Optimization of 2-D Electrode Configuration for Electrokinetic Remediation

A practical evaluation of one- and two-dimensional applications of electric fields for in situ extraction of contaminants is provided. The evaluation is based on contaminant transport by electroosmosis and ion migration. Parameters evaluated include electrode requirements, effectiveness of electric field distribution, remediation time, and energy expenditure. Formulation is provided for calculating cost components of the process, including electrode, energy, chemicals, posttreatment, fixed, and variable costs. Equations are also provided for evaluating optimum electrode spacings based on energy and time requirements. The derivations show that spacing between same-polarity electrodes is as significant in cost calculations and in process effectiveness as that between anodes and cathodes. Decreasing the same-polarity electrode spacing to half the anode-cathode spacing will result in a 100% increase in electrode requirements, but will decrease the area of the ineffective electric field by one half. Selection ...