LOCAL MASS-TRANSPORT EFFECTS IN THE FMOI LABORATORY ELECTROLYZER

A number of patterns of segmented line electrodes have been manufactured using copper printed circuit board technology. These segmented electrodes have been used to investigate local mass transport effects in ICI's FM01-LC parallel plate electrolyser. It is shown that in the absence of a turbulence promoter the current distribution is uneven. Along the direction of electrolyte flow. a tertiary current distribution is observed. In addition, close to the cell entrance, an uneven current distribution occurs perpendicular to the direction of electrolyte flow, this reflects the design of the electrolyte distributor. With a turbulence promoter the current distribution is more even and the entry effects are much reduced. The turbulence promoter can, however, impose its own pattern on the current distribution perpendicular to the flow.