Economics of electrolytic processing

A mathematical model is developed for evaluating the profitability of electrochemical processes. Conditions favoring electrochemical processing are identified and a number of specific electrochemical processes evaluated. The types of electrochemical reactions which have been commercially successful are summarized. Several areas where improvements in technology or understanding will enhance the applicability of electrochemical processing are identified. Among these are development of low cost and low resistance electrolyzers, reactor design theory, and coupling of electrolytic processes with advanced separation techniques.