A multi-bipolar electrode type of electrochemical cell which is adapted for operation with flowing electrolyte, comprises a plurality of bipolar electrode units, which can be, for example, rods, such as hollow rods, preferably horizontal, in vertical column, or groups of bipolar electrode units, which can be of geometrical shape, such as cylinders or rings, such as Lessing rings, arranged in horizontal layers one below the other separated by openwork, electrically insulating, spacers, such as nylon net. It is arranged that the electrolyte flows to bridge the spaces between adjacent electrode units, or groups of electrode units, but that any electrolyte in contact with the remainder of each electrode unit surface is kept to a very thin film. In this way electronic continuity through the cell is maintained by means of the electrolyte bridges and each electrode unit functions as a bipolar electrode.
An electrolytic reactor including a conical recess of removable slices through which the electrolyte circulates towards a part to be coated under the action of a pump setting up forced circulation. The part is polarized to act as a cathode, facing a coaxial anode in the recess. This configuration leads to good electrolyte flow in front of the part, allowing accelerated deposit with a uniform thickness of the coating material, and dimensions of the chamber may be added.
In the electrodeposition of metals, the position and shape of the anode with respect to the cathode is critical for uniform deposition of the metal on the cathode. A bipolar electrode comprising a pair of electrically interconnected porous electrodes having surfaces of the metal to be deposited is interposed between the anode and the cathode. The bipolar porous electrode facing the cathode provides metal ions for deposition on the cathode and the bipolar porous electrode facing the anode is plated with metal ions formed at the anode. The position of the bipolar electrode may be periodically reversed, and uniform deposition on the cathode is obtained independent of the shape, size, and position of the anode.
