GB362219A - Means for regulating the circulation of the eectrolyte in pressure decomposers with a separate circulation of the anolyte and catholyte - Google Patents

Abstract

362,219. Electrolysis. MENTZEL, A., 2, Nordsternstrasse, Sch÷neberg, Berlin. Jan. 27, 1931, No. 2667. [Class 41.] In apparatus for the electrolytic decomposition of liquids under pressure of the kind in which there is separate circulation of the anolyte and catholyte, heating and cooling devices are applied to the circulating systems and adjusted to maintain the circulations in balanced relation so as to avoid pressure disturbances which might lead to mixing of the generated gases. In the apparatus shown, the catholyte and hydrogen pass from the cell Z by a pipe i to a separator A whence the catholyte returns to the cell by a pipe a provided with a cooling device K and a heating device L in its rising part. The gas passes through a washer W, a pressure-equalizing vessel D containing mercury, a chamber R for catalytic removal of oxygen and pressure equalizers B and C. Similar devices are provided on the anolyte side. Feed water from a vessel N is supplied to the catholyte side only. Throttle valve E, El are provided in the catholyte and anolyte circuit and connection between the two circuits is regulated by a valve x. The purifier R is provided with a preheater V heated by the exhaust from the purifier. The vessel B is connected by a V-tube with a chamber G containing a gas normally maintained at constant pressure. The chamber C contains a diaphragm the space above which is in communication with the chamber G and actuates a valve to permit release of gas to the collecting pipe only when a predetermined pressure is attained. If a given maximum pressure in the system is exceeded by choking of the outlet valve or otherwise, gas passes over from the vessel B into the chamber G so as to equalize the pressure on both sides of the diaphragm and thereby to prevent damage. The pressure meter P consists of a pivoted tube containing mercury which is displaced by the fluctuations of pressure. This device may be modified to act as an automatic control.