Evaluation of contact glow-discharge electrolysis as a viable method for steam generation

Abstract An experimental investigation concerning the nature of contact glow discharge electrolysis (CGDE) as a viable method for continuous generation of steam is presented. Current–voltage characteristics and non-uniform temperature distribution inside an electrolytic cell are reported for two different electrolytes, NaHCO 3 and NaCl, and for two concentrations of NaHCO 3 . Substantial increase in voltage and reduction in current are observed as the process transitions from normal electrolysis to contact glow discharge electrolysis as the electrolyte solution approaches its boiling temperature. A peculiar temperature distribution is observed which divides the cell into a high temperature region near the free surface of the electrolyte and a low temperature region near the bottom of the cell. It is shown that CGDE can be used to generate steam continuously with steam generation efficiencies of the order of 80%. The present process can be extended to generate steam efficiently using a variety of liquid wastes.