Electrolyzer installation membrane cells

In the membrane-cell process, highly selective ion-exchange membranes of Du Font s Nation type are used which allow only the sodium ions to pass. Thus, in the anode compartment an alkali solution of high purity is produced. The introduction of Nafion-type membranes in chlor-alkali electrolyzers led to a significant improvement in their efficiency. Today, most new chlor-alkafi installations use the membrane technology. Unfortunately, the cost of Nafion-type membranes is still very high. 

Commercial application of membrane cell technology began in 1975 with the installation of the Nobeoka No 1 (Japan) using Asahi Chemical Co. electrolyzers, Reed Paper (Canada) using Hooker MX electrolyzers and American Can of Canada (Canada) using Ionics Chloromate electrolyzers. By the end of 1982 world capa-... 

Smaller electrolyzers assembled in the workshop may be lifted into prepared cell room berths and installed. Piping connections can be made up (after completion of pipework testing) with slip plates inserted at the connecting flanges to prevent drying of membranes and accidental ingress of fluids. 

Full plant shutdowns are necessary in bipolar cell rooms that contain only one electrolyzer. Since work must be carried out on the installed electrolyzer to change modules, electrodes, or membranes, downtime can be significant and is a function of the amount of work to be done and the design of the electrolyzer. Bipolar cell rooms with multiple electrolyzers may have one of several different configurations. Several electrolyzers may be fed in parallel from a common rectifier (common in mercurycell conversions), or individual electrolyzers may be equipped with their own rectifiers (technically, the best modem practice). Electrolyzers also may be made up of a number of packs or frames arranged in electrical series. Section 8.3.1.3 discussed some of these combinations. 

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