Modelling the two-phase flow and current distribution along a vertical gas-evolving electrode

Abstract

The bubbly two-phase flow and electric current density distribution along a single, vertical, gas-evolving electrode are modelled and the results of a boundary layer analysis are presented. Existing empirical models for particle transport in sheared and sedimenting suspensions are adopted for the bubble mixture to close the two-phase model. Ionic species concentrations are shown to be essentially homogeneous as the mixing effect of the bubble suspension usually is much larger than dispersion by molecular diffusion even at laminar flow conditions. The non-uniformity of the bubble distribution along the electrode results in a non-uniform current density distribution, which agrees well with existing experimental findings in the literature.