ELECTROLYTIC CELL AND METHOD OF PRODUCTION OF ALKALI METAL FROM ALKALI METAL AMALGAM AND COMBINED METHOD OF PRODUCTION OF CHLORINE AND ALKALI METAL FROM ALKALI METAL CHLORIDE Russian patent published in 2005 - IPC

FIELD: electrochemical production of alkali metal: sodium or potassium, from alkali metal amalgam.

SUBSTANCE: proposed electrolytic cell has anode in form of alkali metal amalgam, cathode in form of molten alkali metal and tubular solid electrolyte closed at one end; anode is kept in movable state. Tubular solid electrolyte is mounted in concentric tube made from stainless steel forming circular clearance of 1-10 mm. Alkali metal amalgam is kept in movable state by mixing it and/or by means of pump at atmospheric pressure or at pressure slightly exceeding atmospheric pressure. Solid electrolyte is selected from group consisting of sodium β"-alumina, sodium β-alumina and sodium β/β"-alumina or potassium β"-alumina, potassium β-alumina and potassium β/β"-alumina; it is subjected to conditioning before performing electrolysis for reduction of resistance of ceramics. Alkali metal amalgam is obtained by electrolysis of alkali metal chloride.

EFFECT: possibility of production of sodium and potassium without subsequent cleaning of them from mercury and other admixtures; enhanced stability of process.

6 cl, 6 dwg, 6 ex