OPTIMIZATION OF THE ELECTROCOAGULATION PROCESS FOR REMOVAL OF CR (VI) USING TAGUCHI METHOD

The aim of this study was to optimize electrocoagulation process for removal of chromium (VI) using Taguchi method. An elecrtrocoagulation reactor with six parallel electrodes was used in this study. For this purpose, effects of 7 parameters such as electrode material, electric current, time of reactions, initial pH, initial voltage, initial chromium concentration and rpm of impeller (agitation intensity) in two different levels were studied. Model of "OA_32" of Taguchi experimental design method was used. Among the above-mentioned parameters, electric current and electrode material had highest effects and rpm of impeller had the lowest effect on the electrocoagulation performance. According to the obtained results, highest chromium removal (168.33 mg/L) observed in the following conditions: electric current=3A, time of reaction=20min, initial pH=4, initial voltage=6v, initial chromium concentration=400mg/L, rpm of impeller=0rpm and iron as electrode material