GB764195A - Improvements in apparatus for use in the electrolytic treatment of fused metallic salts - Google Patents

Abstract

764,195. Fused-electrolyte apparatus. HALKYN DISTRICT UNITED MINES, Ltd., and NEWALL, A. P. July 13, 1954, No. 20421/54. Class 41. An electrolytic cell for fusion electrolysis, e.g. of fused lead chloride containing lead sulphide, comprises a container for the electrolyte and a series of bipolar plate electrodes 7 disposed in the container, there being projections 12 on opposite side walls 1 of the container against which the electrodes 7 bear upwardly as an assembly under the buoying influence of the electrolyte. The cell comprises side walls 1 with a lining 3 of mineral talc. mineral steatite or fused silica, a bottom 2, and a cover 4 of steel, asbestos or firebrick. End electrodes 5, 6 pass through holes 13 in the cover 4, intermediate bipolar electrodes 7 being supported and spaced between the electrodes 5, 6 by inset cylinders 9 of fused silica. Similar cylinders 18 are inset in the electrodes 5, 6 to space them from projections 16 on opposite side walls 1, and are inset in the shouldered top corners 10 of the electrodes to engage the projections 12 on the remaining side walls 1. Molten lead is deposited on the cathode surfaces of the electrodes and, runs down to an outlet 19, or is siphoned off and the sulphur is liberated in vapour form at the anode surfaces and is led off at an outlet in the cover 4. Chlorine may be introduced at 21 to inhibit scum formation. Specifications 448,328 and 726,536 are referred to.