Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a process and an apparatus for treating a gas containing reducing substances to efficiently degrade and remove the reducing substances. As a means to achieve this object, the present invention provides a process for treating a gas containing reducing substances by hydrothermal electrolysis, comprising supplying a gas containing reducing substances into a reactor charged with an aqueous medium containing a halide ion under application of a direct current at a temperature of 100° C. or more but the critical temperature of said aqueous medium or less and at a pressure that allows said aqueous medium to be kept in the liquid phase.

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: Magnetic disk drive head/disk stiction is reduced by applying an electrostatic field between the head and the disk as the head dwells in contact with the disk surface. Just before the disk drive begins disk rotation in order that the heads take off, the electrostatic field is removed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a process and an apparatus for treating an aqueous medium at low running costs with a decreased electricity required for hydrothermal electrolytic reaction. The present invention proposes a two-step process comprising a first step of performing a conventional hydrothermal reaction or a conventional electrolytic reaction prior to hydrothermal electrolytic reaction to degrade readily degradable substances or ammonia or various electrolytically degradable organics and then a second step of performing hydrothermal electrolytic reaction to degrade the remaining organics, whereby the electricity consumed by hydrothermal electrolytic reaction in the second step can be greatly reduced.

Abstract: A process for an electrochemical reduction of a reducible dye by contacting said reducible dye with a cathode comprising a support of an electrically conductive material and an electrically conductive, cathodically polarized layer formed thereon in situ by alluviation comprises conducting said electrochemical reduction in the presence of a base.

Abstract: An electrode for electrochemical uses is made of a conductive metal mesh coated with diamond-like carbon or dirty diamond. The electrode may be used in electrochemical cell either as a cathode or as an anode, or can be used with an alternating current.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for recovery of cyanide and metals from a liquor containing complexes of cyanide and metal typically generated by a metallurgical or industrial process. The process involves electrochemical dissociation of the metal-cyanide complex and electrowinning of the metal while free cyanide generated in the process is recovered in a membrane treatment step for re-use in a metallurgical process utilising it. An electrochemical apparatus, which may be used in the process, forms a further aspect of the invention. A membrane process alone, for separation of cyanide, from liquors containing cyanide complexes is a further aspect of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices able to purify fluids electrically that are contained within pressure vessels, as well as to methods of manufacture and use thereof. Liquids or other fluids to be purified enter the purification device and, under the influence of an electric field, are treated to produce an ion-depleted liquid. Species from the entering liquids are collected to produce an ion-concentrated liquid. Increasing the exterior pressure on the device may reduce the pressure difference between the interior of the device and the exterior, which may reduce manufacturing costs or simplify construction.

Abstract: A rhodium sulfide electrocatalyst formed by heating an aqueous solution of rhodium salt until a steady state distribution of isomers is obtained and then sparging hydrogen sulfide into the solution to form the rhodium sulfide and a membrane electrode assembly with the said electrode and a process for electrolyzing hydrochloric acid.

Abstract: A device and method for removal of minerals from a supply of liquid such as water. The device includes a tank with an inner surface functioning as a first electrode, at least one inlet for liquid and at least one outlet to a system requiring liquid arranged such that entry and exit of liquid create a cyclonic flow, at least one second electrode within the tank placed so that the cyclonic flow of liquid passes between the two electrodes, and a mechanism for creating an electric current flowing between the two electrodes. The method includes the steps of causing a liquid to circulate cyclonically within a tank, applying an electric current to the circulating liquid so that minerals within the liquid precipitate on an inner surface of the tank, and reversing a polarity of the electric current in order to loosen the precipitated minerals from the inner surface of the tank.

Abstract: A system having a fluid source and a pasteurizer coupled with a disinfectant unit in flow communication with the fluid source for use in disinfecting dental or other water lines. The combination of pasteurizer and disinfectant unit is adapted to receive water from the fluid source. A fluid delivery unit is provided in flow communication with the pasteurizer and disinfectant unit combination. The disinfectant unit has a means for supplying hydrogen and oxygen and a means for generating hydrogen peroxide in flow communication with the means for supplying hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a substrate is described. In one aspect, a processing system is provided which includes a wet area and a dry area. In another aspect, a method comprises processing the substrate in the process cell. The substrate is transferred from the process cell to a dry module and then transferring the substrate to a drying area.

