EP0435385B1 - Electrolyseur pour la production d'un gaz, comprenant un empilage de cadres verticaux - Google Patents

Electrolyseur pour la production d'un gaz, comprenant un empilage de cadres verticaux Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0435385B1
EP0435385B1 EP90203366A EP90203366A EP0435385B1 EP 0435385 B1 EP0435385 B1 EP 0435385B1 EP 90203366 A EP90203366 A EP 90203366A EP 90203366 A EP90203366 A EP 90203366A EP 0435385 B1 EP0435385 B1 EP 0435385B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electrolysis
chamber
pipe
chambers
nozzle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP90203366A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0435385A1 (fr
Inventor
Lido Signorini
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Solvay SA
Original Assignee
Solvay SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Solvay SA filed Critical Solvay SA
Priority to AT90203366T priority Critical patent/ATE99739T1/de
Publication of EP0435385A1 publication Critical patent/EP0435385A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0435385B1 publication Critical patent/EP0435385B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B15/00—Operating or servicing cells
    • C25B15/08—Supplying or removing reactants or electrolytes; Regeneration of electrolytes
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
    • C25B9/70—Assemblies comprising two or more cells
    • C25B9/73—Assemblies comprising two or more cells of the filter-press type

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an electrolyser of the filter press type, for the electrolytic production of a gas.
  • Electrolysers of the filter press type are generally formed by a stack of vertical frames which delimit alternately anodic and cathodic electrolysis chambers, in which electrodes are arranged vertically. Selectively permeable membranes or electrolyte permeable diaphragms can be inserted between the frames to separate the electrolysis chambers. In these electrolysers, gas is generated at the electrodes and an emulsion of electrolyte in the gas is generally collected at the outlet of the electrolysis chambers. The emulsion must be treated in a degassing chamber, to separate the gas from the entrained electrolyte.
  • electrolysers of the type defined above are described, in which two degassing chambers are arranged above the stacking of the frames. One of the degassing chambers communicates with the anodic electrolysis chambers, while the other degassing chamber communicates with the cathodic electrolysis chambers.
  • the communication of the degassing chambers with the electrolysis chambers comprises, on the one hand, nozzles opening into the upper part of the electrolysis chambers and serving for the transfer of the emulsion from the electrolysis chambers to the degassing chamber and , on the other hand, a pipe opening into the lower part of the electrolysis chambers and used for recycling, therein, the electrolyte separated from gas.
  • the degassing chambers are also in communication with a fresh electrolyte intake pipe.
  • the invention overcomes this disadvantage of the known electrolysers described above, by providing an electrolyser of the filter press type equipped with at least one degassing chamber for the separation of the entrained electrolyte with the gas produced in the electrolysis chambers. , whose size is reduced and construction simplified.
  • the invention therefore relates to an electrolyser for producing a gas, comprising a stack of vertical frames delimiting individual juxtaposed electrolysis chambers which are alternately anodic and cathodic and which each contain at least one electrode, at least one degassing disposed above the stack and connected to each of the anodic (or cathodic) electrolysis chambers by a nozzle opening in the upper part of the electrolysis chamber and by a pipe opening in the lower part of the d chamber electrolysis, and an electrolyte intake pipe in the degassing chamber; according to the invention the nozzle is arranged around the pipe so that the upper end of the nozzle is above the upper end of the pipe, and the pipe communicates with the degassing chamber by means of a junction conduit crossing the side wall of the pipe and that of the nozzle.
  • the frames form the side wall of the electrolysis chambers. They can have any profile compatible with the construction of an electrolyser of the filter press type. They can either have a circular or polygonal profile, for example square, trapezoidal or rectangular. They must be made of a material which chemically withstands the conditions of electrolysis.
  • the degassing chamber is connected to all the anode (or cathode) electrolysis chambers, in which a gas is generated at the electrode. Its function is to collect the gas produced at the electrodes, to separate the electrolyte entrained with the gas and to recycle this electrolyte in the electrolysis chambers.
  • the degassing chamber is also connected to a fresh electrolyte intake pipe and thus serves as a transit chamber for supplying the electrolysis chambers with fresh electrolyte.
  • the electrolyser may comprise two degassing chambers, one of these being in communication with the anodic electrolysis chambers, while the other is connected to the cathode electrolysis chambers.
  • the connection of the degassing chamber with the electrolysis chambers comprises nozzles which are in communication with the upper part of the electrolysis chambers and pipes which are in communication with the lower part of said chambers.
  • the upper part of the electrolysis chamber is understood to mean the upper half of its height; by lower part of the electrolysis chamber is meant the lower half of its height.
  • the nozzles are used for the passage of gas from the electrolysis chambers into the degassing chamber, while the pipes are used to supply the electrolysis chambers with fresh electrolyte and to recycle there the electrolyte separated from the gas in the degassing chamber.
  • the nozzle for each electrolysis chamber which is connected to the degassing chamber, the nozzle is arranged around the pipe and its upper end or edge is situated at a level higher than that of the upper end of the pipe.
  • a junction conduit crossing the wall of the nozzle and that of the pipe puts the latter in communication with the degassing chamber.
  • the electrolyte is established at the aforementioned junction conduit so that the electrolysis chambers are completely filled with electrolyte.
