| 摘要 |
A method and apparatus are provided which breaking down compounds, typically hydrocarbons, through oxidation. The compounds may still be in-situ or in a man-made location such as a storage tank or a pipeline. The method for the processing of hydrocarbons within a location, provides for: • a) introducing two electrodes into the location containing the hydrocarbons; • b) providing connections between a voltage source and the electrodes; • c) applying a voltage of a first polarity to the connections for a first period of time, under the control of a voltage controller; • d) applying a voltage of a second, reversed, polarity to the connections for a second period of time, under the control of the voltage controller; • e) repeating steps c) and d); steps c), d) and e) promoting the generation of free radicals thereby promoting a reduction in the length of the carbon chain and/or a reduction in the sulphur content and/or a reduction in the heavy metal content of the hydrocarbons. |
