Reference flow in the MFA for which is suitable the technology
Brine from hide treatment activities
Incoming input
Liquid mixture
Outgoing output
For each filtration step there are two outgoing flows: a permeate and a concentrate. The permeate from a reverse osmosis is usually suitable for industrial reuses or for discharging in water body, enhancing circularity.
Technology description
Reverse osmosis exploits a system of semipermeable membranes that retains mineral compounds, bacteria and colloids purifying the passing water flow (mechanically pumped). According to the characteristics of the inflow, filtration step (s) are suggested in order to reduce fouling appearance
Organizative processes to support closing the loops
Intensive maintenance procedures are envisaged. The technological solution needs a specific area (relatively compacted) also for upstream or downstream tanks in case the flows cannot run continuously. Chemicals injection is suggested to prevent scaling and biofilm formation.
Practitioners opinion
Applicability to water with any salt content, relatively low running costs, as it is a process that does not require periodic regeneration as for resin plants. On the other hand, electrical and chemical consumption could be relevant; moreover, the quality uncertainty of the inflow requires specific tests.
Possible limiting factors
Fouling during filtration is the major challenge related to this group of technologies. Their energy consumption depends on the desired filtration degree. The management of the concentrate could represent the major challenge due to chemical characteristics.
PP’s opinion of the technology
Considering the origin of the brine (hide treatment process) the fouling problem is relevant in the maintenance of the technology. The management of the concentrate could be strongly challenging.
Concept and conclusions how the technology can affect the CE effect
Is the technology a BAT?
• 2.3.6.2.4.4 Nanofiltration and reverse osmosis of BREF Document for Waste treatment
• BAT conclusions on industrial emissions for the tanning of hides and skins: Annex I COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION 2013/84/EU
Charts, photo, diagrams
Figure 2 Scheme of a reverse osmosis; upstream filtration step(s) should remove particulate matter. SOURCE: https://puretecwater.com/reverse-osmosis/what-is-reverse-osmosis
References
•https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320600668_Selective_Separation_of_Dyes_and_Brine_Recovery_from_Textile_Wastewater_by_Nanofiltration_Membranes
• https://www.sepra.it/it/brine-purification-a-4.html
• http://www.sartorelli.it/impianti-ad-osmosi-inversa-industriali
• https://www.desalitech.com/7-ways-to-dispose-of-brine-waste/
• https://www.ecologixsystems.com/library-reverse-osmosis.php
• https://puretecwater.com/reverse-osmosis/what-is-reverse-osmosis
• Antoine Pinasseau, Benoit Zerger, Joze Roth, Michele Canova, Serge Roudier; Best Available Techniques (BAT) Reference Document for Waste treatment Industrial Emissions Directive 2010/75/EU (Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control); EUR 29362 EN; Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2018; ISBN 978-92-79-94038-5, doi:10.2760/407967, JRC113018
