CA1072054A - Bipolar electrolytic cell - Google Patents
Bipolar electrolytic cellInfo
- Publication number
- CA1072054A CA1072054A CA260,961A CA260961A CA1072054A CA 1072054 A CA1072054 A CA 1072054A CA 260961 A CA260961 A CA 260961A CA 1072054 A CA1072054 A CA 1072054A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- partition
- liner
- cell unit
- anode
- frame
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
- C25B9/17—Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodes; Assemblies of constructional parts thereof
- C25B9/19—Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodes; Assemblies of constructional parts thereof with diaphragms
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Metallurgy (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Electrolytic Production Of Non-Metals, Compounds, Apparatuses Therefor (AREA)
Abstract
BIPOLAR BLECTROLYTIC CELL
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Bipolar electrolytic cell structare having a thin removable valve metal liner on the anode side, forming a semi-rigid anolyte compartment within the cell framework.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Bipolar electrolytic cell structare having a thin removable valve metal liner on the anode side, forming a semi-rigid anolyte compartment within the cell framework.
Description
~0~ 5 FIELD OF THE I~VE~TIO~
The present invention relates 8enerallY to an electrolytic cell apparatus, and more particularly to an !;
;
electrolytic cell u~ilizing bipolar electrodes wherein the anolyte compart~ent of the cell is formed by a ~hin valve metal liner fitted vithin the cell fra=ework.
BACRGROU~TUE I~3VFFTIOF
The electrolysii~ of alkali metal halide s~lutions is often conduc~ed in electrolytic cells of the diaphragm or membrane type. The configuration of such ceLls requires two electrolyte compartments, one for the anolyte and one for the catholyte. The~e two compartments are separated by a semi-permeable diaphragm, typically of asbestos, in the diaphrag~type cell, or by a selectively ion-permeable membrane, typically a polymeric material, in the membrane-type cell~ Such cells may be electrically connected in series, with the anode o~ one conDected w1th ehe cathode of an ad~oining cell through a common ~truc~ural member, or partition. This arrangement is generally kno~n as a bipolar configuration, and each combinatlon of anode, partition me~ber, and cathode is generally known as a bipolar unit.
In the conventional electroly~i~ of alkali metal halide solutions in bipolas cells, one important commercial factor is the corro~ion of cell components in contact with the anolyte.
The anolyte normally contains highly corros1ve concentrations of free hallde, and the use of base metals such asi iron to contain this solution has proven ineffective.
It has been proposed to overcome this problem by utilizing valve metals or alloys thereof to contain the anolyte, either by fabrlcating the entire cell from such a corrosion-
The present invention relates 8enerallY to an electrolytic cell apparatus, and more particularly to an !;
;
electrolytic cell u~ilizing bipolar electrodes wherein the anolyte compart~ent of the cell is formed by a ~hin valve metal liner fitted vithin the cell fra=ework.
BACRGROU~TUE I~3VFFTIOF
The electrolysii~ of alkali metal halide s~lutions is often conduc~ed in electrolytic cells of the diaphragm or membrane type. The configuration of such ceLls requires two electrolyte compartments, one for the anolyte and one for the catholyte. The~e two compartments are separated by a semi-permeable diaphragm, typically of asbestos, in the diaphrag~type cell, or by a selectively ion-permeable membrane, typically a polymeric material, in the membrane-type cell~ Such cells may be electrically connected in series, with the anode o~ one conDected w1th ehe cathode of an ad~oining cell through a common ~truc~ural member, or partition. This arrangement is generally kno~n as a bipolar configuration, and each combinatlon of anode, partition me~ber, and cathode is generally known as a bipolar unit.
In the conventional electroly~i~ of alkali metal halide solutions in bipolas cells, one important commercial factor is the corro~ion of cell components in contact with the anolyte.
The anolyte normally contains highly corros1ve concentrations of free hallde, and the use of base metals such asi iron to contain this solution has proven ineffective.
It has been proposed to overcome this problem by utilizing valve metals or alloys thereof to contain the anolyte, either by fabrlcating the entire cell from such a corrosion-
- 2 -l~Z~5A~
resistant material or by bonding a coating of valve metal onto a base metal within the anolyte compartment. However 9 the use of large quantities of expensive valve metals in commercial cell cons~ruction has proven economically lmpractical. The coated base ~e~als, on the other hsnd, are hoth expensive to prepare and prone ~o disintegration and peeling of the bonded protective layer.
