Abstract: A method of sterilizing liquid is performed by providing a vibrationally stirring apparatus having a vibration generating unit containing a vibration motor (14), a vibrating rod (7) operationally connected to the vibration generating unit, vibration vanes (10) fixed to the vibrating rod, and vibration vane fixing members (9) for fixing the vibration vanes to the vibrating rod, wherein the vibration vane (10) has a surface made of sterilizing metal and the vibration vane fixing member (9) is made of magnetic field generating material; submerging the vibration vanes and the vibration vane fixing members in the liquid (LIQ) taken in a treatment tank (13); and vibrating the vibration vane at an amplitude of 0.1 to 15.0 mm and at a vibrational frequency of 200 to 1000 times per minute by the vibration generating unit to cause vibrationally stirring of the liquid, thereby sterilizing the liquid.

Abstract: A process for recovery of valuable metals from superalloys by electrochemical decomposition is described, both electrodes being formed by the superalloy and the polarity of the electrolysis current being reversed with a frequency of from 0.005 to 5 Hz.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for obtaining colloid-forming metal particles from an aqueous mine waste solution containing that metal in ionic form. In accordance with this process, an aqueous mine waste solution containing that metal in ionic form is provided having a pH value of about 4.0 to about 6.5. The solution is electrified with direct current a about 1.2 to about 2.0 volts to reduce the desired metal ions to colloidal metal particles. A slurry of cellulose particles is agitatingly added to the colloid composition followed by a flocculant to form a solid phase cellulosic floc containing the colloid. The solid and liquid phases are separated, and the solid phase is dried, fluxed and heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the flux and colloid and form larger metal particles that can then be recovered. The colloid-forming metal is preferably gold.

Abstract: The electrolyte is supplied from a reservoir through at least one supply line to an electrolysis area including anodes and cathodes and at least one electric d.c. voltage source, and used electrolyte is at least partly recirculated from the electrolysis area back to the reservoir through at least one discharge line. Between a first contact point in the electrolyte of the supply line and a second contact point in the electrolyte of the discharge line there is a bridge line containing electrolyte, where the ohmic resistance R1 of the electrolyte in the bridge line between the first and the second contact point is not more than 10% of the ohmic resistance R2 which exists between the first and the second contact point in the electrolyte flowing through the reservoir. The amount of electrolyte flowing through the bridge line per unit time is not more than 5% of the amount of electrolyte flowing in the supply line in the vicinity of the first contact point.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a composite type thin-film magnetic head with a reading head element and an inductive writing head element, includes a step of forming the reading head element and its lead conductor layers on a first insulation layer, a step of forming a second insulation layer to cover the reading head element and the lead conductor layers, a step of forming a second shield layer on the second insulation layer, a step of forming a third insulation layer, and a step of forming via holes and a back gap hole. The via holes and back gap hole forming step is executed by reactive ion etching (RIE) for simultaneously removing the second insulation layer and the third insulation layer located at the via holes and the third insulation layer located at the back gap hole.

Abstract: Method for pickling products made of steel, characterized in that within the pickling bath Fe3+ is present, directly added in a controlled concentration, or produced in the pickling bath itself by adding an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide, ozone, permanganates. persulphates and oxygen.

Abstract: The invention uses the electro-kinetic principle for a method for the cleaning of materials contaminated with heavy metals, whereby use is made of an apparatus comprising two charge-selective ion-exchange membranes with different charges combined with an inner and an outer electrolyte solution chambers which are separated by the membranes which serve a blocking function. A surprisingly good degree of removal is achieved, particularly in relation to the current consumption, and at the same time the heavy metals can be precipitated in a separate vessel such that they can be reused.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a feedback controlled stripping system with integrated water management and acid recycling system. The system comprises a stripping tank containing an electrolyte bath stripping solution for removing a coating from at least one workpiece immersed in the stripping solution while a controlled absolute electrical potential is maintained on the at least one workpiece with respect to a reference electrode also immersed in the stripping solution, a rinse tank for rinsing the workpiece(s) after removal of the workpiece(s) from the stripping tank, and a distillation unit for receiving electrolyte containing dissolved metals from the stripping tank, for purifying the electrolyte received from the stripping tank, and for returning the purified electrolyte to the stripping tank. In a preferred embodiment, the stripping tank, the rinse tank, and the distillation unit are mounted to a skid. The system further includes a control module.

