Difference between revisions of "MemEOL"

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    "Options":["Financial","Effort Required","Environmental Impact","Landfill Impact","Public Perception"],
+
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−
    "Landfill":[0.5,1,0.071948388,0,0],
+
        "Landfill":[0.5,1,0.071948388,0,0.25],
−
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        "Incineration":[0.25,0,0,1,0],
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−
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        "EAF":[0.25,0.25,0.393937055,0.934453418,0.5],
−
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        "Material Recycling":[0.25,0.5,0.530903672,0.431342056,1],
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+
        "Conversion to UF":[0.5,0.25,0.852049802,0.324296173,0.5],
−
    "Reuse as RO":[0.75,0.5,1,0.324296173,0.75]
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        "Reuse as RO":[0.75,0.75,1,0.324296173,0.75]
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        "5":[0.04]
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     var CONST_LANDFILL = 'landfill';
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     //determine the scores for each criterion
 
     //determine the scores for each criterion
−
function computePreferenceScores(preferences){
+
    function computePreferenceScores(preferences){
 
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         var arrayLength = preferences.length;
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         return scores;
 
         return scores;
 
         //now that we have the scores we need to check them and display the correct output
 
         //now that we have the scores we need to check them and display the correct output
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     function scoresArrayToObject(scores){
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     }
 
     }
  
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    //prefereces are coded to be 0-4 not 1-5
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        return preferences;
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−
function getPhysicalDamage(){
+
    function getPhysicalDamage(){
−
var result = $('input[name="damagedMembranes"]:checked').val();
+
        var result = $('input[name="damagedMembranes"]:checked').val();
 
         //damagedMembranesYes damagedMembranesNo
 
         //damagedMembranesYes damagedMembranesNo
 
         if(result === 'damagedMembranesYes'){
 
         if(result === 'damagedMembranesYes'){
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             return 0;
 
             return 0;
 
         }  
 
         }  
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}
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    }
  
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function getPermeability(){
+
    function getPermeability(){
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var result = $('#testedPermeability').val();
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        var result = $('#testedPermeability').val();
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return result;
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        return result;
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}
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    }
  
−
function getNaClRejection(){
+
    function getNaClRejection(){
−
var result = $('#NaClRejection').val();
+
        var result = $('#NaClRejection').val();
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return result;
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        return result;
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}
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    }
  
 
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     function initialise(){
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     }
 
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    $( document ).ready(function() {
 
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         mw.loader.using( ['jquery.ui.core', 'ext.bootstrap','ext.bootstrap.scripts', 'ext.bootstrap.styles'], function () {
 
             $('.form-memEOL').bootstrapValidator()
 
             $('.form-memEOL').bootstrapValidator()
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                 //$('.nav-pills > .active').next('li').find('a').trigger('click');
 
                 //$('.nav-pills > .active').next('li').find('a').trigger('click');
 
             });
 
             });
−
    $( ".memEOL-submit" )
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            $( ".memEOL-submit" )
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    .filter(":button")
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            .filter(":button")
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      .button()
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      .click(function( event ) {
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            .click(function( event ) {
−
      event.preventDefault(); //lock the button for now.
+
                event.preventDefault(); //lock the button for now.
 
                 initialise();
 
                 initialise();
−
      });
+
            });
  
 
             $( ".memEOL-questions" )
 
             $( ".memEOL-questions" )
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                 event.preventDefault();
 
                 event.preventDefault();
 
             });
 
             });
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  });
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        });
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  });
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    });
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    </script>
 
</head>
 
</head>
 
<body>
 
<body>
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<div class="tab-content">
 
<div class="tab-content">
 
<div id="reuse_tool_section1" class="tab-pane panel panel-primary fade active in">
 
<div id="reuse_tool_section1" class="tab-pane panel panel-primary fade active in">
−
<div class="panel-heading">Do you suspect there is any physical [[Membrane Autopsy Techniques|damage to the membranes]] that would prevent them from being reused?</div>
+
<div class="panel-heading">Do you suspect there is any [[Membrane Autopsy Techniques| physical damage ]] to the membranes?</div>
 
<div class="panel-body">
 
<div class="panel-body">
 
<html><head></head><body>
 
<html><head></head><body>
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</div>
 
</div>
 
<ul class="list-group">
 
<ul class="list-group">
−
<li class="list-group-item">[[Membrane Autopsy Techniques|Membrane damage]]</li>
+
<li class="list-group-item">[[Membrane Autopsy Techniques|Find out more about membrane damage.]]</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
−
<div class="panel-heading">What is the tested permeability of your membranes (LMH/bar)? </div>
+
<div class="panel-heading">What is the average tested permeability of your membranes (Lm⁻²h⁻¹bar⁻¹)? </div>
 
<div class="panel-body">
 
<div class="panel-body">
 
<html><head></head><body>
 
<html><head></head><body>
 
<div class="form-group">
 
<div class="form-group">
 
<div class="col-sm-6 sr-only">
 
<div class="col-sm-6 sr-only">
−
<label class="control-label sr-only" for="testedPermeability">Tested permeability (LMH/bar):</label>
+
<label class="control-label sr-only" for="testedPermeability">Tested permeability (Lm⁻²h⁻¹bar⁻¹):</label>
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
<div class="col-sm-6">
 
