Figure: Bench Scale hollow-fibre nanofiltration system © CERTH.
The amount of soluble matter in process water often hinders its reuse. Nanofiltration (NF) is a widely used technology with applications in drinking water, the food industry, and the chemical industry. Similar to non-porous reverse osmosis (RO) membranes, the common NF module is the spiral-wound type, utilizing standard housing, connections, and pressure vessels. However, spiral-wound modules are prone to membrane fouling/scaling, have limited cleaning potential, and consume high energy due to spacer presence.
To address these challenges, CORNERSTONE is focusing on developing and implementing hollow fiber (HF) NF technology. HF-NF membranes are less susceptible to fouling, easy to clean, and more energy-efficient compared to flat sheet membranes. The use of HF-NF can reduce membrane fouling and scaling issues, making it possible to handle feed water prone to fouling without the need for pre-treatment. This innovation aims to enhance the efficiency of nanofiltration, making it a more viable and sustainable option for the treatment and reuse of process water.
Figure: Bench Scale hollow-fibre nanofiltration system © CERTH.