Nalco, the water treatment and process technology company, has introduced a variation of its patented 3D Trasar® technology to be used with industrial reverse-osmosis (RO) systems.
The technology was announced in early September at the International Desalination Association World Congress in Perth, Australia.
3D Trasar Technology for Membranes is a completely integrated solution which includes patented Trasar® technology for accurate feeding and dosing, state-of-the-art membrane system performance monitoring and continuous oversight and troubleshooting advice from Nalco 360™ Service Expert Center professionals.
The automation and expert advice enables “service on demand”, avoiding unnecessary cleanings while ensuring cleanings are performed before membrane performance is irreversibly reduced. In applicable geographies, Nalco will provide membrane cleaning services and provide replacement membrane elements.
A new approach to oxidation-reduction potential monitoring, alarming and response provides a reliable extra layer of protection against accidental chlorine damage to the membranes.
“3D Trasar Technology for Membranes improves the operation of RO systems and yields a variety of sustainability benefits for our customers,” said Erik Fyrwald, Nalco chairman and CEO. “It cuts water consumption, wastewater production, energy use and chemical treatment use, all while extending the life of the RO membranes.”
The technology also includes proprietary, green antiscalants designed to improve membrane life while minimizing environmental impact. One is specifically designed to reduce or eliminate the use of high quantities of acid in treating RO systems operating on high phosphate feed waters, such as municipal waste water, reducing operating costs, improving employee safety, and conserving high quality water resources for human consumption.
A second antiscalant replicates the performance of Nalco’s existing high-performance scale inhibitors, but with no phosphorous in the formulation. This allows customers to better meet new discharge regulations designed to prevent algae blooms in lakes and streams that can harm fish and other aquatic life.
Nalco’s 3D Trasar Technology for Membranes is the latest expansion of this award-winning technology. The cooling water and boiler water versions of 3D TRASAR technology are in use at more than 19,000 installations around the world, saving customers water and energy.