Mathematical modeling of macrohomogeneous transport phenomena in ion-exchange membranes /

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Pillay, Gautam, 1967-
Other Authors: Griffin, Richard B. (degree committee member.), Nikolaou, Michael (degree committee member.), Ploehn, Harry J. (degree committee member.)
Format: Thesis Book
Language:English
Published: 1993.
Subjects:
Online Access:ProQuest, Abstract
Link to OAKTrust copy
Description
Abstract:The ionic transport phenomena occurring in perfluorinated ionomer membranes were investigated by the construction of several mathematical models. A model of a single-layer ion-exchange membrane was developed and used to simulate a separator in a chlorine-caustic electrolysis cell. The macrohomogeneous transport of multiple ions through the membrane was considered in this model, and equations describing a water dissociation reaction were included. Fixed parameters were used to generate concentration, potential, and pressure profiles inside the membrane. Several case studies using different model parameters were performed, and the obtained data were used to predict the membrane's responses under a variety of operating conditions. A maximum in the pressure distribution within the membrane was also predicted. In order to investigate the utility of process modeling software packages that solve complex coupled equations, the SPEEDUP process simulation software was also used to model this monolayer membrane separator. A comparison of the results obtained from this model to those obtained from the FORTRAN program was conducted. It was found that the SPEEDUP software could generate results that were identical to the FORTRAN code but only when the governing equations were written in a specific form. Therefore, the utility of this software is uncertain. The complex transport phenomena occurring in multiple-layer ion-exchange membranes have been discussed and modeled by a limited number of researchers, and their models often contain restrictive assumptions in order to simulate the specific system being modeled. Several approaches to the modeling of the ionic transport phenomena in multiple-layer membranes were reviewed, and the macrohomogeneous transport phenomena in a bilayer membrane separator used in a chlorine-caustic cell were modeled. This model contained the characteristic features of the monolayer membrane model described previously...
Item Description:Vita.
"Major subject: Chemical Engineering."
Physical Description:xii, 138 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm
Bibliography:Includes bibliographical references.