Reducing the costs of membrane filtration with anti-telescoping device

Membrane elements and the housings in which they are fitted are both designed with a small tolerance in diameter, allowing a considerable part of the re-circulation flow to pass between the membrane element and the housing, thereby not contributing to the filtration. This by-pass-flow can be 30-50 per cent of the total flow. As a part of the flow does not pass over active membrane surface, the energy consumption for the re-circulation is not optimised.

The membrane elements are internally connected with an ATD (anti-telescoping device). DSS has developed an Energy Saving ATD, called ESA, which by means of a special lip seal controls the by-pass-flow around the membrane element.

With the ESA, the major part of the flow is directed through the membrane element and passes the active membrane surface.

The efficiency of the filtration process is maintained while the energy consumption is reduced by 10-40 per cent. The requirements for cooling are also reduced. As an added bonus, the ESA practically eliminates the mechanical deformation of the membrane elements, thereby prolonging the membrane life.

Advantages of using the ESA include: 10-40 per cent less energy consumption; reduced need for cooling; prolonged membrane life; possibility of increasing the capacity of an existing plant; more gentle product treatment; possibility of energy subsidy in some countries; and less dead volume in the plant.

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DSS Silkeborg AS is based in Silkeborg, Denmark. www.dss.eu