Abstract: A system for washing a cathode comprises a frame configured to secure the cathode and a lifting assembly configured to transport the cathode in a substantially vertical direction. A spray head is coupled to the frame and is in fluid communication with a water supply such that the spray head sprays the cathode with water from the water supply. The washing system provides for washing both sides of a cathode simultaneously.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method includes metal electroplating on a surface of a first electrode formed on a first surface of a semiconductor substrate with a plating solution which contains aggregates of a supercritical fluid and a solution of a plating metal ion and an electrolyte. The first surface includes a recess. The surface is along with a shape of the recess. The recess has a first dimension and a second dimension, and assuming that an aspect ratio of the recess is given as a ratio of the second dimension to the first dimension, a median of a particle size distribution of the aggregates is greater than the first dimension.

Abstract: A determination is made of a real-time azimuthal position of a notch alignment feature located on a support surface of a substrate holder relative to a fixed reference ray extending perpendicularly away from a rotational axis of the substrate holder as the substrate holder rotates about the rotational axis. A determination is made of an approach initiation azimuthal position of the notch alignment feature relative to the fixed reference ray at which vertical movement of the substrate holder should initiate in order to have the notch alignment feature located at a prescribed azimuthal position relative to the fixed reference ray when the substrate holder reaches a prescribed vertical position. A determination is made of a time delay required to have the notch alignment feature located at the approach initiation azimuthal position. Vertical movement of the substrate holder is initiated in accordance with the determined time delay.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to microfluidic chips. The microfluidic chips can include an inflexible material having an elastic modulus of 0.1 gigapascals (GPa) to 450 GPa. A microfluidic channel can be formed within the inflexible material and can connect an inlet and an outlet. A working electrode can be associated with the microfluidic channel and can have a surface area of 1 ?m2 to 60,000 ?m2 within the microfluidic channel. A bubble support structure can also be formed within the microfluidic channel such that the working electrode is positioned to electrolytically generate a bubble that becomes associated with the bubble support structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining trivalent chromium plating bath efficiency includes an aqueous electroplating bath, which includes trivalent chromium ions and a sulfur compound, and an ultraviolet (UV) radiation source that provides UV radiation to the bath effective to inhibit a reduction in plating efficiency of the bath.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus includes an electrochemical reactor including a shell structure and a support structure for supporting the shell structure on a base. The support structure includes at least one support element supporting the shell structure from the ledge. A head room portion includes, within the inner space of the shell structure, at least one shelf for receiving and supporting at least one lug portion of at least one electrode plate for suspending the electrode plate. The shelf being located, when in use, preferably directly above the ledge.

Abstract: Provided are cleaning methods and systems to remove unintended metallic deposits from electroplating apparatuses using reverse current deplating techniques. Such cleaning involves positioning a cleaning (deplating) disk in an electroplating cup similar to a regular processed substrate. The front surface of the cleaning disk includes a corrosion resistant conductive material to form electrical connections to deposits on the cup's surfaces. The disk is sealed in the cup and submerged into a plating solution. A reverse current is then applied to the front conductive surface of the disk to initiate deplating of the deposits. Sealing compression in the cup may change during cleaning to cause different deformation of the lip seal and to form new electrical connections to the deposits. The proposed cleaning may be applied to remove deposits formed during electroplating of alloys, in particular, tin-silver alloys widely used for semiconductor and wafer level packaging.

Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment has a mount unit capable of mounting a substrate. A first supplier supplies a chemical solution onto the substrate. A first protection plate is provided along an outer circumference of the substrate, to receive the chemical solution splashing from the substrate. A second supplier is provided above the first protection plate, to supply a cleaning solution to an inner surface of the first protection plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator comprising an electrolytic cell, a gas pathway, and an ozonator. The electrolytic cell is configured for electrolyzing the electrolyzed water to generate the gas with hydrogen. The gas generated from the electrolytic cell is transferred by the gas pathway for human to inhale. The ozonator is connected to the gas pathway for generating ozone to enter the gas pathway. The present invention uses the ozonator to generate ozone for cleaning the gas pathway, thereby providing a pure gas with hydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for prevention of adhesion of organisms in water to a substrate in contact with the water, wherein the substrate and the water flowing around the substrate form together a treated region, comprising a generator for producing electromagnetic wave having a time varying frequency, in electrical connection with a first excitation site of the treated region and with an avalanche current suppressor having its another terminal connected with a second excitation site of the treated region. A selected voltage is applied to the generator such that the generator is triggered to produce the electromagnetic wave capable of inducing an avalanche current to shock or kill the organisms. The invention also provides a method for prevention of adhesion of organisms in water to a substrate in contact with the water.