<div class="col-sm-6">
−
<input type="text" class="form-control" id="testedPermeability" name="testedPermeability" placeholder="Tested permeability in LMH/bar" data-bv-notempty="true" data-bv-notempty-message="Membrane permeability is required and cannot be empty." data-bv-stringlength="true" data-bv-stringlength-max="10" data-bv-stringlength-message="The membrane permeability must be less than 10 characters in length." data-bv-regexp="true" data-bv-regexp-regexp="^[0-9]+([\.][0-9]+)?$" data-bv-regexp-message="Please enter a number greater than 0." />
+
<input type="text" class="form-control" id="testedPermeability" name="testedPermeability" placeholder="Lm⁻²h⁻¹bar⁻¹" data-bv-notempty="true" data-bv-notempty-message="Membrane permeability is required and cannot be empty." data-bv-stringlength="true" data-bv-stringlength-max="10" data-bv-stringlength-message="The membrane permeability must be less than 10 characters in length." data-bv-regexp="true" data-bv-regexp-regexp="^[0-9]+([\.][0-9]+)?$" data-bv-regexp-message="Please enter a number greater than 0." />
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
</div>
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<li class="list-group-item">[[Standardised RO Testing|Find out more about standard testing methods.]]</li>
 
<li class="list-group-item">[[Standardised RO Testing|Find out more about standard testing methods.]]</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
−
<div class="panel-heading">What is the tested NaCl rejection of your membranes? (% NaCl rejection)</div>
+
<div class="panel-heading">What is the average tested NaCl rejection of your membranes? (% NaCl rejection)</div>
 
<div class="panel-body">
 
<div class="panel-body">
 
<html><head></head><body>
 
<html><head></head><body>
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</div>
 
</div>
 
<ul class="list-group">
 
<ul class="list-group">
−
<li class="list-group-item">[[membrane testing fact sheet]]</li>
+
<li class="list-group-item">[[Standardised RO Testing|Find out more about standard testing methods.]]</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
<!--
 
<!--
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</body></html>
 
</body></html>
 
</div>
 
</div>
−
<div class="panel-footer">
 
 
<ul class="list-group">
 
<ul class="list-group">
−
<li class="list-group-item">[[MemEOL Assessment Criteria|Find out more about the assessment criteria]]</li>
+
<li class="list-group-item">[[MemEOL Assessment Criteria|Find out more about the assessment criteria.]]</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
−
</div>
 
 
<!--<div class="panel-body form-horizontal">--><html><head></head><body>
 
<!--<div class="panel-body form-horizontal">--><html><head></head><body>
 
<div class="form-group">
 
<div class="form-group">
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<div class="recommendation landfill" style="display: none;">
 
<div class="recommendation landfill" style="display: none;">
 
Landfill is currently the industry standard for disposal of end-of-life reverse osmosis membranes. Due to their mostly polymeric composition, membranes are considered inert municipal solid waste in the case of landfill disposal, with no degradation over a measureable time period. Therefore, disposal in landfill has the highest environmental impact of all the considered options, and should be avoided where possible; however, it is the simplest option, with minimal cost.
 
Landfill is currently the industry standard for disposal of end-of-life reverse osmosis membranes. Due to their mostly polymeric composition, membranes are considered inert municipal solid waste in the case of landfill disposal, with no degradation over a measureable time period. Therefore, disposal in landfill has the highest environmental impact of all the considered options, and should be avoided where possible; however, it is the simplest option, with minimal cost.
 +
</body></html>
 +
[[File:Picture of old membranes brightened.jpg|center|x450px|End-of-life membranes awaiting transportation to landfill (Courtesy of NCEDA)']]
 +
''End-of-life membranes awaiting transportation to landfill (Courtesy of NCEDA)''
 +
<html><head></head><body>
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
<div class="recommendation incineration alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Energy recovery through incineration." style="display: none;"><h4>Energy recovery through incineration</h4></div>
 
<div class="recommendation incineration alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Energy recovery through incineration." style="display: none;"><h4>Energy recovery through incineration</h4></div>
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</body></html>
 
</body></html>
 
The use of polymeric membrane components as a substitute carbon source in electric arc furnace steel making process is a new end-of-life approach with many financial and environmental benefits, specifically in terms of diverting waste from landfill<ref name="lawler-2014-C" />. The use of waste plastic and rubber as a substitute for metallurgical coke has been extensively tested in recent years and has also seen commercial use<ref name="sahajwalla" />. This method has been specifically tested with membrane components and the results show that 64% by weight of membrane modules are compatible, including the membrane sheets, as well as the feed and permeate spacers<ref name="lawler-2014-D" />.  
 
The use of polymeric membrane components as a substitute carbon source in electric arc furnace steel making process is a new end-of-life approach with many financial and environmental benefits, specifically in terms of diverting waste from landfill<ref name="lawler-2014-C" />. The use of waste plastic and rubber as a substitute for metallurgical coke has been extensively tested in recent years and has also seen commercial use<ref name="sahajwalla" />. This method has been specifically tested with membrane components and the results show that 64% by weight of membrane modules are compatible, including the membrane sheets, as well as the feed and permeate spacers<ref name="lawler-2014-D" />.  
 +
 +
[[File:EAF.PNG|center|371px|Electric Arc Furnace]]
 +
''Electric Arc Furnace''
  
 
A partial waste polymeric material substitute actually improves the process though increased energy retainment and promotion of the foamy slag, which help protects the electrodes and walls of the furnace. There are however strict requirements for feed quality for this process and any type of contamination can lead to a negative impact on steel quality. Therefore, after the membrane components have been grown to the required size, the material needs to be thoroughly washed to remove any contamination from membrane use. This end-of-life option is most suitable for membrane users with a large number of membranes, or when constant replacement is required.
 
