 28 circulated. The cooling device 23 is provided in particular for the purpose that one of the electrolytic cells adjacent electrolytic cell is short-circuited and removed from the electrical circuit. Through the application of the cooling device 23 it becomes possible considerably less Use copper in cathode busbar assembly 16, which leads to a substantial reduction in the investment costs for the copper used as the cathode leads. Although the cooling device 23 is mainly intended to be used when one of the electrolytic cell 11 neighboring electrolysis cell is short-circuited, can 'die Cooling device 23 used during routine cell operation to either the cathode busbar assembly 16 during any intermittent electrical current overloads or to cool the cathode busbar assembly 16 to cool continuously, thereby further reducing the in the cathode busbar assembly 16 used copper is achieved with a corresponding reduction in investment costs.

The feed line busbar 18 can be made of steel Contact plates 29 and 31 may be provided, which serve as contacts. The steel contact plates 29 and 31 are in any suitable way, for example with the help of the screws 32, on the Zulextungssubbar attached. The supply busbar 18 and the steel contact plates 29 and 31 can be provided with holes 33 be used as devices for fastening intermediate

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Cell connection lines can serve, via which the electricity is supplied from an adjacent cell or which carry the electricity from another voltage source to the feeder busbar 18. The feeder busbar 18 and the bus bar strip 19 can be used as a cathode bypass bus bar if they holes 34 are provided as means for attaching cathode jumper leads can serve when an adjacent electrolytic cell is short-circuited and removed from the electrical circuit will. During this bridging, the cooling devices 23 make their greatest contribution, since they prevent that the temperatures in the cathode busbar assembly 18 rise to values that damage the cathode busbar assembly 16 or other components of the electrolytic cell 11 could result.

In FIG. 2, the cathode busbar assembly 16 is shown from a different angle and the description of this figure includes the cathode busbar assembly 16, which includes the structure and the various relative dimensions of the components or parts which also include the Has cathode busbar assembly 16, which is shown in FIG.

The cathode busbar assembly 16 includes a lead busbar 18 made of copper and a plurality of busbar strips 19, 21 and 22 made of copper. The busbar strips 19, 21 and 22. are in any suitable manner with the steel side wall 17 of the steel Cathode container 13 attached, for example via copper-steel welded joints 35, 37, 38 and 41 and are mutually suitably connected, for example by copper-copper welds 36 and 39 connected, the weld metal is preferably the same metal that is made of the busbar strips are made, i.e. copper,

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This catfish the attachment of the busbar strips with the side wall 17 reduces the required welding area to a considerable extent and results in a lower electrical contact resistance with respect to the side wall or the cathode steel. The supply busbar 18 is in any suitable manner, for example via a copper-copper weld connection 42 to the busbar strip 19 and connected to the side wall 17 in a suitable manner, for example with the aid of steel blocks 43. The supply line busbar 18 is in a suitable manner, for example, by a (not shown) combination of screws attached to the steel blocks 43, which in turn in any suitable way, for example by means of steel-steel weld connections 40, are attached to the side wall 17 of the cathode container 13. In an appropriate manner, For example, with the aid of the screws 32, steel contact plates 29 and 31 are attached to the supply line busbar 18.

The above method of attachment results in a cathode current " Rail arrangement in which the supply busbar 18 and the plurality of busbar strips 19, 21 and 23 via the Welded joints 36, 37, 38, 39 and 42 attached and are electrically connected together, while the cathode busbar assembly 16 standing in electrical contact with the aid of the welded connections 35, 37, 38, 40 and 41 the side wall 17 of the cathode container 13 is attached.

Cathode fingers 44 are in electrical contact in any suitable manner, for example by welding the cathode finger reinforcements 45 to the side wall 17 * connected to the side wall 17. A typical one Cathode finger 44 is partially shown. The cathode finger 44 comprises a cathode finger reinforcement 45 made of steel and perforated steel plates 46 attached in any suitable manner such as by welding.

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th steel plates 46 and the side wall 17 are perforated Steel plates 47 are secured in a suitable manner, for example by welding, and form the peripheral chamber 48.

The height of the plurality of busbar strips where they are attached to side wall 17 is generally substantially the same as the height of the cathode finger reinforcements 45 at the point at which they are connected to the side wall 17. This amount can be further thereby be defined as being more than about half the height of the cathode container 13 makes up. The thickness of the busbar strips 21 and 22 is preferably less than that of the supply busbar 18 and the busbar strip 19th

The cathode finger reinforcements are preferably ribbed and made from conductive sheet steel, although others are also suitable reinforcement means such as conductive metal rods, plates, reinforced sheets and the like are used can be. The cathode finger reinforcements serve two purposes, namely, support and reinforce the perforated steel plates and, secondly, conduct electricity with minimal electrical resistance through the cathode finger reinforcements to all sections of the perforated Steel plates.

The foraminous devices of conductive metal used to form the cathode fingers and the peripheral Chamber used are preferably made of perforated steel sheets, but can also be made of Be constructed of steel grids. Other suitable punched Conductive metal devices used to form the cathode fingers and peripheral chamber are conductive metal grids, nets, sieves, wire

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tissue and the like.

The cathode container 13 is on the cathode base 14
arranged and attached to it with fastening devices (not shown). The cell base or the
Cell pad 14 comprises an elastomeric sealing layer 14 and a conductive anode base 51 and, if necessary, a pad 52
and the cell base 14 is a sealing layer 49.