Abstract: An adaptive waste water treatment plant includes an influent intake configured to receive an influent flow from a waste water influent stream. A first settling tank is in a controllable fluid communication with the influent intake. The first settling tank includes a first decanter in fluid communication with a first effluent discharge pipe. A first effluent discharge valve is communicatively coupled to a controller. A first flow meter is in communication with the controller and adapted to measure a rate of flow through the first effluent discharge pipe. A second settling tank is similarly configured. The controller is configured to control the controllable fluid communication between the influent intake and the first settling tank and the controllable fluid communication between the influent intake the second settling tank in response to a change in a rate of influent flow.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more systems and techniques for promoting metal plating uniformity are provided. An insulator plate is positioned relative to a semiconductor wafer that is to be electroplated with metal during a metal plating process. The insulator plate comprises an insulator ring that provides a resistance to electrical plating current passing through the insulator ring to the semiconductor wafer. The insulator plate comprises one or more porous regions, such as holes, that introduce little to no additional resistance to electrical plating current passing through such porous regions to the semiconductor wafer. The insulator plate influences electrical plating current so that edge plating current has a current value similar to a center plating current. The similarity in plating current promotes metal plating uniformity for the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: An irrigation system is provided. The irrigation system includes a reservoir for storing irrigation water, an electrolytic gas generator, a detector, and a control unit. The electrolytic gas generator is in fluid communication with the reservoir to output a first gas and a second gas generated by the electrolytic gas generator to the irrigation water. The detector is arranged in the water reservoir to detect the concentrations of dissolved first gas and dissolved second gas of the irrigation water to obtain dissolved gas concentration information. The control unit electrically connects to the detector and the electrolytic gas generator receives the dissolved gas concentration information and adjusts the voltage applied to the electrolytic gas generator according to the dissolved gas concentration information to control the type of gas generated by the electrolytic gas generator and the concentrations of dissolved first and second gas of the irrigation water.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus has a rotor in a head, with a contact ring on the rotor. A lift/rotate actuator may move the head to position a sector of the contact ring into a deplate channel of a deplating station. Electrical current and a deplate liquid are applied directly onto the contacts of the contact ring, from a position radially inward of the contacts. Electrical current and a deplate liquid may also be separately applied onto the back side of the ring contact, from a position radially to the outside of the contact ring. A seal on the deplating station makes sliding contact with the contact ring as the contact ring rotates through the deplate channel, with the seal associated with an exhaust or vacuum opening that pulls deplating and rinse liquid through openings in the contact ring.

Abstract: An Sn alloy plating apparatus is disclosed which can relatively easily perform control of an Sn alloy plating solution, including control of the Sn ion concentration and the acid concentration of the plating solution.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a wafer treatment solution for edge-bead removal, edge film hump reduction and resist surface smooth. The wafer treatment solution includes a solution and a fluorine-containing additive mixed in the solution. The fluorine-containing additive has a following formula (I): Rf—X—(CH2CH2O)m—R1 (I); or a following formula (II): An apparatus and a method by using the wafer treatment solution are also provided herein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminant species from water by electrocoagulation are described. Alternating grounded, rotating, planar circular electrodes and stationary planar electrodes function as a Tesla fluid pump when placed in contact with the contaminated water, causing the water to flow between the rotating and stationary electrodes. An insoluble abrasive material introduced into the water removes scale from the electrodes while the water is pumped thereby. A direct electric current is caused to flow between each pair of rotating and stationary electrodes, thereby producing electrocoagulation of the contaminants in the water flowing therebetween. The electrocoagulated materials may be separated from the treated water by filtration or by permitting the treated water to stand for a chosen period.

