Technical Report Writing
on
Electrolytic Process
Submitted by
Name: SUBHROJYOTI PANJA
Department: ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Semester: 8th
Roll Number: 16901619057
Department of Electrical Engineering
ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY
AEDCONAGAR, HOOGHLY-712121
WEST BENGAL, INDIA
Abstract:
Electrolytic process involves the use of electrical energy to drive a non-
spontaneous chemical reaction. In this process, an electric current is passed
through a solution or molten compound, causing ions to move towards the
electrodes and undergo reduction or oxidation. The electrolytic process has
widespread applications in industries such as metal refining, electroplating, and
production of chemicals. An electrolytic cell can only breakdown a typically
stable or inert chemical substance in solution with an external electrical potential
(i.e., voltage) of the proper polarity and adequate magnitude.
Introduction:
Electrolytic process is a chemical process that involves the use of an electric
current to bring about chemical changes in a substance. It is a widely used method
in the production of various materials, such as metals, plastics, and chemicals. In
this process, the substance to be modified is immersed in an electrolyte solution,
which is an electrically conductive liquid or gel. An electric current is then passed
through the electrolyte solution, causing the ions in the solution to move towards
the electrodes.
The electrolytic process is based on the principles of electrolysis, which is the
process of using an electric current to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction.
The process involves two electrodes, namely the anode and the cathode, which
are immersed in the electrolyte solution. The anode is the electrode where
oxidation takes place, while the cathode is the electrode where reduction takes
place. During the process, the ions in the solution move towards the electrodes
and undergo oxidation or reduction reactions.
One of the most common applications is in the production of metals such as
aluminum, copper, and zinc. In the case of aluminum, the process involves the
extraction of the metal from bauxite ore through the Hall-Héroult process, which
utilizes electrolysis to separate aluminum from other metals and impurities. This
process is energy-intensive, and therefore, improvements in the efficiency of the
electrolytic process are important for reducing the production costs of aluminum.
Procedure and Discussion:
Laws of electrolysis
The laws of electrolysis were formulated by Michael Faraday, who discovered
the relationship between electricity and chemistry. These laws govern the
electrolysis process and describe the quantitative relationship between the amount
of electricity passed through an electrolyte and the amount of chemical change
that occurs.
There are two main laws of electrolysis:
Faraday's First Law:
This law states that the amount of chemical change produced by a current passing
through an electrolyte is proportional to the quantity of electricity passed through
the electrolyte. This can be expressed mathematically as:
Q=Ixt
where Q is the amount of charge passed (in coulombs), I is the current (in
amperes), and t is the time (in seconds). This law implies that the amount of
chemical change produced by the current depends on the amount of charge that
passes through the electrolyte.
Faraday's Second Law:
This law states that the amounts of different elements deposited or liberated by a
given quantity of electricity passing through an electrolyte are proportional to
their respective chemical equivalent weights. This can be expressed
mathematically as:
W = (Q x E) / (n x F)
where W is the weight of the substance produced, Q is the charge passed, E is the
electrochemical equivalent (which is specific to each element), n is the number
of electrons involved in the reaction, and F is the Faraday constant (which is equal
to the charge on one mole of electrons). This law implies that the amount of
chemical change produced by the current depends on the chemical properties of
the electrolyte and the nature of the chemical reactions that occur at the
electrodes.
Overall, these laws describe the fundamental relationship between electricity and
chemical reactions in electrolysis, and they provide a framework for
understanding and predicting the outcomes of electrochemical processes.
Explain factors associated with electrolytic process.
There are several factors associated with the electrolytic process, which can affect
the efficiency and effectiveness of the process. Some of these factors include:
Electrolyte concentration: The concentration of electrolyte in the solution can
significantly affect the current efficiency and the rate of reaction. If the
concentration of electrolyte is too high, it can lead to excessive energy
consumption, while low concentration may result in incomplete reactions.
Temperature: Temperature plays a vital role in the electrolytic process. It can
affect the mobility of ions in the solution and, therefore, influence the reaction
rate. High temperatures generally lead to faster reaction rates but may also cause
undesirable side reactions.
Current density: The current density is defined as the current per unit area of
electrode surface. It can influence the reaction rate and the quality of the deposited
metal. High current densities can cause overheating and can lead to poor quality
deposits.
Electrode materials: The choice of electrode materials can affect the efficiency
and effectiveness of the electrolytic process. The electrode should be made of a
material that is resistant to corrosion and has good electrical conductivity.
pH: The pH of the solution can affect the reaction rate and the quality of the
deposited metal. It is essential to maintain a suitable pH range to ensure optimum
reaction conditions.
Stirring: Stirring of the solution is necessary to maintain a uniform concentration
of electrolyte and to facilitate the removal of gaseous products from the electrode
surface.
