GB597389A - Improvements in or relating to electrolytic cells having liquid electrodes - Google Patents

Abstract

597,389. Liquid electrode apparatus. HIRSH, B. W., CARTER, C., and IMPERIAL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, Ltd. Aug. 27, 1941, No. 10913. [Class 41] An electrolytic cell, e.g. for the electrolysis of brine comprises a lower portion having an elongated plane' surface carrying a mercury electrode and an upper portion carrying an assembly of solid electrode material having the lower surface but a short distance above and substantially parallel to the upper surface of the mercury electrode, the solid electrode being arranged to permit the withdrawal of gas from the inter-electrode space and to prevent the longitudinal flow of liquid through the cell except by the inter-electrode space. The two portions are provided with sealing means and with means external of the cell for adjusting the height of the inter-electrode space. In the construction shown in Fig. 1 the anode is formed of a plurality of blocks 5 extending across the width of the cover 4 and conforming closely to the contour thereof and spaced a short distance apart along the cell so as to provide conduits for egress of the chlorine, which communicate with conduits 11 extending up from the cover. There may be one conduit 11 for every space between adjacent anode blocks or there may be one conduit for a plurality of blocks, narrow channels being provided on the inside of the cover or on the upper surface of the blocks so that the chlorine can pass to the nearest conduit 11, but the channels do not provide a path for the brine alternative to the inter-electrode space. The anode blocks depend from carbon rods 6 forming supply-conductors which pass through openings in the cover. The joints of the rods with the cover are sealed by composition 7. The plane surface carrying the mercury electrode 2 is surrounded by a narrow channel la containing mercury and the cover 4 is provided with a rigid skirt 8 depending below the solid electrode assembly 5 and fitting loosely into the channel 1a ; an endless inflated rubber tube 9 is disposed between the inner wall of the channel and the skirt. The rubber tube 9 may be filled with cold water under pressure which may be circulated to cool the tube. Adjustment of the inter-electrode height is effected by screws 12. Mercury and fresh electrolyte are supplied at one end of the cell and amalgam and spent electrolyte withdrawn at the other. In a modification a space is provided between the anodes and the upper part of the cell and is filled with a resilient material such as a cushion of sponge rubber coated with neoprene polythene or other material resistant to chlorinated brine, holes being provided for passage of the anode supports. The supports may be hollow for withdrawal of chlorine, or separate conduits may be provided joined to a common main. The supporting rods are provided with an external thread and locknut in order to effect compression of the cushion. Specifications 597,387 and 597,388 are referred to.