BPED Technology in Action: Sichuan Yinhe’s 10K-Ton Waste-to-Resource Success
Project Overview
While traditional wastewater treatment methods struggle with complex chemical byproducts, Sichuan Yinhe Chemical’s sodium sulfate regeneration project demonstrates a breakthrough application of bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BPED). Specifically, this system converts chromium salt production waste into reusable sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) through three-stage ion-exchange membrane processing.
Technical Implementation
Phase Development
- Initial deployment of 2 operational phases
- Integration of 4 BPED membrane stacks
- Implementation of automated concentration control
Output Capacity
• Annual Processing: 10,000 metric tons sodium sulfate
• Chemical Production:
- Sulfuric Acid: 36,000 m³/year (90 g/L)
- Caustic Soda: 40,000 m³/year (80 g/L)
• Daily Throughput: 18 tons (solid equivalent)
Operational Advantages
Energy Efficiency Comparison
| Performance Metric | BPED System | Conventional ED | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Consumption | 2,200 kWh/ton | 3,500 kWh/ton | 37% Reduction |
| Recovery Rate | 98% | 68-72% | 30% Increase |
| Byproduct Utilization | Dual-Product | Single-Output | 100% Enhancement |
Key Benefits Breakdown
- Cost Optimization
Notably, the system reduces alkali procurement costs by $1.2M/year while maintaining 2200 kWh/ton energy efficiency. - Environmental Compliance
Furthermore, it achieves Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) certification, eliminating 850 tons/year of hazardous waste. - Process Integration
Significantly, recovered chemicals feed into:- Pseudoboehmite synthesis
- Flue gas scrubbing systems
- pH balancing operations
Industry Applications
Why BPED Outperforms Alternatives?
Q: How does this compare to thermal crystallization?
A: Unlike energy-intensive thermal methods, BPED maintains <40°C operating temperatures while recovering higher-purity chemicals.
Q: What maintenance does the system require?
A: With automated membrane cleaning cycles, operational downtime remains below 5% annually.
Executive Perspective
“Through strategic membrane stack configuration,” explains CEO Lou Yontong, “we’ve transformed waste management into profit generation. This project proves that environmental responsibility and industrial productivity are mutually achievable.”
Corporate Profiles
Sichuan Yinhe Chemical: Founded in 1965 and based in Mianyang, Sichuan, Sichuan Yinhe Chemical is a leading enterprise specializing in chromium resource development and advanced chemical manufacturing. With a market presence in over 40 countries and a 25% domestic market share, the company is an industry leader in innovation, sustainability, and technological advancement.
Lanran Tech: Lanran Tech is a global leader in water treatment and resource recovery technologies, specializing in advanced ion-exchange membranes and electrodialysis systems. From waste recycling and carbon capture to lithium battery recovery, Lanran Tech delivers sustainable, scalable solutions that empower industries to achieve operational excellence and environmental responsibility.
