Black & Veatch is working with technology partners GKN (from Japan) and client PWN (from The Netherlands) in developing the first large application of ceramic membranes for water treatment and wastewater recycling.  Ceramics offer several advantages over polymeric membranes and these include higher robustness which allows more aggressive chemical cleaning using chlorine based cleaning agents, higher tolerence to a wider range of pH, much higher operating flux and higher permeability.  Used in conjunction with upstream Ozone injection, work by Black & Veatch and GKN indicates the formation of hydroxyl radicals (OH) and, apart from mitigating bio-fouling, this means ‘advanced oxidation’ is taking place which is of particular interest in water reclamation plants – particularly for indirect potable reuse.

These are interesting findings. However, the cost effectiveness of ceramics versus polymeric membranes is yet to be established. Important work is in progress to improve the engineering of systems, which until now have been designed at small scale principally by the membrane vendor.  A large plant is expected in The Netherlands soon. We look forward to being part of the continued development of this technology. Black & Veatch Global Practice & Technology Leader for water treatment, Jonathan Clement has been leading this work so far from a treatment perspective through two significant pilot testing projects in Singapore and Stockholm.   

Now we need to move on to the commercialization stage and bring to fruition Jonathan’s unbridled passion for the technology.

Posted by: Gerry O’Toole