Numerical Analysis and Experimental Validation of the Phenomenological Behavior in a Novel Electrochemical Disc Reactor

In the present paper, a novel electrochemical disc reactor characterized by high stacking density, precise control over electrode distance, and efficient mass transfer properties was constructed via stacking up multistage disc electrodes in a tubular reactor shell. Its design parameters, such as electrode spacing and diversion hole geometry, were systematically determined through a combination of numerical simulation and experimental validation. The investigation encompassed an analysis of fluid flow distribution, mass transfer performance, and electrochemical behavior on the anode surface. The analysis of flow behavior revealed distinctive velocity distribution patterns on the upper surface of the anode, including high-velocity regions around the inlet diversion hole and jet flow zones between adjacent diversion holes. Furthermore, the inlet volumetric flow, electrode distance, and the configuration of diversion holes exerted a significant effect on the flow behavior. The residence time distribution (RTD) curves depicted precisely the flow dynamical behavior in the disc reactor. The local mass transfer coefficient (k m ) on the anode surface, estimated with numerical simulation, demonstrated strong agreement with the results tested by limiting current experiments. The potential and current density distribution on the anode surface were relatively uniform. Therefore, our findings suggest that the electrochemical disc reactor exhibited an exceptional mass transfer and electrochemical performance.