1
Technology news 14 Filtration+Separation July/August 2012 QUA expands ultrafiltration module range Membrane manufacturer QUA has introduces a new smaller- sized Q-SEP ® model 2008 hollow fibre ultrafiltration module for water and wastewater treatment processes. This smaller compact module offers greater flexibility when designing smaller filtration systems, particularly for commercial customers as well for other customers where water demand is low. The company says that the Q-SEP 2008 is most suitable for applications in offices, hospitals and hotels, for example. Q-SEP 2008 is NSF certified. Q-SEP 2008 is a self-encapsulated hollow fibre ultrafiltration membrane module (inside-out) with a membrane surface area of 20.0 square metres (215.27 square feet). The total length including end cap is 1015 mm, and the unit has a diameter of 225 mm (8.85 inches). The Q-SEP model 2008 module weighs 28 kg (61.39 lbs). As with other Q-SEP models, the 2008 module is mounted vertically. Q-SEP Hollow Fiber UF modules contain UF membranes manufactured with QUA’s ‘Cloud Point Precipitation’ method. The company adds that this process ensures a high pore density along the length of the fibre and uniform pore size distribution in the membrane. Q-SEP modules are claimed to offer good performance characteristics and product water quality that surpass the quality from conventional UF modules, with low silt density index (SDI) and excellent rejection of bacteria and viruses. Q-SEP UF membranes are made from a hydrophilic polyether sulphone (PES) material that provides high fibre strength and excellent low fouling characteristics resulting in higher productivity. These hollow fibre membranes operate under low trans-membrane pressure in an inside-out flow configuration for superior performance. The fibres in the Q-SEP module are held firmly in place, which reduces the stress on the fibres even at high flow velocities. Uniform fibre packing limits the pressure drop variation within the module and prevents localised high fouling conditions. Unique end cap sealing design allows for high- pressure operation and ease of assembly. Q-SEP UF modules can be used as dead-end filtration or in cross flow mode. The membranes are available with 0.8 mm ID fibres suitable for feed water with low turbidity and 1.2 mm ID fibres suitable to treat water with higher turbidity. QUA adds that the advantages of Q-SEP UF over conventional media filtration include improved filtrate quality; SDI typically less than 1; removal of virus, bacteria and germs as well as microbiological and colloidal matter; improvement of downstream RO performance; and consistent treated water quality, irrespective of changes in feed water quality. In addition, Q-SEP eliminates the need to add coagulant chemicals for most applications. The Q-SEP ultrafiltration fibres and modules, like all QUA products, are manufactured in a state-of-the- art membrane manufacturing facility with continuous online monitoring to maintain consistent quality. Applications of Q-SEP UF modules include pre-treatment to reverse osmosis (RO) systems (brackish and seawater applications), purification of surface and well water for potable applications, filtration of industrial water, and wastewater recycle and reuse. www.quagroup.com ‘Filter Characterisation’ is the main theme of the Filtration Society’s annual conference and exhibition, which returns on 2-3 October 2012 at the Mercure Chester East Hotel, Christleton, Chester, UK. The main one-day event is preceded by a Filter Testing Short Course. The Filtration Society conference always attracts industry leaders and this year is no exception. On day one, short course presenters will be Mark Crooks (TSI, UK), Danny Pattyn (Porometer.com, Belgium), Dr Christophe Peuchot (IFTS, France), Dr Steve Tarleton (Loughborough University, UK) and Professor Richard Wakeman (Consultant, UK). Topics covered will include particle size and shape analysis, porometry and characterising and testing filter media. On day two, the main ‘Filter Characterisation’ event will include expert presentations on topics as diverse as air filter testing, planning laboratory scale filtration tests and the importance of particle statistics in challenge testing. Attendees will also be able to see the latest filtration products at the trade exhibition, which features the ‘Technology burst’ session in which exhibitors are given the opportunity to make 5-10 minute presentations about their products or services. Dr Graham Rideal, CEO of Whitehouse Scientific is a former chairman of The Filtration Society and currently its science correspondent. “Whitehouse Scientific is delighted to again support the annual Filtration Society conference. One of its attractions for me, is the way that it gives conferees the opportunity to raise matters related to filter testing that are of particular interest to them, thus enabling us to learn from one another.” www.filtsoc.org Filtration Society conference set for October ‘Filter Characterisation’ is the main theme of the Filtration Society’s annual conference and exhibition on 2-3 October this year.