Additionally, when a number of cell units are a3sembled to form an electrolyzer, it has been the practice to prov~de a rigid exterior framework with support members for each individual cell ~o give the electrolyzer struc~ural integrity. Such a ~-design is cumbsrsome and e~pensive, and requir~s that the entire electrolyzer be dlsa~sembled to repair or replace an individual cell u~it.
It is thus highly desirable to provite a bipolar cell which utilizes the corrosion-re~istant valve metals in an economical manner9 while combining structural stability and integrity with a readily dismantleable deslgn.
SUMMARY OF THE I~VENTIO~
In accordance with the lnvention there is provided an electrolytlc cell apparatus whlch includes a frame assembly surrounding a cell-dividing partition, through which anode and cathode structures are connected electrically and mechanically j to form a bipolar unit. Adjacent units are separatPd by a diaphragm or membran~, which also serves to define one slde of the catholyte and anolyte compartments. This cell apparatus is provided with the further improvement which comprises a valve metal liner posltio~ed within the space formed by ~he frame and part~tion on the anode side of the unit. The liner is spaced away from the partition over subs~antially all of its sur~ace, _ 3 -l~Z~
!:
and has apertures corresponding to those in the partition through which valve metal anode conne~ting means pass and are sealed. The liner has a flange or lip around its perimeter which rests agalnst the edge of the frame, thereby providing an enclosed anolyte compartment when the cell unit~i~ po~itioned ~;~
again~t the membrane surface of an ad~acent cell unit.
The impro~ed b~polar cell of the invention has numerou~
advantages, including 8 corro~ion-resl~tant anolyte compartment which ~ easily remQvable and replaceable, a~d which may be :, 10 formed as a~ integral part of the anode structure itself. The liner-type construction allows the u~e of thi~p and therefore relatively i~expenslve, pieces of valve metal while retaining the stable structure provided by the rigid frame. The use of heavy valve metal sheet~ or unstable valve metal coatings ls ~ ;
eliminated.
Addit~onally, the cell of the invention utilizes a -~
self-supporting arrangement of the frame, partition and cathode ~ ;~
elements which ~acilitates the assembly of multi-unit `:
electrolyzer3 without the neèd for external framing~ Sufficient 20 structural integrlty i8 provided to allow a multiplicity of ;
cell units to be assembled into a self-supporting electrolyzer.
Individual cell units can be removed without dismantling the entire electrolyzer and disturbing the Joint~ of all the otber cell units. Maintenance and replacement 19 thu~ greatly ~impli~ed;
Further, with the snolyte liner located within the rigid celt frames, very close alignment of ~he electrodes is more easily achieved and the crltical electrode tolerances are mainta~ned. The space between the liner and partition can ; ;~
30 also be provlded with means for introducing and circulating a heat tran~fer fluid for temperature control of the cell.
_ 4 _ :
,~ _ . . :
, . . . .. ., ., - ; .. ~,, .:: : : . - - ., .. ; . , , ; :
l~Z054 BRIEF DESCRIPTIO~ OF THE DRAWINGS
Other adYantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed de~cription and upo~ reference to the drawings, in which:
FIGURE 1 ls a simp~fied exploded vlew of ona embodiment oP a bipolar cell uni~ o~ this invention.
FIGURE 2 is a longitudinal section of an asse~bled bipolar cell unit of this invention.
While the inven~ion will be described in terms of a preferred embodiment, lt is to be understood that this is only for purposes of illustration and i9 not intended to li~i~ the invention. On the contrary, it i9 intended to cover all zlternatives, modiflcations and equlvalents as may be includad within the spirit and scope of tbe inventlon as deflned by the appended elaims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF T~E I~VENTIO~
Turning to the drawings, there i9 ~hown a bipolar electrolytic cell unit comprising a frame 14 which surrounds ;~
a cell-dividing partition 16 to form an integral structure, ~oined together by welding or other suitable bonding technlque.
