Abstract

Theoretical considerations on electrocoagulation/fltation process

Author(s): Mohammad M.Emamjomeh*, Maryam Moradnia

This paper presents a general theoretical consideration of the electrocoagulation/- flotation (ECF) process with an electrochemicalmechanismoccurring in the reactor. To understand how the ECF process works it is important to discuss the mechanismof water electrolysis and other related chemical reactions. The first section presents a synthesis of the ECF technology and mechanism associated with water electrolysis. Several sections discuss information regarding the chemistry and kinetics of removing pollutantswhen three differentmechanisms including, electrode oxidation, gas bubble generation, and flotation and sedimentation of flocs formed, interact in the ECF processes. It was found that the kinetics of depollution follows the exponential law with time. Towards the end of this research, information regarding the basic equations is included to present a theoretical, aswell as empiricalmodel for prediction pollutant removal by the EC process. The chemical theory of batch reactor is used as the basis for development of the empiricalmodel in the following paper.