GB750642A - Improvements in bipolar electrolysers - Google Patents

Abstract

750,642. Electrolytic cells. NORA, O. DE. Feb. 12, 1954, No. 4279/54. Class 41. In a bi-polar electrolyser of filter-press type two permeable diaphragms are introduced between the anode and the cathode compartments of each single cell so as to constitute an intermediate compartment delimited by the said diaphragms and in direct communication with the atmosphere, in such a way that the small fractions of gas tending to diffuse from the anodic to the cathodic compartment and vice versa are captured in the intermediate compartment and forced to discharge into the free atmosphere. In an illustrated embodiment a single cell is formed by the frame 1 and the main electrodes 2 and 3. The electrodes 2 and 3 are pressed against the frame 1 with the interposition of gaskets 5 and they act as partition walls between the cell under consideration and the adjacent cells. Auxiliary electrodes 21 and 3<SP>1</SP> are supported by the main electrodes by studs 4. Thus a face of one of the main electrodes together with its respective auxiliary electrode into which the current flows constitutes the cathode of one of the two cells which it separates, whereas the other face of the same main electrode together with its other auxiliary electrode (not shown) forms the anode of the contiguous cell. By applying a difference of potential to the end partitions of the battery of cells the electrolysis current passes through all the cells. The two diaphragms 6 and 6<SP>1</SP> delimit an intermediate compartment 7, between the anodic compartment 8 and the cathodic compartment 9, which is in communication with the atmosphere through relief tube 30. The oxygen and hydrogen discharged at the anode and cathode are conveyed through pipes 11 and 10 respectively to separating tanks 14 and 13 (latter not shown) where any electrolyte conveyed by the gaseous currents separates from them, re-descending through pipes 15 and 16 to re-enter the electrolytic cell. The oxygen and hydrogen leave the separating tanks through pipes 22 and 21, respectively, and enter tank 41, containing water, through bubblers 27 and 28 located in compartments 23 and 24. Pipe 30 relieves any gas that might tend to diffuse from one compartment of the electrolytic cell to another. Any electrolyte that might be carried into pipe 30 by gas bubbles discharges into tank 31 and returns to the cell through pipe 40 (not shown).