A number of ways have been proposed for increasing the ppm of EIS. Re-electrolysis following a stabilization period (of about a day or so) seems to be a well-established method now.
Removal of water has been proposed, but there are drawbacks to this. Evaporation at high temperature, i.e. above about 120 degrees Fahrenheit, tends to cause agglomeration of silver sediments. Evaporation at low pressure, i.e. vacuum condensation, requires elaborate equipment. Evaporation followed by condensation on a cold surface would seem to require elaborate refrigerating equipment, too. Or does it? As the 4th of July approaches, many of us will prepare cold drinks and preserve perishables using disposable styrofoam ice chests with high-capacity heat sinks such as Rubbermaid Blue Ice instead of regular water ice. Such styrofoam ice chests can cost about two dollars and hold about two gallons. The high-capacity heat sinks are re-useable indefinitely. Just put them back in the kitchen freezer. Suppose such an ice chest were perforated in the center of its bottom with a neat hole just wide enough to pass a bottle stem with a fluted profile (i.e. a typical large wine bottle.) EIS could be put in the bottle, and the bottle on a low-watt heat source such as is used for thermal stirring. The perforated ice chest could be pressed down on the stem of the bottle, forming a seal. If the ice chest were supported at its ends properly, frozen heat sinks (like Rubbermaid Blue Ice) could be placed in the chest, and the lid put on top This apparatus should draw moisture out of the EIS, increasing the ppm without agglomerating the silver. It might take a lot of time, but could run safely overnight. It would cost much less than a specially adapted refrigerator. It might be worth the extra and effort for some EIS applications such as nebulization. In any case, have a great July 4th! Matthew
