Removal of sulfate from chlor alkali brine by nano filtration
In the chlor alkali industry sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and chlorine gas (Cl2) are produced as a result from electrolysis of NaCl.
Industrial salt (NaCl) is consumed during the chlor-alkali process contains many impurities, including a big amount of sodium sulphate (Na2SO4), which can be up to 20 g/L. If the latter is not removed then it will accumulate and cause operational problems due to the fact that the sulphate ions (SO42-) have a negative effect on the plant’s Electrolyser.
The sulphate ions in the brine needs to be kept at low levels. During operation, the brine is continuously recycled from the membrane cells and salt recovery systems back to the saturation area, which progressively leads to more sulphate ions being dissolved and reaching concentrations that exceed the process limits.
Figure 1 – diagram of high temperature nanofiltration process for chloralkali brine treatment
The most technical and economical solution to remove sulphates from chlor alkali brine is through nanofiltration membrane technology. Nano filtration membranes can be chosen with high affinity to Na2SO4 rejection, allowing to recirculate the NaCl brine more effectively.
A common characteristic of the Chlor-alkali brine is the high temperature (as high as 70oC) which is characteristic to this process, as a result of the NaCl electrolysis.
Most of the nanofiltration membranes available in the market have a temperature limitation – typically 40-45oC). When these are used in Chlor alkali brine treatment, the brine shall be cooled down and heated up again after treatment, when recirculated back to the system.
Lenntech solution
Lenntech applies high temperature resistant Nano filtration membranes which remove sulfate from the NaCl brine at 70oC which allows:
Gain in energy consumption (no losses of heat)
The Sulfate free brine can be directly treated and used back in the process, without the need to heat exchangers to decrease and increase the temperature of the brine.
Lenntech solution advantages:
Lenntech solution can offer you the following advantages:
Lower cost of the system
High energy saving
High treated brine quality
Less chemical use for sulfate precipitation
Lenntech can design, engineer and build a Nano filtration system to treat your Chlor alkali brine, providing you the most technical-economical solution.
