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Published 1992 | public
Book Section - Chapter

The chemical effects of collapsing cavitation bubbles

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.

Additional Information

© 1992 IMechE. C453/007 The authors grateful acknowledge the financial support of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), DARPA (Defense Advance Research Projects Agency), and EPRI (Electric Power Research Institute). We are indebted to Dr. Richard Ayers of Pulsed Power Technology, Inc. for introducing us to this fascinating technology.

Additional details

Created:
August 20, 2023
Modified:
January 13, 2024