Fitted inside the frame on the anode side ls a pan-shaped liner 12 which defineq the anolyte chamber 38. Liner 12 has a plurality of apertures through which anode bosses 30 pass, :~:
connecting on one side to the anode 10 and on the other ~ide to cathode bosses 28. The cathode bosses 28 are faste~ed into apertures in the partition 16 which correspond to the apertures in the liner 12. Bolts 32 are used to mechanically and elPctrically co~nect the cathode 18 through the ca~hode bosses 28 and the anode bosses 30 to the anode 10. A me~brane 8 ~ 5 ~
.
l~qZ~5~
separates adjacent bipolar units ~nd diYides the anolyte chamber 38 of one unit from the catholyte chamber 36 of the adiacent unit.
The cell frame 14 1~ a rigid structure, and as shown in Fig. l it may be constructed from four pieces of angle iron to form a rectangle. Alternatlvely, of course, it may be of unitized constructlon, and have a ~hape ~ther than rectangular.
Steel is the preferred material for fabrication, al~hough any cathodic material having ~uf~icient structural strength i9 ~uitable. The dimensio~s of the rame are not crltical and can be ad~usted to suit ~he cell output desired. Height and width generally range from three to eight feet 9 while the depth may vary from about two to about eight inches. Thickness of the framing material generally ranges from about 0.25 inch to 0.75 inch, depending upon overall dimensions.
Fixed withill the frame 14 is a dividing psrtition 16, which is attached to the frame along its entire perimeter by welding or other means. The ~eal between the frame 14 and the partition 16 must be liquid-tight in order to provide a leak free catholyte chamber. As with the ~rame, steel i3 the preferred material for cons~ruction of the partition. The placement of the partition 16 within the frame 14 generally determines the depth of both the anode compartment 38 and the cathode compartment 36. In normal operation the partition is placed from about one inch to about four inches from the cathode ...~
edge of the frame and from about 0.5 to about two inche~ from the anode edge. The thickness of the partitlon itself usually ranges from 0.25 to 0.75 inch.
~ Z~5~
Located within the partition 16 is a plurality of apertures of from 0.5 to 3 inches in diameter. Fitted into these apertures are cathode bosses 28. These bos~es support the cathode 18 and also serve as the means for mechanical a~d electrical connection of the anode 10 and cathode 18. The cathode bosses 28 are fit~ed into the apertures in partition 16 in a liquid-tigh~ fsshion, generally by welding, although a gasket arrangement may al o be used. Any gas~et or o-ring material must of course be resistant to the catholyte, thus polymeric or hard rubber composltions are examples Gf suitable materials. The cathode bosses 28 are constructed of a suitable cathodic metal, with steel being preferred.
Bolts 32 extend through the cathode bosses 28 and into the female threaded anode bo~ses 30 to connect the two sides of the bipolar unit. The anode bosse~ 30 are constructed of anolyte-resistant valve metal, usually titanium~ and are connected to the anode 10.
The anolyte compartment lin~r 12 i~ fi~ted into the space formed by the frame 14 and the partition 16. The liner 12 is fabricated ~rom valve metal, preferably titanium, and generally has a thickness in the range of 0.02 to 0.15 inch.
The liner 12 i8 provided with a lip or flange around its outside edge, which fits against the edge of frame 14. The liner further ha~ apertures matching those in the partition 16 and into ~hich the anode bosses 30 fit. When ehe seal at the Junction of the apertures and the anode bosses is made liquid-tight and the cell unit is positioned against the membrane 8 of an adiacent cell, a corrosion resistant anolyte chamber 38 is formed. The liner 12 is usually made liquid-tight by welding the ~unctions with the anode bosses 30, although it is also possible to utilize a gasket or sealing arrangement. Such `
gaskets or seals must of course be rasistant to the corrosive conditions found in the anolyte.
The anode bosse~ 30 may be provided with a shoukder naar the point of contact with the cathode bosses 28, as shown in Fi8. 2. This shoulder adds further suppor~ to liner 12 and facilitates the maintenance of dimensional tolerance8 and stability of the llner. The liner 12 is normaily installed 0 90 that it is spaced away from the partitlon 16 by a distance - o abou~ 0.05 to about 1.0 inch. This spaced-a~ay relationship is maintained in order to prevent corrosion and to allow circulation of a heat transfer fluid for control of the cell temperature, if desired. When the liner 12 is fitted into the cell unit as described, the clamping effect about the perimeter resulting from positioning again~t the frames 14 of ad~acent cell units, combined with the support provided by anode bosses 30 ? results in an extremaly stable and rigid anolyte chamber.
