Conductor assembly for electrolytic cells

Claim 1

A vertical current conductor assembly for conducting electrical current to electrodes in cells for the electrolysis of a salt solution which comprises: (a) a conductor rod, said conductor rod having a threaded portion at its upper end, (b) a nonconductive casing for said conductor rod, (c) a space between said conductor rod and said casing, (d) an inlet in said casing adapted to receive a fluid noncorrosive to said conductor rod, (e) an outlet in said casing adapted to remove said fluid from said casing, (f) means for attaching the lower end of said conductor assembly to said electrodes, said lower end being adapted to be immersed in said salt solution, (g) a compressible sealing assembly for said threaded end of said conductor rod comprised of a collar threadingly connected to said conductor rod and a sealing means, said compressible sealing assembly providing a fluid-tight seal at the upper end of the conductor assembly, and (h) means positioned above said compressible sealing assembly and connected to said inlet adapted to supply said fluid to said space between said casing and said conductor at a pressure sufficient to prevent said salt solution from penetrating said current conductor assembly should a leak develop at the lower end of said conductor assembly.