Prefiltration
system

An Introduction to Prefiltration

Prefiltration plays an indispensable role in both chemical recovery processes, such as anodizing and steel pickling, and advanced filtration methods, such as nanofiltration. In the field of chemical recovery, prefiltration helps safeguard the integrity and efficiency of the process by eliminating larger impurities from the chemical mixtures, thus preventing potential damage to sensitive recovery equipment and enhancing the overall efficacy of the operation.

In advanced filtration methods like nanofiltration, prefiltration proves essential in prolonging the life of the finer membranes, reducing system downtime due to fouling or clogging, and improving overall filtration performance.

By applying prefiltration techniques, such as microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF), industries can ensure the preservation of sensitive stages, reduce operational costs, and enhance the quality and consistency of the final output.

Advantages of prefiltration at Spiraltec GmbH

Expertise: Expertise in prefiltration of aggressive chemicals (e.g. Acids and bases).

Quality Products: Superior Quality Products Engineered with Robust Materials for Optimal Corrosion Resistance Against Chemicals.

Experienced professionals: Spiraltec GmbH prides itself on a team of experienced professionals, dedicated to delivering advanced filtration solutions.

Developed test plant: Spiraltec GmbH hosts a cutting-edge prefiltration pilot test facility, solidifying our leadership in advanced filtration solutions.

Types of Contaminants in Wastewater Addressed by our Prefiltration System

Particulate Matter

This includes suspended solids, sludge, and sediments.

Microorganisms

These include bacteria, algae, viruses, and fungi.

Debris

This can include paper, wood, and plastic particles.

Oils and Fats

Prefiltration can help in reducing the concentrations of oils and fats.

Large Inorganic Compounds

This includes sand, silt, and clay particles.

Large Organic Compounds

This includes large organic particulates, and undissolved organic compounds.

Prefiltration for diffusion dialysis for the recovery of acids or bases

Application of Prefiltration in Chemical Recovery process Through Diffusion Dialysis Technology

In the context of chemical recovery, prefiltration is employed to ensure the longevity and efficiency of the recovery process.

Industrial processes often produce complex mixtures of chemicals, some of which are valuable and need to be recovered. In this case, the recovery of H₂SO₄ from Anodizing industry or HCl from steel pickling can be mentioned as example.

Prefiltration aids in separating larger impurities from these mixtures, preparing them for further precise separation techniques. This step can reduce the burden on downstream processes (e.g Diffusion dialysis), prevent potential damage to sensitive equipment, and increase the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the recovery operation.

The effect of prefiltration (MF) on waste acid (HCl 12%) from steel pickling, before acid recovery

Acid recovery system

Types of Prefiltration System Based on Contaminants

Low
High

Example: pilot test

Cutting-edge Prefiltration (MF, UF) Pilot Test

In our effort to enhance unit design, we use our multifunction prefiltration pilot test to obtain key parameters

Selection of appropriate membrane material (ceramic or polymer)
Precise determination of membrane pore size (MF: 1.2 - 0.1 µm; UF: 0.05 μm - 500 Dalton).
Evaluation of COD, TOC, TSS, etc. removal efficacy.
Estimation of membrane permeability based on the solution type.
Determination of operation mode (cross-flow or dead-end).
Backwash duration estimation.
Estimation required backwash time.
Determining the optimal operating pressure.

The system is also stable for pH range 0 - 14