Method of concentrating silka in an aqueous alkali metal silicate solution

摘要

The ratio of silica to alkali in silicate liquors is increased, for example to convert alkaline grades to neutral grades, by passing the liquors through an electrodialysis stack comprising alternating cation exchange membranes and bipolar membranes mounted between an anode and a cathode, the membranes forming a concentrating cell between the anion exchange side of the bipolar membrane and the adjacent cation exchange membrane and a diluting cell between the cation exchange side of the bipolar membrane and the adjacent cation exchange membrane, the method comprising passing the silicate liquor through the diluting cells in the stack and passing water or an aqueous solution through the concentrating cells, whereby the silicate liquor is caused to lose alkali metal ions to the concentrating liquor and receive hydrogen ions from the bipolar membranes.