| abstract |
A method and apparatus for the electrolytic treatment of aqueous salt solutions, the apparatus comprising a diaphragm midstream electrolytic cell having coaxial tubular outer and inner electrodes (1, 2) separated by a semi-permeable diaphragm (4) so as to define an outer, working chamber (5) and an inner, auxiliary chamber (6). The inner electrode (2) is provided with apertures (10, 11) at either end allowing communication between the auxiliary chamber (6) and the interior (3) of the inner electrode (2). A working aqueous salt solution is passed upwards through the working chamber (5), while the auxiliary chamber (6) and the interior (3) of the inner electrode (2) is filled with an auxiliary aqueous salt solution. In use, a current is applied between the electrodes (1, 2), and gas bubbles formed in the auxiliary chamber (6) rise upwards and cause the auxiliary solution to circulate around the auxiliary chamber (6) and the interior (3) of the inner electrode (2) by way of the apertures (10, 11). |