JPS57108279A - Electrolytic cell - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce electrolytic cell voltage without degrading electric current efficiency by bringing either one of the opposite side faces of anodes and cathodes contacting an exchange membrane into contact with a a spring-like conductive member in an electrolytic cell for an aq. alkali chloride salt soln. by a cation exchange membrane method. CONSTITUTION:Anodes 1 are connected electrically and mechanically to an anode chamber frame 6 at a desired spacing. Cathodes 2 are connected electrically and mechanically to a cathode chamber frame 7 by means of leaf springs 5 of, for example, iron, steel, etc. and expand at a desired spacing on both sides in a free state. Both these electrodes are brought in contact substantially and respectively with a cation exchange membrane 3, whereby one unit of the electrolytic cell is assembled. At this time, the spacing between the cathodes 2 is made narrower than that in the state of free, and this puts both electrodes in contact with the membrane 3 under adequate contact pressure. Hence, the spacing between the electrodes is only the thickness of the membrane 3, and since the gases produced on the electrode surfaces escape from the rear of the electrodes, they are difficult to enter between both electrodes and the membrane 3.