A partial waste polymeric material substitute actually improves the process though increased energy retainment and promotion of the foamy slag, which help protects the electrodes and walls of the furnace. There are however strict requirements for feed quality for this process and any type of contamination can lead to a negative impact on steel quality. Therefore, after the membrane components have been grown to the required size, the material needs to be thoroughly washed to remove any contamination from membrane use. This end-of-life option is most suitable for membrane users with a large number of membranes, or when constant replacement is required.
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</div>
 
</div>
 
<div class="recommendation material_recycling alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Material recycling." style="display: none;"><h4>Material recycling</h4></div>
 
<div class="recommendation material_recycling alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Material recycling." style="display: none;"><h4>Material recycling</h4></div>
 +
<div class="recommendation material_recycling" style="display: none;">
 +
<table class="table table-bordered table-striped table-responsive">
 +
<tbody><tr>
 +
<td>Compatible with plastic components</td>
 +
<td>Yes</td>
 +
</tr><tr>
 +
<td>Compatible with fibreglass components</td>
 +
<td>Possible but limited</td>
 +
</tr><tr>
 +
<td>Available in Australia</td>
 +
<td>Yes</td>
 +
</tr><tr>
 +
<td>Available globally</td>
 +
<td>Yes</td>
 +
</tr><tr>
 +
<td>Manual disassembly required</td>
 +
<td>Yes</td>
 +
</tr></tbody>
 +
</table>
 +
</div>
 +
<div class="recommendation material_recycling" style="display: none;">
 +
</body></html>
 +
Recycling of the polymeric membrane components using standard methods has been shown to be one of the most environmentally favourable end-of-life options, with an extremely positive public perception<ref name="lawler-2014-E" />.
 +
 +
The primary recycling method for end-of-life plastic components is mechanical recycling<ref name="a-vard" />, which involves the components being shredded into plastic flakes, which are melted and reformed via melt-extrusion, to produce uniformly-sized pellets which can be used as a raw material for new products<ref name="brulliard" />. This process requires the module to be disassembled and sorted prior to the plastic washing and grinding stages. Due to the requirements of mechanical recycling, only the ABS components, including the tube and end caps, and the spacers are suitable for this method, with all other components being sent to landfill or other end-of-life application<ref name="goodship" />. 
 +
 +
[[File:Membrane comp graph.png|center|630px|Major components of RO membranes]]
 +
''Major components of RO membranes''
 +
 +
In Australia, the overall plastic recycling rate was 20.1% (in 2011), with the majority of plastics being mechanically reprocessed into durable (non-packaging) products<ref name="pacia" />. There are a wide range of companies and programs available for this standard type of plastic recycling currently available in Australia, including [http://www.sita.com.au SITA] and [http://www.aprecycling.com AP Recycling].
 +
 +
As manual disassembly is required for mechanical recycling, there is also an opportunity to directly reuse some of the membrane components, saving on the cost of processing. These opportunities include, the use of ground plastic components as an aggregate for use in concrete<ref name="saikia" />; the use of membrane sheets and spaces as geotextiles, which are used to separate and retain soils or gravel in landscaping or construction application<ref name="ould" />; and their use in wood plastic composites, which are produced by mixing recycled plastics with ground wood particles to produce decking, roof tiles, cladding, landscaping timbers etc<ref name="kazemi" />.
 +
 +
===References===
 +
<references>
 +
<ref name="lawler-2014-E">Lawler, W.; Alvarez-Gaitan, J.; Leslie, G.; Le-Clech, P. "Assessment of End-of-Life Opportunities for Reverse Osmosis Membranes." The University of New South Wales (2015).</ref>
 +
<ref name="a-vard">A’Vard, D.; O’Farrell, K. National Recycling Survey Final Report; Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association: Carlton, VIC (2013)</ref>
 +
<ref name="brulliard">Brulliard, C.; Cain, R.; Do, D.; Dornom, T.; Lim, B.; Olesson, E.; Young, S. "The Australian recycling sector." Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (2012). Available at www.environment.gov.au</ref>
 +
<ref name="goodship">Goodship, V. "Introduction to Plastic Recycling". Smithers Rapra Technology Limited: Shawbury UK (2007)</ref>
 +
<ref name="pacia">PACIA. "Plastic recycling in Australia remains strong" (2012)</ref>
 +
<ref name="saikia">Saikia, N.; de Brito, J. Construction and Building Materials (2012), 34, 385-401.</ref>
 +
<ref name="ould">Ould Mohamedou, E.; Penate Suarez, D. B.; Vince, F.; Jaouen, P.; Pontie, M. Desalination (2010), 253, 62–70.</ref>
 +
<ref name="kazemi">Kazemi Najafi, S. Waste management; New York (2013)</ref>
 +
</references>
 +
<html><head></head><body>
 +
</div>
 
<div class="recommendation conversion_to_uf alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Chemical conversion to an ultrafiltration membrane and then reuse." style="display: none;"><h4>Chemical conversion to an ultrafiltration membrane and then reuse</h4></div>
 
