Abstract |
An investigation of the effects of a thermal gradient on the transfer of electrolyte across clay membranes was begun. The purpose of the study was to determine the role of this phenomenon, thermal pumping, on the observed concentration increase of subsurface brines with depth. Little, if any, transport has been observed for Wyoming Bentonite membranes with dilute sodium chloride solutions. Preliminary electromotive force measurements with Ag/AgCl electrodes indicate an increasing potential with increasing temperature gradient (hot side positive). This result indicates that transport should occur. The absence of transport may be indicative of a very slow process. (Author) |