The dimensional tolerances of the cell unit and the alignment of the electrodes are easily maintained, It is also possible to replace the liner 12 by simply releasing bolt~ 32 and removing the entire integral liner-anode a~sembly if welding ~' or some other permanent connecting means has been used, or by removing only the liner itself if a gasket-type sealing means has been used.
The dlaphragm or membrane 8 is installed between ad~acent cell units by simply clamping be~ween the frame edges.
Ga6kets 6 may be used to insure a good seal. As noted previously, the membrane 8 separates the bipolar units and provides one side of the enclosure for both catholyte compartment 36 and anolyte compartment 38. The bipolar units are joined together to form l~Z~59L
an el~ctrolyzer by any convenient means, usually by insulated bolts through slots 34 in the frames 14. Dowel plns may al~o be utilized to insure alignment of adjacent cell units.
The cathode ~8 i9 preferably formed of steel, but other catholyte-resistant, electroc~onductive material3 sùch as nickel may àlso be used. The anode 10 is preferably for~ed from a valve metal such as ~itanium, tantalum, zlroonium, tungsten or the like ~hich is resistant to corrosion by ~he anolyteO
dimensionally stable composltion is preferred. Both the cathode 18 and the anode 10 ara generally fabrica~ed from expanded metal, perforated ~heets, flat plates, parallel plate~, or the like.
The electrodes may be attached directly to the respective bosses, or intermediate current distribution means such as bars 42 may be utilized.
During operation of the cell, anolyte is introduced into the anolyte chamber 38 by means of an inlet port 24, and electrolysis products are removed through an outle~ port 26.
Catholyte i9 introduced through an inle~ 20 and products are removed through an outlet 22.
.---
resistant material or by bonding a coating of valve metal onto a base metal within the anolyte compartment. However 9 the use of large quantities of expensive valve metals in commercial cell cons~ruction has proven economically lmpractical. The coated base ~e~als, on the other hsnd, are hoth expensive to prepare and prone ~o disintegration and peeling of the bonded protective layer.
Additionally, when a number of cell units are a3sembled to form an electrolyzer, it has been the practice to prov~de a rigid exterior framework with support members for each individual cell ~o give the electrolyzer struc~ural integrity. Such a ~-design is cumbsrsome and e~pensive, and requir~s that the entire electrolyzer be dlsa~sembled to repair or replace an individual cell u~it.
It is thus highly desirable to provite a bipolar cell which utilizes the corrosion-re~istant valve metals in an economical manner9 while combining structural stability and integrity with a readily dismantleable deslgn.
SUMMARY OF THE I~VENTIO~
In accordance with the lnvention there is provided an electrolytlc cell apparatus whlch includes a frame assembly surrounding a cell-dividing partition, through which anode and cathode structures are connected electrically and mechanically j to form a bipolar unit. Adjacent units are separatPd by a diaphragm or membran~, which also serves to define one slde of the catholyte and anolyte compartments. This cell apparatus is provided with the further improvement which comprises a valve metal liner posltio~ed within the space formed by ~he frame and part~tion on the anode side of the unit. The liner is spaced away from the partition over subs~antially all of its sur~ace, _ 3 -l~Z~
!:
and has apertures corresponding to those in the partition through which valve metal anode conne~ting means pass and are sealed. The liner has a flange or lip around its perimeter which rests agalnst the edge of the frame, thereby providing an enclosed anolyte compartment when the cell unit~i~ po~itioned ~;~
again~t the membrane surface of an ad~acent cell unit.
The impro~ed b~polar cell of the invention has numerou~
advantages, including 8 corro~ion-resl~tant anolyte compartment which ~ easily remQvable and replaceable, a~d which may be :, 10 formed as a~ integral part of the anode structure itself. The liner-type construction allows the u~e of thi~p and therefore relatively i~expenslve, pieces of valve metal while retaining the stable structure provided by the rigid frame. The use of heavy valve metal sheet~ or unstable valve metal coatings ls ~ ;
eliminated.
