摘要 |
A method of removing chloride ions in preference to oxidized sulfur ions, in particular sulfate or thiosulphate ions from a process solution containing either or both, or sulfide ions which are first oxidized to sulfate or thiosulphate ions. The method utilizes an electrochemical reactor having an anode and a cathode, disposed in respective anode and cathode compartments, separated by an ion selective separator, typically an anion exchange membrane. The process solution acts as the catholyte and is placed or flowed through the cathode chamber while simultaneously, an electrically conducting anolyte is placed or flowed through the anode chamber. A sufficient current density is maintained between the anode and the cathode, which at any time is not substantially greater than, and is preferably equal to, that which corresponds to the maximum chloride flux through the reactor membrane at the time. With this condition maintained, chloride ions pass through the membrane of the reactor in preference to oxidized sulphur anions.
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