MIDLAND, Mich., May 24, 2002 -- The Liquid Separations business of The Dow Chemical Company recently announced the availability of the FILMTEC™ SW30HR-320 High Rejection Seawater Reverse Osmosis (RO) Element.
The element is designed for systems used to purify seawater sources such as open intakes, where there is a very high potential for fouling of the membrane. Conservatively rated at 99.6% salt rejection under FilmTec's standard test conditions, the element delivers the highest quality potable water.
"This product was developed to replace our existing FILMTEC SW30HR-8040 element," says Jon Goodman, market manager for FILMTEC Membranes at Dow. "We have made considerable improvements, allowing for greater productivity or lower operating pressures, depending on specific system needs."
Dow considered the need for ongoing cleaning during the design of the new product. The FILMTEC SW30HR-320 element incorporates features that provide maximum efficiency and effective cleaning of scale, organic compounds and biofilm. These features include
the industry's thickest feed spacer (34 mil) and a greater number of shorter membrane leaves (reducing the overall effect of fouling). Thicker feed spacers have been proven to reduce pressure drop and cleaning frequency in many plants around the world. When cleaning is required, FILMTEC FT30 membranes offer the widest cleaning pH range (pH 1-12) in the industry and a durability that allows system operators to clean at higher pH than other elements. Combined, these features allow for a more efficient and complete cleaning.
FILMTEC SW30HR-320 elements are produced via an automated process at Dow's production facility in Minneapolis, Minn.
"All FILMTEC elements are constructed on a state-of-the-art automated production line, providing extremely consistent quality when compared to elements constructed in non-automated processes," says Goodman. "Working at high production rates, it would be impossible to consistently manage all of the minute details that go into each element without the use of specialized computers, automated systems and diagnostic equipment."
Dow is a science and technology company that provides chemical, plastic and agricultural products and services to many essential consumer markets. Dow serves customers in more than 170 countries and a wide range of markets that are vital to human progress, including food, transportation, health and medicine, personal and home care, and building and construction, among others. For further information, visit the Dow Liquid Separations web site at www.filmtec.com.
