Modeling of a novel cascade-type electrocoagulation reactor using iron electrodes. Characterization of bubbling flow and coagulant dosage

•CFD simulations of H2OH2 flow and Fe3+ release in a continuous six-cell EC stack.•Current and potential distributions were slightly influenced by H2 bubbles.•H2 gas provoke turbulence in the H2OH2 system and decreases low velocities zones.•Experimental and simulations of residence time distribution showed close agreement.•The experimental Fe dissolution agrees well with CFD calculations.