Impact of pulsed electric field on electrodialysis process performance and membrane fouling during consecutive demineralization of a model salt solution containing a high magnesium/calcium ratio

► Pulsed electric field (PEF) modes of electrodialysis reduce membrane fouling. ► PEF ratio 1 enhances demineralization and lowers energy consumption. ► PEF ratio 0.3 enhances demineralization and highly diminishes mineral fouling. ► Excessively long pause lapses lead to diffusion phenomena and high power consumption. ► Dc current leads to severe membrane fouling by calcium and magnesium salts deposition.