Lorentz force influence on momentum and mass transfer in natural convection copper electrolysis

Momentum and mass transfer during copper electrolysis in a small cell can be significantly influenced by Lorentz forces. Depending on the magnetic field configurations, a multitude of flow fields with an accordingly large range of mass transfer conditions can be arranged. The moderate magnetic field of simple permanent magnets placed behind the electrodes, although its action is limited to the vicinity of the electrodes, is able to promote convection in the whole cell. The interplay of Lorentz and buoyancy forces is substantial for the resulting flow structure.