  • the gas leaving the electrolysis chambers enters the degassing chamber via the nozzles, the electrolyte which separates from the gas at the outlet of the nozzles falls back into the degassing chamber where it mixes with the fresh electrolyte coming from the pipe. intake, and the electrolyte mixture passes through each pipe via the aforementioned junction pipe and is thus introduced into the electrolysis chambers.
  • the junction conduit between the pipe and the degassing chamber is obtained by joining a part of the wall of the pipe against a part of the wall of the nozzle and by drilling an opening through the joined walls.
  • the degassing chamber contains a horizontal or oblique partition, which is crossed by the nozzles so as to form a baffle on the electrolyte circuit between the outlet of the nozzles and its entry into the pipe.
  • the baffle has the effect of lengthening the circuit of the electrolyte in the degassing chamber, which improves the homogeneity of the mixture of the electrolyte fractions leaving the nozzles.
  • the nozzle opens into a channel delimited inside an upper horizontal beam of the frame of the electrolysis chamber, and the pipe opens into a channel delimited a lower horizontal beam of said frame, the two channels being in communication with the electrolysis chamber.
  • the two channels are connected by vertical tubes, located in the electrolysis chamber.
  • the vertical tubes have a double function. On the one hand, they participate in the circulation of the electrolyte in the electrolysis chamber; on the other hand, they constitute spacers reinforcing the rigidity of the electrolysis chamber and of the electrode.
  • the arrangement of the nozzle around the pipe considerably reduces the space requirement and makes it possible, in accordance with an advantageous embodiment of the invention, to produce the degassing chamber in the form of an enclosure tubular, arranged transversely to the frames.
  • the electrolyser according to the invention is suitable for all electrolysis processes in which a gas is generated in a at least part of the electrolysis chambers.
  • the invention applies especially to electrolysers for the production of chlorine and aqueous solutions of sodium hydroxide, in which the anodic electrolysis chambers are separated from the cathodic electrolysis chambers by ionic separators.
  • the ionic separators used in the electrolysers according to the invention are sheets interposed between the electrolysis chambers and made of a material capable of being traversed by an ion current during the operation of the electrolyser. They can be either diaphragms permeable to aqueous electrolytes or membranes with selective permeability.
  • diaphragms that can be used in electrolysers according to the invention are asbestos diaphragms, such as those described in patent US-A-1855497 (STUART) and in patents FR-A-2400569, EP-A-1644 and EP -A-18034 (SOLVAY & Cie) and diaphragms in organic polymers, such as those described in patents FR-A-2170247 (IMPERIAL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES PLC) and in patents EP-A-7674 and EP-A-37140 ( SOLVAY & Cie).
  • asbestos diaphragms such as those described in patent US-A-1855497 (STUART) and in patents FR-A-2400569, EP-A-1644 and EP -A-18034 (SOLVAY & Cie)
  • diaphragms in organic polymers such as those described in patents FR-A-2170247 (IMPERIAL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES PLC) and
  • membranes with selective permeability is understood to mean thin, non-porous membranes comprising an ion-exchange material.
  • the choice of the material constituting the membranes and of the ion exchange material will depend on the nature of the electrolytes subjected to the electrolysis and on the products which it is sought to obtain.
  • the membrane material is chosen from those which are capable of withstanding the thermal and chemical conditions normally prevailing in the electrolyser during electrolysis, the ion exchange material being chosen from anion exchange materials or cation exchange materials, depending on the electrolysis operations for which the electrolyser is intended.
  • membranes which are well suited are cationic membranes in fluoropolymer, preferably perfluorinated, containing cationic functional groups derived from sulfonic acids, carboxylic acids or phosphonic acids or mixtures of such functional groups.
  • membranes of this type are those described in patents GB-A-1497748 and GB-A-1497749 (ASAHI KASEI KOGYO KK), GB-A-1518387, GB-A-1522877 and US-A-4126588 (ASAHI GLASS COMPANY LTD) and GB-A-1402920 (DIAMOND SHAMROCK CORP.).
  • Membranes which are particularly suitable for this application of the cell according to the invention are those known under the names "NAFION” (DU PONT DE NEMOURS & Co) and "FLEMION” (ASAHI GLASS COMPANY LTD).
  • the invention is specifically applied to monopolar electrolysers of the filter press type with cationic membranes, for the production of chlorine, hydrogen and aqueous solutions of sodium hydroxide by electrolysis of aqueous solutions of chloride of sodium.
  • the electrolyser shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is formed by a stack of alternately anodic 1 and cathodic 2 vertical frames 2.
  • Selectively permeable membranes 3 are interposed between frames 1 and 2 to delimit alternately anodic electrolysis chambers 4 and cathodic 5, containing electrodes.
  • Frames 1 and 2 have a rectangular cross section. They are formed by two vertical uprights 6 welded to two horizontal rails 7. In the case of anode frames 1, the uprights 6 and the rails 7 are made of titanium, while in the case of cathode frames 2, they are made of nickel.
  • the electrodes are of the type described in Belgian patent application 08900867 (SOLVAY & Cie). They each comprise a pair of vertical sheets 8 of expanded metal, arranged on either side of several horizontal metal bars 9.
  • the sheets 8 are welded to vertical profiles 10 formed from metal strips folded in U or ⁇ .
  • the profiles 10 are welded to the horizontal bars 9 and these are welded to the uprights 6 of the frames, which they pass through. They are fixed together to a junction bar 11, intended to be coupled to a current source.
  • the bars 9 and the profiles 10 thus cooperate in the coupling of the sheets 8 to the current source and to the support of these sheets inside the electrolysis chamber.
