Effect of spacer thickness on the overall energy consumption of BPMED using ammonium sulfate solution

Student report (2023)

Authors

H.M. Mithaiwala Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Contributors

H. Spanjers Sanitary Engineering - CEG (supervisor 1)
J.B. van Lier Sanitary Engineering - CEG (supervisor 2)
D. Narayen Sanitary Engineering - CEG (coach)
Faculty
Civil Engineering & Geosciences
Copyright: © 2023 Hiteshree Mithaiwala
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Published Date

05-09-2023

Language

English

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Faculty

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Abstract

Removal of ammonium from simulated ammonium salt solutions was done using bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BPMED), without the use of chemicals. The effect of spacer thickness and open area on the overall energy consumption of BPMED to transport ammonium from the diluate was assessed in batch experiments. The electrochemical energy consumption decreased from 28 MJ/Kg-NH4+ to 16 MJ/Kg-NH4+ when the spacer thickness decreased from 750 μm to 140 μm.
The removal efficiencies of ammonium from the diluate increased from 77% to 85% when the spacer thickness decreased from 750 μm to 140 μm. These results show that with the increasing spacer thickness, the open area and porosity also increase, which accounts for higher resistance on the membrane stack. However, besides open area and porosity, it is the thickness of the spacer that plays a major role in higher energy consumption. This study demonstrated the energy-efficient application of BPMED for the removal of ammonium from simulated ammonium salt solutions.1