Improvements in the Production of Chlorine, Soda, and other Products by Electrolysis, and in Apparatus employed therein.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 25th Oct., 1892
Complete Specification Left, 13th Apr., 1893-Accepted, 13th May, 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Production of Chlorine, Soda, and other
Products by Electrolysis, and in Apparatus employed therein.
I, HENRY BLACKMAN, of No. 325 West. 36th Street, in the City, County and
State of New York, United States of America, Manufacturer, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to means for performing chemical decompositions by
electrolysis. Such electrolytic decompositions are commonly performed in a
stationary cell in which an anode and cathode are placed, separated in some instances
y a porous partition, while the electrolyte or liquid to be decomposed is contained
in the cell and comes in contact with the anode and cathode. In certain kinds of
electrolytic decomposition, difficulty is experienced by reason of the chemical
affinities of the substances resulting from the decomposition, whereby these
substances seek to recombine and form some other substances differing from the
original electrolyte and affording less resistance to decomposition, so that these
other or reconstituted substances are thereafter decomposed by the current in
preference to the electrolyte, thereby wasting the electric power. Several
expedients have been resorted to in order to avoid this difficulty.
My invention is particularly designed for the generation of chlorine and caustic
soda by electrolysis from a solution of common salt. Such a solution or brine
consists of sodium chloride (NaCl), dissolved in water (HO). By the passage of
an electric current the sodium chloride is decomposed, its chlorine (Cl) being
liberated at the anode, and its sodium (Na) at the cathode, where the liberated
sodium immediately decomposes water, uniting with one equivalent of oxygen and
hydrogen forming sodium hydrate or caustic soda (NaHO), while the other
equivalent of hydrogen escapes as a gas bubbling up from the cathode. The
products of the operation are consequently sodium hydrate dissolved in water,
chlorine in gaseous form, and hydrogen in gaseous form. It is practically essential
to prevent any contact between either the chlorine and the hydrogen, which would
form hydrochloric acid, or the chlorine and the caustic soda, which would form
chlorinated soda. In the former case the chlorine would be converted from a
valuable into a comparatively worthless condition, while in the latter case the
chlorinated soda in solution would be decomposed by the current more readily than
the brine, and after being thus decomposed would immediately and constantly
recombine, thereby absorbing the electric power in useless local action and more or
less suppress the electrolytic decomposition of the brine.
According to my invention I overcome the difficulty of the tendency to
recombination of these substances by utilizing the varying specific gravities of the
electrolyte and of the products of the electrolysis to keep the latter from coming
into contact with one another. A solution of caustic soda has a slightly greater
specific gravity than a saturated solution of common salt, but this difference is not
sufficient under ordinary circumstances to ensure the separation of the former from
the latter by gravity alone. Consequently in electrolysis as heretofore practised,
when the liberated chlorine, which is largely soluble in brine, impregnates the latter,
in which also the caustic soda is largely diffused, the chlorine and caustic soda are
brought into contact by reason of being both held in solution in the brine, and they
are thereby permitted to recombine. According to my invention, however, I
introduce the principle of centrifugal action in order to make the differences of
density effective to separate the respective products and to keep them wholly out of
contact with one another. By carrying on the electrolytic decomposition in a
rapidly revolving vessel of the nature of a centrifugal machine, the differences of

page_text: specific gravity of the respective liquids are so augmented that these liquids assume
distinct layers, and all mixture of the respective products of the electrolysis is
avoided. At the same time I am able to render the electrolytic decomposition a
continuous process, the brine being fed into the machine in a continual stream, and
the chlorine and caustic soda being continually drawn off' therefrom.
My invention constitutes a new discovery in the art of electrolytic decomposition,
whereby many of the difficulties heretofore considered insuperable in the practice of
this process are overcome. My invention is not limited in its application to the
electrolysis of brine, for the production of soda and chlorine, but is applicable to
many other electrolytic decompositions.
