GB604100A - Improvements in or relating to electrolytic cells - Google Patents

Abstract

604,100. Electrolytic cells. INTERNATIONAL ELECTROLYTIC PLANT CO., Ltd., and BOWEN, C. E. Nov. 24, 1945, No. 31740. [Class 41] An electrolytic cell consists of a number of parallel frames assembled together to form a unit, the members of each frame being of " I " section, the web and flanges of each frame, together with jointing between adjacent frames defining closed compartments surrounding the cells proper. Fig. 1 shows an elevation view of a cell and Fig. 5 three frames, one being in part section. The frames may be made of metal or a plastic, and an internal lip 13 is provided to carry the diaphragm 14. The cell may be used for the production of gases, e.g hydrogen and oxygen, of which the volume of one is greater than that of the other, the diaphragm 14 and web 10 being offset accordingly to give a greater volume on the catholyte side. The gases are first passed through ducts 22 into the closed compartments 17, 18 where entrained electrolyte is separated and returned to the cell, and then removed by pipes 24, 26. Electrolyte is supplied through ducts 33 in the blocks 31, to the bottom member of the frame which is isolated from the others by baffles 20 and is provided with interconnecting holes 27. Overflow electrolyte from the top of the cells is passed out of the upper ducts 32 of the blocks 31 to a temperature correcting device. Circulation may be unassisted, resulting from the difference in specific gravity of the electrolyte in the cell which contains gas and that in the flooded side members which contains no gas. The level of the electrolyte in the side members is maintained sufficiently high to cover the interconnecting holes 28 and prevent mixing of gases. Alternatively, a circulating pump may be used, in which case the side members may contain less electrolyte and a greater circulating rate and current rating may be used. The bipolar electrodes comprise steel sheets 15 on both sides of which perforated metal forward electrodes 15<11> are fitted by distance pieces 15<1>.