System for electrochemical decomposition of sodium azide
US6024860A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 15, 1997 |
| Grant date | Feb 15, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 15, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA62D2101/45
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A process and an apparatus for electrochemical decomposition of sodium azide in aqueous alkaline solutions form sodium hydroxide, ammonia, nitrogen, and oxygen. The apparatus contains five major parts, which are (1) an electrolyzer which contains one or more cell units, (2) a rectifier which supplies D.C. electrical current to the electrolyzer, (3) a tank which holds the electrolyte (containing sodium hydroxide and sodium azide) needed to be processed in the electrolyzer, (4) a vacuum which can remove off gases generated by electrolysis in the electrolyzer, and (5) a recovery system which can further separate off gases. It is optional to add a pump in between the tank and the electrolyzer to be used for filling, mechanical agitation, or recycle. The process includes (1) transferring the aqueous solution containing the sodium azide to the electrolyzer, (2) subjecting the aqueous solution to electrolytic action to decompose the sodium azide and to generate off gases including nitrogen, oxygen, and ammonia, and (3) removing off gases. The off gases can also be removed by vacuum and recovered separately in a recovery system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.