US641820A

US641820A - Electrolyzing apparatus.

Info

Publication number: US641820A
Application number: US66684598A
Authority: US
Inventors: Wilfred Barnes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1898-01-17
Filing date: 1898-01-17
Publication date: 1900-01-23
Anticipated expiration: 1917-01-23

Description

No. 64I.820. Patented Ian. 23, 1900. w; BARNES.

ELECTBOLYZING APPARATUS.

(Application filed. Jan. 1'7, 1898.) (No Model.) 4 Sheats-Shaet I.

\N/ TgESSL-T g m INVENTUR mymz Barnes 2 Owa C5: y 4404,

m: NORRIS PETERS 90., wuoraumq, WASHINGTON, n. c.

"Patented Jan. 23, 1900.

W. BARNES.

ELECTROLYZING APPARATUS.

(Application filed. Jan. 17, 1898,) 4 Sheots$heet 2.

* [\IVEN TIER- WIT/\IEEEE Barnes. M @144 we uonms Parana on FHDYD-UTHO" wAsnmm'ou. o. c.

Patented Jan. 23,1900.

W. BARNES.

ELECTROLYZING APPARATUS.

(Application filed Jan. 17, 1898.) (No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 3.

Tn: mama PETERS ca. Puma-Luna. WASHINGTON. n. c.

No. 64!,820. Patent ed Jan. 23,1900.

' w. BARNES.

ELECTROLYZING APPARATUS.

(Application filed Jan. 17, 1898.) (No Model.)

4 Shaets--Sheat 4.

PATENT Price.

WILFRED BARNES, OFILYIN'N, MASSACHUSETTS;

ELEC'l'ROLYZING Apmnus'.

srncIFIcAtrIoN farming part of Letters Piaten t No. 541,820, data ma 23, 1900. Application filed January 17, 1898"- Serial No. 666,845. (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concerit:

Be it known that I, WILFRED BARNES, of Lynn, in the county of Essex and State of Massachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Electrolyz'ing'Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

Referring to the drawings, Figure l'is a side elevation of the preferred form' of my improved electrolyzing apparatus, and Fig. 2 is a top plan view thereof. Fig. 3 is an end view of the cell. Fig. 4 is asectional view on line 4 4 of Fig. 2, showing the diaphragm in side elevation. Fig. 5 shows a modification wherein the cell comprises two hermetically-sealed receptacles, one within another. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view on line 6 6'of Fig. 7 of a modification,showingarotaryelectrode. Fig. 7 shows in top plan a modification of the cell with the cover removed, one electrode being rotary and one stationary. Fig. 8 shows a modification in which the electrode is made up of abarand attached'blocks. Fig. 9 shows a modification in which the diaphragm extends but part way from the surface of the electrolyte to the bottom thereof.

The object of my invention is to produce a new process of electrolysis and an electrolyzing apparatusadapted for use on alarge scale to secure the gaseous products of electrolysis by escape of the gases from the electrolyte; and my invention consist's,broadly,in the combination of a hermetically-sealed electrolytic cell with a vacuum-creating device by means of which a vacuum is formed in at least one of the cell-compartments and escape of gas from the electrolyte secured.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, illustrating the principle of my-invention and the best mode of applying that principle now known to me, Ais the main feed or supply reservoir, provided, preferably, with a mechanical agitator a, mounted upon a shaft a, rotated through the intermeshing gears a and a gear a being on shaft a provided with suitable driving-pulleys a a is the feed pipe or conduit from reservoir A and is preferably provided with suitable feed-regulating valves (1 Feed-conduit a conveys matter to be electrolyzed from reservoir A and discharges its contents through any Suitable connection into supply-conduit b of the automatic feed-regulator B. Preferably I feed-conduit a of reservoir A and the supplyconduits b of the automatic feed-regulators Bv are separated by intermediate reservoirs A conduit a discharging into the inlets a of reservoirs A.