In practising my invention, I provide a suitable circular vessel mounted on a
vertical shaft adapted to be revolved at high velocities. This vessel is adapted to
receive the brine or other electrolyte, and to contain it while whirling at the highest
speed. From the central portion of the vessel an outlet passage leads off to conduct
away the chlorine gas. Another passage is also provided for conducting away the
hydrogen. Au anode is provided arranged to be submerged in the electrolyte
during the whirling of the vessel, and provided with means for conducting an
electric current to it from the exterior. This anode consists preferably of a plate
or plates of carbon. A cathode surface is also provided, which may consist of the
exposed surface of the vessel if the latter be made of iron or other suitable metal, or
of a separate plate of iron or other suitable material constructed within the vessel,
means being provided for conducting the current away from the cathode while the
vessel is revolving.
In operation, chlorine gas is liberated in bubbles at the anode and hydrogen gas
at the cathode, and both being of much less specific gravity than the electrolyte
(brine) are forced rapidly toward the centre. To prevent their mixing, a partition
is provided which separates the chlorine from the hydrogen. Simultaneously
sodium hydrate is generated against the cathode, and by reason of its greater
specific gravity, it instantly separates itself from the brine and forms in a distinct
annular layer against the outer portion of the vessel. A minute delivery orifice
communicates with this outer portion for permitting the sodium hydrate to escape
as it is generated, the escaping drops being thrown off tangentially and caught in a
trough.
This apparatus has
many advantages over any electrolytic cell or tank heretofore
employed. By reason of the centrifugal separation of the fluids of different
densities, all recombination of the generated chlorine and caustic soda is absolutely
prevented. By reason also of the arrangement of the anode and cathode surfaces.
on opposite sides of an intercepting partition, the chlorine and hydrogen are kept
out of contact, and their recombination to form hydrochloric acid is prevented. A
further important advantage is that the generated soda is discharged from the
machine in the condition of a very nearly pure solution of sodium hydrate in water,
and almost entirely free from admixture with brine, so that but little or no
subsequent treatment will be required in order to free the caustic soda of salt.
Furthermore the caustic soda is discharged in a solution of considerable density, so
that the minimum amount of concentration by boiling down will be required in
order to reduce it to the form of solidified soda. A further advantage is, that the
bubbles of chlorine and hydrogen gases forming on the anode and cathode surfaces,.
are thrown off therefrom by the centrifugal force, so that these surfaces will
constantly be kept free from adherent bubbles, and the internal resistance of the
cell is thereby diminished.
My invention also contemplates the utilization and generation of the electric
currents required in the same machine. To this end 'my improved machine is con-
stricted as a combined dynamo and centrifugal machine. The same shaft which
carries the cylinder of the centrifugal machine carries also the armature of a
dynamo, the field-magnet of which is mounted fixedly on the supporting frame.
The commutator is fixed on the shaft and its segments connected with the terminals
of the armature coils in the manner usual in dynamos, the current being taken off
2

page_text: by positive and negative commutator brushes. From the positive brush the current
is led by a wire to the brush which admits the current to the anode, while the
current from the cathode passes out by the frame and is taken therefrom through
a wire and led to the negative brush of the dynamo. A switch may be provided
for breaking the circuit when starting if desired, in order that the brine may be
brought fully under centrifugal action before the current is turned on.
The centrifugal electrolytic cell may be mounted to revolve on either a vertical
or a horizontal axis.
Dated this 4th day of October 1899
J. C. MEW BURN,
55 & 56, Chancery Lane, London, Chartered Patent Agent.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Production of Chlorine, Soda, and other
Products by Electrolysis, and in Apparatus employed therein.
I, HENRY BLACKMAN, of No. 325 West 36th Street, in the City, County and
State of New York, United States of America, Manufacturer, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
My invention relates to means for performing chemical decompositions by
electrolysis. Such electrolytic decompositions are commonly performed in a
stationary cell in which an anode and cathode are placed, separated in some instances
by a porous partition, while the electrolyte or liquid to be decomposed is contained
in the cell and comes in contact with the anode and cathode. In certain kinds of
electrolytic decomposition, difficulty is experienced by reason of the chemical
affinities of the substances resulting from the decomposition, whereby these
substances seek to recombine and form some other substances differing from the
original electrolyte and affording less resistance to decomposition, so that these
other or reconstituted substances are thereafter decomposed by the current in
preference to the electrolyte, thereby wasting the electric power. Several
expedients have been resorted to in order to avoid this difficulty.
