Use of CFD Tools to Design and Evaluate Tubular Baffles in an Electrochemical Reactor for the Removal of Hexavalent Chromium
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study evaluates the effect of mixing conditions on the electrochemical reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The research focuses on optimizing the internal geometry of the reactor, particularly the arrangement of tubular baffles, to improve flow patterns and minimize energy consumption. CFD simulations indicate that the configuration with eight tubular baffles provides the best hydrodynamic performance by promoting axial flow, improving mixing efficiency, and reducing homogenization energy by up to 50 % compared to the case with four baffles. Experimental results confirm that Cr(VI) removal efficiency exceeds the predictions of Faraday's law, with treatment times decreasing by up to 20 min as agitation speed increases. Energy consumption analysis shows that the optimum balance between mixing energy and electrode power consumption is achieved at 300 rpm, resulting in a 13 % reduction in total energy consumption compared to previous studies. These results highlight the critical role of reactor geometry in electrochemical processes and provide a more energy efficient approach for wastewater treatment applications.
DOI: 10.3303/cet25120044
Authors: Jesús E. Lugo-Hinojosa, Juan A. Yañez-Varela, Sergio A. Martínez-Delgadillo, Víctor X. Mendoza-Escamilla, Israel Gonzales-Neria, Alejandro Alonzo-Garcia
Language: English
Topic: Fluid Dynamics and Mixing
Subfield: Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes
Field: Chemical Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $545
OpenAlex ID: W7108248570