According to a typical circuit of electrolysis cells, the electrical current is conducted via inter-cell connecting lines (not shown) to the supply line busbar 18 of the cathode busbar arrangement 16. The electrical current is then conducted through the cathode busbar assembly 16 while maintaining a substantially uniform current density without a noticeable voltage drop along the cathode busbar assembly 16
occurs, and whereby the most economical energy consumption in the cathode busbar assembly 16 is achieved. Due to the shape, the arrangement and the different relative dimensions of the lead busbar 18 and the busbar strips 19, 21 and 22, the electrical current is conducted through the cathode busbar arrangement 16 with a substantially uniform current density. The electrical current is conducted in this way via the cathode busbar arrangement 16 to the electrical contact points on the side wall -17 of the cathode container 13, from where it is distributed to the cathode fingers 44, which leads to the
The result is that the electrical current under these conditions easily with a minimal electrical
Resistance is passed through the cathode finger reinforcements 45 to all sections of the perforated steel plates 46. ·.

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The cathode busbar assembly of the invention makes an extremely economical use of the capital invested, that is, the amount of copper or other suitable highly conductive metals used in the construction of the cathode busbar assembly can be used. The structure and the different relative dimensions of the feeder busbar (s) and the plurality of busbar strips decrease significantly compared to the prior art Extent is the amount that copper or other suitable highly conductive material is in the cathode busbar assembly is needed. The supply busbar (s) and the plurality of busbar strips are due to their arrangement and their different relative dimensions also suitable for supplying an electric current lead and .in the. Cathode busbar assembly to maintain a substantially uniform current density.

The arrangement or the shape and the dimensions of the supply line busbar (s) and the plurality of busbar strips may depend on the desired current capacity of the electrolytic cell and a number of others Factors such as the current density, the conductivity of the metals used > the size of the welding surfaces, the manufacturing costs and the like vary.

The inventive cathode busbar arrangement results in an improved electrical conductivity of the immediate Area of the cathode fingers, creating minimal or no voltage drop along the cathode busbar assembly takes place, which compared to the prior art, a significant reduction in the consumption of copper or another highly conductive metal.

Due to the new cathode busbar arrangement, the Electrolytic cell according to the invention are designed so that they can be used as a chloralkali diaphragm cell at high currents

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from about 150,000 A and up to about 200,000 A while maintaining can be operated with a high operating efficiency. These high currents enable high currents Production capacities that are reflected in high production rates for a given cell area and the Lower investment and operating costs. In addition to the fact that the electrolytic cell according to the invention can be operated at high currents, it should be noted that the electrolytic cell according to the invention using the new cathode current tube arrangement even at lower currents, for example about 55,000 A, can be used.

As shown in Fig. 3, the cathode fingers 44 are from the steel side walls 17, 54 ,. 55 and 56 des Cathode container 13 made of steel surrounded.

The plurality of cathode fingers 44 can include any number from about 10 to about 50 or more, preferably from about 15 to about 40, and more preferably from about 20 to about 30 cathode fingers. The anode plates (not shown) are arranged between the cathode fingers 44. Perforated steel plates 46 are attached to the cathode finger reinforcements 45 in any suitable manner, for example by welding. The steel plates 53 are also connected to the cathode finger reinforcements 45 in a suitable manner, for example by welding. The cathode fingers 44 are connected to the side wall 17 in any suitable manner, for example by welding the steel plates 53 and the cathode finger reinforcements 45 to the side wall 17. The perforated steel plates 47 are fixed to _r, for example by welding, to the side walls 17, 54, 55 and 56 and the perforated steel plates' 46th The perforated steel plates 47 surround the inner side walls of the cathode container 13 and form the peripheral chamber 48, which acts as a collection chamber for the during

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hydrogen gas formed during electrolysis at the cathode serves. The hydrogen gas deposited on the cathode during the electrolysis is transported along the cathode fingers 44 led to the peripheral chamber 48, from which it over the Gas vent 57 is removed.

As shown in Fig. 4, the perforated steel plates are 46 in any suitable manner, for example by welding, to the cathode support reinforcements 45 fastened from steel. In any suitable manner, for example by welding, steel plates 53 are connected to the cathode finger reinforcements 45. Steel supports 58 are in any suitable manner, for example by welding, to the cathode finger reinforcements 45 and the Side wall 56 of the cathode container 13 made of steel. In any suitable way, for example by welding, Perforated steel plates 47 are connected to the perforated steel plates 46 and the side walls 17 and 56 and form peripheral chamber 48. Because of the larger scale of this figure, peripheral chamber is 48 to be seen more clearly. The cathode finger reinforcements 45 can be provided with projections 59 and the perforated Steel plates 46 can be attached to projections 59 in any suitable manner, for example by welding be attached, creating an additional space for the hydrogen formed during the electrolysis at the cathode gas is formed which is supplied to the peripheral chamber 48.

In a suitable manner, for example by welding, are on the copper rods 62 steel tips 61 and steel plates 53 attached. The steel tips 61 and the steel plates 53 are in any suitable manner, for example through Weld on, attached to the cathode finger reinforcements 45, thereby placing the copper rods 62 on the cathode finger reinforcements 45 set.

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The cathode finger reinforcements 45 are preferably made made of corrugated sheet steel, but can also be reinforced with other suitable reinforcement devices such as rods, plates, reinforced sheets and the like. The cathode finger reinforcements 45 serve two purposes, namely on the one hand to carry and reinforce the perforating ' th steel plates 46 and on the other hand the conduction of electric current "with a minimum electrical resistance in the cathode finger reinforcements 45 to all sections of the perforated steel plates 46.

From Figs. 2 and 4 it can be seen that the cathode container 13 is arranged on the cell base 14 and on this is attached by means of fastening devices (not shown). The cell base 14 comprises a conductive aode base 51 and, if necessary, suitable documents 52. Between the cathode container 13 and the cell base 14 an elastomeric sealing layer 49 is arranged.