of contact with reservoirs A. It is to be un derstood that the feed of the solution through conduit a is preferablya continuous drop ping from conduit a into inlet-s a of reser voirs A, so that the continuously-dropping solution is not an effective conductor for an electric current from electrolyztng-cell B to conduit a. If the solution should be fed as a continuous column through conduit a into reservoirs A and through conduit b, regula tor B, and cell B, any electricity in conduit 17 would follow the continuous liquid column back into conduit a and its connected parts, and this would be objectionable, because it would involve a waste of electric current. Therefore conduit a is preferably wholly dis= connected from the reservoirs A. Supply-con duit b is preferably provided with an insulating-section b for the same reasons to prevent the conduit acting as an electrical conductor and should be provided with a thermometer b to indicate the temperature of the solution flowing to the regulator B and cell B. A supply-conduit 11 connects each reservoir A with each regulator B. From each regulator-B a supply or feed main 19 extends, and from it branch pipes 17 enter a cell-compartment, each branch having a regulating-valve 19 A glass tube b is preferably mounted vertically between each set of upper and lower conduits b from the compartments and communicates with them in order to show the level of the electrolyte in the cell. Each tube 1) is shown provided with valves 19 which are at the upper and lower ends of the glass tubes b, so that in case of a break thereof the entrances to the tubes may be temporarily closed and the operation of the apparatus be continued without interruption for some little length of time until a new glass can be put back. One of each set of conduits 17 opens into a compartment at the upper or gas-receiving portion thereof and the other opens into the compartment at the lower or electrolyte-containing portion thereof. With the upper and lower conduitbia branch pipe b, open to the atmosphere at its free end,

Conduit a is preferably out v t A communicates. Each branch I) is provided with a valve b whereby the branch is kept normally closed. By opening an upper valve 12 gas may be drawn for testing. By opening one of the lower valves 11 electrolyte may be drawn off for testing. The discharge end of conduit 1) is provided with a float-valve b within the automatic feed-regulator B. Here the valve is out of contact with the gases which tend to destroy it if it were placed in a cell-compartment. The float-valve b is mounted so as to close automatically when the solution reaches the solution-level of the cells and to open automatically when the solution falls below the desired level thereof. The feed-pipes b from the main b are normally open, but may be closed by valves b"*. The solution is therefore of the same level normally in the cells as in the regulators B.

As in accordance with this invention vacuums are to be created and maintained on one or both compartments of each cell above the solution-level, it is necessary that there should not be any atmospheric pressure on the solution in the feed-regulator B, for if there were it would force the solution in the regulator out into the cells and interfere with the vacuums maintained there. Hence this feed-regulator is of hermetically-closed construction and connected at its upper portion by pipe b with the vacuum-main at, (hereinafter described,) through which and its connected devices the same vacuum is maintained in the upper portion of the regulator as in the upper portions of the cell-compartments. In this preferred construction there is one regulator B for each series of anodecompartments and one regulator for each series of cathode-compartments, each main b from a regulator B being piped to a series of similar cell-compartments. Electrode Z) in this instance is the anode and electrode b the cathode. The porous partition B separates cell B into two compartments, one of the electrodes being in one compartment and the other electrode in the other compartment, as will be readily understood by all skilled in the art. The leads Z1 and I) from any suitable source of electricity (represented by 0) connect with the electrodes 1) and Z2 passing through the packing-glands Z) and b on a wall of the cell. The glands are of such construction as to permit the passage of the leads without making the cell non-airtight and so interfering with the maintenance of vacuums in the cell-compartments. The current passes through lead Z1 and its electrically-connected anode and thence through the porous partition and electrolyte to the cathode and lead I) to the generator.

As above stated, cell B is divided into two compartments by any suitable diaphragm having porosities. Diaphragm B is readily made by mounting in an opening through a board a porous block Z)", made out of asbestos sheets pressed together and secured in place over or in the opening. The asbestos board does not necessarily require any preliminary preparation to prevent pulping in solution. The diaphragm or partition B extends from top to bottom of cell B, wholly separating it into two distinct compartments B and B That portion of partition B which is above the normal solution-level indicated by the line marked 12 is non-porous, the porous portion of the partition being at Z2 The lower margin of the partition is preferably non-porous, so as to give a firm bearing portion at its lower edge. Cell B may be of any suitable material-such as wood, wood lined with cement, wood lined with brick, wood lined with porcelain or glass, or it can be made wholly of slate or of any other suitable material or combination of materials.

