Demineralization of a molassess distillery waste water

Abstract A review of the literature did not reveal any successful application of membrane processes on distillery effluent for the partial demineralization of such effluents, but the processes have been attempted on the desalting of molasses and on the treatment of yeast effluents. Electrodialysis tests have been carried out on a distillery effluent after removal of suspended and undissolved matter. It was found that between 50 to 60% of the potassium can be removed from the effluent at a current efficiency of about 50 to 55% and a d.c. power consumption of 0.75 to 0.85 kWh per kilogram of potassium removed, provided the electrodialysis stack is operated at low voltage. Water transport from the diluting stream to the concentrating stream also occurs together with transfer of some organic components. Although current efficiencies were low, progressive fouling of the membranes was not confirmed.