Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: Thomas6868 on 16/11/2020 10:02:45

Title: How do ions distribute over a large tanks with a liquid electrolyte?
Post by: Thomas6868 on 16/11/2020 10:02:45

Hi,

I am wondering how (Vanadium) ions distribute over large tanks with liquid electrolytes. Are they perfectly and instantly distributed? Or is it more similar to heat distribution over a certain medium?

I am asking regarding a vanadium solution that's gonna be charged and discharged in a flow battery. The solution is stored in large tanks (2000 litre). However, the input of the tank is at the top and the output halfway. So the question is of the solution at the bottom of the tanks will be charged and discharged as well.

Title: Re: How do ions distribute over a large tanks with a liquid electrolyte?
Post by: Bored chemist on 16/11/2020 11:34:38

It certainly isn't "instant".
How long it takes to mix is a difficult question.
With the setup you describe, the stuff at the bottom will stagnate unless the density of the solution as it returns to the tank is higher than the liquid in the tank (in which case you may have a different problem).
That doesn't seem likely.
Fitting a dip pipe for the output seems sensible, at least that way you get flow through the whole tank.
You might want to consider having a second pump that just pumps material rapidly through the tank to mix it.