Ion-exchange pilot test for the deboronation of previously treated mine drilling water in a reverse osmosis plant

Vásquez Salazar E.E.; Hurtado Bolaños F.P. · Desalination and Water Treatment (2023) · DOI: 10.5004/dwt.2023.29456

Resumen

In this article, the boron removal efficiency of permeate water in a full-scale reverse osmosis system was examined using an AmberLite™ PWA-10 boron-selective resin (N-methylglucamine func-tional group). The reverse osmosis system was supplied with pre-treated water from the mine drilling process. This test was performed using an ion-exchange laboratory column; the results were not satisfactory when using first-pass reverse osmosis water, obtaining a lower operation cycle (0.45 h) at a higher boron inlet concentration (121.000 ppm). However, good results were achieved using second-pass reverse osmosis water at a lower boron inlet concentration (3.800 ppm). The results showed an average boron removal efficiency of 87.08% (0.491 ppm) lower than the Peruvian laws on drinking water quality (<1.500 ppm), and a higher operation cycle (41.35 h). Regarding the inorganic parameters analyzed in this test, the results showed concentration level below the lim-its established by Peruvian drinking water laws, making water suitable for human consumption. This finally confirms that the ion-exchange technology represents an important alternative as a polishing step for boron removal in water for reuse purposes.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de Trujillo