Abstract: A foundation (1) for a structure such as an off-shore wind turbine. The foundation (1) comprises a body (4) having a lateral surface (8,9) and a distal end (5) for insertion into a soil (2). At least a region of the lateral surface (8,9) forms a first electrode. A second electrode (7) is provided on the lateral surface (8,9) of the body (4) and is electrically insulated from the first electrode. The body (4) further comprises a spacing formation (6) for forming a gap (11) between the second electrode (7) and the soil (2) when the body (4) is inserted into the soil (2). In use, an electric potential may be established between the electrodes to induce electro-osmosis in the soil for allowing the foundation to be installed more easily. The polarity of the electric potential may also be reversed for stabilising the foundation.

Abstract: Improved in-situ remediation systems which can be used to reclaim contaminated soils impacted by salts, heavy metals, and radionuclides by provision of multiple methods and devices for the contaminated soil remediation including electrokinetic method and devices, leaching solution supply and removal methods and devices, soil negative pressure moisture control method and devices, pressurized leaching/extraction method and devices, and sequential leaching/extraction methods and chemicals for the improvement of the remediation efficiency, enhancement of contaminants migration rates, shortening of remediation period, and prevention of secondary subsurface contamination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a potential difference-based diversion electrode arrangement and field intensity compensation method, comprising the following steps: the arrangement positions of paired diversion electrodes are determined according to the difference of potential around a position of field intensity to be compensated and the direction of an electric field line, and the paired diversion electrodes are inserted; and the field intensity enhancement rate of the position of field intensity to be compensated and the compensated field intensity value are calculated according to the difference of potential and arrangement positions of the paired diversion electrodes.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for remediating trichloroethylene-polluting soils by integrated rotated migration and PRB. The apparatus includes a device of electrokinetic remediation, a PRB and a device of injection of surface active agents. The main components of the device of electrokinetic remediation and PRB include cathode, anode, electrode chamber and PRB. A liquid injection pipe is installed between various electrodes and PRBs. The operation of each device is controlled by each control system. The disclosure integrated rotated migration and PRB for remediating contaminants. Surface active agents is helpful for dispersing TCE from soil. The arrangement of the electrode and the PRB greatly shortens distances and time of pollutant migration, which accelerate the speed of remediation and reduce post-processing procedures. In the process of treatment, the three technical methods promote each other, and have the advantages of good repair effect, short time, no secondary pollution and easy operation.

Abstract: A screw conveyor for a centrifugal separator comprises a conveyor hub carrying a helical conveyor flight and providing a helical channel between adjacent turns of helical conveyor flight. The screw conveyor has an up-stream end and a down-stream end. At least two partition walls are arranged in a side-by-side relation to divide at least a radial part of a length of the helical channel into three sub-channels arranged in a side-by-side relation to cause a liquid flowing in the helical channel to flow in an up-stream direction towards the up-stream end in an intermediate sub-channel and in an opposite down-stream direction towards the down-stream end in two adjacent sub-channels on either side of the intermediate sub-channel.

Abstract: Provided is a temperature-responsive hygroscopic material having a hygroscopic property that varies widely according to temperature variation and a method for producing the temperature-responsive hygroscopic material. The temperature-responsive hygroscopic material includes a mesoporous body having an average pore diameter of 2 nm to less than 50 nm and a temperature sensitive molecule chemically bonded with the mesoporous body inside a pore of the mesoporous body. The method includes a step of causing, in a solvent including an activator and a coupling agent, a coupling reaction of: a mesoporous body having an average diameter of 2 nm to less than 50 nm and having a functional group on a surface thereof; and a temperature sensitive molecule having a functional group which can undergo a coupling reaction with the functional group on the surface of the mesoporous body.

Abstract: Devices are provided comprising one or more insulated hollow vertical pipes inserted into a bed of soil, each pipe having a descending and an ascending conductive element forming a loop within the interior of the pipe. A plurality of such vertical pipes can be attached to a straight pipe, forming a two dimensional array of vertical pipes, in which the loops are connected in series. Further, a series of such one-dimensional straight pipes can be attached together to provide a two-dimensional array. When vertical pipes are inserted into the bed of soil and an electrical current applied to the array, one or more magnetic fields is produced within the bed and parallel to the surface of the bed. The magnetic fields so produced impede downward flow of ionic fertilizers into the ground water, and retaining the fertilizer near growing plants when the bed is irrigated.

