Electrochemical stabilisation of mineral masses such as concrete,and electrode arrangements therefor

摘要

Mineral masses eg hardened concrete reinforced with steel rebars can be stabilised against alkali-silicate reaction and/or treated by chloride extraction or realkalisation, by passing current around an electrochemical circuit having electrodes(s) (e.g. jacketed tubular anode(s) 5, 6) and electrolyte in contact therewith located in a passageway formed in the concrete under treatment and counterelectrode(s) (eg. rebars 2), in electrochemical contact with the mineral mass and separated from the electrolyte by the mineral mass, the electrolyte containing ionic treatment material to stabilise or treat the mineral mass. The material in its ionic form is thereby made to migrate deeply into the mineral mass. The treatment material can be lithium, calcium and/or sodium ions in alkaline solution where the electrode is an anode, or nitrite where the electrode is an anode. Preferably the passageway extends deeper in the concrete than the rebars nearest the concrete surface. Electrolyte liquid can recirculate in the jacketed tubular anodes.