Apparatus for the removal of chloride from reinforced concrete structures

An integrated, regeneratable and reusable anode assembly for removing chloride ions from a reinforced concrete structure, comprising:

• a flexible metal anode;
• a flexible and porous, multi-component electrolyte sheet, with said anode being immersed in said electrolyte sheet;
• a component of cellulosic fibers in said flexible and porous, multi-component electrolyte sheet;
• a synthetic, polymeric component in said flexible and porous, multi-component electrolyte sheet;
• an electrolyte solution disposed uniformly within said flexible and porous, multi-component electrolyte sheet;
• means for releasibly adhesively adhering said integrated anode assembly to said concrete structure when said anode assembly is at least substantially conformed to the surface configuration of said concrete structure, whereby said assembly can be removed from said concrete structure, regenerated and reused;
• and
• means to establish an electric current between said anode and the reinforcement of said concrete structure;
• wherein said electrolyte sheet has an amount of said cellulosic fiber component and said synthetic, polymeric component sufficient to maintain said electrolyte solution substantially uniformly dispersed within said electrolyte sheet for a prolonged period when said assembly is on an angle other than horizontal;
• and
• wherein said anode and multi-component electrolyte sheet are at least substantially conformable to the surface configuration of said concrete structure.