Abstract: This invention relates to environment protection, and discloses apparatus and method for electrokinetic in-situ leaching remediation of contaminated soil. The apparatus includes a DC electrical source, electrode chambers, electrodes, permeable reactive barriers (PRBs), electrode solution pH testers, electrode solution extraction tubes, a heating pipe network, a heat exchanger, leacheate sprayers, acid-base adjusting solution sprayers, a multichannel peristaltic pump, automatic control devices, an electrode solution storage tank, an electrode solution treatment pond, an in-line pump, single-channel peristaltic pumps, a flowmeter, a time control device, a leacheate storage tank, an acid solution storage tank, an alkali solution storage tank, and soil pH testers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for electrokinetic decontamination of a porous solid medium, which comprises: a) extracting the contaminating species present in the solid medium in an electrolyte appearing as an essentially inorganic gel, this extraction being obtained by applying an electric current between two electrodes positioned at the surface and/or in the interior of the solid medium, the contact of at least one of these electrodes with said solid medium being ensured by a layer of said gel, b) drying the gel containing the thereby extracted contaminating species until a dry residue is obtained which fractures, and c) removing the thereby obtained dry residue from said solid residue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for the concentration of slurry, especially mineral containing slurry. The invention provides a system comprising an electrophoresis unit and a separation unit, where the separation unit comprises a recipient, preferably of half cylindrical form, with adjusted flanks for separating the solid material or cake from the rotating anodes and a sliding carriage suitable for closing the recipient and stripping resting solid material from the flanks into the recipient before the solid material or cake is pressed out of the recipient by a piston.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for strengthening cementitious concrete by placing a nanoparticle carrier liquid in contact with a first surface of a concrete section and inducing a current across the concrete section at sufficient magnitude and for sufficient time that nanoparticles in the nanoparticle carrier liquid migrate through a significant depth of the concrete section.

Abstract: A complex electrokinetic decontamination equipment is disclosed, which removes a radionuclide from contaminated soil with a high efficiency, using a combination of a washing decontamination method performed in an electrokinetic unit using electrolyte and an electrokinetic decontamination method performed by the electrokinetic unit. pH values in an anode chamber and a cathode chamber are optimally controlled by a pH control unit, thereby reducing quantity and size of metal oxide particles. In addition, a water level of the electrolyte in the electrokinetic unit may be automatically controlled by an electrolyte supply controller.

Abstract: A system for clarifying fine tailings in an aqueous suspension in oil sands tailing ponds uses electrophoresis to collect fine tailings on respective electrodes during application of a first electrical potential to the electrodes. The collected fine tailings can then be deposited from the electrodes to a collection area below the electrodes during application of a second electrical potential of opposing polarity. The first and second electrodes are continued to be alternately applied to the electrodes until the fluid is substantially clarified of fine tailings in suspension.

Abstract: A system and method for de-watering porous material, e.g., concrete. In select embodiments, durable, dimensionally stable anodes (DDAs), preferably configured as arrays on a strip, are impressed into the concrete and a pulsed signal is provided by a DC power supply to the DDAs and cathode rods inserted in soil. The DDAs comprise a valve metal substrate mesh having a semi-conductive coating of a precious metal, cement or ceramic. In select embodiments, conducting grout of a hydraulic cement-based mineral-aggregate may be used to emplace the DDAs. In select embodiments, a single cycle of the signal comprises a pulse train consisting of an initial positive pulse followed by a shorter duration negative pulse and ending with a short off period before re-cycling. The cycles continue until the porous material has been sufficiently treated.

Abstract: An Electro-Osmotic Pulse (EOP) system is used to dewater structure, both natural and manmade. Preferably, the system employs durable, dimensionally stable anodes affixed to structure in a configuration designed to maximize electrical contact with the structure and minimize electrode gas generation. The anodes and cathodes are attached to a DC power supply that provides a voltage potential between them. DC power is cycled until the structure has been sufficiently treated. Select embodiments employ perforated metal pipes as cathodes for the purpose of transport and drainage of fluids. In select embodiments of the present invention, the cathodes are connected to variable resistors designed to reduce opportunity for corrosion of buried metal objects in the vicinity of the EOP system. Select embodiments employ a pre-specified pulse train of DC voltage pulses to migrate water from under a crawl space while moving available cations in the soil. Select embodiments also protect large structures such as concrete dams.