Each compartment B B is hermetically closed from the atmosphere in order that a partial vacuum may be maintained in each compartment above the surface of the electrolyte therein. To this end I preferto make the cell-cover in sections 12 with rubber packings Z2 between opposed edges of the sections. A rubber packing D is interposed between the upper edgesof cell B and the bottom of the cover formed of the sections. On the exterior of the cell I mount suitable brackets Z1 from which swinging bolts 17 extend upwardly and enter slots b in the edges of the cover-forming sections. 3y tightening the nuts 12 of the bolts the rubber packings are compressed and the cell hermetically closed. This construction is effective for the purpose described and also permits the ready removal of the cover for interior inspection of the cell. The spaces in compartments B B above the level of the electrolyte form receivers for gases produced by the electrolysis. From the upper portion of the compartment B a pipe d, preferably provided with a regulating-valve 01, leads toward a vacuum-pump D, the pipe d communicating through its branch (I with the vacuum-main (Z The cells are used in series, main (1 being connected by a pipe d to the vacuum-pu mp. The upper portion of compartment B is connected by a pipe d, provided, preferably, with a regulating-valve d, with the vacuum-main d which com municates through vacuummain d with vacuum-pump D. The vacuum-mains d and d are each provided with a suitable vacu um-relief d and vacuum-gage (1 the construction and mode of operation of which will be read ily understood by all skilled in the art. It is to be understood that in case only one cell is used the piping will be varied, and the conduits (Z and (Z may lead directly (instead of through the mains d and (Z to the independent vacuum-pumps D and D, one of which establishes a vacuum in one compartment of the cell and draws oif gas therefrom and the other of which establishes a vacuum in the other compartment and draws off gas therefrom. By the expression vacuum-pump I mean to include any suitable exhausting apparatus. Each vacuu m-pu mp or apparatus is provided with a discharge-conduit D which may lead to any suitable storage-receivers, where the products of electrolysis may be handled for commercial purposes. The electrolyte in cells B becomes. weakened by the electrolysis and withdrawal of gases and requires renewal from time to time, and in order that'the electrolysis may be kept continuous and not be interrupted by the withdrawal of the weakened electrolyte I provide means for withdrawing the weakened electrolyte from compartments B and B while the fresh solution is being supplied through conduits b.- To this end I provide each compartment 13 and B of the cell with an outlet-pipe f, each provided with a suitable regulating-valve f and preferably with an insulating-section f which lead, respectively, to auxiliary vacuum-tanks F and F. Vacuum-tank F is provided at its upper end with a pipe f from which a pipe f leads to the vacuum-main 01 being preferably provided with regulating-valves f and f. The pipe f may be opened to the atmosphere by opening valve f near its open free end. Vacuum-tank F is provided near its upper end with a pipe f having a communicating pipe f preferably provided with regulatingvalves f This pi pe f opens into the vacuu mmain cl of the vacuum-pump D, an auxiliary Vacuum-main (1 being interposed when the cells are used in series between the pipe f and vacuum-main d just as the auxiliary vacuum-main d is interposed between the pipe d and vacuum main d Vacu um-tanks F and F are provided each with an outletpipe f, leading to a stand-pipe f and entering the stand-pipe near its bottom. From the bottom portion of the stand-pipe a pipe f extends to' the cylinder f of a pump whose discharge-pipef discharges into the auxiliary supply-reservoir A The vacuumtanks F and F are each provided with a suitable glass f to show the depth of the solution in the tanks F and F, for when valves f are open theweakened electrolyte in the cell flows to the vacuum-tan ks F and F, accumulating at the bottom thereof, the same vacuum being established in the tanks F and F that there is above the electrolyte in the compartments B and B The vacuum-tanks may be put into operation both at the same time or one at a time. These vacuums are formed by the operation of the vacuum-pumps, as will be readily understood by all skilled in the art, the regulating-valves in the pipes f and f being opened and the valves f for pipes) and f being closed. If vacuums-that is, partial vacuums-were not first formed in tanks F and F, the electrolyte would not flow from compartments B and B intothe tanks because of the upward rush of air or liquid in tanks F and F. When it is desired to Withdraw the weakened electrolyzed solution.

recombining solutions from tanks F and F.

The pump f drives the recombining solutions to the auxiliary reservoir A Where they may be further treated, if desired, and whence they arefed back into the main feed-reservoir A through the conduit a provided with a regulating-valve a, or they are removed through the outlet a n The solution maybe directly prepared in feed-reservoir A, but it is commonly fed through a suitable pipe A A steam-pipe A is provided for varying the temperature of the solution to be fed to the electrolyzing'cell.

In manufacturing on a large scale it will be desirable to use the cells in series, and in the present instance I show a plurality of cells, each piped,as described, to the vacu u m-mains d and 01 one main being piped to the anodecontaining compartments of the cells and the other main being piped to the cathode-containing compartments of the cells in series.

