US2890157A - Method of protecting cells - Google Patents
Method of protecting cells Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US2890157A US2890157A US2890157DA US2890157A US 2890157 A US2890157 A US 2890157A US 2890157D A US2890157D A US 2890157DA US 2890157 A US2890157 A US 2890157A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cell
- cathode
- alkali metal
- concrete
- metal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 239000004567 concrete Substances 0.000 claims description 34
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 20
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 20
- 230000003014 reinforcing Effects 0.000 claims description 16
- 229910001514 alkali metal chloride Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 10
- QWPPOHNGKGFGJK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hypochlorous acid Chemical compound ClO QWPPOHNGKGFGJK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- 150000008044 alkali metal hydroxides Chemical class 0.000 claims description 8
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 10
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 10
- 239000000460 chlorine Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000002585 base Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229910052801 chlorine Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- ZAMOUSCENKQFHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N chlorine atom Chemical compound [Cl] ZAMOUSCENKQFHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000005336 cracking Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229910001294 Reinforcing steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229910052783 alkali metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 150000001340 alkali metals Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005868 electrolysis reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010439 graphite Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001012 protector Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011150 reinforced concrete Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
Images
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
- C23F—NON-MECHANICAL REMOVAL OF METALLIC MATERIAL FROM SURFACE; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL; MULTI-STEP PROCESSES FOR SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL INVOLVING AT LEAST ONE PROCESS PROVIDED FOR IN CLASS C23 AND AT LEAST ONE PROCESS COVERED BY SUBCLASS C21D OR C22F OR CLASS C25
- C23F13/00—Inhibiting corrosion of metals by anodic or cathodic protection
- C23F13/02—Inhibiting corrosion of metals by anodic or cathodic protection cathodic; Selection of conditions, parameters or procedures for cathodic protection, e.g. of electrical conditions
Definitions
- Figure 1 of the drawing is a fragmentary side elevation of an electrolytic cell showing parts of the cell in crosssection.
- the cell is, generally, of the type described in US. Patent 1,866,065, issued July 5, 1932. It has a concrete bottom reinforced with steel rods embedded in the concrete.
- the concrete base supports a plurality of flat graphite slabs placed in parallel alignment in an upright position, the slabs being spaced one from the other and serving as anodes. In the spaces between the anodes are hollow, elongated cathode members which are electrically connected with the cathode plate shown in the drawing.
- the troublesome and costly disintegration of the concrete bottoms occurring during use of the electrolytic cell has been substantially minimized.
- the power required to effect this very desirous protection is very low, generally less than 0.7 ampere per cell. Quite obviously, the protection is afforded at a very low cost and the savings resulting therefrom are very substantial. Accordingly, the instant invention quite handily solves the problems which have long plagued electrolytic cell operators and manufacturers.
- an electrolytic cell for treating alkali metal chloride solutions to produce chlorine and alkali metal hydroxide, said cell having anodes, cathodes, a top and a concrete bottom reinforced with metal embedded therein, the improvement which comprises protecting the concrete bottom of said cell by electrically connecting the reinforcing metal to the negative pole of an electric potential source and maintaining the cathode and the reinforcing metal at substantially the same potential.
Description
June 9, 1959 c. w. RAETZSCH ,8
I METHOD OF PROTECTING CELLS Filed Dec. 20, 1956 :r-LQ- e cououcroa STEEL aemromuc NETWORK INVENTOR. 61404 1 244672566 METHOD or PROTECTING CELLS Carl W. Raetzsch, Corpus Christi, Tern, assignor to Columbia-Southern Chemical Corporation, Allegheny County, Pa, a corporation of Delaware Application December 20, 1956, Serial No. 629,511
3 Claims. (Cl. 204-98) The present invention relates to an improved electrolytic cell for use in the electrolysis, for instance, of alkali metal chloride solutions to prepare chlorine and alkali metal hydroxide. More particularly, the invention concerns a method for protecting cell parts, such as concrete cell bottoms or the like, from cracking or fracturing during use.
