Electrolysis cell diaphragm reclamation

• Main Authors: ARNOLD; MARK L, ROMINE; RICHARD L, KUS; RICHARD A, BRANNAN; JAMES R
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 12.03.1996
• Edition: 6
• Subjects: APPARATUS THEREFOR; CHEMISTRY; ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTIONOF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; METALLURGY

There is now disclosed a method of restoring a used article utilized in electrolysis, such as in a chlor-alkali cell. The used article is usually the cell diaphragm, but may be a cell electrode, particularly when it is in assembly with the cell diaphragm. The restoration method involves treating the article, typically in place in the cell, but which may be removed from the cell, by soaking in a treating composition containing most always hydrochloric acid and corrosion inhibitor. The article after treatment may be baked at elevated temperature. When baking is utilized, it can come before soaking. With or without baking, the article may or may not be involved in a wetting step. Where the restoration involves an article utilized in a chlor-alkali cell, the restoration can readily reduce the problem of hydrogen in the chlorine product produced. Such treatment can also lead to reduced cell voltage as well as reduced cell anolyte level.