Abstract: An apparatus electrochemically removes fine metal particles from an oil in water emulsion. The apparatus has a container for accommodating the emulsion. A supply port supplies the emulsion to the container. A plurality of cathode plates and anode plates are located in the container to face each other. The water in the emulsion is electrolyzed when a predetermined direct voltage is applied between the plates. The fine metal particles float with hydrogen generated by the electrolysis. Al(OH)3 attaches to H2 bubbles. A discharge port is located in a lower part of the container for discharging the emulsion from which the fine metal particles, sludge, oil and greese have been removed.

Abstract: A method for separating metal ions absorbed on a resin includes: suspending or percolating a cationic exchange resin charged with a polar solvent containing an eluting agent or a mixture of eluting agents containing at least an organic or mineral ligand complexing the metal ions to be separated; circulating a direct electric current, whether constant or not, in the charged eluting solution forming an electrolyte so as to recuperate at least a metal by deposition; and finally optionally repeating the last step by setting up one or several cathode(s) made of another metal and by re-adjusting the cathode potential and the anode/cathode potential difference to new values, depending on the new type of metal to be recuperated. An installation for treating/recycling photographic bath waste includes an exchanger connected to a tank for waste bath to be treated, to a treated waste bath tank, to a regenerating solution tank and to an electrolysis vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for reclaiming a metal from the effluent of a chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) process and using the reclaimed metal in an electroplating process. The steps of the method include using a chemical solution in a CMP process to remove material from a semiconductor device. An effluent is produced by this step that contains a dissolved first species removed from the semiconductor device. Then a second step of treating the effluent is performed to remove the dissolved first species and to produce a reclaimed metal. Then a third step of using the metal in an electroplating process is performed.

Abstract: A method of treating scrap graphite having a metal contaminant adhered thereto. The metal is separated from the graphite by placing the scrap graphite in an aqueous oxidizing electrolyte and passing there through an electric current. The electric current may be directional. The metal may be uranium and the scrap graphite may be from the casting of uranium fuel rods. The graphite body disintegrates in the electrolyte and the metal dissolves at an accelerated rate under the influence of the electric current. The metal can also break off from the graphite and may dissolve over a longer time period in the electrolyte. The graphite so treated may be separated from the electrolyte by filtering and washing. Where the graphite has been contaminated with uranium the separation by this process is sufficient to allow the graphite to be disposed of in a conventional manner rather than special means required for hazardous, radioactive materials.

Abstract: Efficient and cost-effective electrochemical devices and processes for the remediation of aqueous waste streams. The invention provides electrolytic cells having a high surface area spouted electrode for removal of heavy metals and oxidation of organics from aqueous environments. Heavy metal ions are reduced, deposited on cathode particles of a spouted bed cathode and removed from solution. Organics are efficiently oxidized at anode particles of a spouted bed anode and removed from solution. The method of this inventions employs an electrochemical cell having an anolyte compartment and a catholyte compartment, separated by a microporous membrane, in and through which compartments anolyte and catholyte, respectively, are circulated. A spouted-bed electrode is employed as the cathode for metal deposition from contaminated aqueous media introduced as catholyte and as the anode for oxidation of organics from contaminated aqueous media introduced as anolyte.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrocoriolysis, the separation of ionic substances from liquids in the electrodynamic mode. The method maximizes centrifugal forces on a fluid contained in a chamber having oppositely polarized electrodes. A feed fluid is fed into the chamber. Spacing of the electrodes can be minimized for enhancement of the process. A constant voltage can be applied. Centrifugal force and the electric potential across the chamber create enhanced separation. Concentrated solution can be removed from a location in the chamber and depleted solution from another location.

Abstract: A plating apparatus and methodology is disclosed that is particularly useful in improving the plating rate, improving the plating of via holes, improving the uniformity of the plating deposition across the surface of the wafer, and minimizing damage to the wafer. With regard to improving the plating rate and the plating of via holes, the plating apparatus and method immerses a wafer in a plating fluid bath and continuously directs plating fluid towards the surface of the wafer. Immersing the wafer in a plating fluid bath reduces the occurrence of trapped gas pockets within via holes which makes it easier to plate them. The continuous directing of plating fluid towards the surface of the wafer increases the ion concentration gradient which is, in turn, increases the plating rate.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the recovery of silver from a photographic fixer solution is of generally cylindrical configuration. The cell has a screw-on lid that carries the disposable cathode of the cell. Inlet and outlet for the solution are at the bottom of the cell. The anode is tubular and extends upwardly from the outlet at the base of the cell towards the lid. The cathode is easily replaced, together with the lid, and flow through and the dimensions of the cell are arranged to avoid entrapment of gas therein.

