IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TOA PROCESS FORTHE ELECTROLYTIC PRODUCTION OF FLUORINE AND APPARATUS THEREFOR

A process and cell as in the parent Specification for producing fluorine by electrolysis of a fused substantially dry mixture of potassium fluoride and hydrogen fluoride having a composition of 1 mole KF : 1.8 moles HF to 1 mole KF : 2.2 moles HF modified in that the electrolyte also includes at least 30 p.p.m. Ni salts (up to, e.g., 200 p.p.m.) expressed as Ni, a proportion of the fluorine is evolved as free bubbles, the anode-cathode separation is between 1.25 inches and 1.5 inches and the horizontal separation of the lower extremity of a gas impermeable barrier surrounding the anode is such that fluorine does not enter the cathode compartment in proportions which form an explosive mixture with hydrogen and hydrogen does not enter the anode compartment of the cell in proportions which form an explosive mixture with fluorine, e.g. a separation of not less than 7/16 inch. The electrolytic cell may have a thermostatically controlled water, steam, or electrical heating jacket.