Abstract: An energy conversion system utilizes electrolytic combustion process to covert energy with given energy potential into energy with equal or higher energy potential. The energy conversion system utilizes energy from an energy storage device to electrolytically separate water into electrolytic products. The electrolytic products are fed into a combustion device with or without extra fuel to produce work for other applications or further to deliver work to a generator to generate electricity with equal or higher energy potential. If there is consistent supply of energy in the form of low energy potential, or if the air and extra fuel used in the combustion process contains sufficient combustible materials, the energy conversion system in the electrolytic combustion process becomes self-energy sufficient operation provided with continuous make up water supply.

Abstract: Nanotubes and nanotube-based devices are implemented in a variety of applications. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a nanotube device is manufactured having a nanotube extending between two conductive elements. In one implementation, each conductive element includes a catalyst portion, wherein electrical connection is made to opposite ends of the nanotube at each of the catalyst portions. In one implementation, the conductive elements are coupled to circuitry for detecting an electrical characteristic of the nanotube, such as the response of the nanotube to exposure to one or more of a variety of materials. In another implementation, the nanotube device is adapted for chemical and biological sensing. In still another implementation, a particular functionality is imparted to the nanotube using one or more of a variety of materials coupled to the nanotube, such as metal particles, biological particles and/or layers of the same.

Abstract: Methods of concentrating materials within microfluidic channel networks by moving materials into regions in which overall velocities of the material are reduced, resulting in stacking of the material within those reduced velocity regions. These methods, devices and systems employ static fluid interfaces to generate the differential velocities, as well as counter-current flow methods, to concentrate materials within microscale channels.

Abstract: A method of removing oxygen from a solid metal, metal compound or semi-metal M1O by electrolysis in a fused salt of M2Y or a mixture of salts, which comprises conducting electrolysis under conditions such that reaction of oxygen rather than M2 deposition occurs at an electrode surface and that oxygen dissolves in the electrolyte M2Y and wherein, M1O is in the form of (sintered) granules or is in the form of a powder which is continuously fed into the fused salt. Also disclosed is a method of producing a metal foam comprising the steps of fabricating a foam-like metal oxide preform, removing oxygen from said foam structured metal oxide preform by electrolysis in a fused salt of M2Y or a mixture of salts, which comprises conducting electrolysis under conditions such that reaction of oxygen rather than M2 deposition occurs at an electrode surface. The method is advantageously applied for the production of titanium from Ti-dioxide.

Abstract: A method of electrochemical treatment of prestressed concrete which comprises supplying a direct current between a steel embedded in the prestressed concrete as a cathode and an anode on the surface or inside of the concrete at a voltage higher than the hydrogen evolution potential, wherein an effective tensile force acting on the PC steel tendon embedded in the concrete is not greater than 80 % of the tensile strength of the PC steel tendon, and a method of electrochemical treatment of prestressed concrete which comprises supplying a direct current between a steel tendon embedded in the prestressed concrete as a cathode and an anode on the surface or inside of the concrete at a voltage higher than the hydrogen evolution potential, wherein the voltage is adjusted to less than the hydrogen evolution potential at least once during electrochemical treatment.

Abstract: The present invention has application to the disabling of vehicles such as automobiles and other vehicles having an engine controlled by a motor controller or other component that is vulnerable to malfunctions induced by a pulse of electrical energy. The invention has application to remotely disabling vehicles in high speed pursuits. In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for remotely disabling an electronic device may be deployed from a platform. In various embodiments, the platform may be a stationary platform in the path of an approaching vehicle incorporating the electronic device or a movable platform for pursuing the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chemical reactor having an electrochemical cell containing a three-layer structure for the decomposition and removal of a substance treated by a chemical reaction.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrochemical treatment of a substrate, in particular for electroplating an integrated circuit wafer. An apparatus preferably includes dynamically operable concentric anodes and dielectric shields in an electrochemical bath. Preferably, the bath height of an electrochemical bath, the substrate height, and the shape and positions of an insert shield and a diffuser shield are dynamically variable during electrochemical treatment operations. Step include varying anode current, bath height and substrate height, shield shape, and shield position.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a method and apparatus for producing high-purity metals (such as, for example, high-purity cobalt), and also encompasses the high-purity metals so produced. The method can comprise a combination of electrolysis and ion exchange followed by melting to produce cobalt of a desired purity. The method can result in the production of high-purity cobalt comprising total metallic impurities of less than 50 ppm. Individual elemental impurities of the produced cobalt can be follows: Na and K less than 0.5 ppm each, Fe less than 10 ppm, Ni less than 5 ppm, Cr less than 1 ppm, Ti less than 3 ppm and O less than 450 ppm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating effluents, especially the effluents from leather tanneries, containing chrome salts, i.e. the salts of chromium having a (III) oxidation degree, characterized in that the supplied effluents or those having a pH that is lower than 6 undergo an electrochemical reaction in a reactor comprising an anode and a cathode in such a way that the chromium having a (III) oxidation degree is transformed into chrome having a (VI) oxidation degree, and in that the treated effluents are recovered. The treatment method is followed in an advantageous manner by a method for recovering the hexavalent chromium by means of selective extraction in an appropriate solvent medium followed by reduction of the hexavalent chromium into trivalent chromium.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing orthohydrogen and/or parahydrogen. The apparatus includes a container holding water and at least one pair of closely-spaced electrodes arranged within the container and submerged in the water. A first power supply provides a particular first pulsed signal to the electrodes. A coil may also be arranged within the container and submerged in the water if the production of parahydrogen is also required. A second power supply provides a second pulsed signal to the coil through a switch to apply energy to the water. When the second power supply is disconnected from the coil by the switch and only the electrodes receive a pulsed signal, then orthohydrogen can be produced. When the second power supply is connected to the coil and both the electrodes and coil receive pulsed signals, then the first and second pulsed signals can be controlled to produce parahydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of sanitizing the shells of eggs, which are used for human consumption and also as hatchlings. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of sanitizing eggs using an electrostatic sprayer with electrolyzed oxidizing water produced from an electrolyte solution. It is the overall objective of the present invention to provide a method for sanitizing eggs comprising the steps of passing an electrolyte solution through a water electrolysis machine in combination with feed water to produce electrolyzed oxidizing water, and then spraying the eggs with the electrolyzed oxidizing water by using an electrostatic sprayer which creates a negative charge on the spray droplets as they leave the sprayer.

