Disposable Electrolytic Cell having Bipolar Electrodes, and Method of Use Thereof

Abstract

An electrolytic cell that generates metal hydroxides from metallic anode material utilizing small metal particles or fines. Metal fines are impregnated in an open cell or reticulated foam material and rolled into a cylindrical shape having a fixed electrode in the center and on the outer surface of the cylinder. Basket cells with larger metal pieces disposed therein in a packed bed configuration may alternatively be utilized.

1 . An electrolytic cell comprising:
 a housing; and   a replaceable cartridge disposed within said housing,   wherein said replaceable cartridge comprises a cathode and an anode.   
     
     
         2 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 1 , wherein said anode comprises a fixed tubular perforated electrode surrounded by an electrolytic sponge. 
     
     
         3 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 2 , wherein said cathode comprises a metal mesh electrode. 
     
     
         4 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 2 , wherein said electrolytic sponge comprises reticulated foam material with metal fines therein. 
     
     
         5 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 1 , wherein said anode comprises a packed bed anode basket. 
     
     
         6 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 1 , wherein said replaceable cartridge comprises a disposable basket. 
     
     
         7 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 1 , further comprising a pressurized cell. 
     
     
         8 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 1 , further comprising a low pressure cell. 
     
     
         9 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 3 , wherein wastewater flows in through said fixed tubular perforated electrode and subsequently passes through said electrolytic sponge to and through said metal mesh electrode. 
     
     
         10 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 1 , further comprising a flow restrictor. 
     
     
         11 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 1 , further comprising a removable cap. 
     
     
         12 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 11 , wherein said removable cap is sealed to said housing by an o-ring seal. 
     
     
         13 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 11 , wherein said removable cap is secured to said housing by a cooperative latch pin and latch. 
     
     
         14 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 11 , wherein said removable cap is secured to said housing by a hold down clamp. 
     
     
         15 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 3 , wherein electrical contact is made between said fixed tubular perforated electrode and a negative contact and between said metal mesh electrode and a positive contact. 
     
     
         16 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 1 , wherein said replaceable cartridge rests on and in electrical contact with an electrical enclosure having positive and negative contacts. 
     
     
         17 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 2 , further comprising a twist lock mechanism between said fixed tubular perforated electrode and a metal bushing having a locking pin therein. 
     
     
         18 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 1 , further comprising a quick disconnect mechanism. 
     
     
         19 . The electrolytic cell of  claim 1  in combination with a cell efficiency analyzer, wherein said cell efficiency analyzer monitors hydrogen gas. 
     
     
         20 . A method of forming metal hydroxides, said method comprising the steps of:
 impregnating a reticulated foam with metal fines;   forming said impregnated reticulated foam around a fixed tubular perforated electrode to create an anode;   disposing said anode within a metal mesh cathode;   applying an electric current to said anode and said cathode; and   passing wastewater sequentially into said fixed tubular perforated electrode, through said impregnated reticulated foam and through said metal mesh cathode.