Abstract: In an electrolytic bath, an extraction part extracts heavy metal in the internal organs of scallops into an acid solution. A direct current voltage is applied between electrodes, which are provided in the acid solution, to deposit the heavy metal in the acid solution on the electrodes. If the deposit efficiency deteriorates, the polarity applied between the electrodes is reversed from the polarity in the deposition of the heavy metal in a neutral or alkali electrolytic solution. Consequently, the heavy metal is removed from the electrodes. Since arsenic is dissolved in the acid solution, an alkali liquid and a flocculant are added to the acid solution to sediment arsenic.

Abstract: A method and apparatus concentrates, collects and removes heavy metals, other cations, and anions from media permitting generation of electrical fields. The heavy metals and other cations are electrochemically concentrated and precipitated for rapid removal from the aqueous media. The media, which may be aqueous, soils or wastes, is filtered and passed through a cation or anion exchange resin beds. Metals or anions are captured and held in the resin beds. Current is then applied through the resin beds using opposing electrodes of opposite polarity. In the metal removal units, heavy metals and other cations are concentrated around the negative electrode and lifted to a top of the electrode chamber using hydrogen gas lift. The concentrated solution of heavy metals and cations are removed from the chamber above the negative electrode and are circulated to provide additional time for growth and precipitation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrokinetic soil decontamination system that uses special electrode wall configurations, treatment wall configurations, and a combination electrode/treatment wall. A special emplacement method for all the flowable wall materials is used and special wall material compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing a contaminant in situ from soil containing the contaminant, by contacting the soil containing the contaminant with a reagent in situ to remove the contaminant from the soil and form a mixture; removing the mixture from the soil; and removing the contaminant from the mixture, wherein the reagent is not citric acid. The invention further relates to a method for removing a contaminant in situ from soil containing the contaminant, by contacting the soil containing the contaminant with a reagent in situ and mobilizing the contaminant by electroremediation to form a mixture containing the contaminant; and removing the contaminant from the mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electroactivated material comprising fibers and a binder and additionally having an electrocatalytic agent in the form of particles comprising a precious metal oxide or in the form of particles comprising a support and a coating based on such an oxide. The electroactivated material can be used especially as cathode component of an electrolysis cell and in particular of a cell for the electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride solutions. The present invention also relates to a composite material comprising the said material and to processes for the preparation of each of the two materials.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminating metal ions and sulfate ions from acidic aqueous solution such as waste mine water which features passing the solution between pairs of electrodes, each pair of electrodes impressed with a voltage selected according to specific ion species and then adding chemical agents to raise the pH and form precipitates of the metal and sulfate ions. A magnetic field is applied during at least the first mixing step. The precipitate is then separated from the water with settling and filtering steps. The clarified solution is treated by reverse osmosis to concentrate the ammonium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus concentrates, collects and removes heavy metals, other cations, and anions from media permitting generation of electrical fields. The heavy metals and other cations are electrochemically concentrated and precipitated for rapid removal from the aqueous media. The media, which may be aqueous, soils or wastes, is filtered and passed through a cation or anion exchange resin beds. Metals or anions are captured and held in the resin beds. Current is then applied through the resin beds using opposing electrodes of opposite polarity. In the metal removal units, heavy metals and other cations are concentrated around the negative electrode and lifted to a top of the electrode chamber using hydrogen gas lift. The concentrated solution of heavy metals and cations are removed from the chamber above the negative electrode and are circulated to provide additional time for growth and precipitation.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell comprises a housing (12), means (21) defining a liquid level (25) in said housing (12), a first contact surface (32) positioned above said liquid level (25) for making contact with a removable electrode (20) when positioned in said housing (12). A second contact surface (36) is positioned above said liquid level (25) and electrically isolated from said first contact surface (32) for making contact with said removable electrode (20) when positioned in said housing (12). A method of electrolysis in such a cell comprises supplying electrical power to said electrode (20) at an electrolysing potential (U.sub.P) and controlling the electrolysing potential (U.sub.P) in response to the potential (U.sub.2) sensed at the second contact surface (36). Control of the electrolysis process is possible without influence of any unknown and variable resistance between the first contact surface and the electrode.