Addit~onally, the cell of the invention utilizes a -~
self-supporting arrangement of the frame, partition and cathode ~ ;~
elements which ~acilitates the assembly of multi-unit `:
electrolyzer3 without the neèd for external framing~ Sufficient 20 structural integrlty i8 provided to allow a multiplicity of ;
cell units to be assembled into a self-supporting electrolyzer.
Individual cell units can be removed without dismantling the entire electrolyzer and disturbing the Joint~ of all the otber cell units. Maintenance and replacement 19 thu~ greatly ~impli~ed;
Further, with the snolyte liner located within the rigid celt frames, very close alignment of ~he electrodes is more easily achieved and the crltical electrode tolerances are mainta~ned. The space between the liner and partition can ; ;~
30 also be provlded with means for introducing and circulating a heat tran~fer fluid for temperature control of the cell.
_ 4 _ :
,~ _ . . :
, . . . .. ., ., - ; .. ~,, .:: : : . - - ., .. ; . , , ; :
l~Z054 BRIEF DESCRIPTIO~ OF THE DRAWINGS
Other adYantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed de~cription and upo~ reference to the drawings, in which:
FIGURE 1 ls a simp~fied exploded vlew of ona embodiment oP a bipolar cell uni~ o~ this invention.
FIGURE 2 is a longitudinal section of an asse~bled bipolar cell unit of this invention.
While the inven~ion will be described in terms of a preferred embodiment, lt is to be understood that this is only for purposes of illustration and i9 not intended to li~i~ the invention. On the contrary, it i9 intended to cover all zlternatives, modiflcations and equlvalents as may be includad within the spirit and scope of tbe inventlon as deflned by the appended elaims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF T~E I~VENTIO~
Turning to the drawings, there i9 ~hown a bipolar electrolytic cell unit comprising a frame 14 which surrounds ;~
a cell-dividing partition 16 to form an integral structure, ~oined together by welding or other suitable bonding technlque.
Fitted inside the frame on the anode side ls a pan-shaped liner 12 which defineq the anolyte chamber 38. Liner 12 has a plurality of apertures through which anode bosses 30 pass, :~:
connecting on one side to the anode 10 and on the other ~ide to cathode bosses 28. The cathode bosses 28 are faste~ed into apertures in the partition 16 which correspond to the apertures in the liner 12. Bolts 32 are used to mechanically and elPctrically co~nect the cathode 18 through the ca~hode bosses 28 and the anode bosses 30 to the anode 10. A me~brane 8 ~ 5 ~
.
l~qZ~5~
separates adjacent bipolar units ~nd diYides the anolyte chamber 38 of one unit from the catholyte chamber 36 of the adiacent unit.
The cell frame 14 1~ a rigid structure, and as shown in Fig. l it may be constructed from four pieces of angle iron to form a rectangle. Alternatlvely, of course, it may be of unitized constructlon, and have a ~hape ~ther than rectangular.
Steel is the preferred material for fabrication, al~hough any cathodic material having ~uf~icient structural strength i9 ~uitable. The dimensio~s of the rame are not crltical and can be ad~usted to suit ~he cell output desired. Height and width generally range from three to eight feet 9 while the depth may vary from about two to about eight inches. Thickness of the framing material generally ranges from about 0.25 inch to 0.75 inch, depending upon overall dimensions.
Fixed withill the frame 14 is a dividing psrtition 16, which is attached to the frame along its entire perimeter by welding or other means. The ~eal between the frame 14 and the partition 16 must be liquid-tight in order to provide a leak free catholyte chamber. As with the ~rame, steel i3 the preferred material for cons~ruction of the partition. The placement of the partition 16 within the frame 14 generally determines the depth of both the anode compartment 38 and the cathode compartment 36. In normal operation the partition is placed from about one inch to about four inches from the cathode ...~
edge of the frame and from about 0.5 to about two inche~ from the anode edge. The thickness of the partitlon itself usually ranges from 0.25 to 0.75 inch.
~ Z~5~
Located within the partition 16 is a plurality of apertures of from 0.5 to 3 inches in diameter. Fitted into these apertures are cathode bosses 28. These bos~es support the cathode 18 and also serve as the means for mechanical a~d electrical connection of the anode 10 and cathode 18. The cathode bosses 28 are fit~ed into the apertures in partition 16 in a liquid-tigh~ fsshion, generally by welding, although a gasket arrangement may al o be used. Any gas~et or o-ring material must of course be resistant to the catholyte, thus polymeric or hard rubber composltions are examples Gf suitable materials. The cathode bosses 28 are constructed of a suitable cathodic metal, with steel being preferred.
