GB307934A - An electrolyser with collecting block - Google Patents

Abstract

307,934. Noeggerath, J. E. March 16, 1928, [Convention date]. Oxygen and hydrogen, obtaining; cells; electrodes; electrolytes, circulating. - Electrolytic apparatus, in particular for operation under pressure, comprises a group of cells, preferably tubular, connected to a "collecting block," that is a block which contains connecting conduits, especially borings, which lead to the cells, or separately to the two electrode compartments thereof, and serve for the passage of electrolyte and gas. The invention is described as applied to the production of oxygen and hydrogen, either separately, or as mixed gases. One form of the apparatus, Figs. 3 and 4, for the production of oxygen and hydrogen separately comprises a series of pressure tubes 1, which form both the exterior of the tubular cells and the cathodes thereof, secured to the collecting block 4 by flanges 21, but insulated therefrom by material 26. The current passes from the flange 2 and outer cylindrical cathode 1, through the partition 23 to the starshaped inner anode 14, and thence to the bottom plate 3 which is insulated from the flange 2 by material 27. The hydrogen generated in the chamber 24 passes through a lateral opening 25 into a vertical boring 18, the cross conduits 29 and 30 being the connections with the vertical conduits from the cathode compartments of other cells. The oxygen generated in the three chambers 32 flows by way of the cylindrical chamber 15, which is formed by the top part of the anode 14, to the tubes 28 and 31 with the oxygen from other cells. The partition 22 does not extend to the bottom of the cell and is provided with a number of small openings 23. A compensating conduit (not shown) filled with electrolyte, and connecting the two sides of the system, is provided. This conduit also provides means for the introduction of fresh electrolyte. In another form of the apparatus, Fig. 5, for the production of mixed gases, six tubular cells are connected to the collecting block 1, of insulating material, by screwing the inner electrodes into the block at 4. By means of insulating covers 9, and nuts arranged thereunder, the outer electrodes 2 are pressed against the collecting block. The oxy-hydrogen gas from the chamber 11 enters the vertical boring 27, through the small cross opening 26 and is collected in the chamber 13. This is provided with a safety grating 16. An inspection hole 15 of glass is provided to gauge the level of the electrolyte. The insulated cylinder 19 supports the apparatus and in conjunction with the apertures 20, 21 and the rotatable cover 22 serves for ventilation and temperature regulation. A stopper 25 can be inserted if the cell below it is removed. The polarity of the inner and outer electrolytes alternates in successive cells. The borings in the collecting blocks are preferably of small diameter and of considerable length so as to be of high electrical resistance, and cam deviate from the straight and vertical. The part of the electrodes in contact with the electrolyte can be made of different material from the core of the inner electrode or the external part of the outer electrode, the materials being mechanically connected; copper and nickel, copper and iron, or iron and nickel can be used.