Abstract: A process for protecting a porous structure includes providing a treatment fluid including nanoparticles including a sealant material coated with a metal ion to a face of the porous structure, and applying a sequence of DC voltage pulses to the porous structure in a position so as to drive the nanoparticles on the face of the porous structure into the porous structure. The metal ion coating of the nanoparticle separates from the sealant material within the porous structure to close pores within the porous structure.

Abstract: A process directed to preparing surfactant-polycrystalline inorganic nanostructured materials having designed microscopic patterns. The process includes forming a polycrystalline inorganic substrate having a flat surface and placing in contact with the flat surface of the substrate a surface having a predetermined microscopic pattern. An acidified aqueous reacting solution is then placed in contact with an edge of the surface having the predetermined microscopic pattern. The solution wicks into the microscopic pattern by capillary action. The reacting solution has an effective amount of a silica source and an effective amount of a surfactant to produce a mesoscopic silica film upon contact of the reacting solution with the flat surface of the polycrystalline inorganic substrate and absorption of the surfactant into the surface. Subsequently an electric field is applied tangentially directed to the surface within the microscopic pattern.

Abstract: A system and method for dewatering particulate materials employs an improved dewatering probe generally including a single non-conducting pipe having a plurality of holes or slots, an anode mounted on the pipe adjacent one end of the pipe, and a cathode mounted on the pipe adjacent the opposite end of the pipe. The pipe serves as both a sonde for mounting the anode and cathode and as a well for extracting water that collects around the outside of the pipe and flows into the interior of the pipe through the holes or slots via gravitational and electro-osmotic forces. A pump may be used to extract both collected water and accumulated electrolytic gases from the pipe's interior. In embodiments, an array of guide electrodes is mounted on the pipe in addition to the anode and the cathode in order to deflect the major current flow out into the body of surrounding particulate materials. The guide electrodes also facilitate rapid depolarization of the probe.

Abstract: A proton conductive membrane according to the invention includes layered clay mineral powder which is a cation exchanger or an anion exchanger, and a crosslinking structure including an —O—SO2—O— group which crosslinks particles of the layered clay mineral powder. The proton conductive membrane may be obtained by applying a modifying agent which contains one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid and metal sulfates, to the layered clay mineral powder, each particle of the layered clay mineral powder having an acid site on a surface thereof. Thus, a phosphoric acid-derived compound which crosslinks the particles of the layered clay mineral powder is replaced by the sulfuric acid which is a stronger acid, whereby the proton conducting ability of the proton conductive membrane can be improved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing inorganic compounds from a section of soil. By regulating an electric voltage applied between two or more electrodes (1, 2) disposed in the section of soil (3) to values equal or below the electrokinetic point (61), inorganic compounds are electrochemically modified in situ in such a manner that they are electrokinetically mobilized and can be directly deposited on the electrodes (1, 2). According to the invention, the electrokinetic point (61) is adjusted and reached by applying a voltage to the electrodes (1, 2) and controlling it, once, after passing a first current/voltage zone (62) of a first gradient, a second current/voltage zone (63) of a second gradient that is smaller than the first gradient is reached.

Abstract: A configuration and treatment for degrading porous material, e.g., concrete, brick, or other masonry material, via rapid, efficient electro-osmosis. One application carries dehydration to an extent that it weakens a structure for demolition by significantly dehydrating its structural material. A durable, dimensionally stable anode is affixed to the structure and attached to a wire from a DC power supply. The anode is composed of a valve metal substrate with a semiconductive coating of a precious metal, cement or ceramic. Connection to a cathode through the power supply completes the circuit. A DC voltage is applied to the concrete structure by cycling a pro-specified pulse train from the power supply. One pulse train consists of an initial positive pulse followed by a shorter duration negative pulse and ends with a short off period before the pulse train is reinitiated. The cycle continues until the porous material has been determined to be sufficiently degraded.

