Mathematical modeling of an electrolysis Mathematical modeling of an electrolysis Mathematical modeling of an electrolysis process using ion exchange membrane in the chlor-alkali industry
Abstract:
A two-compartment membrane electrolysis cell is used to convert sodium chloride into sodium hydroxide and chlorine gas. The cells are equipped with AZEC membranes from Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. (Japan). Due to the transfer of sodium ion through the membrane, this transfer decreases current efficiency. The study of current efficiency varies either sodium hydroxide concentration or sodium chloride at each temperature. Correlation of sodium transport can relate with sodium hydroxide concentration under sodium chloride concentration above 220-g/lit and constant temperature at 90 ํC. Water transfer through membrane is due to electroosmosis. It appears that sodium transport ion migrates through the membrane with about 3.5 moles of water per mole of sodium ion. Using material balance, current efficiency data and water transfer data obtained in process develops modeling of a continuous feed process in the steady state mode at 90 ํC. The model predictions agree well with operation results with error less than 3.70%. In cascade operation, it was found that the cascade operation does not reduce the electric power consumption within the range of study.