<div class="recommendation conversion_to_uf alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Chemical conversion to an ultrafiltration membrane and then reuse." style="display: none;"><h4>Chemical conversion to an ultrafiltration membrane and then reuse</h4></div>
−
<div class="recommendation reuse_as_ro alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Direct membrane reuse." style="display: none;"><h4>Direct membrane reuse</h4></div>
+
<div class="recommendation conversion_to_uf" style="display: none;">
−
<div class="recommendation reuse_as_ro reuse_as_ro_subheading reuse-0 alert alert-info" role="alert" alt="Direct reuse as a high quality seawater RO membranes." style="display: none;">Direct reuse as a high quality seawater RO membranes</div>
+
<table class="table table-bordered table-striped table-responsive">
−
<div class="recommendation reuse_as_ro reuse_as_ro_subheading reuse-1 alert alert-info" role="alert" alt="Direct reuse as a high quality brackishwater RO membranes." style="display: none;">Direct reuse as a high quality brackishwater RO membranes</div>
+
<tbody><tr>
−
<div class="recommendation reuse_as_ro reuse_as_ro_subheading reuse-2 alert alert-info" role="alert" alt="Direct reuse as a medium quality brackishwater RO membranes." style="display: none;">Direct reuse as a medium quality brackishwater RO membranes</div>
+
<td>Compatible with plastic components</td>
−
<div class="recommendation reuse_as_ro reuse_as_ro_subheading reuse-3 alert alert-info" role="alert" alt="Direct reuse as a low quality brackishwater RO membranes." style="display: none;">Direct reuse as a low quality brackishwater RO membranes</div>
+
<td>Yes</td>
−
<div class="recommendation reuse_as_ro reuse_as_ro_subheading reuse-4 alert alert-info" role="alert" alt="Direct reuse as a medium quality nanofiltration membranes" style="display: none;">Direct reuse as a medium quality nanofiltration membranes</div>
+
</tr><tr>
 +
<td>Compatible with fibreglass components</td>
 +
<td>Yes</td>
 +
</tr><tr>
 +
<td>Available in Australia</td>
 +
<td>Yes</td>
 +
</tr><tr>
 +
<td>Available globally</td>
 +
<td>Yes</td>
 +
</tr><tr>
 +
<td>Manual disassembly required</td>
 +
<td>No</td>
 +
</tr></tbody>
 +
</table>
 +
</div>
 +
<div class="recommendation conversion_to_uf" style="display: none;">
 +
</body></html>
 +
Given the nature of the composite construction used in RO production, relatively simple conversion from an RO to ultrafiltration (UF) membrane is possible<ref name="lawler-2014-F" />. The structure of an RO membrane can be seen in the image below, and flat sheet UF membranes have an extremely similar construction, but are just missing the top polyamide layer. By chemically degrading the polyamide active layer with sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), the polysulfone layer is exposed, resulting in a membrane with properties extremely similar to commercially available UF membranes<ref name="lawler-2014-G" />.
 +
 
 +
[[File:XsectionVn2 029-Edit.jpg|center|630px|Cross section structure of an RO membrane.]]
 +
''Cross section structure of an RO membrane.''
 +
 
 +
The method for chemical conversion of RO membranes has been optimised, with controlled exposure to 300,000 ppm.hr of NaOCl resulting in organic and virus removal properties, and hydraulic performance, comparable to commercially available 10 – 30 kDa molecular weight cut off UF membranes. Potential applications for the converted RO membranes include use in pre-treatment filtration in desalination plant, waste water treatment or for low cost water treatment in developing areas.
 +
 
 +
This promising end-of-life application how now been extensively validated, and is ready for a trial application. If you require a series of extremely low cost, environmentally friendly, spiral wound UF membranes, please contact Pierre Le-Clech ([mailto:p.le-clech@unsw.edu.au p.le-clech@unsw.edu.au]) for further information.
 +
 
 +
===References===
 +
<references>
 +
<ref name="lawler-2014-F">Lawler, W.; Antony, A.; Cran, M.; Duke, M.; Leslie, G.; Le-Clech, P. Journal of Membrane Science (2013), 447, 203-211</ref>
 +
<ref name="lawler-2014-G">Lawler, W.; Alvarez-Gaitan, J.; Leslie, G.; Le-Clech, P. "Assessment of End-of-Life Opportunities for Reverse Osmosis Membranes." The University of New South Wales (2015).</ref>
 +
</references>
 +
<html><head></head><body>
 +
</div>
 +
<!--<div class="recommendation reuse_as_ro alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Direct membrane reuse." style="display: none;"><h4>Direct membrane reuse</h4></div>-->
 +
<div class="recommendation reuse_as_ro reuse_as_ro_subheading reuse-0 alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Direct reuse as a high quality seawater RO membranes." style="display: none;"><h4>Direct reuse as a high quality seawater RO membranes</h4></div>
 +
<div class="recommendation reuse_as_ro reuse_as_ro_subheading reuse-1 alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Direct reuse as a high quality brackishwater RO membranes." style="display: none;"><h4>Direct reuse as a high quality brackishwater RO membranes</h4></div>
 +
<div class="recommendation reuse_as_ro reuse_as_ro_subheading reuse-2 alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Direct reuse as a medium quality brackishwater RO membranes." style="display: none;"><h4>Direct reuse as a medium quality brackishwater RO membranes</h4></div>
 +
<div class="recommendation reuse_as_ro reuse_as_ro_subheading reuse-3 alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Direct reuse as a low quality brackishwater RO membranes." style="display: none;"><h4>Direct reuse as a low quality brackishwater RO membranes</h4></div>
 +
<div class="recommendation reuse_as_ro reuse_as_ro_subheading reuse-4 alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Direct reuse as a medium quality nanofiltration membranes" style="display: none;"><h4>Direct reuse as a medium quality nanofiltration membranes</h4></div>
 +
<div class="recommendation reuse_as_ro" style="display: none;">
 +
<table class="table table-bordered table-striped table-responsive">
 +
<tbody><tr>
 +
<td>Compatible with plastic components</td>
 +
<td>Yes</td>
 +
</tr><tr>
 +
<td>Compatible with fibreglass components</td>
 +
<td>Yes</td>
 +
</tr><tr>
 +
<td>Available in Australia</td>
 +
<td>Yes</td>
 +
</tr><tr>
 +
<td>Available globally</td>
 +
<td>Yes</td>
 +
</tr><tr>
 +
<td>Manual disassembly required</td>
 +
<td>No</td>
 +
</tr></tbody>
 +
</table>
 +
</div>
 +
<div class="recommendation reuse_as_ro" style="display: none;">
 +
</body></html>
 +
Direct membrane reuse is one of the most favourable end-of-life options across all categories, and is recommended for all situations where it is possible<ref name="lawler-2014-H" />. Direct membrane reuse involves taking membranes that have been deemed unsuitable for their primary application from one plant and transporting them to a secondary plant, potentially for use in harsh conditions were high replacement rates makes low cost second hand modules economically attractive.
 +
 
