Production of sodium hypochlorite in an electrolyser equipped with a ceramic membrane

The electrochemical synthesis of sodium hypochlorite in a membrane electrol yser equipped with an alumina-zirconia ceramic membrane and comprising a ti tanium anode coated with cobalt oxide has been investigated. The current de nsity, sodium chloride concentration and solution flow velocity in the elec trode chambers of the electrolyser have been measured in order to establish how these parameters effect process efficiency. It was found that under op timal conditions the electrical current efficiency reaches 77%. An electric al energy expenditure of 2.4 KWth and a sodium chloride consumption of 3.1 kg per kg sodium hypochlorite produced have been recorded. The anti-corrosi on stability of the anode under various experimental conditions was also st udied.