Electric potential field calculations for the FCF mark-IV electrorefiner

摘要

The electric potential field and resulting current densities are studied for the FCF Mark-IV electrorefiner during the direct transport mode of operation. The results are used in estimating primary current distributions and ohmic resistances between components of the electrorefiner for various cell configurations. Each configuration is analyzed for operation with a single power supply, dual anodes and serial cathodes, and dual power supplies. The effect of cathode deposit growth from a bare mandrel to a 10" diameter cylinder is also studied. A comparison of the calculated results with data from initial electrorefiner experiments in direct transport mode indicates a good agreement for cell resistance and reference electrode readings at the beginning of an experiment. The difference between the calculated results and experimental data provides information regarding overpotentials that form on the surfaces of the electrorefiner components.