Membrane cell

Abstract

A monopolar filter press electrolytic cell suitable for use in the electrolysis of an aqueous alkali metal halide brine to produce (cell liquor, halogen and hydrogen, the cell comprising a plurality of flexible anode plates and flexible cathode plates and a cation perm-selective membrane positioned between each adjacent anode plate and cathode plate, and comprising a non-conducting flexible spacing plate positioned between each anode plate and adjacent membrane and between each cathode plate and adjacent membrane, the anode plates, cathode plates and spacing plates each having openings which define four separate compartments lengthwise of the cell and which provide respectively an inlet for brine, an inlet for water or alkaline water, an outlet for brine and halogen and an outlet for cell liquor and hydrogen the spacing plates being provided with passages which connect the compartments providing an inlet for brine and an outlet for brine and halogen with the anolyte compartments and which connect the compartments providing an inlet for water or alkali water and an outlet for cell liquor and hydrogen with the cathode compartments, the anode plates and cathode plates being made in part of a non-conducting material so that the compartments are electrically insulated from one another.