The combination is a series of electrolytic cells constructed so as to permit of the formation of a partial vacuum over the e1ectrolyte in each cell with a vacuum-forming apparatus common to all the anode-containing compartments of the cells and at acuun'rforun ing apparatus common to all the cathode-containing compartments of the cells is a very valuable feature of my invention when it is to be practiced on a large commercial scale, and the combination of the cells with inde* pendent auxiliary vacuum-tanks which communicate with the stand-pipe or other devices wherein the contents of the vacuum-tanks are recombined and made accessible for examination and modification and then pumped or otherwise delivered into the auxiliary feedreservoir A is another important feature of my invention in its relation to large commercial practice. The cells B are provided with suitable insulating-supports I, and these,with

other insulating devices already referred to,

permit the operation of the cells without any unnecessary loss of electric energy. By closing valves Wand opening the valve l) a small portion of the contents of eithercompartment may be drawn out for examination whenever desired. In the construction shown the two vacuum-tanks F and F are connected with two cells, the tank F being common to the an ode-compartments of the cells and the tank F being common to the cathodecompart ments of the cells. I may pipe additional cells in series, if desired, according to the requirements of the commercial plant.

While this apparatus, as will be readily understood by all skilled inthe art, may be used for the electrolysis of various electrolytes, I have devised it with special reference to the electrolysis of solutions which give 01f a gas at each electrode during electrolysis. If, for example, it is to be desired to electroly'ze ammo- 4 e ihsao nium chlorid in solution, the same will be supplied to both compartments of the cell and chlorin gas will be generated in the anode-compartment and ammonia gas in the cathodecompartment, and these gases will be drawn off by the vacuum-forming pumps or apparatus D and D continuously while the electrolysis is being carried on, the formation of the vacuums in the compartments permitting the rapid and continuous escape of gases from the electrolyte. The construction above described permits the weakened electrolyte to be withdrawn from either one or both compartments of the cell and replaced with fresh solution from the feed-reservoir A without any interruption of the process. In the case of the withdrawal of weakened ammonium-chlorid solution from the two compartments of a cell they mingle in the stand-pipef, the flow of either or both being facilitated by adjusting the valves f 16 as the several tests of the combined solution taken from the stand-pipe f show to be necessary. Stand-pipe f is, in efiect, a testing-reservoir.

The vacuum principle of my apparatus is of very great importance in the electrolysis of all solutions from which gaseous ions are produced, for it permits the escape of the gases from the electrolyte and lessens or prevents the diifusion of gases through the electrolyte. As is well known, the phenomena of diffusion and eifusion of gases are essentially different in their nature, the effusive movement affecting masses of a gas, while the diffusive movement affects only molecules, and a gas is usually carried by the former kind of impulse with a velocity many times geater than by the latter. Consequently by forming partial vacuums in such relation to the electrodes that such escape is possible the electrolysis of solutions is rendered much more thorough and effective than can be possible in cases where, as heretofore, the surface of the electrolyte has been exposed in whole or in part to atmospheric pressure during electrolysis.

It will be apparent that any cell may be cut out of the series of cells for repairs or renewals or cleaning without interrupting the operation of the other cells or impairing their efficiency.

It is desirable in all cases, and especially when my invention is to be used in a large commercial plant, to have the feed of the solution to the cell under automatic control. The solution in the series of cells should be kept practically at the normal solution-level. lVhere a large number of cells (from fifty to one hundred or more, for example) are to be used in series, the regulation of the feed by the attendants regulation of the feed regulators orvalves a will he attended with a good deal of uncertainity, and it is desirable to avoid all nncertainity on this point by effecting the requisite feed and feed-regulation without reliance on the attention of the attendants. At the same time it is desirable to retain the regulators a even when the feed is automatically controlled,for the regulators may be used to shut oif the flow or as auxiliary regulators in case the automatically-operating feed-regulators fail to operate properly. The automatic feed is obtained in the present form of my apparatus by the described instrumentalities; but any other automatic feed-controller may be substituted for mine.

The apparatus above described is the best form now known to me of carrying out the principle of my invention; but I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to its details of construction, for it will be obvious that the apparatus may be constructed in a great many different forms without departure from the leading features of my invention.

In all electrolyses of saline material there is found at the electrodes at the instant of electrolyticdissociation the elementary parts of the salt used in solution, these several parts appearing at the electrodes as solid, liquid, or gaseous, according to the material used. These products become diffused more or less through the electrolyte, recombining and forming secondary products, mixing with the solution and undecomposed salts, and preventing or retarding the complete dissociation of the solution, and so causing loss in results or partial failures in the ordinary methods of electrolysis that have not been overcome by any increase in the amount of current or electromotive force at the electrodes.

