Membrane Technology
Membrane technology has made it possible to remove tiny materials from wastewater in an economic and environmentally friendly manner, or to separate mixed materials using purely physical means. Microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis have established themselves as alternatives to other separation processes in wastewater treatment, and are now considered to be key technologies for operational closed-loop water systems and material reclamation.
The membranes function similarly to filters, and can be made from ceramics, metal or plastic. The last mentioned can even remove pathogenic agents such as viruses, bacteria, parasites or antibiotic-resistant germs from wastewater, and are therefore installed as the preferred method of hygienization in municipal sewage treatment plants. They can also be used successfully in small treatment systems in the home. A further advantage is that the systems save space, and generate relatively little sludge in operation.
Other typical applications are
• seawater desalination,
• drinking water treatment,
• elimination of hazardous materials from landfill leachate,
• cleanup of groundwater and surface water
In the area of production-integrated environmental protection this includes
• pigment reclamation in the paint industry,
• dealcoholisation and clarification in food processing, and
• extraction of disposable products and residue from wastewater in secondary lead works.
The results of successfully concluded projects in all areas of application can be researched and accessed in the database on this internet platform.
German Society for Membrane Technology e.V. (DGMT)