How to make Sodium Chlorate by Electrolysis of salt water?

[gary350]

I have a power supply for electrolysis of salt water brine, variable 3v to 6v up to 30 amps. Cathode is stainless steel, anode is carbon rods. Carbon rod surface area 42" sq. the Stainless steel cathode should be 21" sq. Salt is pure 100% salt dissolved into distilled water. I have been making saturated salt wrong. Today I learn saturated salt is, dissolve pure salt into 150°f water cool to 100°f pour into the 2 gallon brine tank. I find conflicting information about brine tank temperature some say, 40°C, or 60°c to 90°c, or 113°f. I Brine tank was 4.71volts 12.5amp running for 12 hours. Brine tank was 70°f and 12 hrs later 90°f. Lots of chlorine gas, hydrogen gas and oxygen comes from the brine tank no problem with 8'x8' door open. Sodium chlorate is suppose to fall out of solution below 40°C. I cooled 1 pint of brine water down to 0°f for 8 hours and no sodium chlorate fell out of solution. Something is wrong???

 

[sophiecentaur]

@gary350 Firstly, I really appreciate the intelligible circuit diagram you've given us., Too few of those around on PF!!

I know very little about electrolysis and my only experience was to try it with spent fixer from film developing. The place where I worked had loads of the stuff so I thought "money makes the world go around ...". I have to say, I came to it quite unprepared and all I ever got was a thin white film (silver, assumed) on the cathode, followed by horrible stains and warm water. I varied the volts but don't remember the current. This was pre-internet so information was not easily available.

From the vigorous activity you report, you are obviously electrolysing something so your circuit must be connected properly.

I did a quick search and a question about cathode material seemed worth asking. There was mention of titanium in one of the videos. Are you sure SS is suitable (at least the alloy you are using)?