Clasical thermodynamic analysis of any thermal and chemical process is usually based on the first law of thermodynamics. Such an approach is not sufficient when deeper understanding of the mechanism and nature of each elementary process is required. The use of the first and second law of thermodynamics together is necessary to solve practical problems more effectivly. Especially, application of the entropy generation rate and lost available energy (or exergy) concepts enhance our understanding of thermal process. Such an extended analysis is proposed to detect possible ways to decrease the electric energy consumption. Additionally, least squares adjustment procedure is proposed to make mathematical models of elementary processes taking place inside electrolysis cell more reliable.

The Peking Rules have not been ratified in an official document and carry no legal weight. They are just a private set of regulations for settling loss and damage by sacrifice. They were accepted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) on 1 January 1975 and remain in force today. The structure of the Peking Rules is uniform and is not divided into general and specific regulations. The rules are comprised of a peculiar type of preamble and eight titled articles. The range of loss and damage by sacrifice includes extraordinary losses, damages, and reasonably incurred extraordinary expenses resulting from actions taken to protect vessel and cargo from a common danger posed by forces of nature, accidents, or other extraordinary circumstance that can occur in maritime transport. Undoubtedly, the York-Antwerp Rules, especially their Hamburg version from 1974, significantly influenced the Peking Rules, as is reflected by the striking similarities in text and character of the two sets of rules. The author also discusses the problem of the Peking Rules in reference to the Polish maritime code.