The revolution of the standardization process in sanitation systems

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

Operation of Standardization

Normalizing operating data means adjusting operating data (such as permeate flux and rejection) to standard conditions. This allows operators to compare actual system performance at different times, regardless of variations in parameters such as temperature, pressure, and dissolved solids concentration.

Impact of Permeate Fluxes and Rejection

• First Stage : The permeate stream in the first stage generally has the highest flow rate, as it is the initial point where most of the pressure is applied. Normalization here is critical to detect membrane fouling or other forms of degradation.
• Second Stage : In the second stage, permeate flux tends to be lower due to decreased transmembrane pressure and increased dissolved solids concentration. Normalizing data from this stage helps identify performance issues specific to this stage, 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 data allows you to:

• Operational Efficiency : Identification of performance declines not related to external variations, allowing preventive interventions.
• Chemical Reduction : Accurate monitoring that optimizes cleaning routines, reducing chemical use and environmental impact.

Innovation with Bridgemeter

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

• Normalized Permeate Flux;
• Driving Pressure and Driving Net;
• Rejection Percentage of Each Skid.

Furthermore, the Bridgemeter detects operational deviations through proactive notifications, maximizing efficiency and reducing the need for chemicals, resulting in a lower environmental impact. This continuous, automated approach provides tighter and more efficient control, ensuring the system operates within optimal parameters with less manual intervention, improving membrane lifespan.