 +
Although direct reuse of used membranes without any additional treatment is obviously preferred, appropriate assessment of their current performances, further validation and potential chemical cleaning will most likely be required. Information on the used membrane performance from the plant of origin, as well as a number of additional monitoring and characterisation methods, can enable a tailored cleaning system to be developed<ref name="pontie" />. Based on the type of feed water used and location of the RO membranes within the filtration train, standard chemical cleaning protocols could be established in order to efficiently remove most of the fouling/scaling that may have occurred during the filtration. A critical step in this reuse process is the validation of the cleaned membranes, as integrity, permeability and rejection must be demonstrated before the membranes can be successfully reused.
 +
 
 +
To date, one US-based company, [http://www.watersurplus.com WaterSurplus], has recognised the potential directly reusing membranes.  The company offers a wide range of surplus new, as well as used, cleaned and repackaged, RO, UF and NF Membranes and associated equipment. While a third party company managing the reuse process is helpful, it is not necessary for its success. The long term goal of this MemEOL tool is to develop a database of used membranes, which will help directly connect primary and secondary users. If you currently have membranes that you would like to provide for direct reuse, or are looking for low cost used membranes, please contact Pierre Le-Clech ([mailto:p.le-clech@unsw.edu.au p.le-clech@unsw.edu.au]) for further information.
 +
 
 +
Based on the inputs provided, the used membranes have been categorised in the table below. Please refer to this table for information about potential applications, quality ranking and expected reuse lifespan.
 +
</div>
 +
<html><head></head><body>
 
<div class="recommendation reuse_as_ro" style="display: none;">
 
<div class="recommendation reuse_as_ro" style="display: none;">
 
<table class="table table-bordered table-hover table-responsive">
 
<table class="table table-bordered table-hover table-responsive">
Line 678: Line 798:
 
<tr class="">
 
<tr class="">
 
<th>NaCl rejection range (%)</th>
 
<th>NaCl rejection range (%)</th>
−
<th>Permeability range (l.m-2.h-1.bar-1)</th>
+
<th>Permeability range (L.m⁻².h⁻¹.bar⁻¹)</th>
 
<th>Designation</th>
 
<th>Designation</th>
 
<th>Action</th>
 
<th>Action</th>
Line 716: Line 836:
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
</div>
 
</div>
 +
<div class="recommendation reuse_as_ro" style="display: none;">
 
</body></html>
 
</body></html>
−
</div><!-- recommended -->
+
===References===
 +
<references>
 +
<ref name="lawler-2014-H">Lawler, W.; Alvarez-Gaitan, J.; Leslie, G.; Le-Clech, P. "Assessment of End-of-Life Opportunities for Reverse Osmosis Membranes." The University of New South Wales (2015).</ref>
 +
<ref name="pontie">Pontié, M.; Rapenne, S.; Thekkedath, A.; Duchesne, J.; Jacquemet, V.; Leparc, J. Desalination (2005), 181, 75-90</ref>
 +
</references>
 +
</div></div><!-- recommended -->
 
<div class="panel-heading" alt="A suitable alternative is:">A suitable alternative is:</div>
 
<div class="panel-heading" alt="A suitable alternative is:">A suitable alternative is:</div>
 
<div class="panel-body">
 
<div class="panel-body">
Line 744: Line 870:
 
<div class="alternative landfill" style="display: none;">
 
<div class="alternative landfill" style="display: none;">
 
Landfill is currently the industry standard for disposal of end-of-life reverse osmosis membranes. Due to their mostly polymeric composition, membranes are considered inert municipal solid waste in the case of landfill disposal, with no degradation over a measureable time period. Therefore, disposal in landfill has the highest environmental impact of all the considered options, and should be avoided where possible; however, it is the simplest option, with minimal cost.
 
Landfill is currently the industry standard for disposal of end-of-life reverse osmosis membranes. Due to their mostly polymeric composition, membranes are considered inert municipal solid waste in the case of landfill disposal, with no degradation over a measureable time period. Therefore, disposal in landfill has the highest environmental impact of all the considered options, and should be avoided where possible; however, it is the simplest option, with minimal cost.
 +
</body></html>
 +
[[File:Picture of old membranes brightened.jpg|center|x450px|End-of-life membranes awaiting transportation to landfill (Courtesy of NCEDA)]]
 +
''End-of-life membranes awaiting transportation to landfill (Courtesy of NCEDA)''
 +
<html><head></head><body>
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
<div class="alternative incineration alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Energy recovery through incineration." style="display: none;"><h4>Energy recovery through incineration</h4></div>
 
<div class="alternative incineration alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Energy recovery through incineration." style="display: none;"><h4>Energy recovery through incineration</h4></div>
Line 836: Line 966:
 
</body></html>
 
</body></html>
 
The use of polymeric membrane components as a substitute carbon source in electric arc furnace steel making process is a new end-of-life approach with many financial and environmental benefits, specifically in terms of diverting waste from landfill<ref name="lawler-2014-C" />. The use of waste plastic and rubber as a substitute for metallurgical coke has been extensively tested in recent years and has also seen commercial use<ref name="sahajwalla" />. This method has been specifically tested with membrane components and the results show that 64% by weight of membrane modules are compatible, including the membrane sheets, as well as the feed and permeate spacers<ref name="lawler-2014-D" />.  
 
The use of polymeric membrane components as a substitute carbon source in electric arc furnace steel making process is a new end-of-life approach with many financial and environmental benefits, specifically in terms of diverting waste from landfill<ref name="lawler-2014-C" />. The use of waste plastic and rubber as a substitute for metallurgical coke has been extensively tested in recent years and has also seen commercial use<ref name="sahajwalla" />. This method has been specifically tested with membrane components and the results show that 64% by weight of membrane modules are compatible, including the membrane sheets, as well as the feed and permeate spacers<ref name="lawler-2014-D" />.  
 +
 +
[[File:EAF.PNG|center|371px|Electric Arc Furnace]]
 +
''Electric Arc Furnace''
  
 
A partial waste polymeric material substitute actually improves the process though increased energy retainment and promotion of the foamy slag, which help protects the electrodes and walls of the furnace. There are however strict requirements for feed quality for this process and any type of contamination can lead to a negative impact on steel quality. Therefore, after the membrane components have been grown to the required size, the material needs to be thoroughly washed to remove any contamination from membrane use. This end-of-life option is most suitable for membrane users with a large number of membranes, or when constant replacement is required.
 
