Mass transfer conditions in an electrochemical cell in the presence of turbulence promoters

Abstract

The presence of turbulence promoters in an electrochemical cell increases the intensity of local turbulence, which enhances the limiting current density and, consequently, mass transfer coefficients. The regularity of their geometrical configuration induces a pseudo-uniformity of the spatial distribution of local transfer coefficients. Limiting current data were obtained at point electrodes fixed on the cathode support plate for the system: CuSO4 - H2SO4 The improvements in mass transfer coefficients resulting from the presence of turbulence promoters is assessed. The effect of flow rate, promoter height and promoter spacing on mass transfer coefficient has been studied. The average mass transfer coefficient nas derived from the experimental data and correlated to various operating conditions by the equation: J(D) = C Re-0.87 (S/H)(-0.15).