The untapped potential for recovering solutes from the Pulp and Paper (P&P) industry motivates exploration into Membrane Crystallization (MCr). Derived from Membrane Distillation (MD), MCr concentrates solutions to saturation, facilitating the recovery of both fresh water and solute crystals - a promising yet underexplored avenue.
While MCr encounters challenges inherent in MD, such as low flux and high energy consumption, it faces an additional obstacle - intense membrane scaling due to crystal accumulation. In the CORNERSTONE project, researchers will delve into the application of MCr for solute recovery from P&P industry wastewater. A key enhancement strategy involves novel flow rheology to intensify the MCr process.
By incorporating novel flow principles, the project aims to elevate flux, improve energy efficiency, and minimize scaling issues. This innovative approach holds the potential to not only address existing challenges but also enhance the quality of recovered crystals, marking a significant step towards sustainable solute recovery in the P&P industry.