Optimization of electrodialysis unit for partial desalination: Batch and continuous operation

Abstract

In recently few years, application of membrane technologies in sea water desalination is increased compared to other desalination technologies. Electrodialysis membrane technology is still limited in seawater desalination due to the high operation cost and its limitations for high salty water. Electrodialysis desalination cost is proportional to the amount of salt, which must be carried out through the membrane. Seawater desalination with high salt content of NaCl (42 g/L) was applied using IonTech electrodialysis unit. Partial desalination process was studied in two separate experiments, batch and continuous operation. Operation parameters like voltage applied, electrolyte concentration and time of desalination were studied under batch mode process. Continuous operation process was carried out to confirm the partial desalination process of electrodialysis. The limited current density is determined, 1.49 A/m2 and 1.15 A/m2 for theoretical and experimental, respectively. The specific energy consumption was calculated, 7.15 kWh/m3.