Electrokinetic dewatering of a phosphate clay

The principles of electrokinetic dewatering are: (1) electrophoresis, the movement of colloidal particles in a direct current electric field; (2) dielectrophoresis, the movement of colloidal particles in a non-uniform electric field; and (3) electro-osmosis, the water flow in porous media in a direct current electric field. Electrokinetic dewatering of a phosphate clay was investigated in an experimental program. The results show that the velocity of sedimentation is controlled by the applied current density and that electro-osmotic permeability dominates the effectiveness of electrokinetic consolidation. The intermittent current and polarity reversal can significantly improve the effectiveness of electrokinetic dewatering and reduce energy consumption and adverse electrode reactions.