Abstract: A sensor module for monitoring chemical properties of oil well fluids comprises at least one electrochemical sensor for a chemcal species, for example to detect pH and chloride ion concentration. A micro-porous barrier separates the electrochemical sensors from the environment of the module, the micro-porous barrier being of a material which is readily wetted by water. Periodic application of a current pulse between the barrier and a counter electrode enables fouling material to be removed from the micron barrier.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices, systems and methods that are operated and/or configured to enhance the passage of electrical current from power supplies to the fluids within the system. The devices, methods and systems utilize alternate electrode and system configurations to permit transfer of current at lower voltages, minimize water hydrolysis at the electrode/fluid interface and/or permit accurate in situ measurement of the parameters of processes carried out in those devices and systems.

Abstract: A method for the removal of sulfate ions from an electrolyte of an electrochemical reduction-oxidation system wherein said electrolyte comprises a halogen and in which the sulfate ions an a contaminant or interferant, which method comprises the steps of: (i) increasing the halide concentration in the electrolyte by electrochemical reduction of the halogen, (ii) crystallizing a sulfate salt out of the electrolyte, and (iii) separation of the electrolyte from the crystallized sulfate salt. An electrochemical process for energy storage and/or power delivery comprising the step of removal of sulfate ions from the electrolyte according to the above cited method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the removal of harmful substances from various objects or materials. More specifically, this invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for removing the harmful substances (i.e., toxins), from a variety of materials or objects by utilizing high-voltage electricity in conjunction with large surface charcoal, an electrical wire and water. The device of the present invention comprises a first conductive container which has large surface charcoal placed within it. This first container is then placed into a larger second conductive container which is filled with ordinary water (i.e., tap or faucet water). The electrical wire is immersed in the water filling the second container. Then the second container is sealed with a cover and insulated from the floor with insulating material. Finally, an electric source device generates 10,000 Volts at 1 Pico Ampere (10 micro watts) which is transferred to the purification device of the present invention.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for enhanced biomass production by electrical waveform shaping are disclosed. The invention relates to cultivating a biological source cell in a liquid-medium bioreactor and applying a waveform regulated electric field potential to the source cell, wherein the liquid medium comprises one or more ionizable components. The waveform that regulates the applied field potential comprises a plurality of modes such that at least one mode orders an applied field potential capable of generating an ion from the ionizable component and at least one mode orders an applied field potential capable of inducing migration of the generated ion within the liquid medium. Related apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

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 solid phase synthesis method for the preparation of diverse sequences of separate polymers or nucleic acid sequences using electrochemical placement of monomers of nucleic acids at a specific location on a substrate containing at least one electrode that is preferably in contact with a buffering or scavenging solution to prevent chemical crosstalk between electrodes due to diffusion of electrochemically generated reagents.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are used for triggering and controlling an initial induction period in which a substrate is immersed in an electrochemical bath prior to actual electrochemical processing. This is accomplished by sensing a change in cell potential upon immersion of the substrate or a counter electrode in an electrochemical bath. Appropriate logic then holds the cell potential or current at a fixed value for a defined delay period. After that period ends, the logic allows the cell potential or current to increase to a level where electrochemical processing begins.