The anode plates 72 are preferably made of metal and are in any suitable way> for example with screws and / or bolts, secured noses, pins, by welding or the like in electrical contact connected to the anode base 51. The cathode fingers 44 are arranged at such a distance from each other that the anode plates-72 in the middle between adjacent ones Cathode catchers 44 are present and the desired There is alignment clearance between the anode plates 72 and the cathode fingers 44.

The electrolytic cell 11 shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 is particularly suitable for the electrolysis of alkali metal chloride solutions in general, which not only contain sodium chloride solutions, but also potassium chloride, Lithium chloride, rubidium chloride, and cesium chloride solutions include. If the electrolysis cell 11 is

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is used to electrolyze such solutions, the electrolytic cell 11 is provided with a diaphragm 71, the serves to separate the anolyte space and the catalytic space from each other to separate so that the chlorine is deposited on the anode and alkali or hydrogen on the cathode. That Diaphragm 71 consists of a fluid-permeable and halogen resistant material comprising the steel plates 46 forming the cathode fingers 44 and the perforated steel plates 47, which form the peripheral chamber 48, covered. The diaphragm 71 is preferably made of asbestos fibers, those on the outer surfaces of the perforated steel plates 46 and 47 are deposited. The electrolytic cell is designed to use many types of diaphragms, such as asbestos fabrics, asbestos paper, asbestos sheets and other suitable materials known to those skilled in the art are.

The perforated steel plates 46 that hold the cathode fingers 44, and the perforated steel plates 47 forming the peripheral chamber 48 are made of perforated or perforated devices made of a conductive metal. Other suitable perforated devices made of conductive Metals that can be used to form the cathode fingers and peripheral chamber include conductive ones Metal grids, metal nets, metal screens, wire mesh or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, some of the im Details already described in connection with the preceding figures are further clarified. The cathode busbar assembly 1.6 is connected to the outside 17 of the side wall of the cathode container 13, while the adjoining ends of the cathode fingers 44 with the inside of the side wall 17 of the cathode container 13 are connected in the manner already explained above.

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The other ends of the cathode fingers 44 are preferably arranged as follows. The rear ends 63 of the steel .Cathode reinforcements 45 are: the steel .Side wall of the cathode container 13 arranged opposite one another with the aid of steel supports 64, 65, 66 and 67. The supports 64 and 65 are attached to the cathode finger reinforcements 45 in any suitable manner, for example by welding attached and resting on the Stütz.en -> -; 66 and 67, which in turn in any suitable manner, for example by Welding to the .Side wall.55. are connected.

· "" ■■ 7->ί; ^ hr ... : -. oils I. BV-- ... The supports 64 and 65 can be connected to or attached to the supports.:. 66 and 67, respectively, although it is preferred that the supports 64 and 65 are not attached in this way so that a linear and horizontal thermal expansion and / or contraction of the cathode fingers 44 becomes possible. ·. _: .; - _: ;. :: ·. ". nietv" thö.-

The perforated steel plates 47 are 55 and 56 and the adjacent perforated steel plates secured in any suitable manner, for example by welding, to the 'Seitenwändeh 17, 54, 46 .. and form _e in this manner the peripheral chamber., 48. , ... ^ vu * -: ·:. ·;. <■■ /.'·■

The copper rods 62 preferably have different lengths and are preferably arranged on the cathode finger reinforcement 45 in the manner shown in FIG. In a suitable manner, for example by welding, steel tips 61 are attached to the ends 68 of the copper rods 62, while the steel plate 53 is connected in a suitable manner, for example by welding, to the ends 73 of the copper rods 62 arranged in a line is \ and in this manner, the copper cathode assembly 69 ', bildet.'Die copper cathode assembly 69 is in irgendieiner suitable manner, for example by welding the steel tips 61 and the steel plate 53 at the stäh-

982 9 / 0.5.48,.

2456U8

learn cathode finger reinforcement 45 connected to cathode reinforcement 45. The copper rods 62 can be arranged on the cathode finger reinforcement 45 in this way. The copper rods 62 are of sufficient length and preferably have different lengths to maintain a substantially uniform current density in the cathode finger 44 in this manner. The copper rods 62 need not necessarily be round or have a uniform cross-section but can also have a square, rectangular, hexagonal, have -achteckigen cross section or the like, and · ^J & can about their length of time have different cross sections. It is important, however, that the copper rods 62 should have a diameter or a cross-section such that "sia" - # in an electric current to carry in. The length are iiand a substantially uniform current density is maintained in the cathode fingers 44 without a noticeable voltage drop occurs along the cathode fingers 44, with the result that the most economical energy consumption is achieved in the cathode fingers 44. · ■■ '- "-

The use of the appropriate ultra-conductive metal, such as copper, in the cathode fingers 44, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 is a new application of a suitable highly conductive metal in the cathode fingers. The use of copper in the cathode fingers is in the Commonly assigned U.S. Patents 3,464-912 and 3,493,487. This use of copper in the cathode fingers however, takes the use of the invention Copper in the cathode fingers of the present electrolysis cell neither in advance nor does it suggest it.

The preferred arrangement of the copper rods 62 on the Cathode finger reinforcements 45 and in the cathode fingers 44 is also new. So are steel tips 61 on the ends 68 of the copper rods 62 and a steel plate 53 to the in

509829/0548

ends 73 of the copper rods 62 present in a line. welds and in this way forms the copper cathode assembly 69. Before the copper cathode assembly 69 is attached to the cathode finger reinforcement 45, any warpage or distortion caused by welding the steel tips 61 and steel plate 53 to the copper rods 62 could have been corrected or compensated. The copper cathode assembly 69 is through Welding the steel tips 61 and the steel plate 53 to the steel cathode finger reinforcement 45 is connected to this. The copper rods 62 are in this way on the Cathode finger reinforcement 45 and in the cathode fingers 44 arranged. In this way, all copper-steel welded connections are made made before the copper cathode assembly 69 is welded to the cathode finger reinforcement 45 what distortion of the metal is essentially eliminated by welding.

