UC Case No. 2016-159
SUMMARY
UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular engineering have developed a novel UF-RO system.
BACKGROUND
Ultrafiltration (UF) is the process of membrane-based removal of particles. It is used in a number of different industries such as food production, water treatment, desalination etc. In particular, in water treatment plants it is used as the first step before further treatment by reverse-osmosis (RO). The main drawback of current UF-RO plants are the need for backwashing at fixed intervals to clean the UF membrane and a separate tank to be used for backwashing. Together these issues add to recurrent maintenance costs.
INNOVATION
UCLA researchers have developed a novel UF-RO system that overcomes the drawbacks of current systems. They have developed an integrated UF-RO system that is self-adaptive. The UF membrane is continuously monitored for resistance and backwashing is automatically initiated upon reaching a threshold. The system uses the RO permeate and does not require a separate storage unit reducing operational and maintenance costs. In a field test for desalination the system improved the membrane performance from 16 to 143 days.
APPLICATIONS
- Potable water treatment
- Waste water treatment
- Food industry
- Desalination
ADVANTAGES
- Real-time monitoring of membrane resistance using pressure and flow sensors
- Automated backwashing upon reaching resistance threshold
- Reduced maintenance cost
- Extended UF membrane performance from 16 to 143 days
- Compatible with RO, microfiltration and nanofiltration uses
RELATED MATERIALS
STATE OF DEVELOPMENT
Prototype developed and extensively tested in a field study.