The goal of membrane development in water treatment has historically been to treat more water or wastewater in a smaller footprint. Pioneering Reverse Osmosis (RO) membrane manufacturers originally started out with 4-inch diameter by 38 inches long elements, for commercial purposes in the late 1960’s. Gradually they increased the RO element size up to 16-inch diameter by 40 inches. However, the industry has standardized at 8-inch diameter by 40 inches long due to many factors including performance and weight, which influences the ease of handling and shipping costs. Pressurized hollow fiber Ultrafiltration (UF) membrane modules currently available have varying diameters, heights, membrane surface area and shipping weights. The diameters typically range from 216–260 mm (8.5–10.2 inch) and the heights range from 1731–2360 mm (68–93 inch). The membrane surface area ranges from 50–105 m2 (538–1130 ft2) and shipping weights from 30–62 kg (66–135 lbs). Assuming all the UF modules can operate with the same performance, the benefits of a larger surface area module are clear. They include a smaller footprint and lower capital costs, due to smaller rack size with less components. This paper will specifically discuss the performance of a new high surface area 90 m2 (969 ft2) UF module at the Clifton Water District Water Treatment Plant. Parameters critical to defining the performance of a hollow fiber membrane system will be discussed such as Trans-Membrane Pressure (TMP), Flux and temperature corrected Permeability. Of special interest, will be the performance of the high surface area module during high flux operation and high peak turbidity events. Membrane Integrity will also be discussed with analysis of filtrate turbidity and Pressure Decay Test (PDT) results.
This presentation is available to AMTA Members only.
Speaker
- Sean Carter, PE
Company
- Toray Membrane USA Inc.
Event
- AMTA/AWWA Membrane Technology Conference, West Palm Beach, FL
Session
- AMTA/AWWA Membrane Technology Conference
Date
- 07/20/21
Media
Keywords
- Hollow Fiber, Ultrafiltration, Trans-Membrane Pressure
Reference
- 9710-DP2646