Die Elektrodialyse — ein Membranverfahren mit vielen Anwendungsmöglichkeiten

Abstract Electrodialysis – a membrane process with considerable scope. Electrodialysis is a process by which electrically charged membranes are used to separate ions from an aqueous solution by the driving force of an electrical potential difference. Electrodialysis is used today mainly for desalination of seawater and brackish water. Other applications, such as the recovery of water and valuable metal ions from industrial effluents, the removal of salts and acids from pharmaceutical solutions and in food processing have only recently generated a broader interest. In this paper the principle of electrodialysis is described and the various parameters determining the technical feasibility and the economies of the process are discussed in more detail. Examples are given for the use of electrodialysis in the food and drug industry and in advanced waste water treatment. Finally, recent developments and future prospects of electrodialysis and related processes are discussed.