The revolution in the standardization process in sanitation systems

The standardization process in sanitation systems that use membranes, such as in reverse osmosis (RO), ultrafiltration (UF), or nanofiltration (NF) units, is essential to monitor system performance over time and ensure treatment efficiency.

How Standardization Works

Normalizing operating data means adjusting operational data (such as permeate flow and rejection) to standard conditions. This is done so that operators can compare the actual system performance at different times, regardless of variations in parameters such as temperature, pressure, and dissolved solids concentration.

Impact of Permeated Flows and Rejection

• First Stage : The permeate flow in the first stage generally has a higher flow rate, since it is the initial point where most of the pressure is applied. Normalization here is critical to detect if there is fouling (clogging) in the membranes or other forms of degradation.
• Second Stage : In the second stage, the permeate flux tends to be lower due to the decrease in transmembrane pressure and the increase in the concentration of dissolved solids. Normalizing the data from this stage helps to identify specific performance problems at this point, such as increased fouling or membrane damage.
• Rejection : The rejection rate, or the membrane's ability to retain contaminants, also needs to be normalized. Normalization helps verify that the membrane continues to reject contaminants efficiently over time, even with variations in feed composition and operating conditions.

Normalization and Efficiency Calculations

Normalizing the data allows you to:

• Operational Efficiency : Identifying performance drops unrelated to external variations, allowing for preventive interventions.
• Chemical Reduction : Precise monitoring that optimizes cleaning routines, reducing the use of chemicals and environmental impact.

Innovation with Bridgemeter

While traditional normalization is performed manually a maximum of three times a day and calculations are done in spreadsheets, Above-Net revolutionized the process by parameterizing the Bridgemeter. This solution allows for continuous data collection from the treatment process, with real-time graphs of:

• Normalized Permeate Flux;
• Driving Pressure and Driving Liquid;
• Percentage of Rejections for Each Skid.

Furthermore, the Bridgemeter indicates operational deviations through proactive notifications, maximizing efficiency and reducing the need for chemical agents, resulting in less environmental impact. This continuous and automated approach provides more rigorous and efficient control, ensuring that the system operates within ideal parameters with less manual intervention, improving the lifespan of the membranes.