GB871605A - Improvements relating to catalytic devices for electric accumulators - Google Patents

Abstract

871,605. Batteries. CATYLATORS Ltd. Feb. 10, 1960 [Nov. 10, 1958], No. 36058/58. Class 53. A device for insertion in an accumulator for causing the re-combination of hydrogen and oxygen comprises a core 1 of a catalytic substance surrounded by a hygroscopic material 2 enclosed in a capsule 3 made of a material such as porous porcelain which is pervious to gases and vapours but impermeable to liquids. The core 1 may be separated from the material 2 by a porous diaphragm. In a modification the catalytic substance is dispersed in the form of pellets throughout the material 2, and in a further modification shown in Fig. 4 the capsule is made in halves, the part 9 being impervious and enclosing the catalyst pellets 6 which are separated by a porous diaphragm 4 from the hygroscopic material 7 contained in the lower half of the capsule which is permeable to gases but not to liquids. A piece of non-porous glass 8 serves as a collecting-point for water vapour when the capsule is cooling. In another form the water collector 8 is omitted, a tube extending from the upper compartment of Fig. 4, through the diaphragm 4 and bottom of the capsule and terminating in a U-bend outside the capsule. The upper end of the tube is closed by a porous plug. Condensed water collects in the U-bend and prevents gases from rising in the tube. The capsule may rest on the battery plates or be attached to some part of the inner wall of the battery casing, or it may float on the electrolyte. The catalyst may consist of pellets of palladium on a carrier of alumina, and the material 2 may consist of a mixture of lead oxide and alumina which absorbs water and also prevents poisoning of the catalyst by agents such as stibine. Specification 693,096 is referred to.