HOLLOW FIBER ULTRAFILTRATION SYSTEMS

Advances in membrane technology have resulted in the commercial availability of hollow fiber ultrafiltration membranes which provide superior filtration performance, particularly for surface waters. Hollow fiber membranes provide an absolute physical barrier to particles and organisms to a 6,000 molecular weight cut-off (100,000 – 150,000 MWCO (@ 0.1 – 0.2 microns) typical for most surface water filtration applications). Because the membrane provides an absolute physical barrier, ultrafiltration systems provide consistent filtrate quality regardless of the variability in feed water quality. Further, because hollow fiber ultrafiltration membranes are designed for frequent backwash, ultrafiltration systems have been demonstrated to provide exceptional quality filtrate on even the most challenging of surface water sources. As a result, hollow fiber ultrafiltration is emerging as a filtration technology superior to conventional filtration for removal of particles, giardia, cryptosporidium, and cysts from raw water supplies.

LOW FLOW MULTI-TRAIN UF SYSTEM WITH TOUCH-SCREEN OPERATOR INTERFACE

Watersolve’s hollow fiber ultrafiltration systems are designed as fully-automated, skid-mounted packages which incorporate automatic backwash and sanitization features. System skids are constructed of strong, lightweight, corrosion-proof structural fiberglass material joined with stainless steel fasteners. Ultrafiltration systems are PLC controlled for automatic operation and include a central operator interface for simplified system monitoring and control. Systems also include a modem interface allowing for remote system control and monitoring. Watersolve’s ultrafiltration systems are conservatively designed, providing sufficient membrane surface area to keep membrane flux to a minimum. Watersolve’s design practices ensure that Watersolve ultrafiltration systems will provide extremely high quality filtrate in a long-term, cost-effective manner, with minimal operator attention and low operational costs.

MEETING SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT (SDWA) REQUIREMENTS REMOVAL GUIDELINES FOR POTABLE WATER SYSTEMS
CONTAMINANT	SDWA REQMT.	UF PERFORMANCE	UF LOG REMOVAL
Turbidity Giardia* Crypto* Virus* Coliform	0.5 NTU 99.9% Reduction -- 99.99% Reduction **	<0.1> 99.999% 99.999% 99.99% 99.999%	- 5 5 4 5

* Based on challenge studies

** No presence 95% of time. Sampling frequency dependent on system size/community population. For small systems, no presence of coliform is tolerated.

PLC-CONTROLLED UF SYSTEM

115 GPM, multi-train, fully automated, PLC-controlled, hollow fiber ultrafiltration system serving as pre-treatment to a reverse osmosis processor. Pressures and flows are digitally monitored throughout the system with membrane backwash initiated automatically based on time or differential pressure. The multi-train system design allows the filtration system to remain in continuous service even when an individual membrane train is cycled through backwash or sanitization. The backwash and sanitization cycles are pre-programmed and PLC-controlled, providing optimized performance and consistent results. The system includes a variable frequency drive (VFD) providing pump “soft start” and providing for pre-programmed adjustment of pump speeds for enhanced backwash and cleaning performance. Filtrate reserved for backwash is stored in an on-board backwash and sanitization tank. Operator control and monitoring of the system is via a centrally located, touch-screen computer providing a graphical display of all system operating conditions, valve positions, etc., and easy access to the system’s adjustable set-points. The operator interface is housed on the integrated treatment system’s main control panel (not pictured). The treatment system includes a modem for remote control, monitoring and data acquisition. The treatment system skid is constructed of corrosion-proof structural fiberglass material joined with stainless steel fasteners.