My invention is particularly designed for the generation of chlorine and caustic
soda by electrolysis from a solution of common salt. Such a solution of brine con-
sists of sodium chloride (NaCl), dissolved in water (HO). By the passage of an
electric current the sodium chloride is decomposed, its chlorine (CI) being liberated
at the anode, and its sodium (Na) at the cathode, where the liberated sodium
immediately decomposes water, uniting with one equivalent of oxygen and hydrogen
forming sodium hydrate or caustic soda (NaHO), while the other equivalent of
hydrogen escapes as a gas bubbling up from the cathode. The products of the
operation are consequently sodium hydrate dissolved in water, chlorine in gaseous
form, and hydrogen in gaseous form. It is practically essential to prevent any
contact between either the chlorine and the hydrogen, which would form hydro-
chloric acid, or the chlorine and the caustic soda, which would form chlorinated
soda. In the former case the chlorine would be converted from a valuable into a
comparatively worthless condition, while in the latter case the chlorinated soda in
solution would be decomposed by the current more readily than the brine, and
after being thus decomposed would immediately and constantly recombine, thereby
absorbing the electric power in useless "local action" and inore or less suppress
the electrolytic decomposition of the brine.
According to my invention I overcome the difficulty of the tendency to recom-
bination of these substances by utilizing the varying specific gravities of the
electrolyte and of the products of the electrolysis to keep the latter from coming
nto contact with one another. A solution of caustic soda has a slightly greater
specific gravity than a saturated solution of common salt, but this difference is not

page_text: sufficient under ordinary circumstances to ensure the separation of the former from
the latter by gravity alone. Consequently in electrolysis as heretofore practised,
when the liberated chlorine, which is largely soluble in brine, impregnates the
latter, in which also the caustic soda is largely diffused, the chlorine and caustic
soda are brought into contact by reason of being both held in solution in the brine,.
and they are thereby permitted to recombine. According to my invention, however,
I introduce the principle of centrifugal action in order to make the differences of
density effective to separate the respective products and to keep them wholly out
of contact with one another. By carrying on the electrolytic decomposition in a
rapidly revolving vessel of the nature of a centrifugal machine, the differences of
specific gravity of the respective liquids are so augmented that these liquids
assume distinct layers, and all mixture of the respective products of the electrolysis
is avoided. At the same time I am able to render the electrolytic decomposition a
continuous process, the brine being fed into the machine in a continual stream, and
the chlorine and caustic soda being continually drawn off therefrom.
My invention constitutes a new discovery in the art of electrolytic decomposition,
whereby many of the difficulties heretofore considered insuperable in the practice
of this process are overcome. My invention is not limited in its application to the
electrolysis of brine for the production of soda and chlorine, but is applicable to
many other electrolytic decompositions.
In practising my invention, I provide a suitable circular vessel mounted on a
vertical shaft adapted to be revolved at high velocities. This vessel is adapted to
receive the brine or other electrolyte, and to contain it while whirling at the
highest speed. From the central portion of the vessel an outlet passage leads off
to conduct away the chlorine gas. Another passage is also provided for conducting
away the hydrogen. An anode is provided arranged to be submerged in the
electrolyte during the whirling of the vessel, and provided with means for con-
ducting an electric current to it from the exterior. This anode consists preferably
of a plate or plates of carbon. A cathode surface is also provided, which may
consist of the exposed surface of the vessel if the latter be made of iron or other
suitable metal, or of a separate plate of iron or other suitable material constructed
within the vessel, means being provided for conducting the current away from the
cathode while the vessel is revolving.