Electrolytic chlorine cell operators and manufacturers have for years been plagued with the fact that, after a certain period of use, electrolytic cell bottoms, usually made of concrete reinforced with steel rods, fracture to the point where they are no longer serviceable and must be replaced. Needless to say, frequent replacement of concrete cell bottoms for commercial electrolytic cells is a substantial economic burden, particularly from the point of view of loss of operating time, cost of equipment and installation.
In other words, the art has long been cognizant of the problem and has learned to live with it as the necessary evil attending operation of electrolytic cells, such as chlorine cells. According to the present invention, however, a method has been discovered which prevents or substantially minimizes fracturing and disintegration of the concrete base as a result of continued use. Consequently, the
long-standing problem which constituted a necessary evil in the operation of electrolytic cells has been virtually eliminated.
It has been found, according to the present invention, that the steel-reinforced concrete bottom of an electrolytic cell (having, as well, anodes, cathodes and a top) may be protected from splitting and cracking by electrically connecting the reinforcing metal with a negative pole of an electric potential source. For example, one end of a conductor, such as a copper wire, may be attached to the metal reinforcing network inside the concrete bottom and the other end of the conductor to the cathode of the cell, whereby the metal network and the cathode are at substantially the same potential.
The present invention will be better understood by reference to the following drawing which is but a specific embodiment of the invention. It is by no means intended that the scope of the invention be limited to said embodiment, however, since numerous modifications and applications will be obvious to one skilled in the art.
Figure 1 of the drawing is a fragmentary side elevation of an electrolytic cell showing parts of the cell in crosssection. The cell is, generally, of the type described in US. Patent 1,866,065, issued July 5, 1932. It has a concrete bottom reinforced with steel rods embedded in the concrete. The concrete base supports a plurality of flat graphite slabs placed in parallel alignment in an upright position, the slabs being spaced one from the other and serving as anodes. In the spaces between the anodes are hollow, elongated cathode members which are electrically connected with the cathode plate shown in the drawing.
According to the present invention, one end of a wire, preferably a copper wire, is attached to the cathode plate (as shown) and the other end of the wire to the steel reinforcing network of the concrete bottom. This provides a low-resistance current path from the cathode to the steel. Thus, the cathode and reinforcing steel are at substantially the same potential when the cell is in operation.
By the technique shown herein, the troublesome and costly disintegration of the concrete bottoms occurring during use of the electrolytic cell has been substantially minimized. In addition, it has been found that the power required to effect this very desirous protection is very low, generally less than 0.7 ampere per cell. Quite obviously, the protection is afforded at a very low cost and the savings resulting therefrom are very substantial. Accordingly, the instant invention quite handily solves the problems which have long plagued electrolytic cell operators and manufacturers.
As stated hereinabove, although the invention is described with particular reference to specific embodiments thereof, it is by no means limited to the details of said embodiment. For example, cell parts, such as concrete bases containing metal reinforcing rods, may be protected by electrically connecting the rods with the negative pole of an electric potential source exterior to the cathodic system, such as to an external source of direct current. These and numerous other modifications which will be apparent to one skilled in the art are clearly within the contemplation of the present invention. Furthermore, it is not intended that these details impose any undue restrictions upon the appended claims.
I claim:
1. In an electrolytic cell for treating alkali metal chloride solutions to produce chlorine and alkali metal hydroxide, said cell having anodes, cathodes, a top and a concrete bottom reinforced with metal embedded therein, the improvement which comprises protecting the concrete bottom of said cell by electrically connecting the reinforcing metal to the negative pole of an electric potential source and maintaining the cathode and the reinforcing metal at substantially the same potential.
2. In an electrolytic cell for treating alkali metal chloride solutions to produce chlorine and alkali metal hydroxide, said cell having anodes, cathodes, a top and a concrete bottom reinforced with metal rods embedded therein, the improvement which comprises a conductor in electrical contact with said rods and the negative pole of an electric potential source.
