SIMPLE-MODELS FOR DIAPHRAGM-TYPE CHLORINE CAUSTIC CELLS .1. DYNAMIC BEHAVIOR

A simple model of the dynamic behavior of a diaphragm-type chlorine/caustic cell is presented. The model is based upon measurable diaphragm properties and the mass transfer of hydroxyl ion through the diaphragm. The anolyte is modeled simply as a region in which the OH** minus ion concentration is fixed, the diaphragm is modeled as a plug-flow reactor with an electrochemical reaction occurring at the catholyte/diaphragm interface where the cathode is placed, and the catholyte is modeled as a completely stirred flow reactor. Analytical integration of the governing equations for these models yields two mathematical expressions: one for the concentration distribution of hydroxyl ion within the diaphragm and one for the effluent concentration.