GB190022406A - Improvements in the Decomposition of Alkaline Salts by Electrolysis and in Apparatus therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

22,406. Greenwood, J. Dec. 8. Chlorine and hydrogen, obtaining electrolytically from alkaline chlorides. The process is arranged in two stages :-(1) in which the alkaline chloride is broken up into chlorine and the metal, the latter being absorbed by the mercury; and (2) in which the amalgam is treated as the anode to form a weak lye solution. Fig. 1 shows two series of cells a, b, along the lower surface of which the mercury is caused to circulate by means of the pump i. The bottoms of the cells are formed of iron covered in strips with enamel, the spaces between the enamel being grooved or left plain. The cells are divided by slate or other insulating-partitions g which dip into recesses h. Alternate compartments contain carbon slabs m, threaded on rods, and resting on supports o forming connection with the lead q. The other compartments contain grids of iron, similarly supported, and arranged to act as cathodes for the decomposition of the amalgam. The current in these cells is reduced by a shunt. In a modifie d form, the trough a, forms the cell for the first stage, and the trough b forms the cell for the second stage. The trough in this case is divided into cells, and the lye solution circulates in the opposite direction to the mercury. The chloride and hydrogen are collected from their respective cells. The cells may have the walls hollow to allow cooling-liquids to circulate.