Abstract: An electrochemically-assisted megasonic cleaning method includes applying an electrical potential to a conductive surface immersed in solution to form bubbles of gaseous molecules produced by electrochemical reaction, and applying a megasonic field to the solution to oscillate the bubbles and clean the conductive surface without causing damage. An electrochemically-assisted megasonic cleaning system includes an electrical supply for applying electrical potential to a conductive surface immersed in solution to induce bubble formation in the solution and at the surface through an electrochemical reaction, and a transducer for applying a megasonic field to the solution to induce oscillation of the bubbles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrolytically treating water which can include the influent inlet arrangements for cavitation and one or more pairs of electrodes. The electrodes can be suitable for a continuous anodic and cathodic operation for treating water. The pressurized influent premixed with oxidant gas, such as, but not limited to, Ozone or Oxygen can be pumped into the reactor vessel through the mixing nozzles preferably arranged radially along the circumference. A power source for each reactor provides voltage and current to the electrodes. The controller maintains the voltage and current to the electrode. The duration of each voltage polarity applied to each electrode can be preferably the same. The polarity of the voltage to the electrode can be periodically reversed at a set interval.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of abatement of the organic content of a depleted brine coming from epoxy compound production involving a vapour stripping step and a mineralisation with hypochlorite in two steps, at distinct pH and temperature conditions.

Abstract: A wafer processing apparatus is disclosed that includes a wafer support and a processing base. The wafer support is configured to support a wafer at a processing position with respect to a processing base. The processing base includes a scroll pump oriented to pump a processing fluid in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to the surface of the wafer when the wafer contacts the processing fluid while in the processing position. While in contact with the processing fluid, the wafer support may rotate the wafer in the processing fluid. In one embodiment, the diameter of the scroll pump is substantially the same as or greater than the diameter of the surface of the wafer being processed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device, including: an insulation layer and a wiring line layer, the wiring line layer including a wiring line having a line width and a line height, at least one of which is 15 nm or less, and containing Ni or Co as a main component thereof. In another embodiment, there is provided a semiconductor device manufacturing method for manufacturing a semiconductor device including an insulation layer and a wiring line layer, including: forming the wiring line layer on the insulation layer, the wiring line layer including a wiring line having a line width and a line height, at least one of which is 15 nm or less, and containing Ni or Co as a main component thereof.

Abstract: A system comprises a plurality of electrochemical cells each comprising an anode chamber and a cathode chamber, each cell configured to electrolyze electrolyte to generate an anolyte and a catholyte, a plurality of sets of one or more flow control devices, each of the sets being configured to control a flow rate of the electrolyte into a corresponding cell, a plurality of current measuring devices, each configured to measure a current across a corresponding one of the plurality of cells, and a control system in data communication with the flow control devices and the current measuring devices. The control system is configured to compare the measured current across each of the cells to a current set point, and control the flow control devices to adjust the flow rate of the electrolyte in response to a difference between the measured current across a cell and the current set point.

Abstract: A hydrolysis system for a vehicle engine includes an electrolysis unit having a plurality of spaced, generally parallel, conductive plates and an electrolyte between the plates that produce fuel gas including hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis; a reservoir that receives the fuel gas from the electrolysis unit and stores the fuel gas and electrolyte; an electric pump that pumps the electrolyte from the reservoir to the electrolysis unit; a pulse width modulator that provides DC power to the conductive plates and to the pump; a dryer having a filter that removes water from the fuel gas; an expansion tank having an interior cavity that expands the fuel gas and a conduit within the cavity that heats the fuel gas with circulating hot water; and a spray tube that outputs the fuel gas. Methods include preparing and using the hydrolysis system.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and systems comprising hydrodynamic cavitation, microwave irradiation, and at least one of oxidative sonoelectrolysis and reductive sonoelectrolysis, providing feedstock purification of at least one of water, fluid and mineral. Contaminants, broken down and chemically degraded into smaller and more volatile substances by hydrodynamic cavitation are ultimately destroyed in the course of one or more sonoelectrolysis steps. In various embodiments, at least one of oxidative sonoelectrolysis and reductive sonoelectrolysis is irradiated with microwaves in order to heat the sonoplasma present within acoustic cavitation bubbles to temperatures sufficient to destroy contaminants therein.

Abstract: A roll-to-roll electrochemical polish apparatus has a first rotator, a transporting device, a pre-treatment device, an electrochemical polish device, a post-treatment device, and a second rotator. The first rotator serves to rotatably spread out a metal foil roll to a metal foil. The transporting device receives and delivers the metal foil. The pre-treatment device receives the metal foil delivered by the transporting device for cleaning and drying the surface of the metal foil. The electrochemical polish device receives the metal foil outputted from the pre-treatment device for polishing the surface of the metal foil. The post-treatment device receives the metal foil outputted from the electrochemical polish device for cleaning and drying the surface of the metal foil. The second rotator serves to wind the metal foil outputted from the post-treatment device into a finished metal foil roll.

