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Mitigation of silica nanoparticle scaling in water treatment (2017–2023)

Abstract:
Coal seam gas is adsorbed to the surface of coal along fractures and cleats and is released when pressure is reduced by removal of groundwater, which has chemistry peculiar to the region from which it is extracted. Desalination of produced water is everely impacted by mineral scaling on reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. This project will develop new ways to mitigate scaling by considering silica and silica-rich nanoparticles in concert with cations and organics, with the aim of better managing cations so to facilitate nanoparticle lubrication. Expected outcomes include more productive use of assets, improved pre-treatment infrastructure to support RO operation and the environmental benefits of less chemical waste and higher water recovery.
Grant type:
ARC Linkage Projects
Researchers:

  • Associate Professor Steven Pratt

    Associate Professor
    School of Chemical Engineering
    Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology

  • Associate Professor Simon Smart

    Associate Professor
    School of Chemical Engineering
    Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology

  • Associate Professor Greg Birkett

    Associate Professor
    School of Chemical Engineering
    Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
    Deputy Associate Dean (CS)
    Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Funded by:
Australian Research Council