Typical Service Life
Titanium anodes (typically coated with precious metal oxides like RuO₂-IrO₂) used in chlorine electrolysis cells generally have a lifespan of 3–8 years under normal operating conditions. High-performance coatings (e.g., RuO₂-IrO₂-Ta₂O₅) can last over 10 years with optimized process parameters.
Key Factors Affecting Anode Lifespan
Coating Composition: RuO₂-IrO₂ coating: Standard choice, lasts 4–6 years, but degrades faster at high current densities. RuO₂-IrO₂-Ta₂O₅ coating: Enhanced corrosion resistance, extending lifespan by 20–30%.
Electrolysis Conditions: Current density: Exceeding design limits (e.g., >4 kA/m²) accelerates degradation. Temperature: High temps (>80°C) increase coating wear. Brine quality: Impurities (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, sulfates) cause scaling or coating corrosion. pH levels: Extreme acidity/alkalinity (pH <2 or >10) reduces stability.
Operation & Maintenance: Reverse current: Power failure without proper shutdown can strip the coating. Regular acid cleaning: Removes scale but excessive cleaning damages the coating.
Design Factors: Anode structure: Mesh anodes distribute current more evenly than plate anodes, improving longevity. Coating process: Plasma-sprayed coatings last longer than brush-applied ones.
Signs of Anode Degradation
Increased cell voltage (15–20% rise indicates coating deactivation).
Reduced chlorine efficiency (more side reactions like oxygen evolution).
Physical damage (coating peeling, exposed titanium substrate).
How to Extend Anode Life
Pre-treat brine: Ensure Ca²⁺+Mg²⁺ <10 ppb, suspended solids <1 ppm.
Optimize current density: Maintain 2–3 kA/m².
Regular inspections: Check coating condition every 3–6 months.
Use high-performance coatings: Higher IrO₂ content (≥30%) improves durability in harsh conditions.
Industry Benchmarks
Chlor-alkali plants: 5–7 years in diaphragm cells, 8–10 years in membrane cells.
Sodium hypochlorite generators: 2–3 years due to intermittent operation and poor brine quality.
Choose Reliable Titanium Anodes from N.W. HENGYI METAL
At N.W. HENGYI METAL, we specialize in high-performance titanium anodes for chlorine electrolysis, offering: ✔ Custom coatings (Ru-Ir, Ru-Ir-Ta, and other advanced formulations). ✔ Robust designs for extended service life in harsh conditions. ✔ Technical support to optimize your electrolysis process.
Upgrade your electrolysis efficiency with durable, cost-effective anodes—contact us today for a consultation!
🔗 www.nwhengyimetal.com
✉ nwhengyimetal@gmail.com
📞 +86 13891704215