Effects of Operation Conditions on the Apparent Rate Constant of Copper Removal in a Packed-Bed Electrolytic Reactor

The objectives of the present paper are to perform experimental work and formulate a mathematical model that describes the effect of the physical parameters which controls the reaction kinetics of the electrochemical removal of copper in a Packed-Bed Electrolytic Reactor. The reaction kinetics is intimately related to the optimum sizing of the reactor; as it enables the calculation of the residence time required to achieve a desired yield. The physical parameters under considerations were initial concentration of copper, intensity of the applied electric current, electrolyte flow rat e and pH(o). The mathematical model was validated using the obtained experimental results. The adequacy of the model was verified using ANOVA analysis. R square of the obtained model is 94%.