Work

Experimental optimisation of waste-derived glycerol purification via electrodialysis under industrially relevant conditions

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The purification of synthetic and pre-treated impure glycerol from 2 nd generation biodiesel refineries is addressed to reduce the ash content below 1 % wt. Electrodialysis purification has been selected for its ability to selectively remove salts from the glycerol. First, synthetic glycerol-rich samples are tested to optimise cell voltage , membrane type and time on stream to achieve the target of 1 % wt. ash. After that, industrial pre-treated glycerol is used as a feed stream and compared. The comprehensive testing campaign demonstrated a recovery greater than 60 % with a glycerol purity greater than 82.2 % (wet and 90.4 % wt. dry basis) and ash content below 1 % wt. for 130–280 min and specific energy consumption ranging from 4.5 to 8.9 MWh∙m − ³ depending on the sample and conditions. to further decreases the ash content (below 0.5 % wt. corresponding to conductivity <2 mS∙cm −1 ) the energy requirement increases by almost three times confirming that while electrodialysis is a suitable technology for deeper waste stream purification, but energy supply and costs may hamper the implementation at scale.

Source: Biomass and Bioenergy

DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2024.107334

Authors: Taha Attarbachi, Kara Thomas, Martin Kingsley, Vincenzo Spallina

Institution: University of Manchester

Language: English

Topic: Membrane-based Ion Separation Techniques

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,150