THE BEHAVIOR OF PACKED-BED ELECTRODE REACTOR

A generalized reaction-diffusion model for packed-bed electrode reactor is developed. Model equations include an elliptical PDE and a parabolic PDE describing two dimensional potential and concentration distributions and an algebraic equation showing the relations between reaction and mass transfer rates. This model can be used for heterogeneous reaction systems of mass transfer controlling, reaction controlling and for those affected by both. Strategies for numerical solution are also discussed. Cathodic reduction of K3Fe(CN)6 is carried out in a 0.03m x 0.06m x 0.15m rectangular electrode reactor packed with graphite particles. Eight laterally movable potential probes, each mounted at a certain altitude, are installed for potential distribution measurement. Model prediction agrees well with the experimental data at various operating conditions. This model has been applied for designing a pilot reactor for electrochemical reduction of nitrobenzene to produce p-aminophenol.