ELECTROKINETIC EFFECTS BY THE ELECTRIC WORK METHOD

The electric work method is used to derive new expressions for electro kinetic effects produced by flowing fluids. The expressions are functi ons of channel geometry. The results are obtained from an equation of motion by superposition of reversible and irreversible phenomena. The equation of motion is an extended Navier-Stokes equation. The momentum transference factors, which describe the reversible conversion betwee n mechanical and electrical energy or vice versa, are central new para meters. It follows from the equations that the streaming potential is opposite and equal to the electroosmotic flux, and that the streaming current is equal to the electroosmotic pressure. We also show how the streaming potential and the electroosmotic pressure effects are relate d; they differ mainly in their capability of storing electric energy. The new theory predicts a different dependence on electrolyte conducti vity as does the classical theory. The streaming potential has not bee n explained, ie by surface conductivities, but by momentum transferenc e properties between the wall and the solution.