A partial waste polymeric material substitute actually improves the process though increased energy retainment and promotion of the foamy slag, which help protects the electrodes and walls of the furnace. There are however strict requirements for feed quality for this process and any type of contamination can lead to a negative impact on steel quality. Therefore, after the membrane components have been grown to the required size, the material needs to be thoroughly washed to remove any contamination from membrane use. This end-of-life option is most suitable for membrane users with a large number of membranes, or when constant replacement is required.
Line 850: Line 983:
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
<div class="alternative material_recycling alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Material recycling." style="display: none;"><h4>Material recycling</h4></div>
 
<div class="alternative material_recycling alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Material recycling." style="display: none;"><h4>Material recycling</h4></div>
 +
<div class="alternative material_recycling" style="display: none;">
 +
<table class="table table-bordered table-striped table-responsive">
 +
<tbody><tr>
 +
<td>Compatible with plastic components</td>
 +
<td>Yes</td>
 +
</tr><tr>
 +
<td>Compatible with fibreglass components</td>
 +
<td>Possible but limited</td>
 +
</tr><tr>
 +
<td>Available in Australia</td>
 +
<td>Yes</td>
 +
</tr><tr>
 +
<td>Available globally</td>
 +
<td>Yes</td>
 +
</tr><tr>
 +
<td>Manual disassembly required</td>
 +
<td>Yes</td>
 +
</tr></tbody>
 +
</table>
 +
</div>
 +
<div class="alternative material_recycling" style="display: none;">
 +
</body></html>
 +
Recycling of the polymeric membrane components using standard methods has been shown to be one of the most environmentally favourable end-of-life options, with an extremely positive public perception<ref name="lawler-2014-E" />.
 +
 +
The primary recycling method for end-of-life plastic components is mechanical recycling<ref name="a-vard" />, which involves the components being shredded into plastic flakes, which are melted and reformed via melt-extrusion, to produce uniformly-sized pellets which can be used as a raw material for new products<ref name="brulliard" />. This process requires the module to be disassembled and sorted prior to the plastic washing and grinding stages. Due to the requirements of mechanical recycling, only the ABS components, including the tube and end caps, and the spacers are suitable for this method, with all other components being sent to landfill or other end-of-life application<ref name="goodship" />.
 +
 +
[[File:Membrane comp graph.png|center|630px|Major components of RO membranes]]
 +
''Major components of RO membranes''
 +
 +
In Australia, the overall plastic recycling rate was 20.1% (in 2011), with the majority of plastics being mechanically reprocessed into durable (non-packaging) products<ref name="pacia" />. There are a wide range of companies and programs available for this standard type of plastic recycling currently available in Australia, including [http://www.sita.com.au SITA] and [http://www.aprecycling.com AP Recycling].
 +
 +
As manual disassembly is required for mechanical recycling, there is also an opportunity to directly reuse some of the membrane components, saving on the cost of processing. These opportunities include, the use of ground plastic components as an aggregate for use in concrete<ref name="saikia" />; the use of membrane sheets and spaces as geotextiles, which are used to separate and retain soils or gravel in landscaping or construction application<ref name="ould" />; and their use in wood plastic composites, which are produced by mixing recycled plastics with ground wood particles to produce decking, roof tiles, cladding, landscaping timbers etc<ref name="kazemi" />.
 +
 +
===References===
 +
<references>
 +
<ref name="lawler-2014-E">Lawler, W.; Alvarez-Gaitan, J.; Leslie, G.; Le-Clech, P. "Assessment of End-of-Life Opportunities for Reverse Osmosis Membranes." The University of New South Wales (2015).</ref>
 +
<ref name="a-vard">A’Vard, D.; O’Farrell, K. National Recycling Survey Final Report; Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association: Carlton, VIC (2013)</ref>
 +
<ref name="brulliard">Brulliard, C.; Cain, R.; Do, D.; Dornom, T.; Lim, B.; Olesson, E.; Young, S. "The Australian recycling sector." Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (2012). Available at www.environment.gov.au</ref>
 +
<ref name="goodship">Goodship, V. "Introduction to Plastic Recycling". Smithers Rapra Technology Limited: Shawbury UK (2007)</ref>
 +
<ref name="pacia">PACIA. "Plastic recycling in Australia remains strong" (2012)</ref>
 +
<ref name="saikia">Saikia, N.; de Brito, J. Construction and Building Materials (2012), 34, 385-401.</ref>
 +
<ref name="ould">Ould Mohamedou, E.; Penate Suarez, D. B.; Vince, F.; Jaouen, P.; Pontie, M. Desalination (2010), 253, 62–70.</ref>
 +
<ref name="kazemi">Kazemi Najafi, S. Waste management; New York (2013)</ref>
 +
</references>
 +
<html><head></head><body>
 +
</div>
 
<div class="alternative conversion_to_uf alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Chemical conversion to an ultrafiltration membrane and then reuse." style="display: none;"><h4>Chemical conversion to an ultrafiltration membrane and then reuse</h4></div>
 
