Charged particle motion inducing apparatus

Abstract

Apparatus for inducing motion of charged particles in a liquid or gel using an electric field includes a region in which the motion is to be induced, first and second electrodes for generating the electric field in the region whereby a current passes between the electrodes so as to induce the charged particle motion and so as to cause ions to be received at the second electrode. A measurement apparatus is arranged to measure the amount of charge transferred between the first and second electrodes during an induced charged particle motion operation, the measurement apparatus being able to take account of any variation in current or voltage during the induced charged particle motion operation. A control system is provided for controlling a regenerating operation for regenerating the second electrode by transferring via it an amount of charge substantially equal to the measured amount so as to cause ions to be removed from the second electrode and thereby regenerate the electrode.

1 . Apparatus for inducing motion of charged particles in a liquid or gel using an electric field, the apparatus comprising a region in which the motion is to be induced, first and second electrodes for generating the electric field in the region whereby a current passes between the electrodes so as to induce the charged particle motion and so as to cause ions to be received at the second electrode, measurement means arranged to measure the amount of charge transferred between the first and second electrodes during an induced charged particle motion operation, the measurement means being able to take account of any variation in current or voltage during the induced charged particle motion operation, and control means arranged to control a regenerating operation to regenerate the second electrode by transferring via it an amount of charge substantially equal to the measured amount so as to cause ions to be removed from the second electrode and thereby regenerate the electrode. 
     
     
         2 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is arranged to be adjustable during the induced charged particle motion operation by varying the voltage applied to the first and second electrodes. 
     
     
         3 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the control means is arranged to control the regenerating operation by effecting a current reversal between the first and second electrodes. 
     
     
         4 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the control means is arranged to control the regenerating operation such that the regenerating operation takes place over a longer period than the induced charged particle motion operation. 
     
     
         5 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the control means is arranged automatically to switch the apparatus from the induced charged particle motion operation to the regeneration operation. 
     
     
         6 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , comprising a third electrode, and wherein the control means is arranged to control the regenerating operation by passing a current between the second electrode and a third electrode. 
     
     
         7 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . Apparatus for inducing motion of charged particles in a liquid or gel using an electric field, the apparatus comprising a region in which the motion is to be induced, first and second electrodes arranged to generate an electric field in the region whereby a current passes between the electrodes so as to induce the charged particle motion and so as to cause ions to be received at the second electrode, and a third electrode arranged to regenerate the second electrode by passing a current between the second electrode and the third electrode so as to cause ions to be removed from the second electrode. 
     
     
         15 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 14 , arranged such that the regenerating operation takes place at the same time as the induced charged particle motion operation. 
     
     
         16 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 14 , comprising measurement means arranged to measure the amount of charge transferred between the first and second electrodes during an induced charged particle motion operation, the measurement means being able to take account of any variation in current or voltage during the induced charged particle motion operation. 
     
     
         17 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 14 , comprising control means for controlling a regenerating operation for regenerating the second electrode. 
     
     
         18 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the control means controls the regeneration operation by transferring via the second electrode an amount of charge substantially equal to the measured amount so as to regenerate the second electrode. 
     
     
         19 - 32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 . A method of inducing motion of charged particles in a liquid or gel using an electric field, comprising applying a voltage to first and second electrodes to generate the electric field whereby a current passes between the electrodes so as to induce the charged particle motion and so as to cause ions to be received at the second electrode, and regenerating the second electrode by passing a current between the second electrode and a third electrode so as to cause ions to be removed from the second electrode. 
     
     
         34 . A method as claimed in  claim 33 , wherein the regenerating operation takes place at the same time as the induced charged particle motion operation. 
     
     
         35 . A method as claimed in  claim 33 , comprising measuring the amount of charge transferred between the first and second electrodes during an induced charged particle motion operation, such measuring taking account of any variation in current or voltage during the induced charged particle motion operation. 
     
     
         36 . A method as claimed in  claim 33 , comprising controlling the regenerating operation for regenerating the second electrode. 
     
     
         37 . A method as claimed in  claim 36 , wherein the regeneration operation is controlled by transferring via the second electrode an amount of charge substantially equal to the measured amount so as to regenerate the second electrode. 
     
     
         38 . (canceled) 
     
     
         39 . A method as claimed in  claim 33 , comprising releasing material passed from the second electrode to the third electrode at the third electrode. 
     
     
         40 . A method as claimed in claim  9 , wherein said material is hydrogen. 
     
     
         41 . A method as claimed in  claim 33 , comprising setting the potential of the second electrode intermediate that of the first electrode and that of the third electrode. 
     
     
         42 . A method as claimed in  claim 33 , wherein the third electrode is made of an inert material without an appreciable hydrogen absorption capability. 
     
     
         43 - 47 . (canceled)