Difference between revisions of "Membrane end-of-life (MemEOL) Tool"
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==Membrane Waste Challenge== | ==Membrane Waste Challenge== | ||
| − | *Reverse osmosis plants use thousands of | + | *Reverse osmosis plants use thousands of elements that need to be replaced every 5-10 years. |
*In many parts of the world, landfill is currently the only option for disposal. | *In many parts of the world, landfill is currently the only option for disposal. | ||
*Over 12,000 tonnes of membranes per year to be disposed globally by 2015. | *Over 12,000 tonnes of membranes per year to be disposed globally by 2015. | ||
*Many reuse and recycle options are available for this valuable commodity. | *Many reuse and recycle options are available for this valuable commodity. | ||
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| + | For more detail about the waste challenge click [[MemEOL Test|here]]. | ||
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| + | ==The MemEOL Tool== | ||
| + | <p>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.</p> | ||
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==Alternatives== | ==Alternatives== | ||
Revision as of 04:43, 19 June 2015
Contents
Membrane Waste Challenge
- Reverse osmosis plants use thousands of elements that need to be replaced every 5-10 years.
- In many parts of the world, landfill is currently the only option for disposal.
- Over 12,000 tonnes of membranes per year to be disposed globally by 2015.
- Many reuse and recycle options are available for this valuable commodity.
For more detail about the waste challenge click here.
The MemEOL Tool
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.
Alternatives
Direct Reuse
- Used membranes have been shown to be suitable for direct reuse after testing and characterisation.
- Direct reuse has been shown to be the most environmentally friendly option.
- Membranes used for over a year can be transported to any plant in Australia while remaining favourable to landfill.
Conversion to UF
- Treatment of RO membranes with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) has been shown to effectively remove the dense polyamide active layer, leaving intact polysulfone barrier which behaves similar to 10kDa commercially available UF membrane.
- Converted membranes show promising performance for a wide range of applications.
Disposal Options
- A number of options for technical viability and environmental impact.
- Membrane disassembly shown to be a significant challenge.
- Recycling possible for 40% of the module.
[File:Decision making tool for end-of-life membranes.png]
Go to decision making tool