Effluent Treatment in Factories: Insights from My Reverse Osmosis Research and Implementation

Effluent Treatment Research and Implementation

I conducted extensive research on the treatment of effluents in our factory and successfully installed a plant. During my evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of various systems, one of our consultants sent me the attached PowerPoint presentation on RO. I am sharing it with all of you for your reference.

Thanks & Regards,
Sudhir

Dear Sudhir, thanks for helping me remember those things I skipped (Classes) during my Mechanical Engineering. Just need to add a few points:

Understanding Reverse Osmosis

Reverse Osmosis seems like a complex system, but it is really a simple and straightforward water filtration process. It's not a new process. High-pressure (pump-driven) reverse osmosis systems have been used for years to desalinate water – to convert brackish or seawater to drinking water. Having a better understanding of how a reverse osmosis system works will eliminate the mystery and confusion you may feel when you look at a reverse osmosis system—with its many colored tubes and multitude of filters.

Key Points to Remember

- All RO Systems work the same way.
- Most RO (Reverse Osmosis) systems look alike.
- All RO Systems have the same basic components.
- The real difference is the quality of the filters and membranes inside the RO.

Regards,

Excellent presentation. It's useful for those who are going to install a new RO system.

Thank you.

A good presentation. I had installed two R.O. systems in two factory projects executed by me. Unfortunately, many people do not understand the usage of various systems available in the market like softeners, filters, DM plants, etc.

Regards,
S.K. Deshpande

Generally, RO systems are expensive to install and operate. Hence, most companies prefer the conventional method of treating effluents. In cases of treating seawater for desalination where there is no other option, the benefit of obtaining good water outweighs the cost of the RO process, and this method is followed. However, there are other options too. One must evaluate the cost-benefit aspects before deciding on the method of treatment.

Best Regards,

I have used these systems for upgrading high TDS borewell water to meet the processing requirement of 20 microsiemens. I am curious about its usage in an Effluent Treatment Plant. I have heard about fouling of membranes; hence, I did not risk it.

Have a nice day.

Regards,
S.K. Deshpande