An innovative integrated system for boron removal from geothermal water using RO process and ion exchange-ultrafiltration hybrid method

In this study, removal of boron from the geothermal water was investigated by an integrated process coupling reverse osmosis (RO) with ion exchange-ultrafiltration hybrid method. Desalination tests were performed by using a mini-pilot scale brackish water reverse osmosis (BWRO) system which was installed at Yenikale Geothermal Heating Center, Izmir. Boron selective chelating ion exchange resin Dowex (XUS 43594.00) with a particle size of 20 μm was employed for removal of boron from BWRO permeate of geothermal water. A submerged hollow fiber type ultrafiltration membrane module (ZW-1) was used for filtration. Effect of such process variables as resin concentration in the suspension, flow rates of fresh and saturated ion exchange resins, and flow rate of permeate on the efficiency of the hybrid process for boron removal from RO permeate of geothermal water was studied.

► Boron removal from the geothermal water RO permeate ► An integrated process coupling RO with ion exchange-ultrafiltration hybrid method ► Effect of process variables on the efficiency of the hybrid process ► Reaching permissible level of boron for irrigation