  • the material of the sheets 8, the bars 9 and the vertical profiles 10 depends on the destination of the electrode.
  • the sheets 8 are made of titanium and carry an electrically conductive coating, at low overvoltage for the electrochemical oxidation of chloride ions, the bars 9 comprise a copper core jacketed in a titanium envelope and the vertical sections 10 are made of titanium.
  • the sheets 8 are made of nickel, the bars 9 comprise a copper core lined in a nickel casing and the vertical sections 10 are made of nickel.
  • the stack of frames 1 and 2 and membranes 3 is retained between two end plates 12, connected by tie rods not shown, seals 13 ensuring the seal.
  • the side members 7 of the frames 1 and 2 are hollow, so as to delimit internal channels of square or rectangular section, respectively 14 in the case of the lower side member and 15 in the case of the upper side member.
  • Channels 14 and 15 communicate with the electrolysis chambers 4 and 5, via openings 16 made in the wall of the side members.
  • the two channels 14 and 15 are also connected by vertical tubes 27, arranged inside the electrolysis chamber, between the two sheets 8 of the electrode.
  • a degassing chamber 17 is arranged above the stack. It has the form of a horizontal tubular enclosure, arranged transversely with respect to the frames 1 and 2.
  • the degassing chamber 17 communicates with the lower channel 14 of each anode chamber 4 by means of a vertical pipe 18 closed at its upper end and pierced with a lateral opening 19. It also communicates with the upper channel 15 via a vertical nozzle 20.
  • the nozzle 20 is arranged around the pipe 18, so that its upper edge is located at a level higher than that of the upper edge of the pipe 18.
  • Figure 3 shows, in horizontal cross section, the assembly of the pipe 18 and the nozzle 20.
  • the pipe 18 and the nozzle 20 have a rectangular cross section and are obtained by folding a sheet of titanium.
  • the nozzle 20 is applied against the face of the pipe 18, in which the opening 19 is pierced.
  • An opening 21 is pierced through the wall of the nozzle 20, opposite the opening 19 of the pipe 18, so that the pipe 18 communicates with the degassing chamber via the two openings 19 and 21.
  • the nozzles pass through a horizontal partition 22. Under the partition 22, is disposed a horizontal tube 23 pierced with openings 24.
  • the tube 23 passes through the end wall of the degassing chamber , to be connected to an intake duct (not shown) of an aqueous solution of sodium chloride.
  • a tube 25 opens into the upper part of the degassing chamber. It is used to evacuate the chlorine produced during electrolysis.
  • the electrolyser may include a second degassing (not shown), similar to the degassing chamber 17 and connected to the cathode chambers 5 by pipes and nozzles similar to pipes 18 and nozzles 20.
  • an aqueous sodium chloride solution is introduced into the degassing chamber 17 via the tube 23.
  • the sodium chloride solution in the degassing chamber 17 reaches the level openings 19 and 21, it passes into the anode electrolysis chambers, via the pipes 18, the lower channels 14 and the openings 16 thereof.
  • Chlorine is generated on the sheets 8 of the anodes and passes into the degassing chamber going up through the electrolyte in the chambers 4, the channels 15 and the nozzles 20.
  • the electrolyte entrained with the chlorine separates from it and falls back into the degassing chamber, where it mixes with the fresh electrolyte coming from the tube 23.
  • the partition 22 creates a baffle lengthening the path traveled by the electrolyte separated from the chlorine, which guarantees better homogeneity of the sodium chloride solution introduced into the anode electrolysis chambers 4.
  • the chlorine separated from the electrolyte escapes from the degassing chamber through the orifice 25.
  • a tube 26 in communication with the channels 14 anode chambers 4 are drawn off, a fraction of electrolyte corresponding to the quantity introduced by the intake tube 23.
  • hydrogen is generated in the cathode chambers 5.
  • water or a dilute aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide is introduced into the cathode chambers 5, and extracting from these, via the lower channels 14, a fraction of a concentrated solution of sodium hydroxide, corresponding to the amount of water or dilute solution introduced into the electrolysis chambers.
  • a concentrated aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide is separated from the hydrogen in a degassing chamber similar to chamber 17 and is returned to the cathode chambers 5.
  • the vertical tubes 27 produce a double function. On the one hand, they serve to cause an internal circulation of electrolyte inside the electrolysis chambers; on the other hand, they constitute stiffeners between the sheets 8 of the electrodes, opposing a deformation of these sheets under the effect of the pressure prevailing in the electrolysis chambers.
  • the vertical tubes 27 therefore make it possible to produce very large width electrolysis chambers, without fear of a deflection of the sheets 8 of the electrodes.
  • the degassing chamber is formed by a stack of juxtaposed tubular sections, compressed between two end flanges.
  • each section of the degassing chamber to a frame 1 of the electrolyser, so as to produce a unitary assembly.
  • Figure 4 shows such a unitary assembly. It includes an anode frame 1, a section 17 'of the degassing chamber 17, a section 22' of the partition 22, a pipe 18 and a nozzle 20. The cohesion of the unitary assembly is ensured by the nozzle 20 at which the frame 1 and the sections 17 ′ and 22 ′ are welded.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Electrolytic Production Of Non-Metals, Compounds, Apparatuses Therefor (AREA)
  • Air Bags (AREA)
  • Heterocyclic Carbon Compounds Containing A Hetero Ring Having Oxygen Or Sulfur (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
EP90203366A 1989-12-28 1990-12-17 Electrolyseur pour la production d'un gaz, comprenant un empilage de cadres verticaux Expired - Lifetime EP0435385B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT90203366T ATE99739T1 (de) 1989-12-28 1990-12-17 Elektrolytische zelle fuer gas-herstellung, die ein stapel von senkrechten rahmen enthaelt.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT2286889 1989-12-28
IT02286889A IT1237543B (it) 1989-12-28 1989-12-28 Elettrolizzatore per la produzione di un gas,comprendente un impilamento di quadri verticali

