Multiphysics Model of a Fluorine Electrolysis Cell

• Published in: Chemical engineering & technology 2017-05, Vol.40 (5), p.854-861
• Main Authors: Vukasin, Julien, Crassous, Isabelle, Morel, Bertrand, Sanchez-Marcano, José
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bubbles; Chemical and Process Engineering; Computer simulation; Construction; Consumption; Cooling systems; Electrodes; Electrokinetics; Electrolysis; Electrolytic cells; Engineering Sciences; Fluorine; Gaseous fluorine; Heat transfer; Hydrogen fluoride; Mass transport; Modeling; Molten salts; Solidification; Transport; Two‐phase flow
• ISSN: 0930-7516; 1521-4125
• DOI: 10.1002/ceat.201600591

Fluorine production results from the electrolysis of hydrogen fluoride‐based molten salts. This process involves several intimately related phenomena, including two‐phase flow, species transport, electrokinetics, and heat transfer. A multiphysics model was built in order to fully simulate this process and simulation results are compared to experimental data. The emphasis is placed on the process of solidification of the electrolyte on the cooling system and on mass transport close to the cathode. A complex link between bubble generation at the electrodes and species consumption has been highlighted. Gaseous fluorine production is fundamental for the nuclear industry as it is used to produce uranium hexafluoride. A model was built to simulate the main phenomena involved in fluorine electrolysis. Experiments were carried out and comparisons with simulated results were drawn to validate the model. It was then possible to better understand the species transport close to the electrode surfaces.