ELECTROLYTIC REMOVAL OF OXYGEN FROM SODIUM.
Abstract
Dissolved oxygen was extracted from flowing sodium by ionic transport through an impervious solid electrolyte wall. Current efficiency and cell resistivity were measured for three solid oxide electrolytes at several temperatures and voltages. Best results were obtained with ZrO2 + 8 m/o CaO at 1200F and 4 to 6 volts/mm. Current efficiency was low, due to induced electronic conduction, but oxygen removal rates higher than in zirconium hot traps were achieved. Similar cells tested in pure oxygen at the same temperature also developed electronic conduction, suggesting that it is due more to low temperature electrolysis than to the low oxygen pressure in sodium. Application of such cells to aerospace sodium systems is hindered by the unpredictable life of the ceramic tube. A modified cell concept, substituting an oxide film on a metallic substrate for the free-standing ceramic tube, is described. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0608042
Entities
People
- J. M. Mckee