Specific electrical conductivity of K2SO4 electrolyte solution for nitrate production by air plasma electrolysis

Abstract

This research was conducted to determine the effect of conductivity of electrolyte solution K2SO4 on the energy consumed for plasma formation in air plasma electrolysis applied to the production of liquid nitrate fertilizer. The experimental parameters consist of various conductivity solutions. Difference the conductivity of the electrolyte solution K2SO4 is expressed by different concentrations (0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04 and 0.05 M). Batch reactor (10 cm diameter, 20 cm high) with stainless steel electrode as cathode (diameter 6 mm) and tungsten as anode (diameter 0.5 mm) were used by applying a continuous cooling system. At the moment observed at various voltages (40 – 400 V) for 20 seconds at each voltage. Energy consumption for vapor formation and release plasma was found to be higher at deeper positions anode. At the higher conductivity of the electrolyte solution, despite the energy consumption for the vapor formation was observed to be lower, the energy consumption for the depleted plasma was found to be higher.