Current distribution in a chlor-alkali membrane cell: experimental study and modeling

Observations via a video camera of the behavior of the bubbles produced in a chlor-alkali membrane cell with parallel-plate electrodes during sodium chloride electrolysis allowed us to justify the use of 1D model for the calculation of current density distribution. Experimental current density measurements were determined using segmented electrode method. The modeling was done in the case of secondary distribution. It takes into account the effective conductivity of gas-liquid mixture. Solving the modified Laplace equation was undertaken using commercial finite element method software. The numerically computed curves and the experimental measurements are in a good agreement.

We investigate the effects of a range of mean current densities (2950, 3350, 3780, 4200 and 4600 A m–2) on the current density distribution at the electrodes. The liquid flow velocity was 15.2 for anolyte and 16.8 cm s–1 for catholyte. Figs. 6 The model developed to describe the current density distribution of the FM01-LC in operation by use of finite element method software is in good agreement with the experimental results. Therefore, the reported mathematical model (a) (a) (b) (c) j (A m-2) j (A m-2) (b) (c) (d) (d) inlet outlet 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1 0.12 0.14 0.16 inlet 0.18 x (m) Fig. 6. Current density distribution at the anode; co-current flow, va = 15.2 cm s–1, vc = 16.8 cm s–1 J = 4600 A m–2; (a) experimental curve; (b) calculated curve; J = 3350 A m–2; (c) experimental curve (d) calculated curve.