By my present apparatus with a low electromotive force I electrolyze any desired so lution and secure the most effective electrolytic result by removing immediately, continuously, and uniformly the gaseous ions from the surface of the electrodes and out of the electrolyte at the moment of their separation and away from the field of electrolytic action.

One of the marked advantages of my apparatus due to the maintenance of the partial vacuums mentioned is the lessening and practical prevention of polarization. The difficulties incident to polarization are done away with, because the gaseous ions formed at and on the electrodes instantly escape into the vacuums above the electrolyte. In all forms of my apparatus there is less than normal atmospheric pressure at the electrodes and on the entire surface of the electrolyte, which is out of all connection with the air. The method or process by which this important result is accomplished is a feature of my invention and may be carried on by the herein-described or other forms of apparatus.

It will be observed that that cell-compartment which either contains or serves as the anode is in effect a positive receptacle, electrically considered, and that the compartment which either contains or serves as the cathode is in effect a negative receptacle, electrically considered,the electrolyte in one compartment characteristics of electrolyzing-cells, which I have improved by the hermetically closing of each receptacle or compartment, so as to obtain vacuums therein. I-Iencel consider the hermetical closing of any'and all kinds of electrolyzing-cells as within the scope of my present invention.

If desired, the material to be electrolyzed may be put into my hermetically-closed cells while the covers are off, and the use of the feed devices may be dispensed with, the electrolyte being in solution or in solid form, as

desired, with water to be added as needed.

My hermetically-closed and vacuumized cells may be used,if desired, in fractional electrolysis, the cells communicating one with another, as will be readily understood by all skilled in the art.

In the modification shown in Fig. 5 the cover 1 hermetically closes the outer receptaale 2, which is itself the cathode. The top of the inner cylinder or receptacle 3 is hermetically closed by the dome 4.. The anode-supporter 5 passes through thedome 4; but the joint is hermetically closed,and the outer portion of the supporter is of solid metal. Dotted line 6 6 represents the solution-level in the cell, and 7 and 8 are the vacuumized spaces over the electrolyte. The gas-escape pipe 7 from dome 4: leads to a vacuum creating device 8*, and the gas-escape pipe 9 leads to a vacuum-creating device 10. Vacuum-gages 11 and reliefs 12 are provided to efiectively maintain the vacuums. While the cell may be hermetically closed by any suitable mechanical means, I show a cement deposit 13 over all the joints referred to, keeping the parts of the cell in this modification as near like the corresponding parts of the old cell as is possible.

While it will be generally desirable to use.

a vacuum creating device connected with each compartment,it may be occasionally preferred to use only one such device in connection with one cell, and while it will be generally desirable to provide each compartment with a gas-escape there may be cases where a gas is given 01f in one compartment only and the ions remain in solution in the other compartment. Hence a single gas-escape to each cell will be sufficient for some electrolyses.

In Fig. 6, showing a modification, the cover of the cell is shown in place, and the electrode sis rotary, hollow, and perforated, the electrolyte being fed in through pipe 8 Alead' 'tained good results.

5 extends to the other electrode. (Shown in Fig. 7.) The purpose of perforating the electrodes is to allow the electrolyte to flow out thereof into the cell.

In the modification shown in Fig. 7 electrode s is rotary and electrode 5 stationary.

In the modification shown in Fig. 9 the diaphragm t separates the vacuumized spaces of the cell, extending downwardly only part way from the top surface (indicated by dotted line i) of the electrolyte toward the bottom of the 0611. Consequently no part of the diaphragm is between the electrodes, and the diaphragm is made without porosities instead of with porosities, as in the preferred form. I have test-ed apparatus thus equipped and have ob- I attribute the success of the tests to the rapid escape of the gases, and where the nature of the electrolyte is such as to permit it a diaphragm of this construction and arrangement may be substituted for the usual diaphragm having porosities and with some advantage, as the absence of a diaphragm or partition from between the electrodes will lessen to a certain extent the internal resistance of the cell. The electrodes t t are supported by the leads i In Fig. 8, which shows another modification and is on a line corresponding to line 6 6 of Fig. 7, the electrode is made up of a crossbar 4', supported in brackets r within the cell. From the bar blocks r depend into the electrolyte. The construction and arrangement of the electrodes may be greatly varied, as will be readily understood by all skilled in the art, the known and possible forms of elec trodes being very numerous. respects the apparatus forming the subjectmatter of the invention maybe widely varied In manyother I without departure from the principle of my invention. 7

As tothe amount of vacuum which I have found practically efficient in the electrolysis of ammonium chlorid, I will say that avacuum of from five to ten inches, as shown on the vacuum gage, gives good practical results, while a vacuum of about fifteen inches gives some better results. In my work on the electrolysis of ammonium chlorid I have not found that there is any appreciable benefit derived from a vacuum of more than fifteen inches; but in operating a large commercial plant it is probable that the degree of vacuum may have to be varied.

