GB252320A - Improvement in electrolytic process and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

252,320. Harrison, H. C. May 21,1925, [Convention date]. Electrolysis, circulating; band-conveyer apparatus; preparing surfaces; diaphragms. - The cathode of an electrolytic cell is contained in a semi-permeable or porous enclosure completely separated from the anode compartment and the electrolyte is forced through the cell in two streams at different pressures, the cathode stream being under high pressure and the anode stream being open to atmospheric pressure. The major portion of the electrolyte passes through the cathode enclosure at high speed and a minor portion, which enters the anode compartment through the permeable enclosure, travels at a lower speed. As shown, Fig. 5, the apparatus comprises a tunnel-like cathode enclosure 27 of porous material through which the electrolyte is forced by the circulating system 13 - - 16. The cathode 24 is ribbon shape and traverses the cathode tunnel on drums 17, 18 driven by a motor 51 through gearing 52, 53. The crosssection of the cathode ribbon conforms with that of the tunnel and the electrolyte is forced through nozzles 34, 35 on each side of the cathode to centre it in its passage through the tunnel, wearing-guides 28, 28<a>, Fig. 7, of agate further assisting the centring of the cathode. The anode may comprise copper shot and plates 29, 30 and the cathode tunnel extends from end to end of the anode chamber, entry and exit apertures 23 being provided for the electrolyte. Baffle chambers 37, 42 are provided to prevent spattering of the electrolyte. The cathode ribbon may be prepared by coating with sodium sulphide. The diaphragm may comprise carbon granules bound by cement or by a phenol condensation product.