Abstract
H2 bubbles produced at the cathode are beneficial for improving mass transfer within a batch electrocoagulation (EC) reactor. Increasing the thickness of the electrolytic bubble layer along the vertical electrode affects the distribution character of the oil concentration. This study aimed to explore oil removal from three layers relative to a series of vertically distributed aluminum electrodes; this type of exploration is crucial to understanding the demulsification process. The four factors of the initial pH, temperature and concentration of sodium chloride and the surfactant were investigated. Most micrometer-sized oil droplets on Layer A were obviously removed within the first 4 min, regardless of the sewage quality. The optimal pH value was 7.0, and the optimal NaCl concentration was 2 g L−1, which were demonstrated by the improvement in the overall demulsification performance. An increase in the emulsion temperature reduced oil removal from Layer C. Improvement in the oil removal efficiency of both Layer B and C was found to be crucial to the support of the overall demulsification process within the EC reactor. This result forms the basis for the industrial design of EC reactors and a way to determine its capacity in a variety of situations.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