Abstract: A device for electrochemically deplating metal from side edges and a backside of a semiconductor wafer or substrate. The device includes a shaped cathode having a shape substantially corresponding to a shape of at least a portion of the semiconductor wafer, such that the shaped cathode at least partially covers the backside and at least partially covers the side edges of the semiconductor wafer. The position of at least one of the semiconductor wafer and the shaped cathode is altered by position altering apparatus during the electrochemical deplating.

Abstract: Purification of Natrium Sulfat, separation of chrome by the electrocoagulation of Chrome using a bioelectrode cell (AC). The bioelectrode cell is a series of electrodes (Fe--Cr--Fe--Cr), and AC is applied to the first and the last electrodes.

Abstract: Nitrates are reduced to nitrogen gas by contacting the nitrates with a metal to reduce the nitrates to nitrites which are then contacted with an amide to produce nitrogen and carbon dioxide or acid anions which can be released to the atmosphere. Minor amounts of metal catalysts can be useful in the reduction of the nitrates to nitrites. Metal salts which are formed can be treated electrochemically to recover the metals.

Abstract: Halogenated organics contaminating soil formations are decomposed by an applied voltage-enhanced Grignard reaction with metallic magnesium, either pure or in alloy form, that has been lowered into the soil formation, in conjunction with hydrolysis of the resulting organomagnesium halide to release the halogen from the starting contaminant. Renewal of the magnesium surface to permit an enhanced decomposition is achieved by connection of the magnesium electrode to an electric potential generator and applying the potential either continuously or in pulse-wise manner, preferably repeatedly reversing the applied potential to electrochemically clean the magnesium-containing electrode surface. Dissolved Cr(VI) is likewise reduced to chromium of lower oxidation states and thus rendered less toxic.

Abstract: A method for electrochemically purifying solutions with a pH higher than 14 to reduce metal impurities to the level of traces. The method comprises processing the solutions in an electrolytic cell in which the cathode has a fibrous web produced from a mixture of fibres including at least one fraction consisting of electrically conductive fibres and a binder selected from fluoropolymers, said fibrous web being deposited on an electrically conductive porous support. Said cathode may also be combined with a diaphragm or a membrane. A cathode having a fibrous web produced from a mixture of carbon fibres, cellulose compounds, and a cationic polymer such as cationic starch is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and processing system for removing both anionic and cationic technetium complexes from an aqueous solution by adjusting the pH of the solution to greater than approximately 2, and directing the solution into an integrated resin and electrochemical plating device. The integrated resin and plating device has a resin bed or resin membrane in which is disposed one or more cathodes, and one or more anodes. A potential generator produces at least a 1 volt potential between the cathodes and the anodes. As the solution passes through the resin, the technetium complexes are adsorbed onto it. When a sufficient concentration of technetium complexes is adsorbed, the plating process can atlernatively be driven to plate out the technetium onto the cathodes, or to collect various species in system anolytes/catholytes.

Abstract: An apparatus for de-silvering silver-containing solutions comprises an electrolytic cell (10) having an anode (20), a cathode (30) and a reference electrode (45) positioned adjacent the cathode (30), and electrical power supply control means (41) for controlling the supply of electrical power to the anode (20) and the cathode (30). Operation of the cell (10) is controlled potentiostatically while the current exceeds a certain threshold value and the current is controlled galvanostatically at that threshold (minimum) value in circumstances in which the potentiostatic control would result in a current below the threshold value.

Abstract: A process for monitoring the electrolyte circulation in an electrolysis cell, in which an electrolyte flow generated by a circulation pump is generated between the electrodes of the electrolysis cell and the electrolysis is performed by a constant electrolysis current or electrode potential.

