Effect of thermal characteristics on the chemical quality of real-brine treatment through hydrophilic fiber-based low-grade heat-powered humidification-dehumidification process.

Considering the increasing demand for desalination plants and their byproduct brine, this study investigated a humidification-dehumidification (HDH) system for treating membrane distillation-generated real high-salinity brine using low-grade heat (45-70 ℃) to explore its feasibility for sustainable energy-efficient minimal liquid discharge. A novel super-hydrophilic fabric was adopted for accelerated humidification, and its impact on brine droplet miscarriage characteristics was evaluated. The influence of the operating fluid thermal properties (cycle 1: air preheating; cycle 2: air and brine dual-fluid preheating; and cycle 3: air post-heating after humidification) on the brine treatment efficiency, energy consumption, and chemical quality of freshwater produced was analyzed in detail to establish their characteristic nexus.