Abstract: An improved device and method for the creation of acidic electrolyzed water is described. The device has an flow-through anode chamber and a static cathode chamber. The static cathode chamber contains a fixed amount of salt-containing electrolyte, which is renewed as needed. The flow rate of water through the anode is restricted to a range of about 5 to 40 ml per ampere of current passed through the electrode. Electrolyzed water flowing from the anode is diluted to obtain the desired concentration of hypochlorous acid, and is collected in a tank or other vessel. The electrolysis reaction is terminated when a preset amount of current has passed through the anode. Water circulation may be one pass or recycling. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane is anion-selective.

Abstract: The present invention provides in embodiments a method for purification of inlet gas/liquid streams in a fuel cell or electrolysis cell, the fuel cell or electrolysis cell comprising at least a first electrode, an electrolyte and a second electrode, the method comprising the steps of: —providing at least one scrubber in the gas/liquid stream at the inlet side of the first electrode of the fuel cell or electrolysis cell; and/or providing at least one scrubber in the gas/liquid stream at the inlet side of the second electrode of the fuel cell or electrolysis cell; and —purifying the gas/liquid streams towards the first and second electrode; wherein the at least one scrubber in the gas/liquid stream at the inlet side of the first electrode and/or the at least one scrubber in the gas/liquid stream at the inlet side of the second electrode comprises a material suitable as an electrolyte material and a material suitable as an electrode material, and wherein the material suitable as an electrolyte material and a mat

Abstract: The electrolysis water-making apparatus (A) which is an apparatus for making electrolysis water (W5) by electrolyzing a raw material solution (W1, W3) including a chlorine ion includes: an electrolytic cell (2); a raw material solution feed pump (3) used to supply the raw material solution (W1, W3) to the electrolytic cell (2); and a pipe (32, 36) connecting an outlet (3b) of the raw material solution feed pump (3) allowing the raw material solution (W1, W3) to be discharged therefrom and an inlet (26) allowing the raw material solution (W1, W3) to flow into the electrolytic cell (2). In addition, the raw material solution feed pump (3) is provided so that the outlet (3b) is disposed on a lower side of the inlet (26).

Abstract: A photoelectrochemical cell includes a compartment divider configured to divide a container into a first compartment and a second compartment, the compartment divider having a first surface facing the first compartment and a second surface facing the second compartment, a first electrolyte in the first compartment, a second electrolyte in the second compartment, a first electrode on the first surface of the compartment divider, a second electrode on the second surface of the compartment divider, a first photocatalyst layer on the first electrode, a second photocatalyst layer on the second electrode, and a catalyst passage connecting the first compartment and the second compartment, the catalyst passage configured to control the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte to flow in one direction.

Abstract: A three-chamber eletrochemical cell comprises a central chamber, two lateral chambers, and a central part for conveying a fluid solution into and out from the central chamber, the central part being symmetric with respect to a mid-plane of the cell.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation reactor is provided for treating waste water and removing contaminants therefrom. The reactor is typically a six-sided rectangular water-tight housing which has an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. There are a multiplicity of charged plates located parallel to one another within the housing. Adjacent plates are typically oppositely charged and water will pass between the plates as it flows through the reactor. The electric field between the plates will help encourage coagulation of waste matter which then may be removed from the waste water downstream of the electrocoagulation reactor.

Abstract: A system and method for generating and dispensing a diluted electrolyzed solution, where the system includes a solution generator, one or more containers, and one or more dispensing stations separate from the solution generator. The solution generator generates and dispenses a concentrated electrolyzed solution to the container(s). The dispensing station(s) draw the concentrated electrolyzed solution from the container(s), dilutes the drawn concentrated electrolyzed solution, and dispenses the diluted electrolyzed solution.

Abstract: A hydrogen fuel system for an internal combustion engine comprises a water reservoir and a fuel cell formed from a plurality of fuel cell stacks in fluid communication with the water reservoir. Each fuel cell stack includes at least one gasket disposed between two components of the fuel cell stack, the gasket including: a through hole formed therein for passage of hydrogen or oxygen through the gasket; and a plurality of channels formed in the gasket adjacent the through hole, each of the plurality of channels extending from an edge of the through hole to an edge of the gasket, the channels being sized and shaped to allow passage of hydrogen or oxygen to or from the through hole to or from the edge of the gasket.

