Industrial Water and Wastewater Treatment

Membrane technology plays a critical role in this sector, particularly in water and wastewater treatment processes essential for power plant operations. High-purity water is vital for steam generation in thermal and nuclear power plants to prevent scaling and corrosion in boilers and turbines.

Relevant Technologies

In the power industry, our expertise lies in membrane technologies that ensure efficient operations, particularly in water treatment, desalination, and wastewater management. These technologies help optimize water usage, reduce energy consumption, and support sustainable practices in power generation. Advanced systems such as membrane bioreactors (MBRs) support waste minimization and resource recovery, aligning with the industry’s commitment to environmental compliance and sustainability.

The typical processes involved are Pretreatment + Ultrafiltration + Reverse Osmosis, with parameters specifically set to ensure optimal water quality.

Ceramic Microfiltration (MF) Membrane

Ceramic Membranes offers high durability and resistance to high temperatures and aggressive chemicals. MF membranes have the largest pore size among filtration membranes. These technologies are primarily used to remove suspended solids, large particles, and microorganisms such as bacteria. Applications include pre-treatment for reverse osmosis, water clarification, and the removal of larger contaminants from water to ensure better quality for further treatment processes.

Ceramic Ultrafiltration (MF) Membrane

Ceramic membranes offer high durability and resistance to high temperatures and aggressive chemicals. Ultrafiltration (UF) membranes enable the separation of suspended solids, bacteria, and large molecules, while allowing smaller molecules like water and salts to pass through. They are commonly used as a pretreatment step before reverse osmosis (RO) systems to remove larger particles, reducing fouling and improving RO efficiency. Other applications include pretreatment for reverse osmosis, cooling water filtration, and wastewater treatment.

Spiral Wound Nanofiltration (NF) Membrane

Ceramic membranes offer high durability and resistance to high temperatures and aggressive chemicals. Ultrafiltration (UF) membranes enable the separation of suspended solids, bacteria, and large molecules, while allowing smaller molecules like water and salts to pass through. They are commonly used as a pretreatment step before reverse osmosis (RO) systems to remove larger particles, reducing fouling and improving RO efficiency. Other applications include pretreatment for reverse osmosis, cooling water filtration, and wastewater treatment.

Spiral Wound Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane

Spiral Wound RO technology are used for desalination and water purification. They remove dissolved salts, minerals, and contaminants from feedwater, providing high-purity water essential for steam generation and cooling systems in power plants. RO is critical for achieving the required water quality in both thermal and nuclear power plants.

Spiral Wound Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane

Spiral Wound RO technology are used for desalination and water purification. They remove dissolved salts, minerals, and contaminants from feedwater, providing high-purity water essential for steam generation and cooling systems in power plants. RO is critical for achieving the required water quality in both thermal and nuclear power plants.

Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs)

MBR systems combine biological treatment with membrane filtration, typically using ultrafiltration (UF) or microfiltration (MF) membranes. These systems are widely used for wastewater treatment, effectively removing organic pollutants and suspended solids. The membrane filters separate treated water from biological sludge, ensuring the production of high-quality effluent. Applications include wastewater treatment and the recovery of resources from power plant effluents, promoting sustainability and resource conservation.

Electrodialysis (ED) and Electrodialysis Reversal (EDR)

ED and EDR use electric fields to drive the movement of ions through ion-exchange membranes, facilitating desalination and the removal of specific ions from water. Electrodialysis Reversal (EDR) is commonly used for brine management and can reduce chemical usage in the treatment process. Applications include the desalination of brackish water, demineralization of water, and treatment of power plant effluents, supporting both water quality improvement and environmental sustainability.

In the nuclear power industry, membrane technology plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of plant operations. High-purity water is essential for cooling and steam generation in nuclear reactors, where impurities can lead to scaling, corrosion, and reduced efficiency. 

Nuclear power plants require strict control of dissolved silicon content in the boron-containing water systems of the primary circuit. When the silicon content exceeds the safety limit, the water system must be purified to reduce silicon concentration to ensure the safe operation of the units. However, the chemical and physical properties of dissolved silicon are very similar to those of boric acid, making separation challenging.

