Day 1: Basics of Membrane Technology and Process Design

Registration/Continental Breakfast

Membrane Chemistry, Basic Membrane Terminology and Basic Membrane Mathematics (MF, UF, NF, RO)
Gerold Luss, Consultant

This talk will provide a short introduction to membranes, the properties of membranes, basic equations used to describe membrane processes, a summary of methods used to make membranes and a short introduction to membrane applications.

Module Design & Options and Fundamentals of System Design
Mike Grigus, GEA Process Engineering Inc.

Membrane filtration technology has achieve broad use in process applications, in part, because of the many membrane types, configurations, and system designs available to meet the processing requirements. This presentation covers the most widely used module designs and options used in process applications. The presentation also provides information on the system design requirements and options available for process applications. The presentation will provide a basis for understanding the selection process of membranes, modules and system designs.

Webinar Sponsored By:

Morning Networking Break

Water Chemistry, Scale Formation and Pre-treatment Technologies
Tarek El-Shafie, V.P. of Sales and Marketing, American Water Chemicals, Inc.

The presentation gives an overview of water chemistry, explaining basic concepts such as scale formation, scale control by acid and antiscalant, diffusion and salt passage, and how these are all impacted by temperature and TDS. The presentation also explains the mechanisem of silica scaling and fouling, as well as fouling from iron and suspended solids. Overall, it is a summary of all the basic chemistry principles and the pretreatment technologies behind everyday operation of an RO/NF plant.

Basic Principals of Membrane Cleaning
Gerold Luss, Consultant

This will provide an introduction to the chemical and biological process that may take place in a membrane process, how these process interact with the surface chemistry of membranes to produce fouling, methods to modify or alter processes that will produce membrane fouling, a basic introduction to membrane cleaning with emphasis on membrane chemistry and provide examples of fouled membranes and methods to approach fouling through chemical analysis.

Networking Luncheon
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Update on Total Protein and Casein Standardization of Cheese Milk and the Use of Microfiltration for Production of ESL Milk
Heinrich Iversen, Tetra Pak Inc. 

The use of microfiltration for the production of ESL milk offers an alternative way to extend the shelf life of fresh pasteurised milk. This product has successfully been introduced to the market as a differentiated product. This presenation will aim to provide insight to the process and how this can be implemented into a process. Total protein standardisation is a well know concept, but with the introduction of casein standardisation it is now possible to take the standisation to a new level. Further the fractionation of the protein from milk provides a possiblity to create new product streams and products.

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Electrodialysis: Principles of ED, BPED, EDI and System Design and Applications
Jamie Vinsant, GE Water & Process Technologies

Electrodialysis is an electrochemical separation process in which ions are transferred through selective ion exchange membranes from one solution to another by means of a DC voltage. This and other related processes, called electrolytic separations, can be used to remove salts from water or other process streams into a disposable brine stream, or convert them into acid and caustic streams for use elsewhere in a process plant. This presentation will cover the physics, engineering, applications, and markets for these technologies.

Critical Issues in Application of Nanofiltration Membranes 
Alan Franks, Hydranautics

Nanofiltration, the filtration regime between ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis, is used in the food and beverage industry for a variety of applications. Nanofiltration membranes are designed specifically for separation of divalent anions and / or organic molecules from monovalent salts and lower molecular weight organics. Applications include: whey and milk concentration, de-salting (mineralizing) of whey and other streams, DP1 / DP2 sugar fractionation, and BOD / COD reduction applications where low pressure operation and high salt passage is desired. This presentation will examine critical issues in the application of nanofiltration membranes. Case studies from operating units will also be presented.

Afternoon Networking Break

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Reverse Osmosis and Nanofiltration: Principles and Practice
Peter S. Cartwright, Cartwright Consulting Co.

The theory behind these crossflow, pressure-driven membrane separation is explored, and the performance mechanisms described and detailed.

Strategies to Minimize Fouling of RO & NF Membranes
Peter S. Cartwright, Cartwright Consulting Co. 

Contaminants that can affect the performance of membrane elements are identified, fouling factors discussed and mitigation strategies explored.

How to Perform a Pilot Plant Study
Peter S. Cartwright, Cartwright Consulting Co.

For processing and wastewater applications, it is imperative that testing be employed to generate scale-up and system design data. This presentation details the Cell Testing employed to evaluate various membrane candidates to select those capable of the necessary contaminant separation. Once the viable candidates are identified, they are run in an Applications Test to identify the optimum device and polymer for Pilot Testing. This testing provides the long term data for complete system design, including operation and maintenance.

Day 2: Membrane Separations:  New Technologies, Materials and Applications

Registration/Continental Breakfast

Review of New Membrane Products for the Food & Beverage Industry
Carl R. Hoffman, Koch Membrane Systems

Microfiltration, Ultrafiltration, Nanofiltration and Reverse Osmosis Technologies are used in the Food and Beverage Industries to clarify, purify, and concentrate soluble macro molecules to provide processors with the opportunity to improved product quality without the requirement to use heat while operating a low energy process. This presentation will discuss the methodology for selecting membrane products to achieve the desired objectives, with specific examples discussing the process and economic benefits.