The cathode fingers of the invention enable the Electrolysis cell according to the invention as a chloralkali diaphragm cell to operate at high currents of about 150,000 A and up to about 200,000 A and at the same time maintain high operational efficiency. These high currents allow high production capacities, ' which in turn lead to a high production rate for a given cell footprint and reduce investment and operating costs. The inventive Instead of using high currents, the electrolytic cell can also work effectively at lower currents, for example about 5 5,000 A using the new cathode fingers operate.

In Fig. 6, the opposite side is that in the Fig. 5 shown cathode finger reinforcement 45 reproduced and it is also the visible arrangement of the existing Copper rods 62 can be seen. The copper cathode assembly 69, the copper rods 62, the steel plate 53

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and steel tips 61 is shown as being disposed on cathode finger reinforcement 45. The cathode finger reinforcement 45 can have projections 59 and the perforated steel plates 46 can be provided in any suitable manner, for example by welding, connected to the projections 59, thereby forming an additional space for the hydrogen gas, which is deposited on the cathode during electrolysis and fed to the peripheral chamber 48. The projections 59 are provided at a distance from one another on the cathode finger reinforcement 45 and only one is shown in FIG representative excerpt from these projections.

7 and 8 show a further embodiment of the cathode finger reinforcement according to the invention and give also an arrangement of the copper bars on it. According to this embodiment includes Cathode finger reinforcement 111 a steel plate 112, which with steel tenons or pins 113 is provided, which from protrude from this plate. The copper cathode assembly 69, the copper rods 62, the steel plate 53 and the Steel tips 61 includes is disposed on the steel plate 112 of the cathode finger reinforcement 111 that a part the steel plate 112 is removed to complete the assembly of the steel plate 53 to facilitate. The copper cathode assembly 69 is in any suitable manner, for example through Welding the steel plate 53 and the steel tips 61 to the steel plate 112, with the cathode finger reinforcement 111 tied together. The perforated steel plates 46 can be attached in any suitable manner, for example by welding the steel pins 113, thereby forming a space for the hydrogen gas released during electrolysis is formed on the cathode and is directed into the peripheral chamber 48.

5 09829/0548

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9 and 10, the anode base 74 is shown, the a copper plate 75 and a copper plate 76 and also steel plates 77, 78, 79, 81 and 98 or any others may have suitable support devices. The copper plates 75 and 76 and the steel plates 77, 78, 79, 81 and 98 are in any suitable manner, for Example by screwing or welding, connected to each other and form a unitary structure that with suitable support is provided. The anode base 74 can be made with the aid of an elastomeric sealing layer be protected against corrosion. The copper plates 75 and 76 can be provided with anode plate fasteners 82 which can be used to secure the anode plates 72 to the copper plates 75 and 76.

The anode plates 72 can be of any suitable, electrically conductive material must be made to resist the corrosive attack of the various contained in the cell Is able to withstand reagents and products with which it may come into contact. The anode plates 72 are preferably metallic anode plates. Typically, the anode plates 72 can be made from a so-called valve metal, such as titanium, tantalum or niobium, or alloys of these metals, in which the valve metal is at least about 90% of the alloy. The surface of the Valve metal can by means of a coating of one or more precious metals, precious metal oxides or mixtures such oxides, either as such or in combination used with oxides of the non-ferrous metal must be activated. Precious metals used for this purpose include rods, Rhodium, palladium, irridium and platinum. Particularly preferred Metal anodes are those made of titanium that have a layer of a titanium oxide / Have ruthen oxide mixture and that in the ÜS-PS 3 632 are described. In addition, the valve metal substrate

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2456H8

in the form of a layer on an electrically better conductive metal core made of, for example, aluminum, steel, copper or like, be applied.

The anode plates 72 can be used in any suitable manner With the help of screws and / or bolts, secured lugs, pins, by welding or the like ^ to the copper plates 75 and 76. A typical procedure for attaching the anode plates 72 to copper plates 75 and 76 is described in US Pat. No. 3,591,483.

An anode bus bar 97 can be created by using steel contact plates 89 and 91 of the fastening devices 85 on the. Copper plate 75 attaches and.the steel and copper plates are provided with holes 83, which are used for the attachment of inter-cell connection lines, which feed the electricity from an adjacent cell, or to fix cables, which conduct the electricity from another voltage source to the anode busbar 97, can serve.

Fig. 10 illustrates the fact that the cross sections of the copper plates 75 and 76 have the shape of a substantially have step-like or stair-like tapering, truncated right-angled triangles. The copper plates 75 and 76 have different relative dimensions and are arranged in such a way that they provide an electrical current with substantially more uniformity Current density through the anode base 74 to electrical contact points that adjoin the anode plates 74, without a noticeable voltage drop occurring along the anode base 74 and with the most economical energy consumption in the anode socket 74 is achieved. The substantially uniform current density is ensured by the arrangement the copper plates 75 and 76 with different

509829/0548

2-45-6 Η8

Achieved cross-sections that have the cross-sectional shape of a substantially step-like, truncated right-angled Triangle form, with the electrical current being drawn from the copper plates in a substantially uniform manner Will as the cross-section of the copper plates decrease.

