Pilot Scale Testing of Membrane Desalination System Utilizing Novel Two-Phase Cleaning Technology. Desalination and Water Purification Research and Development Program Report No. 121; Final rept. 1 Oct 03 31 Mar 06

摘要

Novaflux Technologies (Novaflux) has developed a novel two-phase cleaning technology that will allow improved economics for treating high total dissolved solids (TDS) dairy wastewater by using spiral-wound reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. The investigators have defined the fouling method and the twophase flow process parameters for cleaning the RO membranes and have also optimized cleaning frequency using simulated dairy wastewater. Test results indicate that we are able to achieve the design output of the RO skid without need for additional microfiltration or ultrafiltration pre-treatment steps. In the demonstration phase of the study, Novaflux has confirmed the cleaning protocols of spiral RO membranes using actual dairy wastewater obtained from Readington Farms, New Jersey. Novaflux's two-phase cleaning requires a far shorter period of time and less chemical/water consumption compared to conventional cleaning. Conventional cleaning normally consumes 4-8 hours, whereas the Novaflux process takes less than 30 minutes, with minimal use of liquids. There are also significant savings during the rinse cycle. While the Novaflux process uses approximately 1 gallon of water to rinse the three housings, conventional cleaning consumes 50 gallons.