Membrane electrolysis cell

US4469577A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• UHDE GMBH · DE

Inventors

• Helmut Schmitt · Dortmund, DE
• Helmuth Schurig · Holzwickede, DE
• Wolfgang Strewe

Key dates

• Filing date: May 25, 1983
• Grant date: Sep 4, 1984
• Expiry date: May 25, 2003

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C25B11/02
• WIPO field: Surface technology, coating
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention relates to a membrane electrolysis cell of the filter press type with one or more plate-type electrode pairs, each comprising at least one non-continuous active central part, with a membrane provided between the electrode pairs, and with a seal installed between each electrode and membrane rim. The membrane cell is suitable for the production of an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution (cell liquor) as well as of halogen and hydrogen by electrolyzing an aqueous halide-bearing electrolyte (brine). The non-continuous central part of the electrodes has a grid-type structure, the grid rods of the electrode pairs are staggered by a maximum of half the rod width, the grid rods of the electrodes are arranged so that their interspace is smaller than the projection of their width, the grid rods have a convex face at least on the active side, and the thickness of the seals between the electrode and membrane rims is equal or inferior to the height of the grid rod portion protruding over the electrode rim.