Media filtration or advanced UF/RObased membrane technology

This article talks about water filtration systems, and wastewater technologies for physical treatment of solid and liquid waste.

Water scarcity is deemed as one of the largest threats to humankind. Water is a natural resource that is indispensable to human life and critical to the sustainability of the environment. Over the years, states worldwide have taken up initiatives to develop new technologies and practises to mitigate the effects of water pollution. 

Indsutrial wastewater

 In India, the industrial sector is the second-highest consumer of water. Groundwater and surface water are the main water sources for industries. As per the data generated by the World Bank in 2017, the annual freshwater withdrawal of the world was 38,80,000 m3, of which the freshwater withdrawal of India was 6,48,000 m3. Water resources have been under massive stress with an exponential increase in population and rapid industrialisation. There is a significant gap between the water demand and supply scenario. Thus, water supply to industries would be restricted in the event of water scarcity. One aspect that can be incorporated to address the growing water demand is the use of efficient technologies available to achieve a circular economy approach for wastewater treatment.

Filteration process and technology 

The water and wastewater treatment process is extensively classified into physical, chemical, and biological treatments. Physical treatment refers to the process of solid liquid separation, which can be achieved either by media filtration or advanced UF/RO-based membrane technology. The principle of membrane separation is the selective filtration of influent through pores of different sizes. Membranes are classified based upon pore size, configuration, and type of material. Typically based upon sizes, Thermax offers membrane based solutions for microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF), and reverse osmosis (RO).

Media filters are proven effective in removing suspended solids and turbidity from water, followed by advanced UF membranes, which restrict particles above 0.01m. Thermax offers this scheme for various applications, such as treating municipal wastewater, raw water, and industrial effluents.

 We also have innovative solutions for complete recycling of effluents generated from different processes. Thermax offers a ZLD scheme comprising chemical pre-treatment followed by advanced separation using RO membranes. The final reject could be recycled using evaporators, providing net zero discharge. The treated water could be reused in processes, cooling towers, boilers, and other industrial applications.

Thermax provides customised as well as standardised wastewater treatment plants for industries, housing and commercial complexes. We have MEE/MVR based solutions for complete water recycling. We want to assist our customers in reducing their water consumption and reusing and recycling their wastewater. 

With increasing water demand and a limited supply of freshwater, the need for wastewater reclamation is imminent. As per the World Bank Water and Sanitation Program (WSP) and International Water Management Institute (IWMI), if India reuses 80% of its untreated wastewater from 110 of its most populated cities, 75% of the projected industrial water demand will be met by 2025. Hence, there is huge business potential in water recycling and ZLD. 

Expertise shared by: Nandan Prabhune,

 Group Head – Technology & Innovation, Water and Waste Solutions, 

Thermax Limited