Bolts 32 extend through the cathode bosses 28 and into the female threaded anode bo~ses 30 to connect the two sides of the bipolar unit. The anode bosse~ 30 are constructed of anolyte-resistant valve metal, usually titanium~ and are connected to the anode 10.
The anolyte compartment lin~r 12 i~ fi~ted into the space formed by the frame 14 and the partition 16. The liner 12 is fabricated ~rom valve metal, preferably titanium, and generally has a thickness in the range of 0.02 to 0.15 inch.
The liner 12 i8 provided with a lip or flange around its outside edge, which fits against the edge of frame 14. The liner further ha~ apertures matching those in the partition 16 and into ~hich the anode bosses 30 fit. When ehe seal at the Junction of the apertures and the anode bosses is made liquid-tight and the cell unit is positioned against the membrane 8 of an adiacent cell, a corrosion resistant anolyte chamber 38 is formed. The liner 12 is usually made liquid-tight by welding the ~unctions with the anode bosses 30, although it is also possible to utilize a gasket or sealing arrangement. Such `
gaskets or seals must of course be rasistant to the corrosive conditions found in the anolyte.
The anode bosse~ 30 may be provided with a shoukder naar the point of contact with the cathode bosses 28, as shown in Fi8. 2. This shoulder adds further suppor~ to liner 12 and facilitates the maintenance of dimensional tolerance8 and stability of the llner. The liner 12 is normaily installed 0 90 that it is spaced away from the partitlon 16 by a distance - o abou~ 0.05 to about 1.0 inch. This spaced-a~ay relationship is maintained in order to prevent corrosion and to allow circulation of a heat transfer fluid for control of the cell temperature, if desired. When the liner 12 is fitted into the cell unit as described, the clamping effect about the perimeter resulting from positioning again~t the frames 14 of ad~acent cell units, combined with the support provided by anode bosses 30 ? results in an extremaly stable and rigid anolyte chamber.
The dimensional tolerances of the cell unit and the alignment of the electrodes are easily maintained, It is also possible to replace the liner 12 by simply releasing bolt~ 32 and removing the entire integral liner-anode a~sembly if welding ~' or some other permanent connecting means has been used, or by removing only the liner itself if a gasket-type sealing means has been used.
The dlaphragm or membrane 8 is installed between ad~acent cell units by simply clamping be~ween the frame edges.
Ga6kets 6 may be used to insure a good seal. As noted previously, the membrane 8 separates the bipolar units and provides one side of the enclosure for both catholyte compartment 36 and anolyte compartment 38. The bipolar units are joined together to form l~Z~59L
an el~ctrolyzer by any convenient means, usually by insulated bolts through slots 34 in the frames 14. Dowel plns may al~o be utilized to insure alignment of adjacent cell units.
The cathode ~8 i9 preferably formed of steel, but other catholyte-resistant, electroc~onductive material3 sùch as nickel may àlso be used. The anode 10 is preferably for~ed from a valve metal such as ~itanium, tantalum, zlroonium, tungsten or the like ~hich is resistant to corrosion by ~he anolyteO
dimensionally stable composltion is preferred. Both the cathode 18 and the anode 10 ara generally fabrica~ed from expanded metal, perforated ~heets, flat plates, parallel plate~, or the like.
The electrodes may be attached directly to the respective bosses, or intermediate current distribution means such as bars 42 may be utilized.
During operation of the cell, anolyte is introduced into the anolyte chamber 38 by means of an inlet port 24, and electrolysis products are removed through an outle~ port 26.
Catholyte i9 introduced through an inle~ 20 and products are removed through an outlet 22.
.---
Claims (11)
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. In a bipolar electrolytic cell unit including a frame surrounding a dividing partition, a cathode and anode connected electrically and mechanically through apertures in the partition, and a membrane fitted against the edge of the frame to separate adjacent cell units, the improvement which comprises a valve metal liner positioned within the space formed by the frame and partition on the anode side of the unit, said liner being spaced away from the partition over substantially all of its surface, having apertures corresponding to those in the partition into which valve metal anode connecting means are sealed, and having a flange around its perimeter which rests against the edge of the frame, thereby providing an enclosed anolyte compartment when positioned against the membrane surface of an adjacent cell unit.
