Pilot scale membrane separation of electroplating waste water by reverse osmosis

Xijun Chai, Guohua Chen, Po-Lock Yue, Yongli Mi

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

68 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Electroplating waste water containing copper was treated by means of reverse osmosis (RO) membrane separation on a pilot scale. The copper concentration in the untreated waste water was 340 ppm. After the treatment, the concentration in the treated water was below 4 ppm which is the Hong Kong government discharge limit. It is shown that, by increasing transmembrane pressure drop, metal concentrations in the treated water can be further reduced. This study suggests that larger scale operations on treating electroplating waste water by RO membrane separation is possible and effective. Effects of operating variables including transmembrane pressure drop and temperature on membrane separation performance were studied and explained based on the solution-diffusion model. The present study is part of the recent investigation of industrial waste water management sponsored by the Hong Kong Government. The purpose of this project is to provide guidelines to the local industries for waste minimization which is closely monitored by the Hong Kong legislature.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)235-242
JournalJournal of Membrane Science
Volume123
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 22 Jan 1997
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

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Research Keywords

  • Electroplating copper waste water
  • Pilot scale
  • Reverse osmosis

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