Cost-Effective Modular Electroeionization (EDI)

Electrochemical deionization (EDI) offers continuous demineralization at higher water recovery rates (>90%), compared with mixed bed ion exchange, and without the use of chemical regenerants and the associated production of saline waste water. Although EDI technology has been used in some power generation applications, its wider application requires the satisfactory resolution of outstanding capital cost and performance issues. This paper reports on the field evaluation of a new cost-effective EDI technology in a power generation application. The E-Cell System$^{TM}$, which became commercially available in the fourth quarter of 1996, consists of a rugged, modular system, based on a new high-performance EDI stack. Starting in May 1996, a 100 gpm modular EDI pilot system, rated for operation at 100 psi, was evaluated at the TVA Brown's Ferry Nuclear Plant. The feed consisted of Reverse Osmosis (RO) permeate with a conductivity of 4-7 $\mu$S/cm. The pilot system reliably produced 17.8-18.0 M$\Omega$.cm water under design operating conditions, independent. Silica levels were reduced from ca. 50 ppb to 4 ppb, while TOC levels were reduced from ca. 120 ppb to 30 ppb.