The Integrative Process of Flocculation and Submerged Membrane Filtration for Drinking Water Supply

Submerged membrane filtration process (SMF) is considered as the core of the third-generation water treatment process, so it is necessary to study SMF process to optimize the quality of drinking water. Here, an integrative process of flocculation pretreatment and SMF process is investigated on a pilot test. The results show that the removal rate for turbidity and bacteria is more than 99% and the water quality of production water meet the China's standards for drinking water (GB 5749-2006). Less than 50% TOC and CODMn is reduced by the integrative process, while only 24.50% of CODMn and 15.40% of TOC in a single SMF process. A slow increase of transmembrane pressure (TMP) appears in the filtration flux range of from 30 to 50 L/m(2) h, but a sudden increase is observed at the flux of 60 L/m(2) h. This pilot study identifies an integrative process for clean water supply and the SMF process function as a vital role in the integrative process.