ON THE USE OF AN ELECTROCHEMICAL MEMBRANE MODULE FOR REMOVAL OF CO2 FROM A BREATHING GAS-MIXTURE

The performance of an electrochemical membrane module for removal of C O2 from a breathing gas mixture has been studied both experimentally a nd theoretically. The experimental results were obtained under various operating conditions whose effects, such as CO2 input rates and curre nt densities on the extent of CO2 separation, were studied. The observ ed experimental data gives good agreement with theoretical models deri ved. Simulation studies reveal that the gas phase mass transfer resist ances in both cathode, 1/k(Ag)(c), and anode, 1/k(Ag)(a) compartments are negligible. Transfer of CO2 for the electrochemical membrane modul e is mainly controlled by the resistances in the electrolyte solution: that is, absorption of CO2 in the cathode, diffusion and ionic migrat ion in the electrolyte solution, and evolution of CO2 in the anode are the controlling steps for the rate of CO2 transfer.