Source: Toray
The F-HFUG Series ultrafiltration (UF) membrane module is designed for wastewater reuse, helping to improve lower-biofouling performance of reverse osmosis (RO) membranes and stabilize long-term operations. Proprietary micropore-control technology results in a nominal pore size of just 0.005 micrometers, among smallest in the industry, according to the company’s research. The new UF membrane slashes the permeate volume of biopolymers to around one-third of that of its conventional counterparts. Biopolymers are normally hard to remove. Pilot tests at a wastewater-treatment plant demonstrated that the UF membrane suppresses biofouling of downstream RO membranes while maintaining UF permeate flow. The decrease in RO water production attributable to biopolymers is around one-third that of regular membranes. This advantage should reduce chemical cleaning frequency and RO operational issues, helping cut overall wastewater reuse operating costs while lowering water production expenses. — Toray Industries, Inc., Tokyo