According to a typical circuit of the electrolytic cell the electrical current through intercell interconnection lines (not shown) to the anode bus bar 97 of the anode socket 74. The electric current will then continued, a substantially uniform current density being maintained in the anode base 74, without a noticeable voltage drop occurring in the anode base 74, with the most economical energy consumption in the anode socket 74 is achieved. The electric current is due to the arrangement and the different relative Dimensions of the copper plates 75 and 76 with an essentially uniform current density over the anode base 74 led. The electrical current is conducted in this way through the anode base 74 to electrical contact points, from where it is applied to the anode plates 72 is distributed, whereby the electric current due to these conditions easily to all sections of the Anode plates 72 is passed.

The anode base according to the invention enables the most economical Application of the invested capital, that is, the amount of copper or some other suitable highly conductive metal used in the anode socket. Due to the structure and the different relative Dimensions of the copper plates will be the amount of copper or another suitable, highly conductive metal that by doing. Is necessary compared to the State of the art, significantly reduced. the Copper plates are because of their arrangement, their shape

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2A56U8

and their different relative dimensions are also suitable for carrying an electric current and in the anode base a substantially uniform current density maintain.

The arrangement, the shape and the dimensions of the copper plates can depend on the desired current intensity of the electrolytic cell and depending on a number of other factors, such as the current density, the conductivity the metal used, the size of the weld surface, the manufacturing costs and the like vary.

The anode base according to the invention enables a better one electrical connection to the anode plates, resulting in minimal or no noticeable in the anode socket Voltage drop occurs, at the same time a substantial reduction compared to the prior art the cost of copper or another suitable highly conductive metal is achieved.

The anode base according to the invention enables the electrolytic cell according to the invention so that it can be used as a chloralkali diaphragm cell at high currents from about 150,000 A to about 200,000 A can be operated at high operating efficiencies. These high Current intensities enable high production capacities, which enable high production rates for a given base area of the cell and the investment and operating costs Reduce. The electrolytic cell according to the invention can when using the anode base according to the invention instead of high currents, they can also be operated at lower currents, for example around 55,000 A.

The anode base 74 can be provided with cooling devices 92 be. The coolant, preferably water, is circulated through the inlet opening 93 and the coolant line 95

5 09829/0548

passed through the cooling device 92. After entering through inlet port 93, the coolant is along the Steel plate 87 is guided into and through the cooling device 96 and then again along the steel plate 87. The coolant is then passed along the steel plate 88 and then along and around the steel plate 89. Then the coolant along the opposite side of the steel plate 89 and then along the opposite side of the steel plate 88 led. Then the coolant is passed along, the opposite side of the steel plate 87 and over the outlet port 94 diverted. The coolant line may be any suitable coolant line, such as copper tubing, that connects the cooler 96 to the coolant connecting ducts arranged along the sides and ends of the steel plates 87, 88 and 89. The cooling device shown and described in this figure is only a typical cooling device and the cooling device 92 is therefore not limited to the embodiment described in this figure and the embodiment described herein.

The use of the cooling system 92 makes it possible to use considerably less copper in the anode base 74, which leads to a substantial reduction in the investment costs for the anode copper. Although the cooling system 92 is mainly to be used when an adjacent electrolytic cell is short-circuited, the cooling system 92 during routine cell operation can either be used to remove the anode copper during any to cool periodically occurring electrical current overloads or to cool the anode copper continuously, whereby a further reduction in the copper used in the anode socket 74 becomes possible, which of a corresponding Reducing the cost of capital for the anode copper is accompanied.

5098297054a-

An anode bypass bus bar 99 can be provided by using steel contact plates 87 and 88 attached to the copper plate 75 by means of the devices 86 and the steel and copper plates with holes 84 that are used to attach the anode bridging lines when there is an adjacent electrolytic cell is bridged and removed from the electrical circuit. During this temporary measure, the cooling system can 92 develop their best effect by preventing the temperatures in the anode base 74 from rising to values in which damage to the anode base 74 or other components of the electrolytic cell 11 occurs can.

In FIG. 11, the anode base 74 is shown in another embodiment, in which the anode base 74 is provided with a base 52 which gives the anode base 74 additional support. This embodiment is advantageous and is preferably used when the anode base 74 is made of a highly conductive metal, such as copper, which has excellent electrical properties but poor structural properties. The backing 52 can be made of any suitable construction material such as aluminum, iron, steel, and the like, and alloys thereof, such as stainless steel and other chromium steels, nickel steels, and the like that have sufficient strength to provide the necessary support. These support materials can take the form of I-beams, T-beams, L-beams, U-beams, and the like. The base 52 need not be made of a metal and can also be made of any other suitable building material, such as concrete _f reinforced concrete or the like.

In Figs. 12, 13 and 14 there is a further embodiment of the anode base shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11. 74

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shown. The description of FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 applies also to FIGS. 12, 13 and 14. .The difference between FIGS. 12, 13 and 1'4 compared to FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 consists in the additional presence of copper plates 101 and 102 and steel plates 103 and 104. It is still a fourth row of anode plates 72 is provided and the Cooler 92 and bypass busbar 99 are modified. -

The-Fig. 13 and 14 show that the cross sections of the copper plates 75, 76, 101 and 102 in cross section are substantially Form step-like., truncated, right-angled triangle. The copper plates 75, 76, 101 and 102 have different relative dimensions and are such arranged that the copper plates 75, 76, 101 and 102 are suitable for an electric current with a substantially uniform current density through the anode base 74 to electrical contact points attached to the anode plates 74 adjoin to lead without a noticeable voltage drop occurring along the anode base 74, whereby the most economical energy consumption in the anode base 74 is achieved.

