Ceramic Microfiltration and Reverse Osmosis for Industrial Wastewater Reuse

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current filtration technologies face challenges in effectively treating industrial and commercial wastewater streams, particularly in removing pollutants and reusing water due to fouling issues and limited temperature tolerance of reverse osmosis membranes.

Innovation Solution

A dual-stage filtration system combining ceramic microfiltration (CMF) and reverse osmosis (RO) with high-temperature, low-fouling membranes, utilizing an abrasion-resistant ceramic microfilter and special RO membranes that can operate at elevated temperatures, minimizing fouling through pH control and cross-flow configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If reverse osmosis membranes are used for wastewater filtration, then water permeability and salt rejection are improved, but membrane fouling increases and temperature tolerance is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater permeabilityVSAvoidmembrane fouling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the filtration process into two separate stages: ceramic microfiltration (removing particulates, oils, and greases) followed by reverse osmosis (removing dissolved solids). This segmentation prevents fouling substances from directly contacting the RO membrane, extending its life and maintaining performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ceramic microfiltration membrane acts as an intermediary between the wastewater and the reverse osmosis membrane. It pre-treats the water by removing fouling substances, thereby protecting the RO membrane and enabling it to operate at elevated temperatures without rapid degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If reverse osmosis membranes operate at elevated temperatures, then energy efficiency is improved, but membrane durability and fouling resistance decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidmembrane durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ceramic microfiltration unit performs preliminary treatment by removing particulates, oils, and greases before the water reaches the reverse osmosis membrane. This pre-treatment allows the RO membrane to operate at elevated temperatures without rapid fouling or degradation, maintaining both energy efficiency and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If conventional filtration systems are used for oily and greasy waste streams, then initial filtration is achieved, but fouling of subsequent membranes increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidmembrane fouling

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the filtration function into two specialized units: ceramic microfiltration specifically designed to handle oily and greasy substances, followed by reverse osmosis for dissolved solids removal. This segmentation allows each membrane to perform its optimized function without being overwhelmed by inappropriate contaminants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ceramic microfiltration membrane utilizes a porous structure with specific pore sizes designed to capture oils, greases, and particulates. This porous ceramic material provides mechanical filtration of fouling substances before they can reach and clog the reverse osmosis membrane.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system achieves significant removal of pollutants and contaminants, enabling the reuse of high-quality water in industrial processes by effectively handling oily and greasy waste streams, reducing fouling, and allowing for the reuse of hot water, thereby saving energy.

Implementation Method 1

A dual-stage filtration system combining ceramic microfiltration (CMF) and reverse osmosis (RO)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

reverse osmosis (RO) with high-temperature, low-fouling membranes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReverse osmosis: Reverse Osmosis

Implementation Method 3

minimizing fouling through pH control and cross-flow configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectpH control:

Data Source

PatentUS11267740B2Membrane filtration apparatus and process for reuse of industrial wastewater

Publication Date: 2022.03.08 KEMCO SYSTEMS CO LLC

AI summary

Laundry, industrial or food processing wastewater is purified to the degree that it can be reused. Water quality is ensured through the final process of reverse osmosis (“RO”) which removes dissolved contaminants such as mineral hardness, soils and residual detergents. The process combines a ceramic tubular cross-flow membrane filter to remove the suspended solids, oils and greases ahead of the RO. The RO process employs high temperature, low fouling membranes. This enables the RO process to operate sustainably, i.e. without fouling, plugging or membrane degradation.