Membrane-based zero liquid discharge: Myth or reality?
Journal
Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers
Journal Volume
80
Pages
192-202
Date Issued
2017
Author(s)
Abstract
The environmental impacts of brine disposal from seawater desalination plants and wastewater treatment plants represent a subject of growing concern; thus, determining the potential applicability of zero liquid discharge (ZLD) for water treatment is crucial. Membrane-based technologies are a potentially attractive strategy that can be used to reach this goal. Recent studies have highlighted that integrating a series of membrane processes is a viable approach to achieving ZLD for industrial use. However, a relatively limited number of reports have been published on the challenging problems encountered with ZLD approaches. Here, we provide a review of membrane processes that may be used in ZLD approaches and describe their problems as well as potential solutions and innovative technologies for improving their performance. Furthermore, the energy consumption of the different approaches is calculated and analyzed because it represents a major contributor to the total cost, and investments in innovative technologies are discussed. Finally, the prospects for membrane-based ZLD and further research are highlighted. ? 2017 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers
Subjects
Energy consumption
Membrane crystallization
Membrane distillation
Membrane-based
Zero liquid discharge (ZLD)
Other Subjects
Desalination; Distillation; Energy utilization; Environmental impact; Innovation; Investments; Liquids; Membranes; Wastewater disposal; Wastewater treatment; Water treatment; Attractive strategies; Membrane crystallization; Membrane distillation; Membrane-based; Membrane-based technology; Seawater desalination plants; Wastewater treatment plants; Zero liquid discharges; Membrane technology
Type
journal article