Analysis of fouling mechanism and prevention works of electrodialysis with bipolar membrane processes: Leachate sample

Electrodialysis with bipolar membrane process is a membrane process, which the applications for wastewater treatment is increasing. EDBM process is an electrochemical process that provides treatment and recovery at the same time. In this process, ion exchange (anion, cation ? exchange and bipolar) membranes can be used. Besides the wastewater treatment applications by bipolar membrane; the production of acid and base can be also acquired. The most important problem of EDBM process, like other membrane processes, is fouling of the ion exchange membranes. In this study, EDBM reactor was operated with a pre-treated middle-aged leachate water to determine and prevent the fouling mechanism of the ion exchange membranes. The pre-treatment of middle-aged leachate water is achived by ultrafiltration process and subsequently 5 stage ion exchanger. Thus, particles, ionic contaminants and components caused hardness which that can damage the EDBM system and 40 % of COD were removed. 73 % of COD and 86 % of conductivity have been removed by EDBM process. In order to determine the structures causes pollution, SEM analysis?s were carried out on membranes. As a result of these analysis?s, it is determined that elements of oxygen and calcium caused the pollution. 3 different cleaning studies were carried out for the removal of these pollution. These are the opposite binding of poles, the physical and chemical cleaning. The best yield was obtained by physical cleaning.