Optimization of specific energy consumption for Bomaplex Red CR-L dye removal from aqueous solution by electrocoagulation using Taguchi-neural method

Abstract

In this investigation, firstly, Taguchi method was applied to determine the optimum specific energy consumption (SEC) for dye removal from aqueous solution by electrocoagulation using aluminum electrodes. An orthogonal array (OA16) experimental design that allows to investigate the simultaneous variations of five parameters (Initial dye concentration, Initial pH of the solution, Supporting electrolyte concentration, Supporting electrolyte type and Current density) having four levels was employed to evaluate the effects of experimental parameters with two replicates. According to Taguchi-neural method, while the optimum conditions that dye removal efficiency equals to 62.71 % were found to be initial dye concentration 600 mg/L, initial pH of the solution 6, supporting electrolyte concentration 7.0 mM, supporting electrolyte type NaCl, and current density 0.10 mA/cm2. Under these optimum conditions, energy consumption is 0.38 kW h/m3. Alternatively, it can be said that optimum conditions can be modified as follows supporting electrolyte concentration of 10.0 mM and supporting electrolyte type CaCl2, for 600 mg/L, initial dye concentration initial pH of the solution 6, and current density 0.10 mA/cm2. Under these optimum conditions, SEC and dye removal efficiency are 0.45 kW h/m3 and 69.18 %, respectively.