MELPRIN · Next generation turbulent multiphase CFD modelling for the electrochemical process industries
FP6 — Marie Curie Actions (Human Resources and Mobility)
- Duration
- 2008-12-15 → 2011-12-14
- EU contribution
- €270,062
- Participants
- 2
- Scheme
- OIF
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Results in brief
Final Activity and Management Report Summary - MELPRIN (Next generation turbulent multiphase CFD modelling for the electrochemical process industries)
Sodium chlorate electrochemical production is a large industry (over 3 million tons produced each year worldwide) with high power consumption (5-6 kWh/t NaClO3) and, because of the current rising energy costs, this sector is now looking for energetically more cost-effective solutions. At the moment, the main source of inaccuracy in the modelling of these types of systems comes from a poor description of the hydrodynamics. For this reason, we developed a more accurate computer model where the hydrodynamics is calculated directly from the equations of motion. The results show the existence of new flow patterns different from those previously assumed in the design of electrochemical cells. The model was then implemented in OPENFOAM, an Open Source hydrodynamic code, and represents now a valuable tool for the design of these types of systems.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
The chlorate process and the chlor-alkali process are just two examples of widely-used industrial processes in which electrochemical reactions, occurring at the surfaces of electrodes immersed in baths of liquid electrolyte, give rise to gas bubble evolution, which in turn leads to the turbulent flow of the electrolyte. The operation of such cells and reactors is far from optimal, leading in most cases to excessive energy consumption and environmental pollution. Optimization of such complex systems requires a fundamental understanding of the interaction of the physical phenomena mentioned above. This proposal concerns the appointment of a research fellow to develop theoretical models for the turbulent, multiphase flows of the type that occur in such electrochemical processes.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- KUNGL TEKNISKA HöGSKOLAN · STOCKHOLMCoordinatorCity levelSweden
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS · ST. LOUIS, MISSOURICountry levelUnited States
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union