In operation, chlorine gas is liberated in bubbles at the anode and hydrogen gas
at the cathode, and both being of much less specific gravity than the electrolyte
(brine) are forced rapidly toward the centre. To prevent their mixing, a partition
is provided which separates the chlorine from the hydrogen. Simultaneously
sodium hydrate is generated against the cathode, and by reason of its greater
specific gravity, it instantly separates itself from the brine and forms in a distinct
annular layer against the outer portion of the vessel. A minute delivery orifice
communicates with this outer portion for permitting the sodium hydrate to escape
as it is generated, the escaping drops being thrown off tangentially and caught in
a trough.
1 will now proceed to describe my improved apparatus in detail with reference
to the accompanying drawings, wherein,
Fig. 1 is an elevation showing the entire apparatus partly in section;
Fig. 2 is a vertical mid-section of the centrifugal electrolytic cell showing it in
: operation;
Fig. 3 is a horizontal section thereof on the line 3-3 in Fig. 2;
Figs. 4, 5 and 6 are sectional views of three other constructions.
Fig. 1 shows the entire machine, of which the lower portion lettered D is the
dynamo for generating the electric currents, while the upper portion lettered A
⚫ constitutes the centrifugal machine.
•
I will describe the details of construction of the centrifugal machine as shown
in Fig. 2. It comprises an outer vessel B mounted on the vertical shaft C so as to
be rapidly revolved by means of a belt on a pulley a or otherwise. This shaft is
supported in suitable bearings in the frame of the machine.

page_text: The centrifugal vessel or cylinder B is made of suitable strong material,
preferably wrought iron or steel, and is closed at the top to within a suitable
distance of the center, leaving a central opening or neck. The interior surface
of the vessel B should be covered with insulation, as shown at cc, except where
the cathode surface is located. By omitting the insulation at this portion the
cathode G is constituted, consisting merely of the naked iron surface left by inter-
rupting the insulation c. The anode E consists preferably of refractory retort
carbon which may be variously arranged, preferably in the form of radial plates, as
best shown in the cross-section Fig. 3. These plates are fastened at top and
bottom by screws d or otherwise between supporting plates H. and I, which may. he
of iron or other metal.
The plate His preferably formed integrally with or is otherwise connected to a
tubular conducting sleeve J, which passes up through the opening and projects
above the top of the cylinder B, its metallic surface being naked and rubbed by a
conducting brush e connected with the positive pole of the dynamo. By this
means the electric current enters through the brush e and passes down through the
conducting tube J to the plate H, and thence into the carbons E E constituting
the anode. From these carbons it passes through the electrolyte to the cathode
surface G, and thence through the metal cylinder B to its hub and out by the
shaft C and its bearings to the frame F, which is connected to the negative
terminal of the dynamo.
An intercepting partition K is constructed within the cylinder 13 and between
the anode and cathode, in order that the bubbles of hydrogen liberated from the
cathode surface may be prevented from coming into contact with the anode. By
reason of the coning of this partition the hydrogen is caused to travel upward and
In
pass out through a space y beneath the top side or cover of the cylinder B.
order to ensure that the partition shall intercept all of the hydrogen bubbles, he
partition should extend lower down than the cathode surface G, as shown. The
hydrogen bubbles are caught in a funnel-shaped space between two tubes h and i,
and the hydrogen passes up through the annular space between these tubes into a
chamber, and thence is conducted away through a pipe k. The flaring ends of
the tubes i extend ontwardly beyond the surface y, assumed by the rotating
liquid, so that thereby a liquid seal is formed constituting a packing between the
stationary tubes and the revolving cylinder.
The chlorine as it is evolved against the surfaces of the anode E is by reason of
its inferior specific gravity thrown inward toward the centre, occupying thus the
tubular space or core X left within the body of whirling liquid, and from this
tubular space it passes up through a chlorine conduit L, consisting of a stationary
tube with its lower end flared or trumpet-shaped, and extended outwardly slightly
beyond the surface of the liquid to form a liquid seal. This tube L is
fastened to a fixed tube L' through which the chlorine gas is conducted away.
