The chief chemist of ProChemTech International Inc., Brockaway, Pa., was awarded US patent, #8,585,999, “Method of Making Resin Impregnated Monolithic Graphite Electrode.”

Timothy Keister, CWT, and fellow of the American Institute of Chemists, developed a method to make resin-impregnated monolithic graphite electrodes that are used in the electrolytic bromine generators manufactured by ProChemTech. Electrolytic bromine is used as a biocide to control biological growth in cooling tower and process water applications. Generated on-site as needed from nonhazardous aqueous salt solution, electrolytic bromine can replace the hazardous chemicals currently used as biocides, according to ProChemTech.

Graphite electrodes manufactured by the disclosed method are reportedly a replacement for the precious-metal-plated electrodes commonly used in electrolytic generators. ProChemTech markets its water treatment technology under the ElectroBrom and MiniBrom brands and has operating experience in industrial cooling and process water applications.