The reuse of reactive dye liquors using charged ultrafiltration membrane technology

Abstract

A closed-loop recycle system using a charged ultrafiltration membrane to decolourise reactive dye effluents from a textile yarn and fabric dyeing process is described. The economics of the process depend on the value of the electrolyte ($5 to $10 per M 3). Conventional reactive dyeing technology was examined and modified to facilitate dye liquor reuse. The performance of the membrane was examined in terms of electrolyte rejection, colour rejection and permeate flux under varying conditions of solution pH, ionic strength and operating pressure.