GB698160A - Improvements in or relating to electrolytic cells - Google Patents

Abstract

698,160. Liquid-electrode apparatus. SOLVAY ET CIE. Nov. 7, 1951 [Nov. 7, 1950], No. 26053/51. Class 41. A cell for the electrolysis of brine comprises a sloping base 1, Fig. 1, along which a layer of mercury flows from inlet 8 to outlet 9 beneath a series of graphite anodes 5 ; when the anodecathode distance has increased to a prescribed degree due to wear of the anodes the right-hand anode is removed and replaced by its left-hand neighbour, other anodes similarly being moved one place to the right and the anode at the extreme left of the apparatus being replaced by a new anode, the points of suspension of the anodes being such that in the new arrangement the anode-cathode distances are appropriate for a further stage of operation. As shown the anodes are suspended from cover blocks 6 resting on the side walls of the cell. In the modification shown in Fig. 4 the cover walls also rest on the side walls which, however, are of stepped formation ; the spaces between successive cover plates are closed by a jointing composition not shown. In both the above arrangements, electrolyte enters at 10 and leaves at 11 ; gas exits are provided at 12, 13. In further modifications, the upper edges of the side walls are parallel to the base 1 and the anode supporting cover blocks rest on continuous or stepped angle-iron supports mounted inside the side walls. In order to take account of differences in anode. wear along the length of the cell due to varying electrolyte conductivity &c., the points of suspension of the anodes instead of lying in a horizontal plane as in the forms shown may lie on a curved surface. This surface may in some cases be higher above the cathode surface at the right hand, i.e. at the upper end of the base 1, the direction of transference of the anodes between stages in the operation previously described then being from right to left. In some cases the direction of flow of electrolyte through the cell may be contrary to that of the liquid cathode. During removal of each of the electrodes, a gas barrier is inserted to prevent influx of air to the rest of the cell and the cell is connected to an alternative gas main during these operations. Specification 602,436 is referred to.