Chemistry: electrical and wave energy – Apparatus – Electrolytic
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-10
2001-05-22
Bell, Bruce F. (Department: 1741)
Chemistry: electrical and wave energy
Apparatus
Electrolytic
C204S275100, C204S242000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06235167
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
A new improved electrolysis cell has been developed for the production of sodium chlorate from brine. The cell comprises electrically conductive pieces and non-conductive pieces which are randomly mixed. The proportion of conductive to non-conductive pieces is sufficient to form strands or clumps of conductive pieces which function as electrodes.
STATE OF THE ART
The manufacture of sodium chlorate by the electrolysis of brine dates back to the year 1866 when the first commercial plant was completed in France. Since that time, numerous improvements have been made to the process although the basic chemistry has remained unchanged. An excellent review of the prior art is provided by the Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Kirk-Othmer editors, 3
rd
ed., Volume 5, pages 633-645. This material is included herein by reference in its entirety.
The challenge to making any advances in the production of sodium chlorate usually is reduced to finding means of improving the energy efficiency of the process. The significance of this effort is indicated by the fact that energy accounts for roughly 45 to 50 percent of the manufacturing cost. Moreover, in excess of 95 percent of the energy consumed can be traced back to the electrolysis step.
Given these requirements, the design of the electrolysis cell can be seen to be crucial. In fact, one of the most significant advances in recent years was the introduction of dimensionally stable anodes (DSA). These electrodes improved both current efficiency and energy consumption, however, they were more expensive to fabricate than the graphite anodes which were replaced.
Any future improvements in the production of sodium chlorate must balance the operating costs and the capital investment. Ideally, such an improvement should achieve savings in both of these areas. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide for an improved electrolysis cell that will reduce energy consumption and at the same time minimize investment cost.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5074975 (1991-12-01), Oloman et al.
patent: 5242554 (1993-09-01), Kagzur et al.
patent: 5419818 (1995-05-01), Wanngard
patent: 5487881 (1996-01-01), Falgen et al.
patent: 5965004 (1999-10-01), Cowley et al.
patent: 6010604 (2000-01-01), Stauffer
Encyclopedia Technology Kirk-Athmereditors, 3rd Ed., vol. 5, pp. 633-645.
Bell Bruce F.
Young & Basile
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