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DEMONSTRATION OF BULLETIN: DISC TUBE™ MODULE TECHNOLOGY ROCHEM SEPARATION SYSTEMS, INC.
Citation:
Cook, K. R. DEMONSTRATION OF BULLETIN: DISC TUBE™ MODULE TECHNOLOGY ROCHEM SEPARATION SYSTEMS, INC. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/540/MR-96/507, 1997.
Impact/Purpose:
to publish information
Description:
The Rochem Disc Tube™ Module System uses membrane separation to treat aqueous solutions ranging from seawater to leachate contaminated with organic solvents. The system uses reverse osmosis through a semipermeable membrane to separate purified water from contaminated liquids. Osmotic pressure causes water (or other compounds with similar diffusion rates) to flow across a semipermeable membrane from a lower salt concentration toward a higher salt concentration until the concentrations are in equilibrium. In reverse osmosis, the more saline solution is pressurized such that water flows through the membrane leaving concentrated contaminants behind. The purified water is recovered and hazardous chemicals are concentrated in an aqueous brine. Open-channel, fully turbulent flow prevents accumulation of suspended solids on the separation membranes, ensuring efficiency is not reduced by settled solids. The technology was demonstrated for 3 weeks in August 1994 at the Central Landfill Superfund site in Johnston, Rhode Island. Over 99% of total dissolved solids, over 96% of total organic carbon, and 99% of all target metals were removed from the landfill leachate, at flow rates of 4 gpm.