Abstract: A radioactive waste stream (12) is of high pH and contains a wide variety of different fission products and also organic materials which act as complexants. Technetium and/or ruthenium are removed by first electrolytically oxidising the organic materials at an anodically stable anode (26), and then electrolytically reducing the technetium and/or ruthenium at a porous fluid-permeable cathode (42). The cathode (42) might for example be of lead wool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the demetallization of highly acidic baths based on phosphoric acid and sulphuric acid, and also to a process for the electropolishing of stainless-steel surfaces, in which a regeneration of, in particular, spent electrolyte compositions for electropolishing can be achieved by separate electrolytic reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) and subsequent removal of precipitates.

Abstract: An improved electrochemical dissolution process for electrochemically dissolving a first metal by simultaneously creating hydrogen evolution at a second metal. The second metal is a metal that has a larger current exchange density for hydrogen evolution than the first metal, and both metals are immersed in an aqueous electrolyte system, wherein the first metal and the second metal are galvanically coupled. By taking measures to reduce inhibition of the hydrogen evolution at the second metal, the rate of dissolution of the first metal is enhanced. The measures to reduce the inhibition comprise selecting suitable temperatures and concentrations of the electrolyte, dividing the electrolyte into two fluids coupled by a selectively permeable device and selecting suitable resistance value for a connecting means electrically connecting the first and the second metal. The invention is particularly useful for removing Zn or Sn from Zn- or Sn-containing steel scrap.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating and removing ionizable components dissolved in fluids, such as for example, water, by separating said ionizable substances into fractions by the action of electric current and of Coriolis force. Liquid containing ionizable components is continuously fed in and the purified solvent and the solute in a concentrated solution are continuously removed while the liquid is rotated. Compound centrifugal force or Coriolis force causes the concentrated solution to move to a location where it can be effectively and continuously removed as well as causes the depleted liquid to move to a separate location where it also can be effectively and continuously removed. The invention can operate in several modes, the modes being electrolytic and electrostatic. The invention allows for almost universal application to removal of ionizable components and provides a cost effective and energy efficient continuous process to do so.

Abstract: Although a chelating agent solution having radioactive contaminants is solidified by mixing with cement and then stored, a vast storage place is required for storing an enormous amount of chelating agent solution. When such a chelating agent solution is treated with an ion-exchange resin, a large amount of ion-exchange resin is required, and a large amount of ion-exchange resin having radioactive contaminants is produced. The present invention thus provides a method of treating a chelating agent solution having radioactive contaminants, which can significantly decrease the amount of the chelating agent solution having radioactive contaminants, and which, when an ion-exchange resin is used, can significantly decrease the load on the ion-exchange resin without producing a large amount of ion-exchange resin having radioactive contaminants.

Abstract: The casing metal of, for example, a munition containing organic materials is removed or at least perforated by anodic dissolution in a chamber (16) fabricated to contain the explosion should the munition detonate. The contents are then exposed to reaction with anolyte from a plant (17), the anolyte comprising nitric acid and electrochemically regenerable silver II ions.

Abstract: Metal salts are removed from solution in an electrolyte by subjecting the solution to electrolysis in a cell having an anode that has an anion exchange membrane closely associated therewith which sequesters the anion of the salt. The cathode may also be provided with a closely associated cation exchange membrane that sequesters, at least partially, the cation of the salt. A metal salt solution can be regenerated by reversing the polarity of the electrodes and conducting an electrolysis using fresh electrolyte.

Abstract: The cell controller 18 responds to a number of specific conditions including a flow switch 24 output signal 34 which indicates that fresh solution flows from a reservoir 14 into the metal solution tank 12. The cell will be caused to operate in the plating mode in response to the detection of fresh solution flow, and cell performance can be monitored by comparing an estimate of metal released into the solution based on flow of fresh solution and a measurement of metal recovered. The invention is particularly advantageous for controlling the electrolytic recovery of silver from photographic processing solution.

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: An apparatus for desilvering silver-containing solutions comprises an electrolytic cell (10) having an anode (20), a cathode (30) and a reference electrode (45) positioned adjacent the cathode (30), and electrical power supply control means (41) for controlling the supply of electrical power to the anode (20) and the cathode (30). The power supply control means (41) includes means (60) for adjusting the cathode potential and control means (70) linked to said adjustment means (60) to reduce the cathode potential, at least periodically, as the desilvering process continues. The process leads to better silver adhesion on the cathode occurs, while maintaining good desilvering levels in the solution, and cathode poisoning is minimised.