For some uses the partition maybe porous in part only, and in some cases the partition may be wholly omitted; but in all cases in apparatus working on the principle of this invention the cell is to be hermetically sealed, so that the electrolyte is out of all contact with atmospheric pressure and is not subjected directly or indirectly to atmospheric pressure. It is necessary in constructing the cells containing the electrolyte to use suffi ciently-strong material to withstand the atmospheric pressure, forotherwise they will be liable to be crushed.

What I claim is- 1. In electrolyzing apparatus, the combination of an electrolyzing-cell containing a diaphragm which forms two compartments within the cell; a cover for the cell; means for hermetically sealing the coveron the cell; an anode in one compartment; a cathode in the other compartment; an electrical generator electrically connected with the anode and cathode; a vacuum-creating device; a vacuum-conduitwhich serves as a gas-escape and is operatively connected with the vacuumcreating device and with the anode-compartment; and a Vacuum-conduit which serves as a gas-escape and is operatively connected with the vacuum-creatin g device and with the cathode-compartment; a hermetically-sealed feed-regulator constructed and arranged to be actuated by the level of the liquid in the cell; and conduit connections from the regulator to the cell.

2. In electrolyzing apparatus, the combination of an electrolyzing-cell containing a diaphragm which forms two compartments within the cell; a cover for the cell; means for hermetically sealing the cover on the cell; an anode in one compartment; a cathode in the other compartment; an electrical generator electrically connected with the anode and cathode; a vacuum-creating device; a Vacuum-conduit which serves as a gas-escape and is operatively connected with the vacuumcreating device and with the anode-compartment; and a vacuum-conduit which serves as a gas-escape and is operatively connected with the Vacuum-creating device and with the cathode-compartment; a hermetically-sealed feed-regulator constructed and arranged to be actuated by the level of the liquid in the cell; and conduit connections from the regulator to the cell; a main feed or supply reservoir; and an intermediate feed-reservoir; and a conduit connection between the intermediate feed-reservoir and the regulator; the intermediate feed-reservoir having an inlet; and the main feed-reservoir having an outlet which discharges into said inlet without contact therewith.

3. In electrolyzing apparatus, the combination of a hermetically closed, compartmental cell; a diaphragm therein; an electrode in each compartment; an electrical generator electrically connected with the electrodes; a feed-reservoir piped to the cell a hermetically-sealed feed-regulator piped to the cell; a vacuum-creating device for and 0peratively connected with at least one compartment and comprising a conduit which is both a vacuum-conduit and a gas-escape conduit; a vacuum-chamber on a lower level than the cell and connected with at least one compartment of the cell, said chamber having an outlet and means for opening and controlling the same.

4. In electrolyzing apparatus, the combination of a hermeticallyclosed, compartmental cell; a diaphragm therein; an electrode in each compartment; an electrical generator electrically connected with the electrodes; a feed-reservoir piped to the cell; a hermetically-sealed feed-regulator piped to the cell; a vacuum-creating device for and operatively connected with at least one compartment and comprising a conduit which is both a Vacuum-conduit and a gas-escape conduit; a vacuum-chamber on a lower level than the cell and connected with at least one compartment of the cell, and with the feedreservoir; and, intermediate said vacuumchamher and the feed-reservoir, atestingdevice.

5. In electrolyzing apparatus, the combination of a hermeticallyclosed, compartmental cell; a diaphragm therein; an electrodein each compartment; an electrical generator electrically connected with the electrodes; a feed-reservoir piped to the cell; a hermetically-sealed feed-regulator piped to the cell; a vacuum-creating device for and operatively connected with at least one compartment and comprising a conduit which is both a vacuum-conduit and a gas-escape conduit; a vacuum-chamber on a lower level than the cell and connected with at least one compartment of the cell, and with the feedreservoir; and, intermediate said vacuumchamber and the feed-reservoir, a testing device; and a conduit from the testing device to a feed-regulator.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses, on this 8th day of January, A. D. 1898.

\VILFRED BARNES.

Witnesses:

EDWARD S. BLOCH, E. A. ALLEN.