Abstract: A method to demolish concrete that comprises electrically connecting rebar disposed within the concrete to a power supply, electrically connecting a counter electrode within electro-osmotic communication of the concrete to a power supply, and externally providing electrolyte as supplemental moisture for the concrete. An electric field is created within the concrete and causes water moisture to migrate toward the rebar thereby expediting the corrosion thereof. The corrosion of the rebar generates iron oxides, which because of their greater volume, cause areas of localized pressure within the concrete. As the corrosion process proceeds, an accumulation of oxides increases the localized pressure to cause cracking within the concrete.

Abstract: A method for dehydrating a porous material using electro-osmosis, includes applying a pattern of D.C. voltage pulses to an anode system embedded in the porous material, wherein the anode system is electrically interactive with a cathode structure embedded in earth, and wherein the pattern of D.C. voltage pulses, has a pulse period T in a range from about 3 to about 60 seconds, and each pulse period T includes a positive pulse duration of T+ from about 0.7 T to about 0.97 T, a negative pulse duration of T? from about 0.01 T to about 0.05 T, and a neutral pulse duration of Tp from about 0.02 T to about 0.25 T. In another embodiment, each pulse period includes two or more positive pulses separated by at least one of either a negative pulse or a neutral pulse, with the positive pulse duration being the combined duration of the two positive pulses.

Abstract: There is a provided a substrate processing apparatus that can perform an electrolytic processing, which is different from a common, conventional etching, to remove (clean off) a conductive material (film) formed on or adhering to a bevel portion, etc. of a substrate or process a peripheral portion of a substrate through an electrochemical action. The substrate processing apparatus includes: an electrode section having a plurality of electrodes which are laminated with insulators being interposed, and having a holding portion which is to be opposed to a peripheral portion of a substrate: an ion exchanger disposed in the holding portion of the electrode section; a liquid supply section for supplying a liquid to the holding position of the electrode section; and a power source for applying a voltage to the electrodes of the electrode section so that the electrodes alternately have different polarities.

Abstract: In a method for regulating and optimizing transport of liquid in a porous structure by means of electroosmosis, a pulse pattern applied to one or more electrode pairs which are used during the electroosmosis is regulated by detecting a potential difference &Dgr;Vp over the electrode pair or electrode pairs during the duration t3 of a neutral pulse which forms part of the pulse pattern and subsequently regulating either the duration t3 of the neutral pulse or the duration Tp of the pulse pattern or both on the basis of the detected potential difference &Dgr;Vp and any change therein from measuring cycle to measuring cycle.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an alkali silicate aqueous solution having intermediate characteristics between water glass and colloidal silica and having a high molar ratio (SiO2/(A2O+B) )(A: alkali metal, B: NH3), a high silicon content and a high anionic activity. The alkali silicate aqueous solution according to the invention has the properties: (A) the molar ratio of silicon to an alkali (SiO2/ (A2O+B) is in the range of 4 to 30, and (B) the silicon concentration in terms of an oxide (SiO2 concentration) is in the range of 6.8 to 30 % by weight. The process for preparing an alkali silicate aqueous solution according to the invention comprises dealkalizing a starting alkali silicate aqueous solution by means of an electro-dialysis device, and then optionally concentrating the dealkalized solution by a reverse osmosis membrane method.

Abstract: A system and method for treating porous material, e.g., concrete, brick, or other masonry material, via electro-osmosis. One application carries dehydration to an extent that it weakens a structure for demolition by significantly dehydrating its structural material. A durable, dimensionally stable anode is affixed to the structure and attached to a wire from a DC power supply. The anode is composed of a valve metal substrate with a semiconductive coating of a precious metal, cermet or ceramic. Connection to a cathode through the power supply completes the circuit. A DC voltage is applied to the concrete structure by cycling a pre-specified pulse train from the power supply. One pulse train consists of an initial positive pulse followed by a shorter duration negative pulse and ends with a short off period before the pulse train is reinitiated. The cycle continues until the porous material has been determined to be sufficiently treated.

