Electrodesalination system and method
Systems and methods for the desalination of seawater or brackish water for the purpose of obtaining potable water. Systems may include a combination of electrodialysis and electrodeionization modules. The system configuration and process controls may achieve low energy consumption and stable operation.
1. A method of providing potable water, comprising:
fluidly connecting a seawater feed stream to an inlet of an electrical purification system, the system comprising at least a first stage and a second stage downstream of the first stage;
recovering water from the first stage at a first rate;
recovering water from the second stage at a second rate that is less than the first rate; and
fluidly connecting an outlet of the electrical purification system to a potable point of use.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising maintaining a target concentration gradient between concentrate and dilute compartments in each of the first and second stages.
3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising performing multiple dumps of a concentrate stream associated with at least one stage of the electrical purification system.
4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising adjusting a pH level of an electrolyte in the electrical purification system.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising performing a disinfecting or cleaning-in-place operation on the electrical purification system.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electrical purification system comprises a capacitive deionization device.