Chapter 15. Separation by membranes (44 pages)

1.Available modules - Their geometry
1.1.Tubular modules
1.2.Hollow fibre modules
1.3.Plate-type modules
1.4.Spiral-wound modules (figure 6)
1.5.The different geometries compared
2.The different types of layout (desalination system)
2.1.Principles
2.2.Series assembly - Desalination membrane discharge
2.3.Series-production (or multi-pass) assembly
3.Membrane system design
3.1.Desalination systems (RO, NF)
3.1.1.Selecting module layout and operating parameters
3.1.2.Scaling risk
3.1.3.Risk of fouling
3.1.4.Chemical washes
3.2.Systems using clarification membranes
3.2.1.The modules
3.2.2.Aquasource modules and blocks
3.2.3.Submerged membrane system
3.2.4.Selecting operating parameters
4.Main membrane applications
4.1.Clarification membrane application
4.1.1.Drinking water
4.1.2.Desalination and water re-use
4.1.3.Wastewater - MBR-Ultrafor
4.2.Desalination membrane application
4.2.1.Nanofiltration application
4.2.2.Desalinating brackish water
4.2.3.Seawater desalination

Introduction

This chapter describes the various choices that the designer has to make in order to optimise a membrane system for a specific application. First, he has to choose the membrane (module) and then the module layout and, finally, the operating parameters that will determine operating costs and system reliability.
The final paragraph describes the main membrane applications in drinking and industrial water treatment, desalination and re-use.
The different types of membrane have been discussed in chapter 3 § 9. together with forecast separation rates and the major parameters that govern membrane performance levels. Chapter 3 § 9. also provides the vocabulary necessary to understanding what follows.