Abstract: The present process provides improved means for adsorbing components and for regeneration of a composite adsorption carbon material (CRAC) used for effecting the desired separation using an electrochemical process under conditions wherein the specific volumetric electric conductivity of the CRAC differs from that of the electrolyte employed by not more than one order of magnitude, a specific current density of at least 0.01 ampere per gram of CRAC is employed, and a high degree of regeneration of CRAC from polar and non-polar substances and heavy metal ions is obtained, as well as improved adsorption.

Abstract: An apparatus for decontamination contaminated groundwater in-situ by increasing the quantity of dissolved oxygen in the contaminated groundwater and generating reactive initiators to remediate the contaminated groundwater. The apparatus includes a submersible pump, an electrolytic cell, a chlorine filter, and a distribution chamber. The distribution chamber is vertically oriented and longitudinally-extending from the outlet of the cell. As the groundwater flows across charging plates of the cell, some of the molecules break into their component parts of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. A selected vertical length of the chamber provides a resident time for the fluid allowing a majority of the gaseous oxygen to transition to dissolved oxygen.

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: An electrochemical treating apparatus comprising an electrolytic cell comprising an anode and a cathode spaced apart from the anode, the anode including an electrode material made of diamond and the cathode including an electrode material made of diamond. Also disclosed is an electrochemical treating method for electrochemically decomposing a substance contained in a gas or solution, which comprises introducing a gas or solution containing a substance to be treated into the electrolytic cell, passing an electric current through the electrolytic cell, and recovering a treated gas or solution. In a preferred embodiment, the electrolytic cell comprises an anode including an electrode material made of diamond, a cathode including an electrode material made of diamond and an ion exchange resin or an ion exchange membrane as an electrolyte disposed between the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: A method for recovering small bandgap fullerenes, including metallofullerenes, from soot by passivating individual fullerenes and/or metallofullerenes to an anionic configuration. The addition of extra electrons to a metallofullerene or small bandgap fullerene breaks the inter-fullerene bonding in the solid material, and the resulting anions are soluble in organic electrochemical solvents. Once dissolved, the small bandgap fullerenes can be plated out or precipitated by returning them to a neutral state.

Abstract: A system for cleansing using an alkaline solution formed in an electrolysis chamber. The system comprises an electrolysis chamber wherein the alkaline solution is formed from an electrolyte, such as salt, and water. At least one pump outputs the alkaline solution onto a object to be cleansed. Further, a second pump may output an acidic solution formed in the electrolysis onto the object to disinfect or sterilize the object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously performing hydrothermal reaction and electrolysis in the presence of a strongly acidic ion such as halide ions. A reactor internally has a pair of electrodes. An oxidizing agent such as an oxygen gas may be added. Even low-molecular weight compounds such as acetic acid and ammonia can be readily decomposed.

Abstract: An electrolytic treatment method for manufacturing a planographic printing plate support body assures uniform surface-roughening and a predetermined rough surface. Graphite electrodes and an auxiliary electrode are arranged and installed in different electrolytic cells. A current is supplied to the auxiliary electrode by controlling a phase angle of waveforms generated by a power source as symmetrical alternating waveforms. The quantity of electrical power to the auxiliary electrode is set in the range of 0.5% to 9% of the total electrode electric power quantity. In addition, the resistance value of a support roller of an aluminum web is set to 0.01 M&OHgr; or more and the frequency of the symmetrical alternating current waveform is set in the range of 50 Hz to 80 Hz. The current density of the main electrodes is set in the range of 5 A/dm2 to 50 A/dm2.

Abstract: To provide a plating method, which enables wide industrial use of the redox system electroless plating method having excellent characteristics, and a plating bath precursor which is preferable for the plating method. The plating method comprises a process oxidizing first metal ions of a redox system of a plating bath from a lower oxidation state to a high oxidation state, and second metal ions of said redox system are reduced and deposited onto the surface of an object to be plated, wherein a process is provided in which by supplying the electrical current to the plating bath, the first metal ions are reduced from said lower oxidation state to thereby activate the plating bath. The plating bath precursor is formed stabilizing the plating bath so that reduction and deposition of the second metal ions substantially do not occur in order to improve its storing performance.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metallic fiber in which from a convergent extended wire, which is formed by a metallic fiber and a matrix member which is formed of a metallic material and whose dissolvability is higher than the dissolvability of the metallic fiber, the matrix member is continuously dissolved and removed by an electrolytic processing in a plurality of electrolytic tanks which are arranged in the conveying direction of the convergent extended wire, wherein: the convergent extended wire is passed through electrolytes in the plurality of electrolytic tanks, which are arranged in the shape of a gentle convex arch at the vertical direction upper side which includes the conveying passage of the convergent extended wire, the convergent extended wire is passed above a plurality of feeding devices which are provided at the outer sides of the electrolytes and which are disposed in the same arch-shape so as to correspond to the electrolytic tanks, in each of the plurality of electrolytic tanks, the metallic

