HI-FRE

Efficient membrane filtration units with integrated High Frequency Backpulsing device

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Membrane filtration has become a key technology for many environmental and industrial applications. Yet in spite of several cleaning options at hand, fouling phenomena such as cake layer formation and pore blocking still limit its performance. The objective of this project is to overcome these limits by developing, a high frequency back-pulsing device, integrating it into membrane filtration systems and transferring the knowledge gained to new, more competitive products and services offered by the SMEs involved. The key feature of the innovative back-pulse concept is a valve-less construction providing short response times, defined pulse shape and efficient membrane cleaning at minimal back-pulse flow. Selected membranes (polymeric and ceramic) and modules (capillary and flat sheet) will be tested. The integration of pulsing device and module is essential for successful scale up. It has to take into account inertia, viscosity and elasticity effects and gets prime attention in a dynamic modelling approach. The applications to be investigated range from the treatment of liquid residues of biomass-based power generation to treatment and reuse of process fluids and wastewater, including membrane bioreactor applications. The project addresses all critical points along the value chain from membrane supply to end-use. Its outputs include insight into the hydrodynamics of high frequency back-pulsing, novel back-pulsing devices, adapted membrane/module configurations and new applications for a new technique. The consortium includes 2 RTD partners focussing on technology (VITO), modelling (RWTH) and testing (FHNW), 4 SMEs manufacturing back-pulsing devices (Pirmatech), ceramic membranes (ATECH), polymeric membranes and filtration systems (Inge, A3), 1 SME as system integrator (Waterleau), 2 SME end-users (Agroservice, Bio-Energy Maasland) and one large end-user for demonstration (WSHD).'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Filters are used in numerous applications and traditionally require manual cleaning to run effectively. A new device and novel technology may automate filter cleaning, helping streamline industrial processes and water treatment significantly.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

A simple filtering device can make the difference between health and disease or between a good product and a bad product. Filters for water and wastewater are crucial to our health, but are also valuable in industrial processes like fuel, energy, food and agro-industry.

Filters generally have membranes which collect filtered residues, and these membranes can often get very dirty and clogged, causing complications and dangerously compromising the filtering process. A harmful 'cake layer' may form, causing a phenomenon called 'fouling'. The EU-funded project Hi-Fre is developing 'Efficient membrane filtration units with integrated high frequency backpulsing device'. Put simply, this means that once the filter starts clogging, the device reverses the thrust with a lot of power to safely flush out harmful residue.

Hi-Fre is developing such a device to be integrated into filtration systems and beyond. The applications being considered for this backpulsing technology range from the treatment of liquid residues from biomass-based power generation to treatment and reuse of process fluids and wastewater.

The project addresses all critical points along the filtering process. It delves into the hydrodynamics of high-frequency backpulsing and novel backpulsing devices, as well as adapted membrane configurations and new applications for this creative technique. The technique works by reversing the pressure between the feed and the outer side of the filter using short backpulses in a very controlled process.

In the first phase of the project, seven SMEs and one industrial end-user, in addition to R&D stakeholders have all investigated the system's design. They agreed that a successful backpulse device should be capable of controlling backpulse frequency and be flexible enough to work with different types of sophisticated membranes. Fortunately, the backpulse device developed meets these requirements and has been constructed in a practical way, using a motor-driven piston rather than valves.

Continued testing against different membrane modules provided by SME membrane manufacturers has also proven successful. The backpulsing systems have been tested with different membranes and feed solutions such as surface water, biomass from wastewater treatment plants and liquid residues from biogas plants. With initial success confirmed, the way has been paved for further improvements of the systems and their application on a pilot scale.