Abstract: A silver-containing solution is de-silvered in an electrolytic cell having an anode and a cathode. The diffusion limitation current density of the electrolytic cell is estimated by measuring a current flow there-through and silver is deposited on the cathode at a de-silvering current density which is lower than the diffusion limitation current density.

Abstract: In the recovery of an electrically conductive metal from a liquid containing the metal in solution, a cathode member for deposition of the metal by electrolysis, comprises a carrier sheet with a cathode element of the metal to be recovered, on one side of the sheet; the carrier sheet is of a material from which the metal is readily refinable when smelted with the carrier sheet; the cathode member has particular application for removal of the silver content of fixer solution in photography; suitably the sheet is flexible and has a memory of a planar state, such that on being rolled into a cylindrical tubular configuration, it returns to the planar state unless restrained.

Abstract: Processes for in-situ decontamination and recovery of metal from radioactive-contaminated metal which is contained in process equipment, including ancillary systems of process equipment, comprise two basic steps. In the first step, an acid decontamination solution is circulated through the equipment and in contact with the radioactive-contaminated metal for removing the radioactive contaminants and a first surface portion of the metal from the metal-containing equipment. In the second step, an acid digestion solution is circulated through the equipment for removing at least a second portion of the metal which is substantially free of radioactive contaminants. The present methods are particularly suitable for in-situ decontamination and recovery of nickel from radioactive-contaminated nickel diffusion barriers in the cascade converters of uranium gas diffusion plants.

Abstract: An electroless nickel plating waste liquid (4) accommodated in an electrolytic oxidation tank (2) is treated by electrolytic oxidation with vibrating and fluidizing the waste liquid by means of an oscillating stirrer (10) to recover nickel by the electrolytic oxidation as well as recover the waste liquid in which an active component for fertilizer including phosphorus remains as a fertilizer solution. When the waste liquid is neutralized by a neutralizer including an active component for fertilizer such as potassium, nitrogen, etc., the fertilizer solution having higher content of the active component is obtained. The oscillating stirrer comprises an oscillation generator including a 25 to 500 Hz oscillating motor (18), an oscillating rod (22) connected to the oscillation generator, and multistage oscillating vanes (38) attached to the oscillating rod, and the oscillating vane is such that a tip end portion of the vane is fluttered when an oscillation is transmitted from the oscillating rod to the vane.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminating metal ions and sulfate ions from acidic aqueous solution such as waste mine water which features passing the solution between pairs of electrodes, each pair of electrodes impressed with a voltage selected according to specific ion species and then adding chemical agents to raise the pH and form precipitates of the metal and sulfate ions. The precipitate is then separated from the water with settling and filtering steps. Application of a magnetic field is applied during at least the first mixing step.

Abstract: A process of remediation of cationic heavy metal contamination from soil utilizes gas phase manipulation to inhibit biodegradation of a chelating agent that is used in an electrokinesis process to remove the contamination, and further gas phase manipulation to stimulate biodegradation of the chelating agent after the contamination has been removed. The process ensures that the chelating agent is not attacked by bioorganisms in the soil prior to removal of the contamination, and that the chelating agent does not remain as a new contaminant after the process is completed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for soil remediation replaces specific ions in the soil electrochemically, using a DC voltage source and special multicompartment anodes and cathodes, each comprising an inner compartment containing electrolyte and a submerged electrode, a salt bridge connecting the electrolyte to an outer compartment containing a specific solution with replacement ions for soil remediation, and a membrane holding in the replacement solution. The membrane is put into contact with the soil, allowing electrical contact and ion migration while keeping the solution inside the anode or cathode. The multicompartment structure prevents the hydroxide and hydronium ion emplacement that causes acid and base fronts to form.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering condensed solidified volatile metals from the slag that exits the reactor section of a partial oxidation reactor. In a partial oxidation reactor, condensed solidified volatile metals become adsorbed to the surface of the slag particles and other particulate matter associated with the gasification reaction, such as ash and soot. These particulate materials can be removed and recovered. Finely divided slag particles can be separated and contacted with a mineral acid to dissolve the adsorbed condensed volatile metals. An acid liquor results which contains dissolved volatile metal salts of the acid. The acid liquor containing the dissolved volatile metal acid salts is then electrolyzed to reduce the dissolved volatile metal acid salts to the corresponding elemental metal for recovery.