Abstract: The invention relates to the decontamination of heterogeneous soil with an unbroken structure contaminated with various organic and non-organic pollution agents (heavy metals, petroleum products etc.). The inventive method consists in introducing anode and cathode electrodes into the soil, dividing the region with the contaminated heterogeneous soil into zones in accordance with the soil characteristics and feeding each zone with a corresponding direct-current voltage. Said method decreases the energy cost for decontaminating the soil by taking into account the nature of the pollution agent, the concentration and distribution thereof in the region to be decontaminated.

Abstract: A method to demolish concrete that comprises electrically connecting rebar disposed within the concrete to a power supply, electrically connecting a counter electrode within electro-osmotic communication of the concrete to a power supply, and externally providing electrolyte as supplemental moisture for the concrete. An electric field is created within the concrete and causes water moisture to migrate toward the rebar thereby expediting the corrosion thereof. The corrosion of the rebar generates iron oxides, which because of their greater volume, cause areas of localized pressure within the concrete. As the corrosion process proceeds, an accumulation of oxides increases the localized pressure to cause cracking within the concrete.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing inorganic compounds from a section of soil. By regulating an electric voltage applied between two or more electrodes (1, 2) disposed in the section of soil (3) to values equal or below the electrokinetic point (61), inorganic compounds are electrochemically modified in situ in such a manner that they are electrokinetically mobilized and can be directly deposited on the electrodes (1, 2). According to the invention, the electrokinetic point (61) is adjusted and reached by applying a voltage to the electrodes (1, 2) and controlling it, once, after passing a first current/voltage zone (62) of a first gradient, a second current/voltage zone (63) of a second gradient that is smaller than the first gradient is reached.

Abstract: A process is provided for vaporizing volatile contaminants present in soil and removing the contaminant vapors. The process involves heating the soil by passing current between electrodes buried in the soil and simultaneously injecting water through the electrodes to transfer heat by convection. The coupling of electrical heating with heat transfer by convection improves the efficiency and uniformity of heating. The contaminant vapors are removed by applying suction at extraction wells positioned between the electrodes.

Abstract: Joule (ohmic) heating and electro-osmosis are combined in a hybrid process for removal of both water-soluble contaminants and non-aqueous phase liquids from contaminated, low-permeability soil formations that are saturated. Central to this hybrid process is the partial desaturation of the formation or layer using electro-osmosis to remove a portion of the pore fluids by induction of a ground water flow to extraction wells. Joule heating is then performed on a partially desaturated formation. The joule heating and electro-osmosis operations can be carried out simultaneously or sequentially if the desaturation by electro-osmosis occurs initially. Joule heating of the desaturated formation results in a very effective transfer or partitioning of liquid state contaminants to the vapor phase. The heating also substantially increases the vapor phase pressure in the porous formation.

Abstract: A plurality of rows of wells are drilled in the soil of the area to be stabilized, and then pairs of electrodes, i.e., an aluminum anode and a copper-graphite cathode connected to a source of a bipolar pulse current, are inserted into each well in such a manner that during operation all anodes of odd wells are connected to a positive terminal (for odd pulses) of the source, while all cathodes of even wells are connected to a negative terminal (for odd pulses) of the source. After a certain period of treatment the anodes and cathodes are reversed so that all anode of even wells are connected to the positive terminals (for even pulses) of the source, whereas the cathodes of the odd wells are connected to the negative terminal of the source. Controlled directional structuring of the soil mass is carried out by adjusting the duration of current pulses, intervals between two sequential bipolar pulses of pulse current, and current density in the pulses.

Abstract: The invention provides a reinforced concrete having improved corrosion resistance in which the content of voids in the concrete at the surface of the steel reinforcement is below 0.8%, preferably below 0.5%, more preferably below 0.2% by area of steel and in which there is a layer of solid alkali, preferably at least one micron in thickness on the steel surface. The reinforced concrete preferably has a chloride threshold level of at least 0.5% preferably at least 0.8% by weight of the cement. The invention also provides a process for reducing corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete which comprises forming a reinforced concrete in which the voids at the steel surface are below 0.5% by volume and in which there is a layer of solid alkali on the steel surface the layer being at least 1 micron in thickness and covering at least 20% of the steel surface.