3. In an electrolytic cell for treating alkali metal chloride solutions to produce chlorine and alkali metal hy droxide, said cell having anodes, cathodes, a top and a concrete bottom reinforced with metal rods embedded therein, the improvement which comprises a conductor in electrical contact with the cathode and said rods, whereby the rods and the cathode are at substantially the same potential.
References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 23,559 Andrus Sept. 30, 1952 641,438 Darling Jan. 16, 1900 1,055,327 Hering Mar. 11, 1913 1,411,530 Statham Apr. 4, 1922 1,545,384 Achcroft July 7, 1925 1,580,469 Dolter Apr. 13, 1926 2,311,257 Sawyer et al Feb. 16, 1943 2,508,523 Krebs May 23, 1950 OTHER REFERENCES Evans: Metallic Corrosion Passivity and Protector, London, Edward Arnold and Company, 1948, pages 42 and 43.
Claims (1)
1. IN AN ELECTROLYTIC CELL FOR TREATING ALKALI METAL CHLORIDE SOLUTIONS TO PRODUCE CHLORINE AND ALKALI METAL HYDROXIDE, SAID CELL HAVING ANODES, CATHODES, A TOP AND A CONCRETE BOTTOM REINFORCED WITH METAL EMBEDDED THEREIN, THE IMPROVEMENT WHICH COMPRISES PROTECTING THE CONCRETE BOTTOM OF SAID CELL BY ELECTRICALLY CONNECTING THE REINFORCING METAL TO THE NEGATIVE POLE OF AN ELECTRIC POTENTIAL SOURCE AND MAINTAINING THE CATHODE AND THE REINFORCING METAL AT SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME POTENTIAL.
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US2890157A true US2890157A (en) | 1959-06-09 |
Family
ID=3447767
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US2890157D Expired - Lifetime US2890157A (en) | Method of protecting cells |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US2890157A (en) |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3293159A (en) * | 1961-08-30 | 1966-12-20 | Hooker Chemical Corp | Process for producing a fused reducing bath for descaling |
US3401109A (en) * | 1964-09-28 | 1968-09-10 | Hooker Chemical Corp | Reinforced concrete parts for electrolytic cells |
US3406103A (en) * | 1965-05-21 | 1968-10-15 | Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co | Method and apparatus for monitoring lining damage of alkali metal chlorate bipolar cells |
US3475304A (en) * | 1966-03-28 | 1969-10-28 | Hooker Chemical Corp | Cathodic protection of reinforcing metals in electrolytic cells |
US3929606A (en) * | 1973-01-18 | 1975-12-30 | Dunwood Dev Corp | Protection system for the metallic fittings of non-metallic hulls of power boats |
US3930977A (en) * | 1973-01-18 | 1976-01-06 | Dunwood Development Corporation | Protection system for equipment and metallic fittings of non-metallic hulls of power boats |
US3992272A (en) * | 1975-05-29 | 1976-11-16 | Continental Oil Company | Submerged offshore platform joint protection |
US4057473A (en) * | 1976-03-15 | 1977-11-08 | Ppg Industries, Inc. | Method of reducing cell liquor header corrosion |
US4312720A (en) * | 1978-09-05 | 1982-01-26 | The Dow Chemical Co. | Electrolytic cell and process for electrolytic oxidation |
US4506485A (en) * | 1983-04-12 | 1985-03-26 | State Of California, Department Of Transportation | Process for inhibiting corrosion of metal embedded in concrete and a reinforced concrete construction |
US4515861A (en) * | 1980-07-11 | 1985-05-07 | Aktieselskabet Aalborg Portland-Cement-Fabrik | Articles protected against corrosion and methods for protecting articles against corrosion |
US4713160A (en) * | 1984-12-28 | 1987-12-15 | Imperial Chemical Industries Plc | Current leakage apparatus in electrolytic cell |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US641438A (en) * | 1899-03-27 | 1900-01-16 | Harrison Bros & Company Inc | Electrolytic apparatus. |
