Membrane cell

DETAILED DESCRIPTION What we claim is: 1.
A monopolar filter press electrolytic cell suitable for use in the electrolysis of an aqueous alkali metal halide solution (brine) to produce an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution (cell liquor), halogen and hydrogen which cell comprises a plurality of vertically disposed flexible anode plates and flexible cathode plates and a cation permselective membrane positioned between each adjacent anode plate and cathode plate, characterised in that each anode plate is made in part of a non-conducting material and comprises an anode portion formed of a film-forming metal having an electrocatalytically active coating on the surface thereof, each cathode plate is made in part of a non-conducting material and comprises a metallic cathode portion, and in which a non-conducting flexible spacing plate is positioned between each membrane and adjacent anode plate and between each membrane and adjacent cathode plate, the anode plates, cathode plates and spacing plates each having openings which in the cell define four separate compartments lengthwise of the cell and which provide respectively for inlet brine, an outlet for brine and halogen, an inlet for water or alkaline water, and an outlet for cell liquor and hydrogen, the spacing plates being provided with passages in the walls thereof which in the cell connect the compartments providing an inlet for brine and an outlet for brine and halogen with the anolyte compartments defined by the spaces between the membranes and adjacent anode plates and which connect the compartments providing an inlet for water or alkaline water and an outlet for cell liquor and hydrogen with the catholyte compartments defined by the spaces between the membranes and adjacent cathode plates, the cell being provided with end plates which form end walls for the compartments, and the non-conducting parts of the anode plates and cathode plates insulating electrically the compartments providing an inlet for brine and an outlet for brine and halogen from the compartments providing an inlet for water or alkaline water and an outlet for cell liquor and hydrogen