An Electrolytic Tank for Exploring Potential Field Distributions

Abstract

Two difficulties have commonly been experienced in the exploration of potential distributions in electrolytic tanks, when alternating current is used : (a) non-linear conduction due to polarization at the electrode surfaces¹, which becomes serious at very low potential differences or currents, and (b) corrosion of the electrodes causing the conducting path to assume a leading power factor², which increases with increasing current density. Both effects are greatly reduced by raising the working frequency ; but they are incompatible with one another if very fine probe electrodes are used. The effect of frequency on the non-linear conduction is illustrated in the accompanying diagram.