Well, if my theory is supported by my results in testing, then there would have to be larger surface area on every cathode, and every cathode side of each neutral plate, than the anodes.
The Anodes would still get surface treatment but it would be different than that of the Cathode. This could be different sized shot used in the bead blaster, or only hand sanding of the anodes, while bead blasting the cathodes.
Anything that would make the cathodes have more surface area than the anodes. At least until a method could be developed to get it perfected.
I recently noted a huge difference in production based upon two things in a 3 plate - 2 gap wet cell.
1.) If the anode was a 50% smaller plate, than the cathode, the bubbles were larger and the flow was more energetic than if configured oppositely.
2.) It made a noticeable difference which way each powered plate faced the neutral plate. If the anode was facing a neutral against face 1, the bubbles were larger in the gap of the neutral/cathode. If the anode was flipped to face two (opposite side) the bubbles were uniform on each side of the neutral plate.
Still haven't figured that one out yet. Would this imply plate polarity? So does this mean each plate pairing across a gap within a cell must be tested and oriented for it best production, rather than just stacking them together and firing it up?
Why would simply flipping the anode from side 1, to side 2 change the production? In essence balance it out. Both plates were naked and bare SS.
Side one had large pencil eraser sized bubbles on the gap of the cathode, while normal small bubbles coming from the anode's side of the neutral plate. When the anode was flipped over the bubbles became even on both sides of the neutral plate.
All plates were arranged according to their grain, and cut from the same parent sheet. So why the change? Hmmm.
I guess I better call the university again.
Thoughts
On a side note: I am finally seeking my first ever patent! WOOT!
AND,...Im half way through my engineering degree! WOOT!