Articles
ELECTROTECHNOLOGY FOR WATER CONDITIONING: A SIMULATION MODEL
Principal processes to condition water for plant growth (related to alkalinity; mineralization; sodium; pH and disinfection) are accomplished in a simple, low-cost, electrolytic unit, which can be affordable for individual growers.
Installing such a water conditioning unit directly in a greenhouse achieves additional positive effects.
One which makes this technology particularly useful in a greenhouse is the evolution of pure CO2 as a result of bicarbonate ion decomposition.
A simulation model has been developed using Excel worksheets to predict the dynamics of all important processes related to water treatment in the electrotechnological unit.
This computer model establishes the relationships among (1) design parameters such as the type, number and geometry of electrodes, type of membrane, voltage level applied between electrodes, water flow rate through the treatment chamber; (2) raw water quality parameters such as: total dissolved solids (TDS), concentrations of principal ionic species (Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3–, SO42-, Cl–), alkalinity, hardness, pH, EC, temperature; (3) the same parameters for water after treatment; (4) regime and efficiency parameters (electrical current applied, electricity and energy consumed per m3 of treated water, current efficiency for TDS removal; and (5) quantities of by-products derived from the processes accompanying operation of an electrolytic water conditioning unit (O2, CO2, base solution).
An analysis of the applicability and efficiency of this electrotechnological approach for improving water quality from the main natural water sources of Moldova was completed using this simulation model.
The electrotechnology can contribute efficiently to the successful development of intensive horticulture in Moldova and other regions of the world.