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0435385A1 EP0435385A1 (fr) 1991-07-03
EP0435385B1 true EP0435385B1 (fr) 1994-01-05

Family

ID=11201367

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP90203366A Expired - Lifetime EP0435385B1 (fr) 1989-12-28 1990-12-17 Electrolyseur pour la production d'un gaz, comprenant un empilage de cadres verticaux

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US5139635A (it)
EP (1) EP0435385B1 (it)
AT (1) ATE99739T1 (it)
CA (1) CA2032000A1 (it)
DE (1) DE69005804T2 (it)
IT (1) IT1237543B (it)

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0505899B1 (en) * 1991-03-18 1997-06-25 Asahi Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha A bipolar, filter press type electrolytic cell
IT1247483B (it) * 1991-03-21 1994-12-17 Permelec Spa Nora Dispositivo per l'estrazione di fluidi bifase da celle di elettrolisi
US5194132A (en) * 1991-07-16 1993-03-16 Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft Electrolysis apparatus
IT1251419B (it) * 1991-10-23 1995-05-09 Solvay Cella di elettrolisi per la produzione di un gas
EP0995818A1 (en) 1998-10-12 2000-04-26 Hydrogen Systems N.V. High pressure electrolyser module
EP1528126A1 (en) * 2003-10-30 2005-05-04 Vandenborre Hydrogen Systems N.V. An integrated electrolyser module with an internal gas/liquid separator
US8057646B2 (en) * 2004-12-07 2011-11-15 Hydrogenics Corporation Electrolyser and components therefor
EP2971258B1 (en) 2013-03-12 2020-06-03 Next Hydrogen Corporation End pressure plate for electrolysers