US1055327A (en) * | 1908-11-27 | 1913-03-11 | Carl Hering | Means for preventing corrosion of underground metallic structures. |
US1411530A (en) * | 1917-05-31 | 1922-04-04 | Ind Chemical Company | Electrolytic caustic-soda cell |
US1545384A (en) * | 1923-01-11 | 1925-07-07 | Ashcroft Edgar Arthur | Apparatus for electrolyzing fused salts |
US1580469A (en) * | 1924-09-17 | 1926-04-13 | Dolter Henri | Apparatus for the manufacture of earth metals |
US2311257A (en) * | 1939-08-02 | 1943-02-16 | Brush Beryllium Co | Electrolytic beryllium and process |
US2508523A (en) * | 1946-09-11 | 1950-05-23 | Krebs & Co | Device for the protection of the cathodes of electrolytic cells |
USRE23559E (en) * | 1952-09-30 | Corrosion-resistant metallic |
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0
- US US2890157D patent/US2890157A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USRE23559E (en) * | 1952-09-30 | Corrosion-resistant metallic | ||
US641438A (en) * | 1899-03-27 | 1900-01-16 | Harrison Bros & Company Inc | Electrolytic apparatus. |
US1055327A (en) * | 1908-11-27 | 1913-03-11 | Carl Hering | Means for preventing corrosion of underground metallic structures. |
US1411530A (en) * | 1917-05-31 | 1922-04-04 | Ind Chemical Company | Electrolytic caustic-soda cell |
US1545384A (en) * | 1923-01-11 | 1925-07-07 | Ashcroft Edgar Arthur | Apparatus for electrolyzing fused salts |
US1580469A (en) * | 1924-09-17 | 1926-04-13 | Dolter Henri | Apparatus for the manufacture of earth metals |
US2311257A (en) * | 1939-08-02 | 1943-02-16 | Brush Beryllium Co | Electrolytic beryllium and process |
US2508523A (en) * | 1946-09-11 | 1950-05-23 | Krebs & Co | Device for the protection of the cathodes of electrolytic cells |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3293159A (en) * | 1961-08-30 | 1966-12-20 | Hooker Chemical Corp | Process for producing a fused reducing bath for descaling |
US3401109A (en) * | 1964-09-28 | 1968-09-10 | Hooker Chemical Corp | Reinforced concrete parts for electrolytic cells |
US3406103A (en) * | 1965-05-21 | 1968-10-15 | Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co | Method and apparatus for monitoring lining damage of alkali metal chlorate bipolar cells |
US3475304A (en) * | 1966-03-28 | 1969-10-28 | Hooker Chemical Corp | Cathodic protection of reinforcing metals in electrolytic cells |
US3929606A (en) * | 1973-01-18 | 1975-12-30 | Dunwood Dev Corp | Protection system for the metallic fittings of non-metallic hulls of power boats |
US3930977A (en) * | 1973-01-18 | 1976-01-06 | Dunwood Development Corporation | Protection system for equipment and metallic fittings of non-metallic hulls of power boats |
US3992272A (en) * | 1975-05-29 | 1976-11-16 | Continental Oil Company | Submerged offshore platform joint protection |
US4057473A (en) * | 1976-03-15 | 1977-11-08 | Ppg Industries, Inc. | Method of reducing cell liquor header corrosion |
US4312720A (en) * | 1978-09-05 | 1982-01-26 | The Dow Chemical Co. | Electrolytic cell and process for electrolytic oxidation |
US4515861A (en) * | 1980-07-11 | 1985-05-07 | Aktieselskabet Aalborg Portland-Cement-Fabrik | Articles protected against corrosion and methods for protecting articles against corrosion |
US4506485A (en) * | 1983-04-12 | 1985-03-26 | State Of California, Department Of Transportation | Process for inhibiting corrosion of metal embedded in concrete and a reinforced concrete construction |
US4713160A (en) * | 1984-12-28 | 1987-12-15 | Imperial Chemical Industries Plc | Current leakage apparatus in electrolytic cell |
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