Application of the experiment design method to the study of the performance of the electrochlorination cells Original Research Article

On the one hand, a study of the effects of some parameters on the active chlorine production from sodium chloride aqueous solutions in hypochlorite production electrochemical cells was undertaken. These varying parameters included the following: the ratio of anodic and cathodic surface areas (AA/CA), the inter-electrode distance, and the type of the cathode used. On the other hand, a study of the performance of some electrochemical cells that differ in the type of anode (platinum-coated titanium, ruthenium oxide-coated titanium, and graphite) was realized. By means of “experiment design” method employing a full factorial of 23, the effects of the most affecting parameters, the setup of optimum conditions, and the formation of optimal concentration of active chlorine were assessed. Under the following conditions, a concentration of as high as 65.67 g/L of active chlorine was gained: ruthenium oxide-coated titanium anode (AA = 24 CMZ); titanium cathode AA/AC = 1.33; inter-electrode distance 0.5 cm; current density 35 A/cm2; temperature 20°C; concentration of NaCl aqueous solution 3 M; time 2 h.