Membrane Systems For Sustainable Solutions

Sustainability or the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs is an important consideration for any project. The need to achieve a sustainable design means that we need to evaluate the circumstances where resource recovery makes the most sense. Membrane systems such as ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis and electrodialysis are extensively used for resource recovery whether for conversion of poor quality water to meet the increasing demands for drinking water, for the improved recovery of energy from anaerobic digesters or for the recharging of aquifers. A membrane based water reuse approach known as “sewer mining” to provide water for secondary uses such as irrigation, cooling water and toilet flushing in a Sydney Australia office complex has been installed and in operation for several years. The operating experience with this system will be presented. A variety of system approaches to achieve high water recovery each approach needs to consider the water source as one approach will have advantages over another depending on the raw water quality. Operating experience with a variety of membrane system design for high water recovery to zero liquid discharge will be presented.

This presentation is available to AMTA Members only.