Abstract:
An anode immersed in liquid electrolyte of a battery is threadily engaged with a plastic holder impervious to the corrosive action of the electrolyte. Electrical connection is made to the underside of the anode through a liquid-tight fitting which passes up through the underside of the holder. A sealing gasket is placed at the lower interface between the anode and its holder and the threads are provided with a sealing tape. Additional anode capacity may be provide with the provision of a threaded aperture on the surface of the anode for receiving a supplemental anode having a threaded projection which engages the aperture.
Abstract:
A system and a method of controlled electrochemical power generation are disclosed. The system includes an electrochemical cell comprising an alkali metal anode, a cathode initially spaced about 10-25 mils from the anode to define a flow channel, an electrolyte comprising an aqueous solution of the hydroxide of the alkali metal and, for example, a separator system adapted for providing a substantially uniform pattern of flow of the electrolyte through the flow channel is utilized in a system and method of controlled power generation. Flow control valves may, for example, be used to control the volumetric flow rate of the electrolyte through the flow channel thereby attaining substantially uniform voltage from the cell.
Abstract:
A separator system for electrochemical cells whereby a reactive metal anode and active porous cathode are isolated from one another while the uniformity and turbulence of the electrolyte flow therebetween is increased. The separator system includes a rigid porous member adjacent to the cathode and a resilient porous member adjacent to the rigid porous member and between the rigid porous member and the anode. This orientation of the separator system components results in a cell having improved controllability and reduced polarization during operation.
Abstract:
A method of improving performance in an electrochemical cell having a consumable metal anode defining an anode face and a cathode spaced from the anode face and defining an electrolyte flow channel therebetween whereby an aqueous alkaline electrolyte flows through a system of flow baffles disposed in the electrolyte flow channel of the cell. The flow baffles define an electrolyte flow path having a directional vector component perpendicular to a sufficient component of a flow vector of the electrolyte to increase the speed at which the electrolyte passes across the anode face at any selected volumetric flow rate as compared to an otherwise identical cell without such baffles.
Abstract:
Chromic acid is now produced in simplified processing that also reduces acid contaminants, while using the alkali metal chromate typically available at an early stage in chromic acid production from chrome ore. In the process, chromate is converted to dichromate in the anode compartment of either a two-compartment, or three-compartment, electrolytic cell. During electrolysis, metal ion contamination is reduced. Withdrawn anolyte from this first cell may then be concentrated. The dichromate feed, possibly concentrated, is then introduced to the center compartment of a three-compartment electrolytic cell and flows through a porous diaphragm to the anode compartment of the cell. The anolyte from this later electrolytic cell, rich in chromic acid, can be concentrated, cooled, and the chromic acid recovered. Liquid removed from chromic acid recovery can be recycled. Alkali product is produced in the cathode compartment of each cell.
Abstract:
A metal-air battery having a case within which is contained an anode, an air cathode and a liquid electrolyte, above which is an air plenum. The battery includes a standpipe arrangement which extends to a source of air for providing the necessary oxygen to the air plenum for proper battery operation.
Abstract:
A surfactant is present in an aqeuous alkaline electrolyte of a consumable metal anode electrochemical cell in a concentration sufficient to substantially reduce both the surface tension of the electrolyte and the rate of the parasitic corrosion reaction occurring between the electrolyte and the anode. The surfactant is useful in minimizing the harmful side effects, such as increased heat generation, anode consumption without producing useful energy and increased hydrogen gas production rates, such as are associated with the parasitic corrosion reaction experienced in such electrochemical cells.
Abstract:
A consumable metal electrode incorporates a fibrous reinforcing network of electrically insulating material extending through at least a portion of the body of the electrode and disposed in close proximity to a surface of the electrode which will be contacted by liquid electrolyte and eroded during operation of an electrochemical cell incorporating the electrode. Local turbulence is generated by the fibrous network at the electrode surface during operation of the cell in order to maximize electrical output.
Abstract:
Disclosed is an improved method for the electrochemical production of pinacols from organic carbonyl compounds at high current efficiency in an acid medium in a cell having a hydraulically impermeable cation-exchange membrane. Aqueous organic carbonyl compound and sulfuric acid are introduced to the cathode compartment of the cell along with copper ions in controlled concentrations. After passing an electrolyzing current between the anode and cathode of the cell the pinacol is recovered from the cathode compartment effluent.
Abstract:
An alkali metal battery has an alkali metal anode such as lithium in an organic anolyte and a cathode in an aqueous catholyte. An ion conductive diaphragm allows ions to migrate between the anolyte and the catholyte while limiting the transport of water from the catholyte to the anolyte.In a preferred embodiment, the ion conductive diaphragm is nonporous so that there is no transport of water ion to the anolyte.The battery is particularly useful for long durations of up to a week or longer in seawater.