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE370800A (it) * 1929-07-06
DE2255741C3 (de) * 1971-12-23 1982-03-25 Solvay & Cie., 1050 Bruxelles Diaphragmenserienelektrolysevorrichtung
US3928165A (en) * 1973-07-02 1975-12-23 Ppg Industries Inc Electrolytic cell including means for separating chlorine from the chlorine-electrolyte froth formed in the cell
US3968021A (en) * 1974-04-02 1976-07-06 Ppg Industries, Inc. Electrolytic cell having hydrogen gas disengaging apparatus
US3990961A (en) * 1975-11-28 1976-11-09 Ppg Industries, Inc. Annular brine head equalizer
US4339321A (en) * 1980-12-08 1982-07-13 Olin Corporation Method and apparatus of injecting replenished electrolyte fluid into an electrolytic cell
US4505789A (en) * 1981-12-28 1985-03-19 Olin Corporation Dynamic gas disengaging apparatus and method for gas separation from electrolyte fluid

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE99739T1 (de) 1994-01-15
DE69005804T2 (de) 1994-07-07
IT8922868A1 (it) 1991-06-28
IT8922868A0 (it) 1989-12-28
DE69005804D1 (de) 1994-02-17
CA2032000A1 (fr) 1991-06-29
IT1237543B (it) 1993-06-08
US5139635A (en) 1992-08-18
EP0435385A1 (fr) 1991-07-03

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0412600B1 (fr) Châssis pour électrolyseur du type filtre-presse et électrolyseur monopolaire du type filtre-presse
FI85602C (fi) Elektrolytisk cell foer alkalimetallhydrosulfitloesningar.
JP3555197B2 (ja) 複極型イオン交換膜電解槽
EP0435385B1 (fr) Electrolyseur pour la production d'un gaz, comprenant un empilage de cadres verticaux
RU2709541C2 (ru) Электродное устройство, электродные узлы и электролизеры
FR2461021A1 (fr) Cellule electrolytique et electrolyseur bipolaire
WO2009070938A1 (fr) Cellule électrolytique à membrane ionique de type à électrodes multiples avec cathodes à oxygène
CA2168325C (fr) Caisson d'extremite d'un electrodialyseur, electrodialyseur equipe d'un tel caisson et utilisation dudit electrodialyseur
JP3282691B2 (ja) 電解槽
EP0400712B1 (fr) Châssis pour électrolyseur du type filtre-presse et électrolyseurs du type filtre-presse
US5314591A (en) Electrolyzer and method of production
EP1022358A1 (en) Membrane-supporting frame assembly for an electrolytic cell
CA1334019C (fr) Electrolyseur du type filtre-presse
US4315811A (en) Reinforced metal channels for cell frame
EP0088461B1 (fr) Electrode pour la production de gaz par électrolyse et cellule d'électrolyse à membrane à perméabilité sélective
EP0540080B1 (fr) Cellule d'électrolyse pour la production d'un gaz
GB2240988A (en) Membrane electrolytic cell incorporating separator
US5425864A (en) Electrolyser for the production of a gas
JPS5845388A (ja) 電解槽
LU84973A1 (fr) Cellule d'electrolyse
JPH03271385A (ja) 水電解用複極式電解槽
CA1232232A (en) Chlorine cell design for electrolyte series flow
JPS6239093Y2 (it)
JPS5920481A (ja) 電解槽及び電解槽の転換方法
FR2461022A1 (fr) Electrolyseur bipolaire a separateur synthetique

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IT LI LU NL SE

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: SOLVAY

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19911221

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19930317

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: SOLVAY (SOCIETE ANONYME)

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IT LI LU NL SE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Effective date: 19940105

Ref country code: NL

Effective date: 19940105

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19940105

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: THE PATENT HAS BEEN ANNULLED BY A DECISION OF A NATIONAL AUTHORITY

Effective date: 19940105

Ref country code: DK

Effective date: 19940105

Ref country code: AT

Effective date: 19940105

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 99739

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19940115

Kind code of ref document: T

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69005804

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19940217

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed
GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 19940412

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 19941110

Year of fee payment: 5

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 19941116

Year of fee payment: 5

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 19941207

Year of fee payment: 5

26N No opposition filed
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 19941229

Year of fee payment: 5

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19941231

Ref country code: LI

Effective date: 19941231

Ref country code: CH

Effective date: 19941231

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Effective date: 19951217

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Effective date: 19951231

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: S.A. SOLVAY

Effective date: 19951231

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 19951217

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Effective date: 19960830

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Effective date: 19960903

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20051217