In order to be able to continuously introduce the brine to be decomposed, a
pipe M is provided leading from a suitable tank of brine, and controlled by a
valve. This pipe enters through the pipe 1', and extends down through the pipe L
and space X for a greater or less distance, terminating preferably just above the
top of a funnel-shaped casing N which receives the entering brine. This casing
is fastened to the hub so that it revolves with the cylinder, and surrounds
the hub at a little distance so as to leave an annular space between, down which
space the brine flows and is discharged at the bottom of the cylinder heneath "the
plate 1.
For the discharge of the generated caustic soda solution, an outlet orifice P
is provided at the outermost portion of the cylinder B. This orifice is made
adjustable by means of a screw, so that the quantity of liquid discharged
can be so, regulated as to be commensurate with the rapidity with which the
caustic soda is generated. The discharged solution is thrown radially outward
in drops which are caught by an annular stationary trough Q and conducted away
through a pipe Q¹.

page_text: The operation is as follows: The proper quantity of brine is first placed
in the centrifugal machine, and the latter is revolved until by reason of the
centrifugal force the brine is thrown outward and brought up to the level
denoted at a. The electric current is then turned on, passing from the brush e
through tube J, anode carbons E E, and the body of brine to the cathode
surface G, and out through the material of the cylinder B and shaft C to the
frame F as described. All the metallic portions of the apparatus that are in
contact with the electrolyte are insulated in order to confine the current to this
path. The insulating coatings are shown in the drawings in solid black. The
chlorine and hydrogen generated against the anode and cathode are by reason of
their inferior specific gravity thrown to the centre, and being generated on opposite
sides of the partition K are kept separated thereby. The chlorine passes out from
the space through the tubes L L', while the hydrogen passes out through the
space between the tubes hi and is led away through the pipe k. The caustic
soda as fast as it is formed seeks the outermost portion of the cylinder B.
As the
outer walls of the latter are preferably made flaring, the soda solution travels
upwardly and collects annularly at the upper portion thereof, from which it..is
constantly discharged through the outlet P. As fast as the electrolyte wastes
away by being decomposed, its volume is restored by the graduated stream
introduced through the pipe M.
This apparatus has many advantages over any electrolytic cell or tank heretofore
employed. By reason of the centrifugal separation of the fluids of different
densities, all recombination of the generated chlorine and caustic soda is absolutely
prevented. By reason also of the arrangement of the anode and cathode surfaces
on opposite sides of an intercepting partition, the chlorine and hydrogen are kept
out of contact, and their recombination to form hydrochloric acid is prevented. A
further important advantage is that the generated soda is discharged from the
machine in the condition of a very nearly pure solution of sodium hydrate in water,
and almost entirely free from admixture with brine, so that but little or no sub-
sequent treatment will be required in order to free the caustic soda of salt.
Furthermore the caustic soda is discharged in a solution of considerable density,
so that the minimum amount of concentration by boiling down will be required in
order to reduce it to the form of solidified soda. A further advantage is, that
the bubbles of chlorine and hydrogen gases forming on the anode and cathode
surfaces, are thrown off therefrom by the centrifugal force, so that these surfaces.
will constantly be kept free from adherent bubbles, and the internal resistance of
the cell is thereby diminished.
My invention also contemplates the utilization and generation of the electric
currents required in the same machine. To this end my improved machine is
constructed as a combined dynamo and centrifugal machine as shown in Fig. 1.