The essentially uniform current density is achieved by the shape and arrangement of the copper plates 75, 76, 101 and 102 formed with different cross-sections, which in cross-section have the shape of a substantially step-like, truncated, right-angled triangle, with the electric current in a substantially uniform manner is deducted from the copper plates as the cross-section the copper plates are decreasing. Corresponding to a typical Circuit of electrolytic cells is the electric current It is routed to the anode busbar 97 of the anode base 74 via inter-cell connecting lines (not shown). The electric current is then passed through the with a substantially uniform current density. Anode base 74 out, without

509829/0548

that a noticeable voltage drop along the anode base 74 occurs, which enables the most economical energy consumption in the anode base 74. The electric current is because of the arrangement, the shape and the different relative dimensions of the copper plates - 75, 76, 101 and 102 passed through the anode base 74 with a substantially uniform current density. The electric current will in this way passed from the anode base 74 to electrical contact points, from where it is attached to the anode plates 72 is distributed, whereby under these conditions it is easily led to all sections of the anode plates will.

The anode base according to the invention enables the most economical Application of the invested capital, that is, the amount of copper or other suitable, highly conductive Metal used in the construction of the anode socket. The arrangement, the shape and the different relative dimensions of the copper plates, compared to the prior art, reduce the amount of copper or another highly conductive metal that is necessary in the anode socket. The copper plates are due to their arrangement and their different relative dimensions too capable of carrying an electrical current and a substantially uniform current density in the anode socket maintain.

The arrangement, the shape and the dimensions of the copper plates can depend on the desired current intensity of the electrolytic cell and depending on a number of factors, such as the current density, the conductivity the metal used, the size of the welding surfaces, the Manufacturing costs and the like vary.

809829/0548

The "anode socket according to the invention provides an improved Current conduction to the anode plates, as a result of which there is only a minimal or no noticeable voltage drop along the anode base occurs while at the same time, compared to the prior art, a substantial reduction in the necessary Amount of copper or another suitable, highly conductive metal is achieved.

The anode socket 74 shown in FIGS. 9 to 14 can be a. Embodiment of the conductive shown in Figs Be anode base 51.

The anode base according to the invention enables the electrolysis cell according to the invention to be used as a chloralkali diaphragm cell at high currents of around 150,000 A and up to around 200,000 A while maintaining high operating efficiencies can be operated. These high currents enable high production capacities that in turn, too high production rates with the given cell base areas and reduce investment and operating costs. The electrolytic cell according to the invention can also be used effectively at lower currents instead of high currents using the new anode socket Current strengths, for example, will amount to about 55,000 A "

The following example is intended to explain the invention further. example

The following values are typical for the behavior of the electrolysis cell according to the invention, which occurs at a current strength is operated by 150,000 A. This behavior will compared with the behavior of a smaller electrolytic cell of the prior art, which is also with Meta, II- < anode plates is equipped and at a current strength of

■ 509829/0548

2456U8

84 000 A is operated. Both electrolysis cells are chlor-alkali diaphragm cells.

84,000 ampere cell according to the state of the art

150,000 ampere cell according to the invention

Current efficiency

Average cell voltage (including bus bars) (V)

Output (kilowatt-hours of direct current per ton of Cl ₂ ) Temperature of the cell fluid ( ⁰ C)

Anolyte temperature ( ⁰ C)

Percentage of NaOH in the cell fluid

Chlorine production (ton / day)

NaOH production (ton / day)

Salt supply (g / l)

Current density (A / cm ^a (A / inch ² ))

96.4
3.84

2735

100.5
94.5

11.5 *

96.4 3.83

2725

100.7, 94.7

11, 5 *

2 , 83 (1 , 5) 5 , 06 3 , 20 5 , 71 325 325 0 , 23 0 , 23

* The cells can be stored in the Cell fluid are operated. This leads to greater current efficiencies.

The above values show that the electrolytic cell according to the invention with essentially the same current efficiency, voltage and operating conditions like the smaller prior art electrolytic cell operates at the same anode current density. The inventive For a given cell, the electrolytic cell yields ^

509 829/0548

floor area a higher auction rate, requires a lower operating costs and a lower capital expenditure per tonne of chlorine formed,

This example shows that an electrolytic cell can be designed so that s, ie at a high current level can be operated and a high production capacity and while maintaining high operating efficiencies enables high production rates.

The electrolysis cell according to the invention can be used for many Applications are used. For example Alkali metal chlorates can be produced with the electrolysis cell according to the invention by the formed Lye and the chlorine outside the cell continues to convert. In this case, solutions containing both alkali metal chlorate and also contain alkali metal chloride, returned to the electrolysis cell for the purpose of further electrolysis will. The electrolytic cell can continue for. the electrolysis of hydrochloric acid can be used, by using hydrochloric acid as such or in combination * - nation with an alkali metal chloride "hydrolyzed. In this way, the electrolytic cell according to the invention is for. these and many other aqueous processes are extremely beneficial.

