Electrocell method and apparatus

Patent Application · Mon Dec 31 00:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:10160506

Mensink, D L; Graham, F R; Younkins, R M

This invention consists of an apparatus including an electrocell and, preferably, also a diaphragm pump for processing waste materials and recovering metals therefrom. The electrocell comprises a set of coaxial cylinders with end housings to maintain spacing. The innermost cylinder is a cathode. Surrounding the cathode is a porous barrier, then an anode and finally an outer shell. Interior to the cathode is a cathode coolant passage. Between the cathode and the porous barrier is a passage for a catholyte. Between the porous barrier and the anode is a passage for an anolyte. Exterior to the anode but inside an outer shell is a passage for the anode coolant. The passage for the anolyte is dimensioned, based upon the flow rate of the anolyte, to produce fully turbulent flow, preferably with a Reynolds number in excess of 4000. The diaphragm pump surges anolyte into the anolyte passage to further increase turbulence, thereby increasing the efficiency of the apparatus.

• Research Organization: Westinghouse Savannah River Co., Aiken, SC (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC09-89SR18035
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy
• Patent Number(s): PATENTS-US-A7584689
• Application Number: ON: DE92016642; PAN: 7-584,689
• OSTI ID: 10160506
• Resource Relation: Other Information: PBD: 1990
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
DESIGN
PLUTONIUM
MATERIALS RECOVERY
RADIOACTIVE WASTE PROCESSING
INVENTIONS
CATHODES
PLUTONIUM OXIDES
METALS
ELECTROLYSIS
PUMPS
052001
320305
WASTE PROCESSING
INDUSTRIAL WASTE MANAGEMENT