Membrane treatment plants represent efficient and effective means of treating various source waters. Microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) membranes are capable of removing particulate, bacteria and viruses, essential for protecting public health. When membrane plants run well, water quality is consistent, production capacity is dependable. Polymeric membrane filtration historically has been the preferred solution for membrane treatment plants due to relative affordability. However, especially with challenging feed waters, polymeric membranes are susceptible to reliability concerns such as fiber breakage and capacity loss due to permeability reduction. In these plants, significant staff time is dedicated to identifying leaking membranes, removing compromised modules, pinning broken fibers, and finally placing modules back into service that is often underestimated during initial life cycle cost evaluation. As this progresses and membranes are challenged with irreversible fouling, a plant’s capacity continuously declines and ultimately water production becomes limited or applied pressure and cleaning frequency increases until the membranes must be replaced.
This presentation is available to AMTA Members only.
Speaker
- Michael Shaw
Company
- Nanostone Water, Inc.
Event
- AMTA/AWWA Membrane Technology Conference, West Palm Beach, FL
Session
- AMTA/AWWA Membrane Technology Conference
Date
- 07/20/21
Media
Keywords
- Microfiltration, Ultrafiltration, Ceramic Membranes
Reference
- 9710-DP2704