DESALINATION AND INDUSTRIAL-WASTE WATER-TREATMENT WITH THE ROCHEM DISK TUBE MODULE DT

A new module system for membrane applications in desalination and purification of liquids is presented. The ROCHEM Disc Tube Modul Type DT can operate effectively and economically at increased turbidity and Silt Density Index levels for reverse osmosis and high pressure ultrafiltration. The disc-membrane stack of this module is assembled using hydraulic discs alternating with membrane cushions on a central tension rod with metal end flanges and is covered by a standard 8 inch pipe. This design allows for an easy alteration of module length and tube materials and facilitates inspection or changing of membranes in a quick and easy manner. The open feed channel between the hydraulic disc and the membrane surfaces ensures an unrestricted feedwater flow and consequently an optimal membrane cleaning from fouling deposits. The open channel ROCHEM RO DT module can operate without problems on sea water which has been pretreated only with normal mechanical filters such as a sand filter and a cartridge filter, usually making acid and antiscalant pretreatment unnecessary. Due to the low pretreatment requirements of the module, it can be used for industrial waste water applications. Design details of the DT module and results from practical field work in sea water desalination and - as example for industrial waste water treatment - in landfill leachate applications are discussed.