Electrolytic cell

An electrolytic cell of the filter press type which comprises a plurality of plate-like anodes, cathodes, and gaskets of an electrically-insulating material, and an ion-exchange membrane positioned between each anode and adjacent cathode to form in the cell a plurality of anode compartments and cathode compartments, in the electrolytic cell at least the gaskets each containing a plurality of apertures therein which in the electrolytic cell form compartments lengthwise of the cell which serve as headers from which electrolyte may be charged to the anode compartments of the cell and from which liquors may be charged to the cathode compartments of the cell, and to which products of electrolysis may be removed from the anode compartments and cathode compartments of the cell, the cell being provided with means of communication between the said headers and the anode and cathode compartments, in which at least the gaskets each comprise an aperture therein which together form a compartment lengthwise of the cell which is in communication only with the anode compartments of the cell, or which is in communication only with the cathode compartments of the cell, and which serves as a balancing header.