Characteristics of residuals from the 2nd-stage microfiltration in a dual membrane process

Low-pressure membrane processes have been extensively expanded their applications to drinking water production in a few decades. As a capacity of a membrane plant becomes greater in recent years, proper methods to increase water production as well as to treat residuals have drawn great attention. A possible treatment option for the better water production is to apply a dual membrane system. The second stage microfiltration was installed and operated for approximately nine months. The residuals from the two stage microfiltration were investigated to learn their characteristics in settling and dewatering processes. The settlability of the membrane residuals were greatest at the SS concentration of approximately 15000mg/L. The proper dose of the polyelectrolytes for filterability were obtained in the range of 0.51%. In the dosage range, the water contents of the membrane residuals were greater but the SRF were lower than the residual from the conventional process.