Nature identification and morphology characterization of anion-exchange membrane fouling during conventional electrodialysis.

The aim of this work was to study the effect on the fouling of anion-exchange membranes (AEM) of (1) the pH value of the concentrate solution and (2) the composition in calcium, carbonate, and protein of the diluate solution to be treated by conventional electrodialysis. It appeared that after demineralization of solutions containing CaCl(2) using a concentrate solution maintained at a pH value of 7 or 12, mineral fouling appeared on the AEM surface in contact with the concentrate. The mineral deposits presented a cylindrical filament shape for conditions with a concentrate solution pH value of 7, while, for a pH value of 12, the mineral deposit had a crumbly and spongy texture formed by irregular aggregates. The nature of the fouling was identified as a calcium phosphate with or without calcium hydroxide. In addition, gel-like protein fouling was detected on the AEM surface in contact with the diluate after demineralization procedures using a concentrate pH value of 2 or 7, regardless of the mineral composition of the diluate.