By carefully controlling these factors, it is possible to optimize the electrolytic
process and obtain high-quality deposits of the desired metal.
Electric power supplies for electrolytic processes.
Electrolysis is a method of using a direct electric current (DC) to drive an
otherwise non-spontaneous chemical reaction. Electrolysis is commercially
highly important as a stage in the separation of elements from naturally occurring
sources such as ores using an electrolytic cell. The voltage that is needed for
electrolysis to occur is called decomposition potential. Electrolysis is the passage
of a direct electric current through an ionic substance that is either molten or
dissolved in a suitable solvent, resulting in chemical reactions at the electrodes
and separation of materials.
One of the most common types of power supplies used in electrolytic processes
is the transformer-rectifier unit (TRU). The TRU converts alternating current
(AC) to DC by using a transformer and rectifier diodes. The DC voltage and
current can be adjusted by changing the transformer taps and using a variable
resistor in the circuit.
Another type of power supply used in electrolytic processes is the switch-mode
power supply (SMPS). This type of power supply uses high-frequency switching
to convert AC to DC. The advantage of SMPS is that it is more efficient than
TRU, produces less heat, and can be smaller in size.
In some cases, a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system may be
used to supply power to electrolytic processes located far from the power source.
HVDC transmission allows for the efficient and cost-effective long-distance
transport of electricity.
The choice of power supply depends on the specific electrolytic process, the
required voltage and current, and the availability of power. Factors such as power
quality, reliability, and safety must also be considered when selecting a power
supply for electrolytic processes.
Electrochemical equivalent
Electrochemical equivalent is a term used in electrochemistry to describe the
amount of a substance that is produced or consumed at an electrode during an
electrochemical reaction. The electrochemical equivalent is defined as the mass
of a substance that is deposited or evolved at an electrode when one coulomb of
electric charge is passed through an electrolyte.
The formula for electrochemical equivalent (ECE) can be expressed as:
ECE = m/Q
where, m = mass of substance deposited or evolved at an electrode Q = electric
charge passed through the electrolyte
The unit of electrochemical equivalent is grams per coulomb (g/C).
The electrochemical equivalent depends on the nature of the substance, the
electrode material, and the conditions of the reaction such as temperature,
concentration of the electrolyte, and applied potential. Electrochemical
equivalent is an important parameter in electroplating and electrolysis processes.
Example 1.
A copper refining plant employing 400 electrolytic cells carry current of 5000
Amperes with voltage per cell of 0.25 volts. Determine the energy
consumption per metric ton. The ECE of copper is 0.329 mg/C. If the plant
is working for 100 hours a week, find the annual yield. Also find the power
consumption in KWH/Ton.
Solution:
The time in seconds per year is t=100*52*3600
Using equation (25a) M=ECE*10^-3*I*t g/cell with I=5*10^3
M=0.329*5*100*52*3600/10^6 tons/cell =30.7944 tons/cell
Hence the annual output is 30.7944*400=12318 tons per annum
The power developed P=400*0.25*5*10^3 W=500 kW
The annual energy consumption = 500*100*52=2.6*10^6 kWh
This gives 2.6*10^6/12318 = 211 kWh/ton
Example 2.
Find the mass of Aluminium produced at a current of 3760A in a Vat in 24
Hours with current efficiency 71%. The atomic mass of Aluminium is 27 and
valency is 3. If Vat voltage is 7 Volt determine the energy needed to produce
1Kg of Aluminium.
Solution:
ECE of aluminium=27*10^3/(3*96500)=0.0933 mg/C
The mass deposited in 24 hours: M=0.0933*0.71*3760*24*3600/10^6
=21.5 kg
The energy consumed in 24 hours: V*I*10^-3*24 = 7*3.76*24 =631.68 kWh
Hence the energy needed to produce 1 kg of Aluminium =631.68/21.5
= 29.4 kWh/kg
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the electrolytic process is an essential industrial method for
producing various metals and chemicals with high purity and precision. The
process involves the use of electric current to decompose an electrolyte solution
into its constituent ions, which are then selectively discharged at the electrodes to
form new compounds. Electrolytic processes are widely used in the production
of aluminum, copper, zinc, and chlorine, as well as in the refining of precious
metals such as gold and silver. The process has numerous advantages over other
production methods, including low energy consumption, high purity products,
and the ability to recycle materials. However, electrolytic processes can be
expensive and require advanced technology, making them unsuitable for certain
applications. Overall, the electrolytic process is a valuable tool for modern
industrial processes and will likely continue to be so in the future.
References:
1. Art and Science of Utilization of Electrical Energy, H. Pratab, Dhanpat Rai
& co, 2017
2. Generation Distribution and Utilization of Electrical Energy, C.L.
Wadhwa. New Age International Publishers, 2015
3. sciencedirect.com
4. unacademy.com
