Application of Modeling to the Development of an Electrochemical Pilot Cell

Abstract

The hydrodynamics in an electrolysis pilot-cell has been modelled with the aim of upscaling the direct iron production process based on the alkaline electrolysis of an iron oxide suspension. Two dispersed phase flow involved in this threephase process have been evaluated: the solid and the gas phase hydrodynamics.The suspension flow characteristics are evaluated from existing litterature, and available correlations are applied to the case under study. The minimum velocity required for transportation of finely ground iron oxide along the cathode surface is fairly low, in the laminar regime, corresponding to minimum pressure drop.The behaviour of the oxygen phase produced on the anode is evaluated in at two scales. First, the trajectory of a single bubble sliding on the anode is depicted, predicting possible rising or dragging of the bubbles as a function of its diameter. The gas-phase pattern is then studied from litterature results for gas-liquid flow in pipes. A separation of the gas phase from the liquid is predicted, the lightest phase being in contact with the upper part of the cell. Obtained results confirm the potential of the selected design for transportation of particles and gas recovery with low energy consumption.