Damp Proofing: What is Electro Osmosis?
As there are many different types of damp and numerous kinds of properties in which they can occur, Twistfix supplies an extensive and diverse array of suitable solutions. In this edition of our blog, we're going to be looking in more detail at one of these solutions: electro osmosis damp proofing.
The principle of electro osmosis dates back to 1807, when German scientist Ferdinand Friedrich Reuss discovered that, by applying electric voltage to a piece of clay, water could be induced to flow through it. Over 100 years later, various other scientists around the world independently discovered that water could be transferred to a negatively-charged cathode from a positively-charged anode upon the application of electric potential. These discoveries were combined to create modern electro osmotic damp proofing systems.
Via a process of capillary action, in which water can migrate through pores in masonry, moisture rises into a masonry wall, creating electric potential between that wall and the ground below. Electro osmosis damp proofing systems interfere with this potential, thus depressing the rising of moisture.
The process of installing such a system begins with inserting platinum-coated anodes into stone, concrete or brick walls at regularly-spaced intervals. Using titanium wire, these anodes are connected to a cathode which, coated with copper, is buried in the ground below. A regulated power supply is then used to impart a small electric current throughout the wall.
The zone of positively-charged anodes works to repel free molecules of moisture. These molecules are subsequently attracted to the negatively-charged buried cathode, with the flow being initiated by ions with a positive charge, which carry the water along with them. The result is that excess fluid within masonry pores is driven downward away from the walls and absorbed harmlessly back into the ground.
Electro osmotic damp proofing systems are suitable for use in many different types of property but especially in those which have random stone walls or rubble-filled walls. They are also ideal for properties which have low-level timber floors, where they can easily be installed above floor joists.
Twistfix can supply everything required to create electro osmosis damp proofing installations, including titanium wire, cathodes, anodes, power units and crimp connectors. We also offer all of these products combined together in one comprehensive, cost-effective kit.
Please visit the product pages for full details about these products and get in touch with our team if you need expert technical advice. For regular updates from Twistfix, please subscribe to our email newsletter.