Abstract: A process directed to preparing surfactant-polycrystalline inorganic nanostructured materials having designed microscopic patterns. The process includes forming a polycrystalline inorganic substrate having a flat surface and placing in contact with the flat surface of the substrate a surface having a predetermined microscopic pattern. An acidified aqueous reacting solution is then placed in contact with an edge of the surface having the predetermined microscopic pattern. The solution wicks into the microscopic pattern by capillary action. The reacting solution has an effective amount of a silica source and an effective amount of a surfactant to produce a mesoscopic silica film upon contact of the reacting solution with the flat surface of the polycrystalline inorganic substrate and absorption of the surfactant into the surface. Subsequently an electric field is applied tangentially directed to the surface within the microscopic pattern.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating contaminated media. The method comprises introducing remediating ions consisting essentially of ferrous ions, and being peroxide-free, in the contaminated media; applying a potential difference across the contaminated media to cause the remediating ions to migrate into contact with contaminants in the contaminated media; chemically degrading contaminants in the contaminated media by contact with the remediating ions; monitoring the contaminated media for degradation products of the contaminants; and controlling the step of applying the potential difference across the contaminated media in response to the step of monitoring.

Abstract: An electrokinetic method is disclosed for treating an electrically conductive material including hazardous contaminants, e.g. spent pot liner (SPL), to render such material non-hazardous.

Abstract: In a method for regulating and optimizing transport of liquid in a porous structure by means of electroosmosis, a pulse pattern applied to one or more electrode pairs which are used during the electroosmosis is regulated by detecting a potential difference &Dgr;Vp over the electrode pair or electrode pairs during the duration t3 of a neutral pulse which forms part of the pulse pattern and subsequently regulating either the duration t3 of the neutral pulse or the duration Tp of the pulse pattern or both on the basis of the detected potential difference &Dgr;Vp and any change therein from measuring cycle to measuring cycle.

Abstract: A plurality of rows of wells are drilled in the soil of the area to be stabilized, and then pairs of electrodes, i.e., an aluminum anode and a copper-graphite cathode connected to a source of a bipolar pulse current, are inserted into each well in such a manner that during operation all anodes of odd wells are connected to a positive terminal (for odd pulses) of the source, while all cathodes of even wells are connected to a negative terminal (for odd pulses) of the source. After a certain period of treatment the anodes and cathodes are reversed so that all anode of even wells are connected to the positive terminals (for even pulses) of the source, whereas the cathodes of the odd wells are connected to the negative terminal of the source. Controlled directional structuring of the soil mass is carried out by adjusting the duration of current pulses, intervals between two sequential bipolar pulses of pulse current, and current density in the pulses.

Abstract: A soil remediation system heats contaminated soil by generating a rotating sub-surface electromagnetic field. The system includes three electrodes disposed 120 degrees apart on a remediation circle. These electrodes are excited by AC voltages with 120 degree phase differences relative to each other. This results in the generation of a sub-surface traveling wave that propagates in a circumferential direction.

Abstract: A method for dehydrating a porous material using electro-osmosis, includes applying a pattern of D.C. voltage pulses to an anode system embedded in the porous material, wherein the anode system is electrically interactive with a cathode structure embedded in earth, and wherein the pattern of D.C. voltage pulses, has a pulse period T in a range from about 3 to about 60 seconds, and each pulse period T includes a positive pulse duration of T+ from about 0.7T to about 0.97 T, a negative pulse duration of T− from about 0.01T to about 0.05T, and a neutral pulse duration of Tp from about 0.02T to about 0.25T. In another embodiment, each pulse period includes two or more positive pulses separated by at least one of either a negative pulse or a neutral pulse, with the positive pulse duration being the combined duration of the two positive pulses.

Abstract: A method of effecting fluid movement in porous materials (e.g. metal reinforced concrete or porous geological media) by means of electroosmosis. The method comprises applying a sequence of voltage pulses between spaced apart electrodes (4, 5) having a region of porous material (1) therebetween. Each voltage pulse comprises a first portion in which an electroosmotically active first potential difference is applied between the electrodes (4, 5) to effect fluid movement in the region of porous material (1), and a second portion in which a second potential difference of opposite polarity is applied. In the case of metal reinforced concrete an additional voltage is applied to the metal reinforcement (2) in order to make the voltage of the metal reinforcement (2) negative with respect to the porous material (1) for at least part of the sequence of voltage pulses. The method is used for controlling humidity in metal reinforced concrete, treatment of water, irrigation, oil displacement in oil-/water-bearing strata.

