Calculation of Current Density Distribution and Terminal Voltage for Bipolar Electrolyzers; Application to Chlorate Cells

Abstract

Criterion equations are derived to enable the calculation of voltage and local current densities in one cell of a bipolar chlorate electrolyzer. For the cell system, expressions for current losses due to parasitic currents are derived for two models (with common bubble separator channel or with bubble separator channels for each cell). The calculation includes also the determination of the circulation rate of electrolyte in the cell system. Finally, the influence of specific parameters on the terminal voltage, parasitic currents, and circulation rate of electrolyte is discussed.