Electrochemical incineration of vinasse in filter-press-type FM01-LC reactor using 3D BDD electrode.

This work shows results obtained in the electrochemical incineration of a synthetic vinasse with initial chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 75.096 g L(-1) in aqueous media (which resembles vinasse industrial wastewater). Electrolyses in a filter-press-type FM01-LC electrochemical reactor equipped with a three-dimensional (3D) boron doped diamond electrode (BDD) were performed at Reynolds values between 22 <or= Re <or= 109, and a fixed current density of 10 mA cm(-2). The electrochemical incineration achieved up to 97% in vinasse mineralization with current efficiencies that surpass unity and energy consumption of 168 KW-h m(-3), at Re =109. The mineralization of vinasse indicates that such degradation occurs via hydroxyl radicals formed by the oxidation of water on the BDD surface. Experimental data revealed that hydrodynamic conditions slightly influence the vinasse degradation rate and current efficiency, indicating that the oxidation involves a complex pathway. IWA Publishing 2008.