DESALT Bipolar Electrodialysis (EDBM) Technology for Industrial Applications

Gu Zhouying
Sep 17
3 min read

What is Bipolar Electrodialysis (EDBM)?

Bipolar Electrodialysis (EDBM) is a cutting-edge water treatment technology designed to recover valuable acids and bases from industrial brine streams. Unlike traditional chemical-based neutralization methods, EDBM uses bipolar membranes to split water molecules into hydrogen (H⁺) and hydroxyl (OH⁻) ions under an electric field. This reaction enables the efficient conversion of salts into their corresponding acids and bases.

The DESALT EDBM series by YASA ET provides a sustainable, scalable, and energy-efficient solution for industries facing rising costs of chemical procurement, wastewater treatment, and regulatory compliance. By integrating this technology, companies can reduce chemical consumption, recycle resources, and achieve zero-liquid-discharge (ZLD) goals without relying on excessive external dosing.

How Does DESALT Bipolar Electrodialysis Work?

At the heart of DESALT EDBM lies the bipolar membrane (BPM). Each BPM is composed of two functional layers:

A cation-exchange layer, which allows positively charged ions (cations) to pass.
An anion-exchange layer, which allows negatively charged ions (anions) to pass.

When an electric current is applied, the bipolar membrane facilitates the dissociation of water into H⁺ and OH⁻ ions at its junction. Combined with cation exchange membranes (CEMs) and anion exchange membranes (AEMs), this setup enables the direct generation of strong acids and bases from saline streams.

For example:

Sodium chloride (NaCl) brine can be split into hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
Sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) can be processed to produce sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and NaOH.

This approach eliminates the need for external chemical addition while turning waste brine into valuable industrial resources.

Bipolar Membrane Configurations for Flexibility

One of the strengths of YASA ET’s DESALT EDBM technology is its ability to adapt to different industrial requirements through flexible stack designs:

Two-Compartment Configuration (A/B Type)

Produces either an acid or a base selectively.
Ideal for applications where only one target product is needed, such as HCl recovery from NaCl brine.

Three-Compartment Configuration (S Type)

Simultaneously generates both acid and base from the same brine solution.
Commonly used in comprehensive resource recovery systems, such as producing NaOH and HCl from sodium chloride or H₂SO₄ and NaOH from sodium sulfate.

This configurational flexibility ensures that DESALT can be tailored to site-specific goals—whether the focus is on cost reduction, product recovery, or achieving ZLD compliance.

Industrial Applications of DESALT EDBM

YASA ET’s DESALT series is already being used across multiple industries where wastewater treatment and resource recovery are critical.

1. Textile Wastewater Treatment

The textile sector consumes large amounts of chemicals and water, producing brine-rich effluents. DESALT EDBM allows recovery of acids and bases from reverse osmosis (RO) reject brine, minimizing fresh chemical demand and reducing wastewater discharge.

2. Mining and Metallurgy

Mining operations often generate sulfate-rich streams. DESALT technology can convert these into sulfuric acid and caustic soda (NaOH), creating value from what was once waste.

3. Chemical Industry

Instead of relying on external dosing, DESALT enables on-site production of organic and inorganic acids and bases, providing manufacturers with greater independence and lower costs.

4. Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Systems

By integrating with evaporators and crystallizers, DESALT helps facilities maximize water recovery and minimize waste, supporting global sustainability targets and environmental regulations.

Benefits of YASA ET DESALT EDBM Technology

Companies adopting DESALT enjoy measurable environmental and financial benefits, including:

Acid and Base Recovery – Turn saline waste streams into valuable resources.
Cost Savings – Reduce external chemical purchasing costs.
Environmental Compliance – Achieve strict discharge standards and support ZLD.
Energy Efficiency – Optimized stack design minimizes electricity consumption.
Sustainability – Circular approach to industrial water treatment and brine management.

By transforming waste brine into usable products, DESALT EDBM provides a strong return on investment while supporting corporate ESG goals.

Why Choose YASA ET?

YASA ET is a global leader in advanced membrane technologies for industrial water treatment. With years of R&D expertise, our DESALT series stands out for:

Proven Industrial Performance – Successfully implemented in textile, mining, and chemical plants worldwide.
Flexible Configurations – Customizable two- and three-compartment stacks.
Integration-Ready Systems – Compatible with existing ZLD setups.
Ongoing Support – Technical service, optimization, and training provided by experts.

When industries partner with YASA ET, they gain not just equipment, but a complete sustainable water management solution.

The DESALT Bipolar Electrodialysis (EDBM) series is reshaping the way industries think about wastewater. By converting brine into usable acids and bases, this technology not only lowers costs but also promotes sustainability, compliance, and long-term efficiency.

For industries facing rising water treatment challenges, YASA ET’s DESALT EDBM is the answer.