G.R. Groves

Reverse osmosis treatment and reuse of textile dyehouse effluents

Abstract A 30 m 3 /d pilot-plant consisting of screening, alum coagulation, microfiltration reverse osmosis was operated for 2 years on cotton/nylon/polyester dyehouse effluents. The reverse osmosis modules used were the brackish and seawater UOP PA300 type. The pilot-plant operated at water recoveries of 85–95% and temperatures of 30–45°C. The microfiltration unit was used to remove suspended solids and colloidal dyestuffs from the effluent prior to the spiral-wrap membranes. The average permeate flux was 15 l/m 2 h and has been maintained by regular cleaning. The average permeate quality was 60 mg/l of T.D.S., 15 mg/l of sodium, 11 mg/l of TOC and 21 ADMI colour units. The product water was reused routinely for production dyeing.

Dynamic membrane ultrafiltration and hyperfiltration for the treatment of industrial effluents for water reuse

Abstract The treatment of high strength, highly fouling or hot industrial effluents by conventional membrane technology is problematic. Dynamic membranes are very versatile and have the major advantage of being replaceable in situ. Several research and development applications for the treatment of polymer manufacturing, dyeing and printing and wool scouring effluents are discussed.

An analysis of the performance of a spiral-wound ultrafiltration membrane, with a turbulence-promoting net

Abstract A mathematical model has been developed to describe the performance of a spiral-wound ultrafiltration module, with a turbulence promoting net. The model requires that certain constants be evaluated from tests on filtration modules and thereafter a simple relation is available to predict performance at varying concentrations and recirculation rates, under conditions of gel polarization.

Treatment of pulp/paper bleach effluents by reverse osmosis

Abstract The reverse osmosis treatment of bleach effluents from pulp and paper manufacturing is becoming of increasing importance because of environmental considerations. Investigations on the treatment of bleach effluent with three thin-film composite reverse osmosis membranes are presented. Membrane fouling was significant and was only partially controlled by the manufacturers recommended cleaning procedures. Membrane rejections of both inorganic and organic components were above 90% for total solids concentrations in the range 5–30 g/l.

Application of membrane separation processes to the treatment of industrial effluents for water reuse

Abstract The discharge of industrial effluents into the water environment is becoming increasingly difficult because of environmental pollution considerations and the need to preserve water quality. Many industrial effluents are not suitable for biological treatment because of the presence of intractable organics, toxic materials and high mineral salt loads. With the advances being made in membrane separation technology, the treatment of industrial effluents by these means is becoming increasingly attractive for water reuse purposes. The applicability and scope of membrane technology for industrial effluent treatment are discussed.

The arrangement of spiral-wound ultrafiltration modules

Abstract Using mathematical symbols to describe reject pressure losses and permeate production from spiral-wound ultrafiltration modules, the optimum arrangement of such modules in a filtration network was sought. It was found that a saving in pumping and capital costs is possible when the correct arrangement is selected.

Fouling studies and mathematical modelling of ultrafiltration of textile desizing effluents

Abstract The permeate flux from a spiral-wrap ultrafiltration membrane is a complex function of inlet pressure, reject flowrate, polymer concentration and degree of membrane fouling. A mathematical model is presented that describes the permeate flux before and after the onset of gel-polarisation. The use of the model in evaluating the effects of membrane fouling and cleaning strategies on plant performance is discussed with reference to polyvinyl alcohol textile size recovery. From a network analysis, the optimal configuration of membrane elements shows that significant savings in membrane area and pumping costs are achievable.

The treatment of industrial effluents with high salinity and organic contents

Abstract Particularly problematic industrial effluents are those which contain high concentrations of both inorganic salts and organics. Some advanced technologies with their limitations are described. A few examples of the application of some membrane processes are given to demonstrate their potential use in the treatment of effluents from industries such as maize starch milling, tanneries, both sulphite and soda pulp mills, and a cotton textile factory.