Application of Intelligent Membrane Separation

Abstract

Water recycling and the production of drinking water have recently become a very actual topic. Pressure membrane processes make it possible to produce water with a quality higher than or comparable to the product of conventionally used processes such as sand filtration and flotation. The operation of membrane technologies requires specialist knowledge. By correctly analysing the input parameters of the water and controlling the operating parameters of the process, the technology is capable of achieving a very high recovery with a very high product quality while simultaneously using low energy. The IQ‑MINT intelligent software can analyze these parameters in real time and is able to immediately change the operating parameters of the technology with an emphasis on obtaining the highest possible recovery with regard to operational safety and membrane life. The software was validated on the example of cleaning real surface water in the UF60-MINT unit. When switched on, the software adjusted the operating parameters of the technology in such a way that – to the expense of the recovery – the lifetime of the membrane was extended and the consumption of chemicals and energy was reduced, with an emphasis on operational safety. The use of the IQ-MINT software thus enables the autonomous function of the technology with any type of incoming water without the need for a constant control and regulation by the operator.