DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE OF MEMBRANE FILTRATION INSTALLATIONS - CAPACITY AND PRODUCT QUALITY FOR DRINKING-WATER APPLICATIONS

Using membrane processes compared with conventional treatments provides numerous advantages including production of a constant water quality, addition of fewer chemical reagents, lower energy requirements for maintenance, compactness and quick start-up. In this study are described pilot experiments which were conducted in the Research Centre of Compagnie Generale des Eaux at Maisons Laffitte. Two types of membranes were tested to compare their performances in different applications of water treatment: organic hollow fiber membranes (ultrafiltration) and ceramic multichannel membranes (ultra- and microfiltration). Treatment of karstic waters with this process is actually a good alternative. For surface waters, more work is required to understand the mechanisms of membrane fouling and to reduce operating and investment costs.