GB837864A - Improvements relating to electrolysers for the decomposition of water - Google Patents

Abstract

837,864. Electrolytic cells. LONZA ELECTRIC & CHEMICAL WORKS Ltd. March 29, 1956, No. 9897/56. Class 41. A pressure-operated electrolyser of the filter-press type, wherein there are present metallic partitions in bi-polar contact with the electrolyte and auxiliary electrodes between each of said partitions and the usual diaphragm of each cell, has activating layers applied to at least the cathode surface of said auxiliary electrodes which reduce the voltage drop between said surface and the electrolyte, whilst said partitions are nickel-coated (e.g. by plating) on both sides and free of activating layers. The activation may be by a layer of noble metal, chromium, tantalum or sponge iron, and may be applied before the assembling of the cell by coating in an appropriate bath and the electrode subsequently attached by splot welding to the main electrode or placed loosely between the diaphragm and the main electrode. As shown in Fig. 2 the cells are formed by annular frames 11 and 12 in each of which is fitted in a gas-tight manner a metal disc 13 or 14 and which are electrically insulated from each other by a sealing ring or gasket 15. The cell space Z is divided into electrode compartments by an asbestos diaphragm 16. The electrodes 17 and 18 are preferably formed of wire mesh and are - applied directly to the diaphragm and are gripped therewith by the rings 11 and 12 which are recessed to permit this. The discs 13 and 14 are pressed out with studs 19 and 20 alternately to make contact with the mesh electrodes of adjacent cells. Specification 837,866 is referred to.