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. Para meters evaluated include electrode requirements, effectiveness of electric field distribution, remediation time, and energy expenditure. Formulation i s provided for calculating cost components of the process, including electr ode, energy, chemicals, posttreatment, fixed, and variable costs. Equations are also provided for evaluating optimum electrode spacings based on energ y and time requirements. The derivations show that spacing between same-pol arity electrodes is as significant in cost calculations and in process effe ctiveness 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 ineff ective electric field by one half. Selection of the voltage gradient impact s the optimum electrode spacing. The analysis show that a minimum exists in the cost versus electrode spacings relationship.