The same shaft C which carries the cylinder B carries also the armature D of
a dynamo D, the field-magnet F¹ of which is mounted fixedly on the supporting
frame F. The commutator R is fixed on the shaft and its segments connected with
the terminals of the armature coils in the manner usual in dynamos, the current
being taken off by positive and negative commutator brushes mm. From the
.positive brush m the current is led by a wire p to the brush e which admits the
.current to the anode, while the current from the cathode passes out by the frame F
as already described and is taken therefrom through the wire p' and led to., the
negative brush m². A switch p² may be provided for breaking the circuit when
starting if desired, in order that the brine may be brought fully under centrifugal
*action before the current is turned on. By thus combining the dynamo and centri-
fugal machine in one, the running of circuit wires through the factory is avoided,
and difficulty due to the short-circuiting of the current by reason of defective
insulations is largely overcome. Each separate machine is consequently self-
contained and independent of every other. Any reduction in speed of the centri-
fugal machine whereby the separating action of the centrifugal machine is impaired,
is accompanied simultaneously by a proportionate reduction in the electro-motive

page_text: force, so that the electrolysis is proportionately diminished and the electrolytic
products are consequently reduced in volume, thereby lessening the liability of any
admixture and recombination.
My improved centrifugal electrolytic apparatus may be modified in many
ways without departing from the essential features of my invention. As examples.
thereof, have illustrated three such modifications in Figs. 4, 5 and 6, which I
will now describe.
Fig. 4 shows a cylinder B mounted on a shaft C' and with a carbon plate E
fastened within it near its bottom to constitute the anode, and an iron plate G
fastened within it near its top to constitute the cathode. The current enters
through a brush e to a cylindrical sleeve insulated from the hub f', and passes.
thence through a conducting strip o and insulated bolt o' to the carbon anode.
From the iron plate the current passes through an insulated bolt n and con-
ducting strip a¹ to an insulated annular collar S, from which the current is taken
off by a brush <. The brine is introduced as before through a pipe M. and drips
down through the chlorine pipe L into the annular casing N. The chlorine-
liberated at the anode is thrown toward the centre and passes out through the
tube 1, the trumpet-shaped lower end of which, lettered K', dips deeply into the
liquid and serves the purpose of a partition for keeping the chlorine and hydrogen
out of contact. The hydrogen evolved from the cathode G is thrown toward the
centre, passing on the opposite side of this trumpet-shaped partition, K, and passes
up through the space g, being conducted away through a tube . The caustic
soda is discharged through an outlet orifice Pas before described.
Fig. 5 shows a centrifugal electrolytic cell revolving on a horizontal axis. The
cylinder B is supported on tubular shafts C2 and 3 insulated from each other
and turning in bearings a a², being driven by a belt on pulley 3. The anode E
consists of a disk of carbon, while the cathode G consists of the bared inner.
surface of an iron disk 7, supplemented by radial iron wings or blades. The
central portion of the vessel B is divided by a partition K² consisting of a disk
fixed within it and revolving with it. The current enters at the bearing a', passes
through the shaft. C² and insulated studs 2 to the anode E2, thence through the
electrolyte to the cathode G2, and out through the material of the disk % and
through the shaft C³ to the bearing a². All parts necessarily insulated for confining
the current to this path are coated as shown in black. Brine is introduced from
a pipe M into a pipe M³ which is bent at 12 to form a liquid seal or trap, and
extends in through the tubular shaft C to deliver the brine into the interior of
the cylinder. The chlorine passes through the tubular shaft C, being drawn off
through a stationary pipe L³ connected with the end of the revolving shaft by
means of a packed joint j', preferably packed with asbestos. Hydrogen liberated
from the cathode (flows out through the tubular shaft C³, being conducted off
through a stationary tube which joins the revolving end of the shaft through
the medium of a packed joint. The caustic soda solution is thrown outward
and flows through the space toward the centre, where it entres the open end of a
stationary adjustable tube Q, from which it flows out by a pipe Q³.
1.
In Fig. 6 the cylinder B³ revolves on a vertical shaft C. The anode consists
of radial carbon plates E3 E³, and a cathode of radial iron plates G³ Gall
insulated from the cylinder. A coned insulating partition K³ separates the
bubbles of hydrogen from the chlorine, so that the hydrogen passes up and out
through a tube to a stuffing box above, where it passes through perforations and
is conducted away through a tube . The chlorine passes from the centre up
through a tube L to a stuffing box at the top, and thence is drawn away through
a tube . The caustic soda is thrown centrifugally through a nozzle P³ adjusted
by a screw, being caught in a cylinder Q and flowing down into a trough'Q.
