Vanguard Research Associates, Inc.

Rajendra B Patel

Jean A Lochet

Thomas R Stanford

Gilbert S Messing

An electrolytic cell for recovering from electrolytes metals, the ionic species of which are present at relatively low concentration. The cell comprises a container for the electrolyte, and and an electrode assembly in the container comprising (1) a tub-tubular sparger, having a central axial cavity bounded by an electrolyte-permeable cylindrical wall, and having an opening for receiving flow of the electrolyte into the central cavity and being otherwise closed, whereby the electrolyte flows radially from the sparger through the cylindrical wall; (2) a first electrolyte-permeable, high surface area electrode, coaxially surrounding the sparger to receive the flow therefrom; (3) an electrically insulating electrolyte-permeable spacer being coaxial with and surrounding the first electrode; and (4) a second electrolyte-permeable electrode being coaxial with the first electrode and contacting the insulating spacer at the side opposed to the first electrode, for receiving and passing the continuing radial flow. Electrical potential means are connected across the first and second electrodes to establish a electrolyzing potential therebetween. Pump means having an inlet for the electrolyte and an outlet connected to the central cavity of the electrode assembly, supplies electrolyte under pressure to the cavity, to thereby enable radial flow from the sparger through the cylindrical wall thereof, and thereupon through the coaxial electrodes and intervening spacer and back to the body of electrolyte within the container. The electrode assembly per se is also claimed.

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Piscataway, NJ, United States of America

Rajendra B Patel