US 12,416,094 B2
Localized electrorefining of metals and alloys
Brenda L. Garcia-Diaz, Aiken, SC (US); Christopher S. Dandeneau, Augusta, GA (US); and Dale A. Hitchcock, Aiken, SC (US)
Assigned to Battelle Savannah River Alliance LLC, Aiken, SC (US)
Filed by BATTELLE SAVANNAH RIVER ALLIANCE, LLC, Aiken, SC (US)
Filed on Jan. 17, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/097,731.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/303,333, filed on Jan. 26, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2023/0235477 A1, Jul. 27, 2023
Int. Cl. C25C 3/00 (2006.01); C06B 33/02 (2006.01); C25C 3/32 (2006.01); C25C 7/00 (2006.01); C25F 3/14 (2006.01)
CPC C25F 3/14 (2013.01) [C06B 33/02 (2013.01); C25C 3/32 (2013.01); C25C 7/005 (2013.01)] 17 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for localized removal of a metal from an area of a substrate, the system comprising:
an enclosure;
a eutectic salt;
a thermite;
an ignition material;
an electric circuit comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, and a power supply; wherein
the enclosure is configured to retain the eutectic salt in contact with the metal of the substrate, the first electrode is configured for electrical contact with the eutectic salt within the enclosure, the second electrode is configured for contact with the substrate, and the power supply is configured for application of a voltage between the cathode and the anode.