Removing antifreeze from water
Removing antifreeze from water
(OP)
I have a wastewater recycling system. What is the most economical method of removing small amounts (~1% concentraton) of antifreeze (ethylene glycol) from my system? One person suggested using the differential in specific gravity (since antifreeze is heavier than water) to separate the liquids. I am considering using a clear 17' high tube to allow the antifreeze to settle to the bottom (similar to a tractor's "sediment bulb"). Will this strategy work? If so, how long will the settling take?





RE: Removing antifreeze from water
For recycling antifreeze (at the higher concentrations normally used), the solution is first highly filtered & then partially fractionally distilled (ethylene glycol has a boiling point 196-198°C, so the excess water can be boiled off). This would take an enormous amount of energy in your case, however.
For trace amounts, a chemical or electrochemical oxidation oxidation method could be used to destroy the molecule all the way to H2O & CO2. You could consider ozone, electrocoagulation, etc., which will get rid of other impurities as well.
Probably, your most economical solution is ultrafiltration or RO.
RE: Removing antifreeze from water
Hope this helps.
saxon
RE: Removing antifreeze from water
I was once involved in the wastewater recycling program in Panorama (ski hill) and participated in several planning sessions for recycling grey water to snow making or sprinkling applications.
KRS Services
www.krs-services.com
RE: Removing antifreeze from water