Process optimization of freeze desalination of brine using HybridICETM pilot plant

• Published in: Desalination and water treatment Vol. 52; no. 34-36; pp. 6315 - 6324
• Main Authors: Zvinowanda, Caliphs M., Zikalala, Nomvuselelo N., Mtombeni, Tabani, Maree, Jannie P., Louw, Wynand J., Oosthuizen, Frederick
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01-10-2014
• Subjects: Brine; Desalination; Heat exchanger; Ice slurry; Impurity; R404A; R404A; Impurity; Desalination; Heat exchanger; Ice slurry; Brine
• ISSN: 1944-3986
• DOI: 10.1080/19443994.2013.822175

Freeze desalination of synthetic brines prepared from sodium chloride was investigated. Brine solutions of levels between 2.3% to 10% sodium chloride were used as feed to the plant operated in a batch and continuous mode. The effects of pump, gear motor speed, and differential temperatures on ice formation and purity were investigated. The HybridICE process produced ice of quality levels between 80–96% purity. It was observed that the pump speed was directly proportional to the effluent flow rate coming out of the heat exchangers. Generally, it was observed that the quality of product ice was higher at low to medium flow rates of feed. The gear motor speed variation was inversely proportional to effluent flow rate from the heat exchangers. The HybridICE was found to be a viable desalination technology in terms of quality of water produced, energy consumption, and its easiness to be incorporated into existing refrigeration systems.