A membrane autopsy is a good description of the analysis that can be performed on a fouled membrane. It can also be the key to determining how to prevent fouling of new membranes and to maximize the efficiency of this key piece of water treatment equipment. U.S. Water Services performs this analysis in-house at our location in Cambridge, Minnesota, and then issues a comprehensive seven page report of the results. The [...]
Few subjects have captured the attention of boiler cycle chemistry experts and research dollars in the past 10+ years as flow accelerated corrosion (FAC). Having previously been most concerned about failures occurring in higher pressure areas of the cycle, FAC is now a primary concern as over 60% of all utilities have reported finding it in their facilities. Defined as localized rapid metal loss resulting [...]
Reverse osmosis (RO) systems behave similar to a boiler or a cooling tower in that they cause the dissolved salts in their make-up water to become more concentrated. As pure water permeates the RO membrane, the salts are left behind in a concentrated stream. If the solubility of any particular salt is exceeded, the potential exists that the salt will form scale directly on the membrane surface or possibly within [...]
The use of Ozone has become an optional biocide in smaller cooling towers, evaporative condensers and process applications where low to moderate traditional biocides, such as bleach and bromine, have been used. Facilities seeking ‘green' solutions are using Ozone to reduce chemical discharge, reduce on-site chemical handling by workers, and provide a hands off treatment approach, especially in hard to [...]
Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a proven technology with new applications for various industries. U.S. Water’s representatives pride themselves on having extensive knowledge of RO unit installation, operations, troubleshooting and cleaning procedures. Let’s review the standards and best practices for RO units by first reviewing the process of osmosis. OSMOSIS: A NATURAL OCCURRENCE Osmosis is a natural [...]
Introduction Water supply issues and sustainability are emerging as a national concern with the energy sector coming under increasing scrutiny. This is certainly the case with the ethanol industry. State discharge regulations have and are dictating that plant designs incorporate technological solutions to minimizing water use. These designs involve utilizing equipment that allows flexibility in reusing water [...]
republished with permission from Ethanol Today , December 2010 In the agribusiness sector where acronyms abound, some corn producers and ethanol plant investors are learning yet another one: ZLD It stands for “zero liquid discharge,” and it could be an important future trend for the ethanol industry as plants weigh the possible benefits of treating and re-using water that has already been [...]