Title: Method of electrolytically producing a purified alkali metal hydroxide solution

Abstract: A method for electrolytically producing a purified alkali metal hydroxide solution by electrolyzing an alkali halide solution in a membrane cell is described. The membrane cell includes at least one buffer compartment separating an anolyte and a catholyte compartment. The barrier separating the anolyte and the buffer compartment is a porous or permeable membrane. The membrane separating the catholyte compartment and the buffer compartment is a cation-active, hydrocarbon, preferably non-porous, membrane. A minor amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of alkali metal sulfites, bisulfites, sulfides, oxalates, or mixtures thereof, is added to the electrolyte, preferably with the brine feed, to protect the membranes from hypohalites formed in the cell. Amounts of protective compounds between about 0.01 and about 2.0 percent by weight of electrolyte are found to be aptly suited to use.

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Inventors: Cook, Jr., Edward H. (Niagara Falls, NY, US)
Pouli, Dirk (Williamsville, NY, US)

Application Number: 864306
Filing Date: 1977-12-27
Publication_date: 1979-03-27
Assignee: Hooker Chemicals & Plastics Corp. (Niagara Falls, NY)
Primary Class(es): 205/350 205/514, 205/517, 205/518
Other Classes:
US Patent Ref:

3878072	Apr, 1975	Cook et al.	204/98.
3959095	May, 1976	Marks et al.	204/98.

Other Refs:
Primary Examiner: Andrews, R. L.
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney: Casella; Peter F., Ellis; Howard M.