Method and apparatus for shifting current distribution in electrodeionization systems

A method for removing ions from liquids in an electrodeionization device, comprising:

• providing at least one dilute chamber having an inlet region and an outlet region disposed between ion-selective permeable membranes;
• providing at least one concentrate chamber positioned adjacent at least one of said ion-selective permeable membranes;
• coupling at least one resistive component to said at least one ion-selective permeable membrane proximate said outlet region so as to increase electrical resistance of said outlet region with respect to said inlet region;
• passing liquids through said dilute chamber from said inlet region to said outlet region;
• and
• applying an electric field across said dilute chamber transverse to a flow direction of said liquids, wherein said at least one resistive component increases a distribution of electrical current flowing through said inlet region relative to said outlet region, to thereby increase current distribution at said inlet region.

A method for removing ions from liquids in an electrodeionization device, comprising:

• providing a dilute chamber having an inlet region and an outlet region disposed between ion-selective permeable membranes;
• coupling at least one concentrate chamber to one of said ion-selective permeable membranes;
• providing a plurality of ion-exchanging particles within at least one of said chambers;
• providing at least one resistive component proximate said outlet region between two or more said particles so as to increase electrical resistance of said outlet region relative to said inlet region;
• passing liquids through said dilute chamber from said inlet region to said outlet region;
• and
• applying an electric field across said dilute chamber transverse to a flow direction of said liquids, wherein said at least one resistive component increases a distribution of electrical current flowing through said inlet region, thereby enhancing ion-depleting performance of said electrodeionization device.