1/2/2023 0 Comments Silica water![]() It is almost always more cost-effective to properly maintain membrane filtration units than to remediate fouling that has already occurred. There are a number of consequences of membrane fouling, including reduced efficiency of the separation process, as well as premature membrane failure. Membrane fouling is a situation where silica particles accumulate in the pores or on the surface of membranes, ultimately obstructing the normal flow of water through the membrane. Under the right conditions, however, silica has a tendency to adsorb to surfaces, including RO and filtration membranes. Membrane fouling The problem:Ĭertain membrane technologies are effective for colloidal and dissolved silica removal, including both nanofiltration and reverse osmosis. Doing so ensures that calcium and/or magnesium that is also present in the stream won’t precipitate during a cycle, and interfere with the IX silica removal process. To prevent resin fouling and leakage, facilities should carefully monitor IX treatment cycles, and follow manufacturer’s recommendations to properly regenerate IX resins.Īdditionally, softening can be used as a pre-treatment ahead of IX silica removal. Improper application of caustics during regeneration cycles is a primary cause of silica scaling on IX resins and equipment. When deployed properly, however, IX offers the most complete removal of ionic silica comparative to other treatment technologies.ĭuring the normal course of use, an IX system will need to be maintained through a resin regeneration step. IX can be a delicate process to manage, especially for selective silica removal. Polymerized silica forms a gel that is messy to clean, and can foul IX resins by remaining attached to exchange sites, compromising performance in future cycles. Additionally, the lower pH of the IX system encourages polymerization of silica molecules. As the cycle proceeds, however, the resin is exhausted, the pH drops, and the silica detaches from the resin, flowing out in the effluent in increasing concentrations in what is known as leakage. During a service cycle, the freshly regenerated SBA resin has a high enough pH to ensure that silica remains ionized, and able to bind with hydroxide exchange sites on the resin. ![]() Maintaining proper pH is a major factor in effectiveness of IX silica removal. Indeed, SBA exchange is effective for reactive silica removal, although facilities can run into problems such as IX resin fouling and silica leakage if the process isn’t carefully managed. Removal of ionic silica (present as silicic acid) is most often accomplished by a strong base anion (SBA) exchanger. Silica is less reactive than most other ions, making it tricky to deploy selective treatment approaches like ion exchange (IX). IX resin fouling and silica leakage The problem: ![]() Chemical feeders and sludge handling components used in lime softening systems should be of adequate capacity to handle silica removal even when feed stream concentrations are at their highest. #Silica water full#When designing a raw water treatment system, be sure that you have a full understanding of how your source or feed water may fluctuate throughout the year. The solution:Īvoiding problems due to variable silica levels comes down to smart planning. Excess silica in the effluent can cause a number of issues, such as inadequate process water quality, wastewater treatment challenges, as well as potential damage to downstream equipment due to scaling and fouling. A problem known as silica leakage occurs when silica levels rise beyond the capacity of a facility’s raw water treatment system and break through into the effluent. Ground, surface, and well waters can contain variable concentrations of silica depending on seasonal changes in the environment. Seasonal variations in silica content The problem: In this article, we’ll look at how issues such as silica fouling, scaling, and leakage can crop up, as well as some solutions to help prevent or mitigate their effects. ![]() #Silica water how to#No matter what technology is used, it can pay to look out for some common problems removing silica from industrial water and how to avoid them. Silica removal and reduction technologies are an important component of many raw water treatment and process water treatment trains. ![]()
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