Work Package 2 of the MIDES project addresses the specifications of ion-exchange (IE) membranes to be used in Microbial Desalination Cells (MDC) systems, with definition of the required physical and chemical characteristics. Research has been taking place on this work package since shortly after the beginning of the project in April 2016.

It has been shown that anti-fouling/anti-scaling  IEMs with certain properties are optimum for MDC – including the chemical and physical stability at harsh conditions while maintaining improved functional properties. The main specifications of the IEMs dedicated for MDC have been defined based on MDC experiments operated on a lab scale using synthetic and real feeds.

Furthermore, several surface modification strategies are under investigation and some IEM options with different anti-fouling properties are currently being studied. Also in consideration of this process, strategies of cleaning of the IEMs are being studied for optimisation. The chosen cleaning method(s) will consider the effectiveness and simplicity of the proposed method. Nonetheless the physical, chemical and biological specifics of the MDC will be considered.

Several fouling simulation tests are also underway to study the IEM fouling tendency, including static and dynamic testing modes. The next step is to test a number of these IEMs in the MDC pre-pilot with real waste water and salt water feeds.

Stay connected with the MIDES project here on the website and Twitter (@MIDES2020) for updates.

Figure above: IEM during a fouling simulation test done in FUJIFILM Europe B.V.