Low-pressure membranes continue to be the preferred technology for large water and
wastewater treatment plants, as they provide a verifiable barrier, small footprint and
superb water quality. The increasing demand for larger capacity, low-pressure
membrane systems, has catapulted submerged membranes as the preferred solution.
Reflecting this push toward submerged plants is the fact that most of the largest
drinking water and wastewater membrane plants in the United States, both in
operation and under contract, are submerged. Submerged membranes offer lower
operating costs and a reduced equipment footprint over pressure systems.
Pressure systems continue to be the most
economically viable solution for smaller capacity plants. Pressure systems are typically skid mounted, easy to
install, and do not require heavy construction. Submerged systems for smaller
capacities are perceived as being more expensive and as having higher installation
costs, although this is often not the case.
Using data from plants currently in operation and those presently under contract, this
study illustrates a financial and size comparison between pressure and
submerged membranes. The goal is to provide information showing that submerged
membranes are a viable option for both large and small systems.
This study focuses on drinking water systems comparing the following factors:
capital costs;
operating costs; and,
system footprint.
This paper uses information from one manufacturer in an effort to provide as
much supporting data as possible. The comparisons made are not intended to be
used as a cost estimating tool, but rather to provide information on the market from
the standpoint of one supplier. Includes tables.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 180 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 7 |
| Published : | 03/05/2003 |
