Abstract: To remove films, such as oxides and lubricants, from a metal substrate, mechanical or thermal stress is first applied to the films so as to rupture the film to the substrate. The substrate is then moved through an electrolysis cell having one or more electrode elements of one electrical polarity spaced from the moving substrate defining another electrode element with the opposite polarity. An electrical signal is applied to the electrodes, and the electrical signal flows down to the metal substrate, resulting in an etching or pitting of the surface of the metal substrate. Following the electrolysis cell, the moving substrate is immersed in a cavitation fluid. Energy, either sonic or ultrasonic, is generated and focused onto the moving substrate so that cavitation bubbles are formed in the pitted portions of the metal substrate beneath the film.

Abstract: A method and a device for performing the method of electrolytic pickling of a metal strip. The metal strip continuously passes through an electrolyte bath which has an electrolyte circulating through a closed system. Crevices are formed on both sides of the metal with electrodes which are located above the top crevice and below the bottom crevice. The electrodes are of opposite polarity and are chemically resistant to the electrolyte. An electrical current is passed from one electrode, through one crevice, through the metal, through the other crevice and to the other electrode which results in the electrolytic pickling of the metal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for decontaminating surfaces are disclosed. A housing is configured with first and second channels and first and second fluid pathways in fluid communication therewith, respectively. First and second applicators are positioned within respective first and second channels and electrodes are electrically connected with the applicators. Electric current of a first polarity is supplied to a first applicator via the first electrode, and electric current of a second polarity is supplied to a second applicator via the second electrode. Decontaminating a surface comprises supplying a first fluid to a first applicator, supplying a second fluid to a second applicator, generating an electrical potential between the first and second applicators, and contacting the contaminated surface with the first and second applicators.

Abstract: A method for minimizing localized corrosion of fluid containers that occurs as a consequence of most non-chemical procedures for removing scale deposits is described. It counteracts the unavoidable side-effect of the lowering of the local pH in the vicinity of the bubbles of CO.sub.2 that are generated during an electromagnetically-induced controlled precipitation procedure. The method is a simple and facile procedure for curbing the localized corrosion occurring as a result of most non-chemical procedures for removing scales. The method is desirably performed by an induction coil wrapped around a fluid container such as a pipe encrusted with scale through which hard water is flowing. A pulsing electrical current is successively applied through the coil and halted, preferably for 3 to 10 minutes each. When the current is applied, a transitory induced magnetic field is generated in the solution, and scale encrusted on the fluid container dissolves in the solution.

Abstract: A device and method for preventing fouling and/or corrosion of the exposed surfaces of a structure which is in contact with seawater, brackish water, fresh water, or a combination of these. The system includes using a structure having an exposed zinc-containing surface. At the exposed surface water interface a negative capacitive charge or an asymmetric alternating electrostatic is induced and maintained.

Abstract: To prevent degradation of field emission in a field emission device (FED) (10) resulting from the accumulation of contaminating impurities on the surface (42) of the microtips (26) of the FED (10), a high voltage pulse is applied at a cathode voltage control (46) connected between a grid conductor layer (24) and a metal mesh (18) of the FED (10). Upon application of the pulse, the impurities are desorbed from the surface (42) of the microtips (26) and are captured by a getter (44), which binds the impurities to its surface.

Abstract: An electrolytic process and apparatus is disclosed for oxidizing or reducing inorganic and organic species, especially in dilute aqueous solutions. The electrolytic reactor includes an anode and cathode in contact with a packed bed of particulate ion exchange material which establishes an infinite number of transfer sites in the electrolyte to significantly increase the mobility of the ionic species to be oxidized or reduced toward the anode or cathode, respectively. The ion exchange material is cationic for oxidation and anionic for reduction, or a combination of both for special circumstances. Preferably, the ion exchange material is treated to convert a portion of the transfer sites to semiconductor junctions which act as mini anodes, or cathodes, to significantly increase the capacity of the reactor to oxidize or reduce the species to be treated. Exemplary applications for the disclosed electrolytic process and apparatus are the conversion of halides to halous acids in dilute solutions.

Abstract: Black- or brown-oxidised copper laminates that are to be integrated into an electrical multilayer laminate in a subsequent process step are electrochemically reduced in order to avoid the formation of so-called "pink rings". To that end, they are connected as the cathode of an electrolysis in a suitable electrolyte. The atomic hydrogen produced in statu nascendi during the electrolysis completely or partially reduces the copper oxide layer on the metallic regions of the copper laminates, whereby the resistance of the surfaces of the metallic regions of the copper laminates to subsequent acid attack is considerably improved. The electrochemical reduction may optionally be coupled with a chemical reduction or precede a chemical reduction.

Abstract: A halogen generator produces a halogen sanitizing agent to sanitize water in a spa or other water feature. A coaxial wall fitting desirably couples the halogen generator to the water feature. The halogen generator desirably includes a bipolar electrolytic cell in which a center electrode plate rotates between stationary anode and cathode plates. The bipolar electrode includes a plurality of vanes which motivate water flow between the anode and the cathode. The vanes on the rotating electrode also produce a flow of water through the generator. In this manner, the bipolar electrode functions as a impeller to pump water through the halogen generator. The vanes are positioned between the electrode and cathode, and are sufficiently spaced from the cathode to inhibit scale formation on the cathode. The vanes, however, generally do not contact the cathode when rotating.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of electrolytically separating a paint coating front a metal surface comprising the steps of providing a metal member having a surface having a paint coating thereon and contacting the member with an essentially neutral electrolytic solution. The metal member is made cathodic in an electrolytic cell and current is passed from an anode through the electrolytic solution to the metal member for a time sufficient to cause the paint coating to separate from the metal member.