초록 ▼

Metal electrodes (17,20) defining a cathode and anode are positioned in an electrolyte (28) so as to comprise an electrolysis cell (18). An electrical conditioning circuit (10) includes means for generating a pulsating DC voltage signal, which is connected to the metal electrodes (17,20). Particular

Metal electrodes (17,20) defining a cathode and anode are positioned in an electrolyte (28) so as to comprise an electrolysis cell (18). An electrical conditioning circuit (10) includes means for generating a pulsating DC voltage signal, which is connected to the metal electrodes (17,20). Particular characteristics of the pulsating signal, including in particular peak pulse voltage and duty cycle, have selected values such that hydrogen is produced from one electrode (17) and the other electrode (20) is maintained substantially in a state of depassivation, such that any oxide, scale or other inorganic compound pre-existing on the other electrode is removed and further such that the other electrode remains substantially clean.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for electrically conditioning electrodes which are positioned in an electrolyte, comprising: electrode means, including at least one metal electrode, wherein the electrode means is positioned in an electrolyte and includes cathodic and anodic portions; means for generating a pulsating D

An apparatus for electrically conditioning electrodes which are positioned in an electrolyte, comprising: electrode means, including at least one metal electrode, wherein the electrode means is positioned in an electrolyte and includes cathodic and anodic portions; means for generating a pulsating DC voltage signal, wherein particular characteristics of the signal have values selected such that when the pulsating DC voltage signal is applied to the electrode means, hydrogen is produced off the cathodic portion of said electrode means and such that the anodic portion of said electrode means is maintained substantially in a state of depassivation wherein substantially no oxygen is produced off the anodic portion and the anodic portion is consumed in operation of the apparatus; and means connecting the DC voltage signal to said electrode means.