Modeling and Hydraulic Characterization of a Filter-Press-Type Electrochemical Reactor by Using Residence Time Distribution Analysis and Hydraulic Indices

Abstract

Abstract Modeling and hydraulic characterization of a filter-press-type electrochemical reactor was studied by means of residence time distribution and hydraulic indices. For these purposes, a theoretical and approximation of residence time distribution experimental curves with axial dispersion model and Danckwerts’ boundary conditions, the Morrill dispersion index, the short-circuiting index, the Morrill volumetric efficiency index, and useful volume percent were used in order to establish deviation from plug-flow ideal, as well as dead volume, and the hydraulic efficiency. The hydraulic efficiency measure of the filter-press-type electrochemical reactor confirms uniformity of flow and a highly effective useful volume percent (91 %-98 % for all liquid flow rates tested). The axial dispersion coefficients computed (0.0005–0.0021 m2/s) indicates a small deviation of plug-flow ideal. Hence, the plug-flow reactor model is reliable for purpose modeling of the filter-press-type electrochemical reactor used in this research. Furthermore, hydrodynamic characterization of the tested filter-press-type electrochemical reactor by using hydraulic indices demonstrated its suitability for several electrochemical applications.