AWWA ACE69047

This powerpoint presentation begins by providing a brief overview of membrane filtration. Ceramic membranes are presented, focusing on process and structure. A comparison of ceramic vs. polymeric membranes is presented, along with a case study where a pilot study on Oyster Creek water, in the state of Texas, was conducted using polymeric membranes. Ceramic membranes were evaluated on a bench-scale test for the same source water. The experimental part of the ceramic membrane study was conducted at McMaster University. Background information includes the following: source water is high in organic content (6 to 8 mg/L of TOC, 350 to 550 CPU of color) and high turbidity (200 to 600 NTU); experimental mode - cross flow and dead-end filtration; the membranes tested were 15 KD molecular weight cut off; the fluxes tested ranged from 75 to 120 gfd; and, polymeric membranes fluxes tested ranged from 30 to 70 gfd. Presentation conclusions indicate the following: more robust and efficient in performance; no sedimentation tank and a rapid sand filter required and therefore, a small footprint treatment plant; resistant to almost all oxidants and extreme operation conditions including pressure, temperature and chemicals; and, high permeate flux recovery. Includes tables, figures.