Experimental study and modeling using Super Pro Designer of the elimination of a dispersed azo dye by coagulation-microfiltration

The main objective in this study was to optimize the removal of a dispersed azo dye (Red Terasil) widely used in the textile industry, combining coagulation and microfiltration processes. The purpose of coagulation was to destabilize and aggregate the suspended matter mainly responsible for the coloration of the solution. The study was completed by a simulation of the process using the SuperPro Designer software (SD) (Version 9) followed by a comparison of the obtained results with the corresponding experimental values. A priori the experimental part consisted of determining the optimal coagulation conditions on a Jar-test, namely the coagulant dose and pH of the solution. The resulting solution from the coagulation process was used as a feed to the microfiltration pilot where the variation with time of several parameters such as the dye concentration, the turbidity of the permeate and the concentrate solutions, the permeate flux and the transmembrane pressure (TMP) were followed, determining also the membrane rejection coefficient. SuperPro Designer software (SD) was used to simulate the combination coagulation-microfiltration process, the monitored parameters with filtration time, in this part, were the dye concentration in the permeate and the concentrate and the permeate flux. The obtained results showed that the coagulation-microfiltration process was very effective in eliminating the dye with a considerable concentration decrease, an important reduction of the turbidity of the solution in the permeate, a reduction of its flux and the membrane rejection coefficient exceeding 98%. The results calculated by SD were in quite good agreement with the experimental results.