Marine Clays - Passing AC currents

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the challenges of electrically heating clayey soils with high moisture content and salt solutions. A primary concern is the potential for electrolysis of water and electrolytes when using AC currents at 230 V and 60 Hz. While electrolysis will occur, it is noted that safety can be maintained by avoiding direct contact with the clay. The conversation highlights the risk of shorting power lines and suggests using a rheostat to manage resistance during the heating process. Participants seek guidelines for estimating the energy distribution between heating the clay and losses due to electrolysis. It is suggested that less than 20% of the energy may be lost to ionization or deposition, depending on the specific salts and their concentrations in the clay. Additionally, the production of chlorine gas during electrolysis raises concerns about potential chemical reactions and their implications.
wildwildwest
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I am working on a project involving electrically heating clayey soils (having 55% moisture content and 0.5 M salt (nacl/KCl) solutions in the pore space.

Does anybody know if electrolysis of water/electrolyte is a concern with AC currents (230 V, 60 Hz frequencies)?

Thanks,
WWW :smile:
 
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I'm not sure what you mean by "is a concern". Yes, the water will be electrolysed, but as long as you don't stick your fingers in the clay, you should be okay. Unless your concerned about shorting the power line, which is a valid concern. I'd use a rheostat in series with the clay and start with a high load resistance and keep turning it down in each successive try.

PS : Standard conductivity measurements of water are done using AC, and counts on the conductivity from the ions.
 
clays - electrical heating

Thanks for the reply,

Yes, my concern was with the shorting of the power line. Does anyone know of 'rule of thumb'/'back of envelope' calculations for determining how much of power energy put in goes into heating the clay and how much is lost in electrolysis?


Thanks,
WWW
 
When a chloride is electrolyzed, Cl2 gas will be produced. That's in addition to the H2, of course. Also, the Cl2 reacts further, which ends up with the generation of chlorate. Would any of these products cause a problem?
 
wildwildwest said:
Does anyone know of 'rule of thumb'/'back of envelope' calculations for determining how much of power energy put in goes into heating the clay and how much is lost in electrolysis?

You can calculate the energy going into ionization (actually deposition, since most salt are ionized by the polarity of water) if you know what salts are dissolved in the clay, and what their concentrations are. The rest goes into heating the clay.

I'd be surprised if more than 20% went into ionization/deposition.
 

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