On Fri, 16 Apr 2004 10:22:49 +1000, Adam Seychell
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adam_seychell@...> wrote:
> They use an ion exchange membrane in the regeneration cell. I'm
> not exactly sure what the membrane is doing in this situation.
> Obviously its separating ions from anode to cathode.
> Unfortunately the image showing the electrolytic cell is missing
> from the web page. I'm sure PVC membranes can be purchased but I
> figure the control system necessary to make this work would be
> prohibitively complicated for a hobby. I'm not saying it couldn't
> be done, but attempting to build such a system could end up being
> a whole hobby in itself.
i fear you might just be right with that..
However i did a quick experiment yesterday.
first i used two screws and passed current through.
(immersed in "old" etchant with much copper)
the iron blackens very fast but one could see copper plating on one screw.
then i used motor brushes (carbon) - you could see copper plating quite
good,
but the brushes seem to dissolve into the etchant.
i thought carbon wouldn't but then maybe only graphite doesn't.
I also noticed that i get clorine gass with any substantial current..
no idea if it can plate withot gas (with low enough voltage).
It seems not so easy to do after all.
But you could solve the whole disposal problem with it.
ST
i add the great link you provided to the links section (if it is not there
already)