Membrane technology for water with fouling potential
The membrane filter elements from the Lewabrane FR series that are used in the Chemnitz powerhouse are particularly suitable for water that has a high fouling potential. Each of the Lewabrane RO B400 FR elements has a membrane surface area of 37.2 square meters (400 square feet) and diameter of 201 millimeters (eight inches).The products comprise a polyamide composite membrane that is wound in several layers to form a spiral-shaped element. "Our separation elements are characterized by a high degree of polymerization and a low surface charge, which in itself reduces the formation of particle deposits," says Lipnizki. Furthermore, a special feed spacer has been incorporated in the newly developed FR types. "The membrane elements were designed to generate greater turbulence on the inflow side, meaning that fewer particles can accumulate on the surface," explains the Lanxess membrane expert.
In filtration, fouling describes the process by which particles, referred to as colloids, form deposits on the membrane surface, leading to a reduction in filter capacity. The new FR elements from Lanxess reduce this kind of fouling, thereby extending maintenance intervals and increasing output capacity.
The separation elements, manufactured at Lanxess' Bitterfeld site in Germany, were engineered specifically for industrial water treatment. Fields of application include the treatment of low-salinity, brackish and wastewater with a high potential for organic or biological fouling.
