Click here to enlarge imageSince it operates at low transmembrane pressures (typically less than 15 psig), the energy consumption of the system is lower than other membrane processes.
The membrane elements are periodically cleaned by backflushing. The water follows an "inside-out" path, entering the membrane element through the central core tube and passing through the walls of the hollow-fiber capillary membranes to dislodge material trapped among the fibers and flush it away through the concentrate tube.
The membranes are resistant to a wide range of cleaning agents, eliminating the need for additional equipment and simplifying sanitation. Chlorine and peroxide tolerance is 200 ppm. Membranes can be cleaned with sodium hypochlorite, so no proprietary cleaning chemicals are required. The Hydracap installations tolerate pH levels ranging from 1-13.
Hydracap membrane elements are 40 to 60 inches long and are arranged together in modules designed and fabricated to specific plant requirements and treatability study data. Nominal membrane area is 320 ft² for 40 inch elements and 500 ft² for 60 inch elements. The footprint of the system is small, reducing space requirements in existing installations and lowering the cost of new plant construction.
Typical filtrate flux range is 35-85 gallons of flux per day. Maximum operating temperature is 104°F, with a maximum feed pressure of 100 psig. Transmembrane pressure range is 4-22 psig.
Leopold takes responsibility for the design, engineering, fabrication, installation and commissioning of Hydracap systems. Employing pilot plants, Leopold secures data under actual operating conditions then assists engineers in preparing custom-engineered plants.