Which pretreatment methods are used in industrial RO Plants?
In order to protect the membranes from suspended contaminants, dissolved particles, colloids, minerals, oxidants, and biological organisms, pretreatment is required for industrial RO plant.
Insufficient pretreatment for RO membranes will result in greater backwash rates, CIP of the membranes, shorter lives of the pricey membranes, and higher operating expenses.
In this blog, let’s understand the pretreatment methods which are used in Industrial RO Plants!
1: Chlorination
Chlorination is a popular disinfection technique for water and wastewater treatment plants, because of chlorine's fast ability to inactivate germs.
Chlorination serves as a pretreatment for RO systems and even nanofiltration systems, which helps stop biological fouling. This is prevalent in applications involving surface water, where a noticeable high level of microbial presence exists.
2: Media Filtration
It is a common pretreatment option. To guarantee the greatest number of contaminants are removed, the right kind and quantity of media should be carefully chosen. This design will be influenced, like any other design, by the quality of the raw water and the plant's capacity.
The results of the water analysis will determine which filtration material to use. The water analysis and the concentration of contaminants will determine the size of the tank, and the quantity of media to be employed.
3: Microfiltration/Ultrafiltration
Microorganisms like algae, which are typically challenging to remove, are removed using both microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF). The membranes are often resistant to chlorine, so they can withstand biocides when used as a treatment.
4: Ultraviolet radiation
Since, ultraviolet (UV) radiation has a germicidal impact, it is a popular disinfection technique. Because chemical dosing is not necessary, it reduces operational costs to routine maintenance, such as replacing UV lamps and other replacement parts.
5: Cartridge Filtration
A good way to check for any suspended particles or foulants that may be present, before the water reaches the RO unit is to use cartridge filters. Depending on the results of the upstream pretreatment setup, this size may change.
At least every three months, or as soon as the pressure drop exceeds the design limits, filters should be changed. Some plants update their filters every month, depending on the design. It should be highlighted that changing it more frequently than once a month raises a concern, and necessitates a review of the pretreatment plan.
6: Coagulation and Flocculation
Very contaminated waters typically undergo chemical treatments. Multimedia filtering becomes ineffective for individuals with significant levels of suspended solids or a high SDI value, so coagulation and flocculation are used.
A coagulant and a flocculant are dosed here to encourage the settling of the suspended materials. The liquid supernatant is transported to the following pretreatment procedures, while the settled sludge is collected and treated further.
Therefore, the first stage of pretreatment is typically implemented with coagulation and flocculation.
How can we assist?
Netsol Water can provide a smooth operation by offering cutting-edge technology, to treat water through Industrial RO Plants in the best and most effective manner, given their significance in the business sector and in protecting public health.
Our industrial RO Plants includes various stages to treat water in which the initial stage is pretreatment, with the help of different methods like softening, dechlorination, antiscalant methods and etc. To discuss your needs, contact us at 9650608473, or send an email to enquiry@netsolwater.com with your inquiry.
