Precipitation of colloidal materials from aqueous systems by electrochemical release of metallic flocculating agents and dynamic bimetallic cell for use therein

摘要

A method of precipitating colloidal materials from aqueous systems and a dynamic bimetallic galvanic cell is disclosed, said cell including a metallic electrode which provides a source of flocculating agent and an inert electrode to which the metallic electrode is short circuited. When water containing colloidal particles is passed through the galvanic cell and the electrodes are short circuited, the metallic electrode provides a source of flocculating agent which coprecipitates with the colloidal particles, forming a sediment which can be readily removed. The cell is constructed to maximize the contact between the water and the electrode surfaces and to maintain the metallic electrode short circuited against the inert electrode as the metallic electrode is consumed.