The brine enters through a pipe M contrelied by a float valve into a tank M,
from which it flows down a pipe M' to, the bottom of the cylinder. The electric
current enters by a brush e² to a conducting ring J² by metal strips o² and insulated

page_text: bolts to the anode carbous E³, thence to the electrolyte, to the cathode plates G³,
thence out through insulated bolts to strips o³, to metal ring J³, and is conducted
off by brush e.
In all the figures I have shown a separate conduit for conducting away the
hydrogen gas, but this is not strictly essential, as this gas may be permitted to
escape into the atmosphere. It is better, however, to conduct it away in order to
avoid the liability of the formation of an explosive mixture of hydrogen and air.
The parts of the apparatus that come in contact with the chlorine gas should be
made of such materials as will withstand the corrosive action of chlorine. Like-
wise those portions which are brought into contact with the caustic soda solution
should be of iron or other material which is not affected by caustic soda.
One use to which my invention may be put is for the decomposition of water
into oxygen and hydrogen for use as fuel and for other purposes.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is
1. The improved electrolytic process consisting in subjecting the electrolyte to
centrifugal action during the electrolysis, whereby the resulting products of
different specific gravities are separated, substantially as hereinbefore described.
2. The improved electrolytic process consisting in subjecting simultaneously to
electrolysis and centrifugal action, a liquid from which two gascous products are
liberated at the respective electrodes, and discharging said gases through distinct
conduits to prevent their recombination, substantially as hereinbefore described.
3. The improved electrolytic process consisting in subjecting a liquid simul-
taneously to electrolysis and centrifugal action, whereby the resulting gaseous
products are directed inwardly and the resulting liquid product of greater specific
gravity than the electrolyte is directed outwardly, and continuously discharging
the respective products through distinct conduits, substantially as hereinbefore
described.
4. The improved process of making caustic soda and chlorine which consists in
subjecting brine to electrolysis while under the influence of centrifugal action,
whereby the resulting caustic soda is thrown outwardly and the chlorine gas
directed inwardly, so that both are separated from the electrolyte, and continuously
conducting away the disengaged chlorine, substantially as hereinbefore described.
5. An electrolytic cell mounted to be revolved at high speed to subject its
contents to centrifugal action, substantially as hereinbefore described.
6. A centrifugal electrolytic cell consisting of a cylinder mounted to revolve, an
anode and cathode therein arranged to be in contact with an electrolyte while
revolving, and separate outlets for the liquid and gaseous products resulting from
the electrolysis, substantially as hereinbefore described.
7. A centrifugal electrolytic cell consisting of a cylinder mounted to revolve, an
anode and cathode therein arranged to be in contact with an electrolyte while
revolving, and two distinct gas discharge conduits leading from the centre of the
cylinder, the one adapted to conduct away the gases liberated from the anode, and
the other those liberated from the cathode, substantially as hereinbefore described.
8. A centrifugal electrolytic cell consisting of a cylinder mounted to revolve,
an anode and cathode therein arranged to be in contact with an electrolyte while
revolving, whereby a liquid of greater specific gravity than the electrolyte is
thrown to the outer portion of the cylinder, and an outlet for said liquid from said
outer portion, substantially as hereinbefore described.
9. A centrifugal electrolytic cell consisting of a revolving cylinder provided
with anode and cathode, and a partition within said cylinder arranged to receive
on. its opposite sides the gases liberated from the anode and cathode respectively
and to prevent the commingling of said gases, substantially as hereinbefore
described.

page_text: 10. The combination with a centrifugal electrolytic cell of a dynamo for
generating the electric current passed through said cell, connected together to be
driven from the same source of power at proportionate speeds, substantially as.
hereinbefore described.
Dat this 12th dor of Anril 1893
.
J. C. MEWBURN,
55 & 56, Chancery Lane, London, Chartered Patent Agent.