The hydrodynamics in an electrolysis pilot-cell has been
modelled with the aim of upscaling the direct iron production
process based on the alkaline electrolysis of an iron oxide
suspension. Two dispersed phase flow involved in this threephase
process have been evaluated: the solid and the gas
phase hydrodynamics.The suspension flow characteristics are
evaluated from existing litterature, and available correlations
are applied to the case under study. The minimum velocity
required for transportation of finely ground iron oxide along
the cathode surface is fairly low, in the laminar regime,
corresponding to minimum pressure drop.The behaviour of
the oxygen phase produced on the anode is evaluated in at
two scales. First, the trajectory of a single bubble sliding on
the anode is depicted, predicting possible rising or dragging
of the bubbles as a function of its diameter. The gas-phase
pattern is then studied from litterature results for gas-liquid
flow in pipes. A separation of the gas phase from the liquid
is predicted, the lightest phase being in contact with the
upper part of the cell. Obtained results confirm the potential
of the selected design for transportation of particles and gas
recovery with low energy consumption.