Abstract: A substantially anhydrous electropolishing electrolyte solution that includes at least one sulfate salt. The substantially anhydrous electropolishing electrolyte solutions described herein do not use water as a solvent; instead, such electropolishing electrolyte solutions use anhydrous alcohols and/or glycols as a solvent. For example, an electropolishing electrolyte solution, as described herein, may include an alcohol, at least one mineral acid, and at least one sulfate salt. The at least one sulfate salt can act as a source of sulfate ions to replenish sulfate ions consumed in the electropolishing process. Anhydrous sulfate salts can also act as water scavengers by reacting with water to form sulfate salt hydrates. Methods of electropolishing metal articles using such electropolishing electrolyte solutions are disclosed herein as well.

Abstract: Substantially anhydrous electropolishing electrolyte solutions. The substantially anhydrous electropolishing electrolyte solutions described herein do not use water as a solvent; instead, such electropolishing electrolyte solutions use anhydrous alcohols and/or glycols as a solvent. For example, an electropolishing electrolyte solution, as described herein, may include an alcohol, at least one mineral acid, and at least one water sequestering agent. Suitable examples of water sequestering agent include, but are not limited to, polyfunctional alcohols. Methods of electropolishing metal articles using such electropolishing electrolyte solutions are disclosed herein as well.

Abstract: Substantially anhydrous electropolishing electrolyte solutions. The substantially anhydrous electropolishing electrolyte solutions described herein do not use water as a solvent; instead, such electropolishing electrolyte solutions use anhydrous alcohols and/or glycols as a solvent. For example, an electropolishing electrolyte solution, as described herein, may include an alcohol, at least one mineral acid, and phosphorous pentoxide (“P2O5”). Methods of electropolishing metal articles using such electropolishing electrolyte solutions are disclosed herein as well.

Abstract: A device for metalizing wafers, in particular microchip wafers, in an electrolyte, contains a plurality of holder arrangements. Each holder arrangement has a chamber for the electrolyte which is separate from the electrolyte-receiving chambers in other holder devices, a ring acting as cathode, and an anode system as the anode being associated with each wafer.

Abstract: A pumpless, fanless electrolyte-circulation system comprises an electrolyzer core that generates hydrogen and oxygen gases and includes a water electrolyzer having a plurality of electrolytic serial clusters connected substantially in parallel with each other and assembled into respective sealed reaction cells. Each of the electrolytic serial clusters includes a plurality of electrolytic cells. An electrolyte container includes a plurality of electrolytes in form of a concentration and is substantially separated from and connected to the electrolyzer core with a supply tube and return tube. A frame is substantially resistant to the concentration and separates a plurality of electrodes. Releasing of the gases brings the electrolytes in the electrolyzer core out of the electrolyzer core through the supply tube into the electrolyte container. The return tube allows each of the electrolytes to enter the electrolyzer core such that the electrolyte is forced to circulate by a releasing force of the gases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially inert environment within a cathode chamber that is capable of generating a metallic element M from a metal ion Mz+.

Abstract: The portable device of the present invention for regulating the hardness of drinking water includes a collapsible electrode group (20) including ion-adsorbing electrodes (21) and (22) and a power supply (13) for applying a voltage between the ion-adsorbing electrode (21) and the ion-adsorbing electrode (22). The first ion-adsorbing electrode (21) includes a first electrically conductive material capable of adsorbing ions. The second ion-adsorbing electrode includes a second electrically conductive material capable of adsorbing ions. In an example, a voltage is applied between the first ion-adsorbing electrode (21) and the second ion-adsorbing electrode (22), with the first and second ion-adsorbing electrodes (21) and (22) being immersed in the drinking water (25). The applied voltage regulates the amount of ions adsorbed on the first and second electrically conductive materials, and thereby the hardness of the drinking water is regulated.

