Abstract
We have been investigating the fundamental
chemistry and physics underlying the application of
electrohydraulic cavitation as induced by pulsed-power
plasma discharge in water, by spark-gap
discharge in water (i.e., lithotripsy) and by pulsed
(and/or continuous) ultrasonic irradiation (i.e.,
sonolysis) of water for the elimination of chlorinated
hydrocarbons from water. These three different
applications of electric power share a common
physical thread, which involves hydraulic cavitation,
production of shock waves, release of high energy
light, production of hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen
atoms, hydrogen peroxide and aquated electrons.
The chemical changes of compounds in water pulsed
with these different sources of power are induced in
part by the violent collapse of cavitation bubbles.
Hoffmann, M. R. (1992). Chemical Applications of Electrohydraulic Cavitation for Hazardous Waste Control. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.eslwin.tamu.edu). Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /92185.