2. The cell unit of claim 1 wherein the liner is titanium.
3. The cell unit of claim 1 wherein the liner ranges from 0.02 to 0.15 inch in thickness.
4. The cell unit of claim 1 wherein the liner is spaced at least 0.05 inch away from the partition over substant-ially all of its surface.
5. The cell unit of claim 1 wherein the liner is spaced away from the partition by a raised shoulder on the anode connecting means.
6. The cell unit of claim 1 wherein the anode connect-ing means are sealed into the liner by welding.
7. The cell unit of claim 1 wherein the anode connect-ing means are sealed into the liner with gaskets.
8. The cell unit of claim 1 wherein the anode, anode connecting means, and liner are an integral assembly.
9. The cell unit of claim 1 wherein the frame is of sufficient structural integrity that multiple units may be joined to form a self-supporting electrolyzer assembly.
10. A bipolar electrolytic cell unit which comprises:
(a) a rectangular steel frame;
(b) a rectangular unit-dividing steel partition located within the frame and attached to it around its perimeter, said partition having a plurality of apertures therein;
(c) a cathode and anode on opposite sides of the partition, connected electrically and mechanically through the apertures;
(d) an ion-permeable membrane fitted against the edge of the frame on the cathode side to separate the cathode and anode compartments of adjacent cell units;
(e) inlet and outlet means to introduce electro-lyte into the cell unit and to remove anodic and cathodic products therefrom;
(f) a rectangular pan-shaped titanium liner positioned within the space formed by the frame and partition on the anode side of the unit, said liner being spaced away from the partition over substantially all of its surface by raised shoulders on titanium bosses welded into apertures corresponding so those in the partition, and having a flange around its perimeter which rests against the edge of the frame, thereby providing an enclosed anolyte compartment when positioned against the membrane surface of an adjacent cell unit.
(a) a rectangular steel frame;
(b) a rectangular unit-dividing steel partition located within the frame and attached to it around its perimeter, said partition having a plurality of apertures therein;
(c) a cathode and anode on opposite sides of the partition, connected electrically and mechanically through the apertures;
(d) an ion-permeable membrane fitted against the edge of the frame on the cathode side to separate the cathode and anode compartments of adjacent cell units;
(e) inlet and outlet means to introduce electro-lyte into the cell unit and to remove anodic and cathodic products therefrom;
(f) a rectangular pan-shaped titanium liner positioned within the space formed by the frame and partition on the anode side of the unit, said liner being spaced away from the partition over substantially all of its surface by raised shoulders on titanium bosses welded into apertures corresponding so those in the partition, and having a flange around its perimeter which rests against the edge of the frame, thereby providing an enclosed anolyte compartment when positioned against the membrane surface of an adjacent cell unit.
11. The cell unit of claim 10 which additionally includes (g) means for introducing and circulating heat transfer fluid into the space between the liner and partition.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US61863775A | 1975-10-01 | 1975-10-01 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1072054A true CA1072054A (en) | 1980-02-19 |
Family
ID=24478500
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA260,961A Expired CA1072054A (en) | 1975-10-01 | 1976-09-10 | Bipolar electrolytic cell |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1072054A (en) |
| SE (1) | SE7610776L (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4673479A (en) * | 1983-03-07 | 1987-06-16 | The Dow Chemical Company | Fabricated electrochemical cell |
| US5849164A (en) * | 1996-06-27 | 1998-12-15 | Eltech Systems Corporation | Cell with blade electrodes and recirculation chamber |
-
1976
- 1976-09-10 CA CA260,961A patent/CA1072054A/en not_active Expired
- 1976-09-29 SE SE7610776A patent/SE7610776L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4673479A (en) * | 1983-03-07 | 1987-06-16 | The Dow Chemical Company | Fabricated electrochemical cell |
| US5849164A (en) * | 1996-06-27 | 1998-12-15 | Eltech Systems Corporation | Cell with blade electrodes and recirculation chamber |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| SE7610776L (en) | 1977-04-02 |
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