Method and apparatus for the removal of ionic impurities from reinforced concrete structures

摘要

A method and an apparatus for removing an ionic impurity from a reinforced concrete structure (6) is described which includes contacting the surface of the concrete structure (6) with an aqueous electrolyte (8) and contacting the electrolyte with an electrode material (7) other than the metal reinforcing of the concrete structure to form an electrochemical cell between the metal reinforcing and the electrode. Preferably, the electrolyte includes the salt of a weak acid and in particular a salt of an organic acid is preferred. No current connection between the electrode and the reinforcing of the concrete is required.