Q&A

Maximizing EDI With Liqui-Cel

Electrodeionization (EDI) is a cutting-

edge water treatment process that is now
used all over the world. While its become
the solution of choice for countless
operations, its not exactly worry-free to
utilize. When complications arise with
performance optimization, it can be
difficult to know where to turn.

To get more information on EDI and the

best conditions for implementing it,
Water Online spoke with Membranas
3M Separation and Purification Sciences
Division. We discussed EDIs nuts and
bolts, whats needed to achieve optimum
performance, and an innovative solution
thats helping water treatment operations
make the most of their technology.

How does the EDI process work?

EDI is an ion exchange system that utilizes
an electrical current to continuously
regenerate ion exchange resin, eliminating
the need for chemical regeneration. EDI
uses this resin media, in conjunction
with ion-selective membranes and a DC
current, to combine the electrodialysis
and ion exchange processes and remove
dissolved ionic impurities from liquid.

What are some of the most common

applications of EDI in the treatment
industry?
EDI is commonly used in water treatment
operations. Because EDI operates under
the same principles as conventional ion
exchange resin technology albeit as a
continuous process it can be and often
is applied by a wide range of operations
that need to remove ionic impurities from
influent.
What are the pretreatment
requirements for maximizing the
performance of an EDI unit?
There are different guidelines regarding
feed water requirements for EDI
equipment, but each manufacturer
stipulates some level of pretreatment.
For instance, there is an EDI feed limit for
silica of about 1 ppm. But CO2 should be
of particular focus for pretreatment before
entering an EDI unit, with a feed limit of
about 5 ppm.
How can CO2 interfere with the work of
EDI systems?
Excessive CO2 is the leading cause of
EDI systems not meeting their design
specifications. The gas dissociates in water,

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 Q&A

forming HCO3- and CO32-. These ionic species will add to the total
anionic load, potentially overloading the units anionic capacity and
leading to high product conductivity and higher levels of weakly-
charged ions like boron and silica in the product water.

EDI feed water pretreatment typically consists of softening and

filtration with a reverse osmosis (RO) system. These technologies can
effectively remove particles, TOC, ions, and dissolved minerals from
the water. Dissolved gases, however, are not effectively removed
with these technologies. Thats why its important to remove
dissolved gas from water before it enters an EDI system, and many
operations have turned to membrane contactors to do so.

What makes a membrane contactor the ideal solution for

removing dissolved gas from water?
Membrane contactors, particularly 3M Separation and Purification
Sciences Divisions Liqui-Cel Membrane Contactors, are widely
used to remove dissolved gas from water. They are hydrophobic
membranes which allow a gas and a liquid to contact each other
without mixing. By adjusting the pressure and
concentration of the gas in contact with the
liquid, it is possible to remove dissolved gases
from the liquid. For CO2 removal, a membrane
contactor system is typically designed to flow
water on one side of the membrane while
drawing room air into the device under a vacuum
on the other side.

What other qualities make the Liqui-Cel

Membrane Contactor an ideal solution?
The Liqui-Cel Membrane Contactor operates
in-line under pressure and doesnt require surge
tanks or transfer pumps. It can be installed
downstream of the RO and upstream of the EDI
unit.

To what level can the Liqui-Cel lower the

dissolved CO2 in a system?
By installing the Liqui-Cel downstream of the RO
and upstream of the EDI unit, it can lower the CO2 level to a range
of 1 to 5 ppm. It can also be designed to lower the dissolved CO2
to virtually any level, whatever is required by the water system in
question.

How does Liqui-Cel help an EDI system save on operating

costs?
As the ionic load of the water is decreased by the Liqui-Cel, the
power consumption of an EDI system can be reduced, and this
will in turn reduce the operating costs. Furthermore, lowering the
anionic load will improve the removal of the weakly-charged anions
like silica and boron.

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