Pilot tests of VSEP technology to minimize the amount
of reverse osmosis concentrate

Summary

The results of pilot tests of the VSEP vibromembrane liquid separation technology for concentrating wastewater with high salinity from an industrial reverse osmosis plant are presented. VSEP technology provides for achieving high filtrate yields from salty wastewater eliminating pre-treatment and the use of antiscalants. As a result of membrane separation, demineralized water (filtrate) is obtained, that can be reused in the production cycle, as well as a highly concentrated solution of salts (concentrate), that also includes insoluble sludge. The tests were carried out at an industrial facility using a pilot plant of the VSEP Auto-LP series using reverse osmosis membranes. Procedures for choosing the brand of a polymer membrane and determining the optimal operating pressure were carried out. The experimental data on wastewater concentration cycles are presented to determine the conditions for the stability of the separation process and the duration of the installation flushing interval. The test results provide for designing an industrial wastewater return system for reuse.

Key words

reverse osmosis , pilot tests , membrane separation , VSEP technology , concentration polarization , reverse osmosis membrane