Conductor assembly for electrolytic cells

A vertical current conductor assembly for conducting electrical current to electrodes in cells for the electrolysis of a salt solution which comprises:

• (a) a conductor rod, said conductor rod having a threaded portion at its upper end,
• (b) a nonconductive casing for said conductor rod,
• (c) a space between said conductor rod and said casing,
• (d) an inlet in said casing adapted to receive a fluid noncorrosive to said conductor rod,
• (e) an outlet in said casing adapted to remove said fluid from said casing,
• (f) means for attaching the lower end of said conductor assembly to said electrodes, said lower end being adapted to be immersed in said salt solution,
• (g) a compressible sealing assembly for said threaded end of said conductor rod comprised of a collar threadingly connected to said conductor rod and a sealing means, said compressible sealing assembly providing a fluid-tight seal at the upper end of the conductor assembly, and
• (h) means positioned above said compressible sealing assembly and connected to said inlet adapted to supply said fluid to said space between said casing and said conductor at a pressure sufficient to prevent said salt solution from penetrating said current conductor assembly should a leak develop at the lower end of said conductor assembly.