TMF System
In evaluating wastewater treatment options, it's crucial to consider the enduring value and advantages alongside the upfront costs. While initially less expensive alternatives might appear cost-effective, our strategy extends beyond short-term financial gains. Our customised industrial wastewater treatment solutions are designed to fulfil immediate requirements while delivering ongoing benefits such as improved water quality, compliance with regulations, and increased operational efficiencies.
Choosing our comprehensive treatment options means you're not just adhering to environmental regulations but also reducing the likelihood of unexpected complications in the future. Investing in our methods equates to investing in the sustainability of your business operations, reducing overall ownership costs, and setting your enterprise on a path to sustained success.
ICMQ's TMF System is the ideal treatment process for industrial waterwaste, which combines a high metal content where a robust and transportable system is required
The TMF (Tangential Membrane filtration) system harnesses the forces within the tangential flow of industrial wastewater (IWW) to enable the passage of clean water through the membrane. In this process, the suspended solids present in the contaminated stream generate friction, effectively causing contaminants adhered to the membrane to be dislodged or "bounced off," ensuring a more efficient and thorough filtration.
Key features of the TMF System include:
Being modular, the TMF System can incorporate an optional RO unit for an even higher quality product water that can be reused. There is also the option to include a GAC unit to remove pollutants such as dissolved hydrocarbons or amines.
Tangential Membrane Filter (TMF) Modules
Microfiltration
Tangential microfiltration, also known as cross-flow microfiltration, is a filtration process used to separate particles and microorganisms from liquids. Unlike traditional filtration, where the feed flows perpendicularly through the filter, in tangential microfiltration, the feed flows parallel to the filter surface. This method minimises filter clogging and allows for continuous operation over longer periods.
Tangential microfiltration is a highly efficient and versatile filtration technique that offers significant benefits over conventional filtration methods, particularly in terms of operational continuity, efficiency, and the ability to process complex feeds.
Ultrafiltration
Tangential ultrafiltration, also known as cross-flow ultrafiltration, is a membrane filtration process that separates dissolved molecules on the basis of size by using a semipermeable membrane. Similar to tangential microfiltration, the process involves the feed liquid flowing parallel to the membrane surface, which helps in minimising the accumulation of retained particles and molecules on the membrane, thus reducing fouling and allowing for continuous operation.
Tangential ultrafiltration is a critical separation technology that offers precise molecular size-based separation, operational efficiency, and versatility across a wide range of industrial applications. Its ability to efficiently process large volumes while minimising fouling makes it a preferred choice for many separation and purification processes.
Metal Precipitation/Removal
Industrial processes can often result in waste water contaminated with heavy metals that require treatment prior to discharge or recycling. A treatment system using Tangential Membrane Filter Modules in combination with chemical precipitation provides excellent reduction of heavy metals (nickel, zinc, copper, lead, chromium, etc.).
TMF product water (permeate or filtrate) is ready for either disposal into existing municipal waste systems or further treatment for plant reuse/recycle. Treated effluent levels of less than 1ppm suspended solids and less than 0.1 ppm metals are typical.
Cleaning of the TMF modules is simple and involves the use of standard chemicals which will allow many years of service.
Lime Softening/RO reclaim
Typical process water systems use RO (Reverse Osmosis) technology as the method of decreasing the level of ions in the process water. RO recovery rates normally range from 75-80%, therefore 20-25% of the RO feed water is discharged as wastewater. With the increasing cost of water and waste discharge, more companies are looking to recover and reuse RO reject water.
While it is possible to reuse the reject water from an RO by feeding it directly into a 2nd RO unit, the likelihood of scaling or fouling the 2nd RO without pretreatment is rather high.
Using a TMF system coupled with the lime softening will reduce scaling and enhance the operation of the 2nd RO. Lime softening along with TMF provides very efficient softening, silica reduction and solids removal within a single process scheme.
Using this treatment technique, recovery rates can be greater than 95% while assuring substantial reduction of scaling to the RO units. This is an efficient and cost effective method for either retrofitting existing RO systems or incorporating it into newly designed systems.
Addressing the complex nature of industrial wastewater requires a holistic understanding of the specific contaminants involved, technological advancements, and a commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly treatment practices.
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