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Claims (38)

Electrolysis cell, comprising a cathode busbar arrangement, cathode fingers and an anode base with anodes, characterized 1. That the cathode busbar assembly (16) at least a supply line busbar (18) and a plurality of busbar strips (19, 21, 22) with different includes relative dimensions made of a highly conductive metal and so arranged are that the supply line busbar (18) and the plurality of busbar strips (19, 21, 22) one electrical current with a substantially uniform current density in the cathode busbar arrangement, without noticeable voltage drop along the cathode busbar arrangement and with the most favorable energy consumption in the cathode busbar assembly through this to those adjacent to the cathode fingers (44) lead electrical contact points, and the cathode busbar assembly (16) in electrical contact stands with at least one side wall (17) of the side walls (17., 54, 55, 56) and a plurality of cathode fingers (44) containing cathode container (13); ■ 2. that the cathode fingers (44) cathode finger reinforcements (45, 111) made of a conductive metal, in the cathode finger assembly contained, to the cathode finger reinforcements (45, 111) attached rods (62) made of a highly conductive metal and attached to the cathode finger reinforcements (45, 111), the outside of the Forming cathode fingers and the gas space therein includes perforated means (46) of conductive metal; -Where the rods (62) from the highly conductive 509829/0548 2A56U8 Metal so arranged in the cathode finger assembly are that they generate an electrical current with a substantially uniform current density in the cathode fingers, without noticeable voltage drop along the cathode fingers and with the most favorable energy consumption in the Cathode fingers are able to guide, and the cathode container (13) a plurality of cathode fingers (44) which extend over substantially the entire interior of the cathode container (13) and which attached in electrical contact to the inside of at least one side wall (17) of the cathode container (13) are, while the cathode busbar assembly (16) on the outside of the attached cathode fingers (44) adjacent side wall (17) of the cathode container (.13) is attached in electrical contact; and ■ 3. that the anode base (51, 74) has a device (75, 76, 101, 102) made of a highly conductive metal with a substantially flat and even surface and a toward the anode or intercell connection busbar decreasing cross-section, which has a substantially step-like, cut-off, includes right triangle shaped and having relative dimensions such that they have a electric current with substantially more uniform Current density in the anode base, with no noticeable voltage drop along the anode base and with the the most favorable energy consumption in the anode base through this to those adjacent to the anode plates (72) electrical contact points leads. 2. electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized ge "k-e η η ze i c h η e t that the cathode busbar arrangement (16) having a device (33) for attaching a cathode bridging connection device for 509829/054 8 2456H8 Bridging an adjacent electrolytic cell and
their removal from the electrical circuit is provided. 3. Electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that g e identifier Inet that the cathode busbar arrangement (16) is provided with a cooling device (23) is. 4. Electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that the feed line busbar is shown (18) and the multitude of busbar strips (19) consist of copper. 5. Electrolytic cell according to claim 1, dadu'rch g e mark eichnet that the cathode container (13) contains about 10 to about 50 cathode fingers (44). 6. Electrolytic cell according to claim!, Characterized g e mark eichnet that the cathode container (13) is made of steel. 7. Electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that the height of the plurality of busbar strips (19) of the cathode busbar arrangement (16) at the point of their attachment to the
Side wall (17) of the cathode container (13) is essentially the same as the height of the cathode finger reinforcements (45, 111) of the cathode fingers (44) at the point of their attachment to the side wall (17) of the
Cathode container (13), 8. electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized g e mark calibrates that the cathode finger reinforcements (45, 111) made of conductive metal made of a 509829/0 5 48 2456H8 corrugated or corrugated conductive metal. 9. electrolytic cell according to claim 8, characterized ζ e leans that on the protruding edges the outer surfaces of the cathode finger reinforcements (45, 111) made of corrugated or corrugated conductive metal, perforated devices (46) made of conductive metal attached to the outside of the cathode fingers (44) and a space for it during electrolysis the cathode formed and to a collection chamber (48) to be led to form gas. 10. Electrolysis cell according to claim 9, characterized in that that the cathode finger reinforcement (45) 'of corrugated or corrugated conductive metal on the outer surfaces of the protruding Edges are provided with projections (59) on which means (46) made of conductive metal are attached, which provide an additional space for the gas formed during the electrolysis at the Kahode, which is fed to a collection chamber (48) form. 11. Electrolysis cell according to claim 10, characterized in that that the perforated means (46) made of conductive metal from a perforated metal plate consists. 12. Electrolytic cell according to claim 10, characterized in that g e - k e η η ze i ch η e t that the perforated device (46) made of conductive metal has the shape of a grid. 13. Electrolytic cell according to claim 1, dadurchgek e η η ze i c h η e t that the cathode finger connection - ■ Strengthening- (111) comprises a conductive metal plate which ver ^ with attached pins or pins (113) can be seen to which the perforated device (46) from 509829/054 8 2A56H8 = conductive metal is attached and the outside of the cathode finger (44) and a space for the during the electrolysis formed at the cathode and to a collection chamber (48) to be led forms gas. 14. Electrolytic cell according to claim 13, characterized in that the perforated device is eichnet (46) made of conductive metal consists of a perforated metal plate. 15. Electrolysis cell according to claim 13, characterized in that the perforated device (46) consists of conductive metal in a grid. 16. Electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that the rods (62) from highly conductive metal arranged on the cathode finger reinforcement (45, 111) of the cathode finger arrangement and on the cathode finger reinforcement (45, 111) are attached. 17. Electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that the rods (62) from highly conductive metal have different lengths and on the cathode finger reinforcement (45, 111) of the Cathode finger arrangement are arranged and the highly conductive metal on the cathode finger reinforcement (45, 111) is attached. 18. Electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that the rods (62) from highly conductive metal have different cross-sections and are placed on the cathode finger reinforcement (45, 111) of the cathode finger assembly are arranged and the highly conductive metal on the cathode finger reinforcement (45, 111) is attached « 509829/0548 2456 H8 19. Electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized g e k e η η ζ e i c h ne t that the rods (62) made of highly conductive Metal have different lengths and different cross-sections and on the cathode finger reinforcement (45, 111) of the cathode finger assembly and the highly conductive metal on the Cathode finger reinforcement (45, 111) is attached. 20. Electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized gekennz eich η et that the cathode finger reinforcement (45, 111) and the perforated device (4 6) consist of conductive metal made of steel. 21. Electrolysis line according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that; the facilities (62) made of highly conductive metal, the cathode fingers (44) are made of copper. 22. Electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that for aligning the Cathode fingers (44) on the side wall that of the side wall (17) ', to which the cathode fingers (44) are attached, is opposite, means (64, 65, 66, 67) are provided are. 23. Electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that the highly conductive metal devices (75, 76, 101, 102) are provided with devices (82) for fastening the anode plates (72) 24. = - Electrolysis cell according to claim 1, characterized in that the anode base (51, 74) has suitable support devices (77, 78/79 _f 81, 98) for the devices (75, 76, 101, 102) made of highly conductive metal. - - 509829/0548 25. Electrolytic cell according to claim 24, characterized marked that the support facilities (77, 78, 79, 81, 98) for the devices (75, 76, 101, 102) made of highly conductive metal from metal fittings exist, which together with the devices (75, 76, 101/102) made of highly conductive metal form a uniform Form structure. 26. Electrolytic cell according to claim 25, characterized in that the metal fittings Include steel plates. 27. Electrolytic cell according to claim 1, thereby characterized in that the anode base (51, 74) with sufficient facilities (52) to support other components of the electrolytic cell (11) is provided. 28. Electrolysis cell according to claim 27, characterized in that the devices (52) to support the other components of the electrolytic cell (11) comprise metallic support devices. 29. Electrolytic cell according to claim 27, characterized in that the devices (52) to support other components of the electrolytic cell (11) include non-metallic support means. 30. Electrolysis cell according to claim 1, characterized in that the anode base (51, 74) with a bridging busbar (99) for attaching anode connection devices for bridging an adjacent electrolytic cell and removal from the circuit is provided. 509829/0548 • - 47 - ".. :. 2456H8 31. Electrolysis cell according to claim 1, characterized in that that the anode base (51, 74) is provided with a cooling device (92). 32. Electrolysis cell according to claim 1, characterized by a d ur c h, that the devices (75, 76, 101, 102) made of highly conductive metal of the anode base (51, 74) consist of copper. 33. Electrolysis cell according to claim!, Characterized in that g e characterize t that the cathode finger reinforcements (45, 111) made of conductive metal and the perforated devices (46.) made of conductive metal are made of steel. 34. Electrolysis cell according to claim!, Characterized show that it is designed for an operating current of about 150,000 A to about 200,000 A. is. 35. electrolytic cell for the electrolysis of aqueous solutions, comprising an anode base (51, 74), a cathode busbar arrangement (16), a cathode container (13), a cell cover (12), anode plates (72) and cathode fingers (74), characterized in that 1. That the cathode busbar assembly. (16). at least one supply busbar (18) and a plurality of busbar strips (19, 21, 22) with different relative dimensions, which are made of a highly conductive metal and are arranged so that the supply busbar (18) and the plurality of busbar strips (19 _f 21 _f 22) an electrical current with a substantially uniform current density in the cathode busbar arrangement, with no noticeable voltage drop along the. Cathode busbar arrangement and with the cheapest energy 509829/0548 2A56U8 _: consumption in the cathode busbar arrangement these lead to the electrical contact points adjoining the cathode fingers (44), and the cathode busbar arrangement (16) is in electrical contact with at least one side wall (17) of the made of a conductive metal, side walls (17, 54, 55, 56) and a plurality of cathode fingers (44) containing cathode container (13); that the cathode fingers (44) cathode finger reinforcements (45, 111) made of a conductive metal, contained in the cathode finger structure, attached to the cathode finger reinforcements (45, 111) rods (62) made of a highly conductive metal and attached to the cathode finger reinforcements (45, 111), the outside of the cathode fingers and perforated means (46) of conductive metal defining the gas space therein; wherein the highly conductive metal rods (62) are arranged in the cathode finger assembly so that they are capable of carrying an electrical current of substantially uniform current density in the cathode fingers, without any appreciable voltage drop across the cathode fingers and with the most economical energy consumption in the cathode fingers and the cathode container (13) contains a plurality of cathode fingers (44) which extend essentially over the entire interior of the cathode container (13) and which are in electrical contact on the inside of at least one side wall (17) of the cathode container (13) are attached while the cathode busbar assembly (16) is attached in electrical contact to the outside of the side wall (17) of the cathode container (13) adjacent the attached cathode fingers (44); and
that the anode base (51, 74) has a device (75, 76, 509829/0548 2456U8: - 101, 102) made of a highly conductive metal with a substantially flat and even surface and a toward the anode or intercell connection busbar decreasing cross-section, which has a substantially step-like, cut-off, forms right triangle, which is shaped and has relative dimensions such as to provide substantially more uniform electrical current Current density in the anode base, with no noticeable voltage drop along the anode base and with the the most favorable energy consumption in the anode base through this to those adjacent to the anode plates (72) electrical contact points leads. 36. A method for attaching at least one rod made of a highly conductive metal to a cathode finger reinforcement made of a conductive metal, which is suitable for use in an electrolytic cell, characterized in that one of the rods made of the highly conductive metal, the same type of metal from which the cathode finger reinforcement is made, welded on, any distortion of the metal that may have occurred due to the welding of the different metal grades is corrected, the conductive metal welded to the rods made of the highly conductive metal is welded to the conductive metal of the cathode finger reinforcement and in this way the rods made of the highly conductive metal with the cathode finger reinforcement connects and in this way essentially ' ^: prevents pulling or warping of the metal during welding. , 37. The method according to claim 36, characterized e i ch η e t that ma, η as a highly conductive metal is copper used. 50 98 2 97 054 8 2456U8 38. The method according to claim 36, characterized draw t that the conductive metal is steel begins. 509829/0548 Blank page