Abstract
Mercury cells of conventional design embody an elongated cathode, with a length which is a multiple of the width. For commercial cells installed to date this multiple is never less than 5 and for most models it is greater than 7. This elongated configuration has also been retained for cell sizes of highest current rating (up to 500 kA) and highest current density (up to 15 kA m−2) as allowed by activated titanium anodes. While being in conformity with tradition, such geometry, when applied to the largest cells, neglects some fundamental rules based on hydrodynamics. New requirements must in fact be fulfilled to obtain optimum mercury flow at the highest current capacities and the highest current densities that characterize the ultimate trend. When the length-to-width ratio is kept below the present typical range, the cell performance also improves because of a decrease of the harmful effects due to accumulation of mercury butter on the cathode surface.
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