Abstract: A process for isolating flaw sites in the dielectric of solid electrolytic capacitor comprising immersing a conductive polymer impregnated capacitor in an electrolyte solution, and then alternately subjecting the conductive polymer impregnated capacitor to a high voltage and a low voltage; wherein the high voltage is between about 10 volts and 50 volts, and the low voltage is between about 0 volts and the voltage corresponding to 90% of the anodization voltage for pellets anodized at less than 20 volts, or the voltage at which the current drops to 50% of the peak voltage current for pellets anodized at voltages greater than or equal to 20 volts. The period of time at or above the anodization voltage is relatively short to prevent damaging the dielectric film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparation of a substrate containing a plurality of sequences. Photoremovable groups are attached to a surface of a substrate. Selected regions of the substrate are exposed to light so as to activate the selected areas. A monomer, also containing a photoremovable group, is provided to the substrate to bind at the selected areas. The process is repeated using a variety of monomers such as amino acids until sequences of a desired length are obtained. Detection methods and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electro-chemical process for rehabilitating steel reinforced concrete, wherein a distributed flow of electrical current is established between internally embedded reinforcing steel, connected as a cathode, and an external, distributed electrode, connected as an anode. Current flow at a rate of at least 0.1 ampere per square meter of surface area of the embedded reinforcement is continued for a time sufficient to provide a total charge of at least about 100, but not substantially more than 2000, ampere-hours per square meter of surface area of the embedded reinforcement. This results in steel with a clean surface, surrounded by concrete which is chloride free and highly alkaline. After discontinuance of the electrochemical treatment, the embedded steel slowly passivates by forming a protective surface oxide. The process is significantly more economical than known procedures, yet is reliably effective.

Abstract: An electrically regeneratable electrochemical cell (30) for capacitive deionization and electrochemical purification and regeneration of electrodes includes two end plates (31, 32), one at each end of the cell (30). A new regeneration method is applied to the cell (30) which includes slowing or stopping the purification cycle, electrically desorbing contaminants and removing the desorbed contaminants. The cell (30) further includes a plurality of generally identical double-sided intermediate electrodes (37-43) that are equidistally separated from each other, between the two end electrodes (35, 36). As the electrolyte enters the cell, it flows through a continuous open serpentine channel (65-71) defined by the electrodes, substantially parallel to the surfaces of the electrodes. By polarizing the cell (30), ions are removed from the electrolyte and are held in the electric double layers formed at the carbon aerogel surfaces of the electrodes.

Abstract: An electrochemical processing chamber which can be modified for treating different workpieces and methods for so modifying electrochemical processing chambers. In one particular embodiment, an electrochemical processing chamber 200 includes a plurality of walls 510 defining a plurality of electrode compartments 520, each electrode compartment having at least one electrode 600 therein, and a virtual electrode unit 530 defining a plurality of flow conduits, with at least one of the flow conduits being in fluid communication with each of the electrode compartments. This first virtual electrode unit 530 may be exchanged for a second virtual electrode unit 540, without modification of any of the electrodes 600, to adapt the processing chamber 200 for treating a different workpiece.

Abstract: A method for recovering small bandgap fullerenes, including metallofullerenes, from soot by passivating individual fullerenes and/or metallofullerenes to an anionic configuration. Thc addition of extra electrons to a metallofullerene or small bandgap fullerene breaks the interfullerene bonding in the solid material, and the resulting anions are soluble in organic electrochemical solvents. Once dissolved, the small bandgap fullerenes can be plated out or precipitated by returning them to a neutral state.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for electrolytic desilvering of photographic processing solutions, more particularly fixing solutions or bleach-fixing solutions, comprising an electrolysis unit equiped with a monitoring system comprising a cathode, an anode and a reference electrode, characterized in that said reference electrode is a pH sensitive electrode. The desilvering is preferably performed under potentiostatic conditions. Whe using a pH sensitive reference electrode the cathodic plating potential is automatically corrected for pH changes. A preferred pH sensitive electrode is a glass electrode.

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.