Abstract: A process for the electrochemical realkalization of reinforced concrete comprises passing a direct electric current between an anode associated with a layer of alkaline electrolyte applied to an external surface of the concrete and a cathode which is located internally in the concrete. The process causes the internal pH of the concrete to increase and a surface layer of the concrete to be impregnated with the electrolyte solution and which comprises a solution of potassium carbonate of concentration at least 0.3 Molar. The process may be applied to concrete a zone of which has a pH of less than 10.0 and the process continued until the pH reaches a level of at least 10.5, preferably at least 11.0.

Abstract: A process treats contaminated media and comprises detecting a non-uniform contaminated media property selected from electrical conductivity or electroosmotic permeability; and selectively applying an electric field to the contaminated media to effect the process in a selected area of the contaminated media.

Abstract: An electrochemical process for the removal of chloride ions from reinforced concrete includes passing a direct current between (i) an anode in electrical contact with the adherent coating containing a water retaining adhesive material, and an aqueous electrolyte applied to an external surface of the concrete and (ii) a cathode which is located internally in the concrete. According to the process, chloride ions are caused to migrate to the anode. In order to reduce the production of chlorine gas, the coating contains, as a chlorine scavenger, solid calcium hydroxide or barium hydroxide, or mixtures thereof. The chlorine scavenger is most preferably present in an amount of at least 8%, and more preferably 20 to 50%, by weight based on the dry weight of the water retaining material.

Abstract: A process directed to preparing surfactant-polycrystalline inorganic nanostructured materials having designed microscopic patterns. The process includes forming a polycrystalline inorganic substrate having a flat surface and placing in contact with the flat surface of the substrate a surface having a predetermined microscopic pattern. An acidified aqueous reacting solution is then placed in contact with an edge of the surface having the predetermined microscopic pattern. The solution wicks into the microscopic pattern by capillary action. The reacting solution has an effective amount of a silica source and an effective amount of a surfactant to produce a mesoscopic silica film upon contact of the reacting solution with the flat surface of the polycrystalline inorganic substrate and absorption of the surfactant into the surface. Subsequently an electric field is applied tangentially directed to the surface within the microscopic pattern.

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: A system for managing fluids used during electroremediation of contaminants in a porous medium, such as soil is disclosed. The system monitors the fluid gain and loss from the electrode wells and maintains optimal fluid levels in the wells on an individual basis. The system may use a sensor element for measuring the metal ion content of the electrode well fluid. A method for using the fluid management system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for treating dissolved halogenated organic compounds in groundwater that relies upon electrolytically-generated hydrogen to chemically reduce the halogenated compounds in the presence of a suitable catalyst. A direct current is placed across at least a pair, or an array, of electrodes which are housed within groundwater wells so that hydrogen is generated at the cathode and oxygen at the anode. A pump is located within the well housing in which the cathode(s) is(are) located and draws in groundwater where it is hydrogenated via electrolysis, passes through a well-bore treatment unit, and then transported to the anode well(s) for reinjection into the ground. The well-bore treatment involves a permeable cylinder located in the well bore and containing a packed bed of catalyst material that facilitates the reductive dehalogenation of the halogenated organic compounds by hydrogen into environmentally benign species such as ethane and methane.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for electrokinetically decontaminating the soil contained in a radioactive waste drum are disclosed. The radioactively contaminated soil is put into drums, and the drums are carried to a temporary storage or to a disposal site. If the extremely low level radioactive soil is decontaminated rather than carrying the soil to the temporary storage or to a disposal site, and if the decontaminated soil is returned to the nature, then the limited storage capacity can be saved. Further, if a high level radioactive soil is treated to a low level one, and if thus a low level radioactive soil is stored in a storage, then the safety is improved. In the present invention, electrodes are buried into the contaminated soil contained in a radioactive waste drum, and a dc current is supplied, so that the radioactive nuclide and impurities can be removed by the electroosmosis and the electromigration.