<div class="alternative conversion_to_uf alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Chemical conversion to an ultrafiltration membrane and then reuse." style="display: none;"><h4>Chemical conversion to an ultrafiltration membrane and then reuse</h4></div>
−
<div class="alternative reuse_as_ro alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Direct membrane reuse." style="display: none;"><h4>Direct membrane reuse</h4></div>
+
<div class="alternative conversion_to_uf" style="display: none;">
−
<div class="alternative reuse_as_ro reuse_as_ro_subheading reuse-0 alert alert-info" role="alert" alt="Direct reuse as a high quality seawater RO membranes." style="display: none;">Direct reuse as a high quality seawater RO membranes</div>
+
<table class="table table-bordered table-striped table-responsive">
−
<div class="alternative reuse_as_ro reuse_as_ro_subheading reuse-1 alert alert-info" role="alert" alt="Direct reuse as a high quality brackishwater RO membranes." style="display: none;">Direct reuse as a high quality brackishwater RO membranes</div>
+
<tbody><tr>
−
<div class="alternative reuse_as_ro reuse_as_ro_subheading reuse-2 alert alert-info" role="alert" alt="Direct reuse as a medium quality brackishwater RO membranes." style="display: none;">Direct reuse as a medium quality brackishwater RO membranes</div>
+
<td>Compatible with plastic components</td>
−
<div class="alternative reuse_as_ro reuse_as_ro_subheading reuse-3 alert alert-info" role="alert" alt="Direct reuse as a low quality brackishwater RO membranes." style="display: none;">Direct reuse as a low quality brackishwater RO membranes</div>
+
<td>Yes</td>
−
<div class="alternative reuse_as_ro reuse_as_ro_subheading reuse-4 alert alert-info" role="alert" alt="Direct reuse as a medium quality nanofiltration membranes" style="display: none;">Direct reuse as a medium quality nanofiltration membranes</div>
+
</tr><tr>
 +
<td>Compatible with fibreglass components</td>
 +
<td>Yes</td>
 +
</tr><tr>
 +
<td>Available in Australia</td>
 +
<td>Yes</td>
 +
</tr><tr>
 +
<td>Available globally</td>
 +
<td>Yes</td>
 +
</tr><tr>
 +
<td>Manual disassembly required</td>
 +
<td>No</td>
 +
</tr></tbody>
 +
</table>
 +
</div>
 +
<div class="alternative conversion_to_uf" style="display: none;">
 +
</body></html>
 +
Given the nature of the composite construction used in RO production, relatively simple conversion from an RO to ultrafiltration (UF) membrane is possible<ref name="lawler-2014-F" />. The structure of an RO membrane can be seen in the image below, and flat sheet UF membranes have an extremely similar construction, but are just missing the top polyamide layer. By chemically degrading the polyamide active layer with sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), the polysulfone layer is exposed, resulting in a membrane with properties extremely similar to commercially available UF membranes<ref name="lawler-2014-G" />.
 +
 
 +
[[File:XsectionVn2 029-Edit.jpg|center|630px|Cross section structure of an RO membrane.]]
 +
''Cross section structure of an RO membrane.''
 +
 
 +
The method for chemical conversion of RO membranes has been optimised, with controlled exposure to 300,000 ppm.hr of NaOCl resulting in organic and virus removal properties, and hydraulic performance, comparable to commercially available 10 – 30 kDa molecular weight cut off UF membranes. Potential applications for the converted RO membranes include use in pre-treatment filtration in desalination plant, waste water treatment or for low cost water treatment in developing areas.
 +
 
 +
This promising end-of-life application how now been extensively validated, and is ready for a trial application. If you require a series of extremely low cost, environmentally friendly, spiral wound UF membranes, please contact Pierre Le-Clech ([mailto:p.le-clech@unsw.edu.au p.le-clech@unsw.edu.au]) for further information.
 +
 
 +
===References===
 +
<references>
 +
<ref name="lawler-2014-F">Lawler, W.; Antony, A.; Cran, M.; Duke, M.; Leslie, G.; Le-Clech, P. Journal of Membrane Science (2013), 447, 203-211</ref>
 +
<ref name="lawler-2014-G">Lawler, W.; Alvarez-Gaitan, J.; Leslie, G.; Le-Clech, P. "Assessment of End-of-Life Opportunities for Reverse Osmosis Membranes." The University of New South Wales (2015).</ref>
 +
</references>
 +
<html><head></head><body>
 +
</div>
 +
<!--<div class="alternative reuse_as_ro alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Direct membrane reuse." style="display: none;"><h4>Direct membrane reuse</h4></div>-->
 +
<div class="alternative reuse_as_ro reuse_as_ro_subheading reuse-0 alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Direct reuse as a high quality seawater RO membranes." style="display: none;"><h4>Direct reuse as a high quality seawater RO membranes</h4></div>
 +
<div class="alternative reuse_as_ro reuse_as_ro_subheading reuse-1 alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Direct reuse as a high quality brackishwater RO membranes." style="display: none;"><h4>Direct reuse as a high quality brackishwater RO membranes</h4></div>
 +
<div class="alternative reuse_as_ro reuse_as_ro_subheading reuse-2 alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Direct reuse as a medium quality brackishwater RO membranes." style="display: none;"><h4>Direct reuse as a medium quality brackishwater RO membranes</h4></div>
 +
<div class="alternative reuse_as_ro reuse_as_ro_subheading reuse-3 alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Direct reuse as a low quality brackishwater RO membranes." style="display: none;"><h4>Direct reuse as a low quality brackishwater RO membranes</h4></div>
 +
<div class="alternative reuse_as_ro reuse_as_ro_subheading reuse-4 alert alert-success" role="alert" alt="Direct reuse as a medium quality nanofiltration membranes" style="display: none;"><h4>Direct reuse as a medium quality nanofiltration membranes</h4></div>
 +
<div class="alternative reuse_as_ro" style="display: none;">
 +
<table class="table table-bordered table-striped table-responsive">
 +
<tbody><tr>
 +
<td>Compatible with plastic components</td>
 +
<td>Yes</td>
 +
</tr><tr>
 +
<td>Compatible with fibreglass components</td>
 +
<td>Yes</td>
 +
</tr><tr>
 +
<td>Available in Australia</td>
 +
<td>Yes</td>
 +
</tr><tr>
 +
<td>Available globally</td>
 +
<td>Yes</td>
 +
</tr><tr>
 +
<td>Manual disassembly required</td>
 +
<td>No</td>
 +
</tr></tbody>
 +
</table>
 +
</div>
 +
<div class="alternative reuse_as_ro" style="display: none;">
 +
</body></html>
 +
Direct membrane reuse is one of the most favourable end-of-life options across all categories, and is recommended for all situations where it is possible<ref name="lawler-2014-H" />. Direct membrane reuse involves taking membranes that have been deemed unsuitable for their primary application from one plant and transporting them to a secondary plant, potentially for use in harsh conditions were high replacement rates makes low cost second hand modules economically attractive.
 +
 