Current Application of High Temperature / High pH Performance Membranes
Alan Franks, Hydranautics 

Typical spiral wound polymeric membranes are limited to maximum continuous operating temperatures of around 113 F (45 C). A new generation of membranes is coming to market that allows higher continuous temperature operation at up to 176 F (80 C). Membranes with high performance materials are also being introduced that allow continuous operation at elevated pH (up to pH 13). This presentation will discuss aspects of module design which allows operation at high temperature/pH. Case studies from operating units will also be presented.

Membrane System Troubleshooting from a Macro-level to a Micro-level
Tom Fredrickson, Ecolab Inc.

This presentation will provide an overview of the troubleshooting process associated with membrane systems and will describe the methods from a macro level for loss of rejection/flow to a micro level where an autopsy is performed.

Process Membrane  Lab Performance Test Methods
Paul Schacht, Ecolab Inc.

This presentation will provide an overview of the laboratory equipment and test methods used in troubleshooting membrane issues as well as for product development.

Morning Networking Break

Membrane Cleaning: How to Avoid Common Mistakes & Improve Cleaning Performance
Bob Harzinski, Diversey Inc.

Cleaning membrane systems used in food processing can be a difficult task if certain parameters or procedures aren't followed. When done correctly, operating a membrane system can be very much like operating any other piece of equipment in food processing facility. Done incorrectly, it can result in a costly membrane replacement and lost production due to down time.  This presentation will focus on how to avoid common mistakes and improve membrane cleaning. We will be discussing the foundations of cleaning, chlorine –Vs- enzymes for protein removal, the importance of proper record keeping, and equipment considerations and bring together a holistic view of proper membrane operation and sanitation.  

Overview of Ceramic Membranes in the Market and Basic Do's and Don'ts of System Design and Operation
Peter Boulduan, Atech Innovations Gmbh

There is an increasing amount of ceramic membranes from different manufacturer in the market. The membrane manufacturing process, different membrane materials and module design will be discussed. The presentation also covers some basic engineering, design and operation aspects as well as common mistakes.

Networking Luncheon

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New Developments and Directions in Membranes and Membrane Chemistries
Gerold Luss, Consultant

This talk will center on new approaches to membranes, membrane chemistry and membrane processes. Most of the material discussed is still lab centered and most of the information presented is based on current research into new membrane materials and new ways of making membranes.

An Introduction to MBR Technology and its Growing Role in Water Treatment
Koch Membrane Systems 

Critical Parameters in Using Membrane Technology in Milk and Dairy Applications
Mike Grigus, GEA Filtration

Novel Application of Ceramic Membrane Technology in Food and Biotechnology Applications
Peter Bolduan, Atech Innovations Gmbh

The use of ceramic membranes in all kinds of industries and applications has proven in practice their excellent performance and life time, even for aggressive liquids. For some applications in food and other industries, there is the need to adapt membranes to difficult separation processes. The presentation will include examples from dairy industry for protein fractionation and from biotech industry for residual treatment.

Afternoon Networking Break

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Measuring Membrane System Performance in CIP
Jamison Vanden Einde, Hydrite Chemical Co.  

Measuring membrane system performance in CIP is a paramount factor in maintaining efficient production and membrane life as well as being cognoscente of cleaning cost and conservation of applicable utilities. Established performance measures in CIP will be covered during this presentation, relative to multiple industries and applications.

An Inorganic Tubular Membrane for Demanding Applications
Scott Wittwer, Graver Technologies

The Scepter® membrane is a tubular design manufactured of sinter-bonded 316L stainless steel supporting a thin titania oxide membrane layer on the ID. The membrane tubes are available in several diameters having pore sizes of 0.5, 0.1, and 0.02 microns, nominal. The membrane tubes are welded into modules designed and fabricated similar to shell-and-tube heat exchangers. These modules are available in diameters to 50 inches (1270mm) and lengths to 20 feet ( 6.1 meters) providing up to 8000 sq.ft. (744 sq. m.) of membrane area in a single module. Operating conditions from pH 1 to 14; temperature to 350oC; pressure to 1000 psig. These relatively large area modules allow for compact systems having minimal footprint, void volumes, and capital and operating costs relative to either ceramic or tubular polymeric membranes, saving money for the system manufacturer and end-user. Ideal for high value and/or continuous process applications where minimum downtime and maintenance is important.

New Low Fouling Membranes from GE
Prashant Shrikhande, GE Water & Process Technologies

The application of low fouling membranes provides for more robust use of spiral wound reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes in treating wastewater for discharge and/or reuse. While commercial products have been available for years, this presentation will aim to provide insight to some to new developments with the purpose of educating the audience as to the key factors of consideration when choosing and designing low fouling membrane processes. New membranes with design attributes such as surface roughness, charge and hydrophobicity will be used to outline the interaction of source water fouling materials with membrane chemistry used in water treatment systems.

Day 3: Facility Tours of Membrane Manufacturer, OEM, End Users and Suppliers