A Modified Constriction Model for the Resistivity of a Bubble Curtain on a Gas Evolving Electrode

Abstract

At gas evolving electrodes, the bubble curtain at the electrode surface contributes to the voltaic inefficiencies of the electrolyzer. Consequently, the structure of the bubble curtain and its effect on electrolyte resistivity is of practical importance. In order to predict the resistance of the bubble curtain several models have been suggested in the literature. Three‐dimensional models provide an adequate prediction of the resistance of dilute bubble curtains with monolayer gas voidages less than 0.55. This paper proposes a two‐dimensional constriction model of a dense bubble curtain which is modified to account for a three‐dimensional dispersed phase within the monolayer. The resulting mathematical expression behaves properly in the limits of voidage and its prediction agrees well with the limited available data.