 +
Although direct reuse of used membranes without any additional treatment is obviously preferred, appropriate assessment of their current performances, further validation and potential chemical cleaning will most likely be required. Information on the used membrane performance from the plant of origin, as well as a number of additional monitoring and characterisation methods, can enable a tailored cleaning system to be developed<ref name="pontie" />. Based on the type of feed water used and location of the RO membranes within the filtration train, standard chemical cleaning protocols could be established in order to efficiently remove most of the fouling/scaling that may have occurred during the filtration. A critical step in this reuse process is the validation of the cleaned membranes, as integrity, permeability and rejection must be demonstrated before the membranes can be successfully reused.
 +
 
 +
To date, one US-based company, [http://www.watersurplus.com WaterSurplus], has recognised the potential directly reusing membranes.  The company offers a wide range of surplus new, as well as used, cleaned and repackaged, RO, UF and NF Membranes and associated equipment. While a third party company managing the reuse process is helpful, it is not necessary for its success. The long term goal of this MemEOL tool is to develop a database of used membranes, which will help directly connect primary and secondary users. If you currently have membranes that you would like to provide for direct reuse, or are looking for low cost used membranes, please contact Pierre Le-Clech ([mailto:p.le-clech@unsw.edu.au p.le-clech@unsw.edu.au]) for further information.
 +
 
 +
Based on the inputs provided, the used membranes have been categorised in the table below. Please refer to this table for information about potential applications, quality ranking and expected reuse lifespan.
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
<html><head></head><body>
 
<div class="alternative reuse_as_ro" style="display: none;">
 
<div class="alternative reuse_as_ro" style="display: none;">
 
<table class="table table-bordered table-hover table-responsive">
 
<table class="table table-bordered table-hover table-responsive">
Line 862: Line 1,111:
 
<tr class="">
 
<tr class="">
 
<th>NaCl rejection range (%)</th>
 
<th>NaCl rejection range (%)</th>
−
<th>Permeability range (l.m-2.h-1.bar-1)</th>
+
<th>Permeability range (L.m⁻².h⁻¹.bar⁻¹)</th>
 
<th>Designation</th>
 
<th>Designation</th>
 
<th>Action</th>
 
<th>Action</th>
Line 900: Line 1,149:
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
</div>
 
</div>
−
</body></html><!--<div class="panel-body form-horizontal">--><html><head></head><body>
+
<div class="alternative reuse_as_ro" style="display: none;">
 +
</body></html>
 +
===References===
 +
<references>
 +
<ref name="lawler-2014-H">Lawler, W.; Alvarez-Gaitan, J.; Leslie, G.; Le-Clech, P. "Assessment of End-of-Life Opportunities for Reverse Osmosis Membranes." The University of New South Wales (2015).</ref>
 +
<ref name="pontie">Pontié, M.; Rapenne, S.; Thekkedath, A.; Duchesne, J.; Jacquemet, V.; Leparc, J. Desalination (2005), 181, 75-90</ref>
 +
</references>
 +
<html><head></head><body>
 +
</div>
 
<div class="row">
 
<div class="row">
 
<div class="col-lg-6 col-md-6 col-sm-6"><div class="form-group">
 
<div class="col-lg-6 col-md-6 col-sm-6"><div class="form-group">
Line 906: Line 1,163:
 
</div></div><div class="col-lg-6 col-md-6 col-sm-6"><div class="form-group">
 
</div></div><div class="col-lg-6 col-md-6 col-sm-6"><div class="form-group">
 
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Latest revision as of 13:08, 23 August 2015

This membrane end-of-life (MemEOL) tool is aimed at promoting better practices in the desalination industry by helping users identify and select the optimum end-of-life option for their used reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. This dynamic and interactive educational tool uses inputs on membrane condition and the relative importance of a number of key criteria to provide recommendation and further information about available end-of-life options.

As user feedback is obtained, and more available end-of-life options are identified and characterised, this tool will become a powerful source of information for membrane users. Ultimately, this tool will include a membrane reuse database, which will allow users to find and contact groups with surplus membrane supplies, thus promoting and simplifying direct membrane reuse. This tool has a significant focus on the Australian desalination industry, but the primary information is highly applicable to countries around the world. Additionally, as the data sources for this tool are not case specific, it should only be considered an educational tool aimed at providing preliminary recommendations to users.

Do you suspect there is any physical damage to the membranes?

What is the average tested permeability of your membranes (Lm⁻²h⁻¹bar⁻¹)?

What is the average tested NaCl rejection of your membranes? (% NaCl rejection)

Please order the following criteria in the order of importance for your project (drag and drop):

  • Minimal Financial Impact
  • Low Project Complexity
  • Minimal Environmental Impact
  • Minimal Landfill Impact
  • Positive Public Perception
Rank from most important to least important.

Based on your inputs, the optimum end-of-life scenario for your used membrane is:

A suitable alternative is:

Retrieved from "http://www.desalwiki.che.unsw.edu.au/w/index.php?title=MemEOL&oldid=890"
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