Abstract: A method for removing gas components SOx, NOx, and CO2 from a flue gas, comprises the steps of contacting the flue gas successively with first, second and third liquid mediums each of which provides a plasma containing reactive electrons or ions in an amount such that the gas molecules SOx, NOx, and CO2 are successively subjected to impingement of the electrons or ions in the respective plasma to enable the dissociation of the gas molecules SOx, NOx, and CO2 so as to remove SOx, NOx, and CO2 from the flue gas. A system for removing gas components SOx, NOx, and CO2 from a flue gas is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for replenishing chromium content of a trivalent chromium electrolyte and a method of replenishing trivalent chromium content using the electrolytic cell is provided. The method comprising the steps of immersing a chromium electrode and a second electrode in a trivalent chromium electrolyte and applying an alternating pulse current across the chromium electrode and the second electrode. In this manner, trivalent chromium is electrolytically dissolved from the chromium electrode and the trivalent chromium content of the electrolyte in which the chromium electrode is immersed is enriched.

Abstract: A fluorine gas manufacturing plant wherein F2 is manufactured by the electrolysis of KF/HF compositions. The plant comprises skid modules for: HF storage, the electrolytic cells, storage and purification of the manufactured F2 raw gas, for fluorine gas delivery including a single buffer tank or multiple storage units, scrubbers to provide purified waste gas, for providing cooling water circuits, analysis, electrical rectifiers, an electrical sub-station with transformers and emergency supply, and for utilities including a control room with laboratory and a rest room for the personnel. The advantage of the skids is that they can be separately manufactured in workshops, tested, transported to the facility and assembled there. A great advantage is the safety aspect, a reliable F2 production for 24 hours and 7 days a week of high purity F2.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for increasing production of hydrogen during electrolysis. Initially, one of the vibrational modes of an electrolytic fluid is determined. A laser is then tuned to a wavelength near the selected vibrational mode. The tuned laser is then applied to the electrolytic fluid during electrolysis. The application of the laser with a wavelength near the wavelength of a specific vibrational mode of the electrolytic fluid causes an increase in the rate of production of hydrogen, when compared to electrolysis alone. The specific vibrational mode may correspond to a mode that stretches the inter-atomic bonds of hydrogen in the electrolytic fluid.

Abstract: Systems and methods have been developed for treating waste water and produced water, so as to remove contaminants therefrom. The systems and methods allow specifically for the removal of contaminants from produced water from oil and gas wells, fracturing flow-back water, and water- or brine-based drilling fluids. The water is treated by contacting the contaminated fluid with ozone after contacting the fluid with a diffused air system to generate small bubbles for entrainment of some contaminants. Thereafter, the water is contacted with an electro-coagulation system in order to remove flocculants and adjust the pH and the total dissolved solids levels of the fluid.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electrolytic membrane separation (EMS) subsystem is configured to remove one or more impurities from a contaminated reject solution and to recycle the reusable reject solution for subsequent use in regenerating ion exchange resins. According to another embodiment of the invention, the EMS subsystem is configured to concentrate the impurities recovered from the contaminated brine solution for subsequent disposal or treatment.

Abstract: An electrolyte system includes a reactor having a pair of electrodes that may sorb ions from an electrolyte. The electrolyte system also includes at least one power supply in electrical communication with the reactor. The at least one power supply may supply a DC signal and an AC signal to the pair of electrodes during sorption of the ions. In addition, the power supply may supply only the AC signal to the pair of electrodes during desorption of the ions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for smelting has a smelting pot for containing electrolyte, alumina and a layer of liquid aluminum. A wall in the form of one or more TiB2 or alumina plates extends from the bottom of the pot to a height exceeding the height of the liquid aluminum layer formed in the bottom of the smelting pot during smelting. The wall partitions the bottom of the pot and impedes movement of the aluminum under the influence of MHD forces, diminishing the maximum crest height of waves in the aluminum and allowing a reduction in the ACD to reduce electrical resistance and power consumption. The wall may equal or exceed the height of the anode and may, when conductive, act as a cathode, drawing a horizontal current. The wall may be composed of alumina, e.g., in the form of blocks, undergoing electrolytic reduction and being replaced periodically.

Abstract: An oxygen emitter which is an electrolytic cell is disclosed. When the anode and cathode are separated by a critical distance, very small microbubbles and nanobubbles of oxygen are generated. The very small oxygen bubbles remain in suspension, forming a solution supersaturated in oxygen. A flow-through model for oxygenating flowing water is disclosed. The use of supersaturated water for enhancing the growth of plants is disclosed. Methods for applying supersaturated water to plants manually, by drip irrigation or in hydroponic culture are described. The treatment of waste water by raising the dissolved oxygen with the use of an oxygen emitter is disclosed.