Cathode restoration
AssigneeOxyTech Systems, Inc.
InventorsRichard J. Kawolics, Rudolf C. Matousek, Anthony J. Vaccaro
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Chlor-alkali electrolytic cells can have separators used with metal cathodes. These cells may often be subject to frequent current interruptions. Particularly where the cathode and separator exhibit extended life, these interruptions may be numerous. There has now been developed a method for providing successful and desirable cathode operation even for such extended cell life. During cell shutdown, the cathode and separator are subjected to an elevated temperature heat treatment. After heating, and optionally following any rewetting of the diaphragm, the cathode is ready in the cell for continued, rejuvenated performance.
Claims17
The method of conditioning a metal cathode which has been used in a chlor-alkali cell, and especially wherein a separator is utilized in said cell in conjunction with said cathode and said cell is susceptible to the generation of hydrogen impurity in chlorine product, which method comprises heating said cathode in an oxygen-containing atmosphere at a temperature, and for a time, sufficient to at least substantially effect a change in the form of any oxygen-containing constituent present at the surface of said metal cathode.
In the method of reconditioning a chlor-alkali cell having a separator in combination with a metal cathode and said cell is susceptible to the generation of hydrogen impurity in chlorine product, which method comprises removing said separator and metal cathode combination from said cell, heating said cathode and separator combination in an oxygen-containing atmosphere for a time and at a temperature sufficient to at least substantially effect a change in the form of any oxygen-containing constituent present on the surface of said metal cathode and separator combination, but insufficient to substantially deleteriously effect said separator, and returning said separator and cathode combination to said cell.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.