Computational fluid dynamic simulations of turbulent flow in a rotating cylinder electrode reactor in continuous mode of operation

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were carried out for single-phase flow in a rotating cylinder electrode reactor (RCE) in a continuous operation mode. Velocity profiles and streamlines were obtained solving the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations with the k − ε turbulence model. Residence time distribution (RTD) was obtained solving the averaged diffusion-convection equation. Two configurations of RCE, varying the position of the electrolyte flow inlet and flow exit, were tested. Good agreement of simulations with experimental RTD was obtained. A constant rotational speed of 300 rpm (peripheral velocity of 59.7 cm s−1, Re = 22682) at the RCE surface was employed. Velocity profiles, streamlines, and RTD are obtained at different volumetric flow rates ranging from 0.1 to 0.8 L min−1. The flow behavior shows the presence of recirculation zones, being less important for the configuration where the electrolyte inlet is situated at the bottom of the reactor, and the electrolyte outlet is set at the top of the reactor wall surface. The extent of recirculation zones increases with increasing flow rate.