Due to the stringent water quality requirements in nuclear power plants, no additional impurities can be introduced during the removal process. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain a high recovery rate of boric acid and minimize the generation of wastes.

Process Flowchart

Relevant Technologies

Our expertise lies in membrane technologies designed to purify water, remove dissolved salts, and prevent contaminants from entering cooling systems and boilers. Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) effectively treat wastewater generated within the plant, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and reducing pollutant discharge. By enhancing water quality, membrane technology plays a vital role in supporting the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible operation of nuclear plants.

The implementation of membrane technologies enables nuclear plants to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact, contributing to greater sustainability and safety within the industry.

Ceramic Ultrafiltration (UF) Membrane

UF technology is used to remove particulate matter and larger molecules from water sources to meet strict quality requirements.

Spiral Wound Nanofiltration (NF) Membrane

Nuclear plants require highly purified water for cooling and steam generation. Spiral wound nanofiltration (NF) technology is utilized to remove salts, ions, and impurities, ensuring that only the cleanest water is used in reactors and cooling systems. Additionally, nanofiltration effectively reduces silicon concentration in the boron-containing water system to a safe level (<500 ppb), while minimizing waste discharge and maintaining stable boron concentrations within the system.

Spiral Wound Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane

Spiral Wound RO technology is a membrane-based desalination technology, used in nuclear power plants located in coastal areas to produce fresh water from seawater. This water can be used for cooling, cleaning, and other operations within the plant. RO technology is ideal for removing radioactive elements and other contaminants, ensuring the safe and environmentally responsible management of wastewater in nuclear power plants.

Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs)

Nuclear power plants generate significant amounts of wastewater from various operations, including cooling, maintenance, and decommissioning activities. Membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems are essential for treating this wastewater, making it suitable for reuse within the plant or for safe disposal without harming the environment. MBRs are particularly effective in treating organic-rich waste streams, ensuring that the wastewater is properly treated before reuse or disposal.

The fermentation industry involves the use of microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, or fungi to convert raw materials into valuable products such as alcohol, biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and food ingredients. This process is widely used in various sectors, including food and beverage production, bioengineering, and biotechnology. 

Relevant Technologies

Our expertise in the fermentation industry lies in membrane technology, which enhances the separation, purification, and concentration of fermentation products. We utilize a double membrane process to remove impurities in anaerobic and aerobic treated wastewater, enabling the reuse of water.These technologies improve process efficiency, reduce costs, and help achieve high-purity products, making membrane systems an integral part of modern fermentation operations. The typical processes involved are Pretreatment + Ultrafiltration + Reverse Osmosis,  with parameters specifically set to ensure optimal water quality.

Ceramic Microfiltration (MF) Membrane

MF technology is used for cell separation and clarification of fermentation broths. Removes suspended solids, bacteria, and other particles.

Ceramic Ultrafiltration (UF) Membrane

Ultrafiltration (UF) technology concentrates and purifies proteins, enzymes, and other macromolecules, effectively separating high molecular weight compounds from low molecular weight solutes.

Spiral Wound Nanofiltration (NF) Membrane

Nanofiltration (NF) technology removes salts, sugars, and small molecules while retaining larger molecules, making it ideal for product recovery and concentration.

Spiral Wound Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane

Reverse osmosis (RO) technology concentrates fermentation products by removing water and small solutes, commonly used in ethanol production and the concentration of organic acids.

Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs)

Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs) combine biological treatment with advanced membrane separation, offering efficient wastewater treatment and resource recovery. MBRs enhance the production of high-value fermentation products by continuously removing inhibitory by-products, ensuring optimal conditions for fermentation processes. 

The leather industry heavily relies on water intensive processes such as soaking, tanning, dyeing, and finishing, which generate significant amounts of wastewater laden with organic matter, salts, and heavy metals. Membrane technology has emerged as an effective solution for wastewater treatment and resource recovery in the leather industry. The typical processes involved are Pretreatment + Ultrafiltration + Reverse Osmosis, with parameters specifically set to ensure optimal water quality.

Relevant Technologies

The leather industry adopts the double membrane process to recycle wastewater with high salinity and complex water quality. The resulting product water can be used for other processes in leather production. This significantly reduces wastewater discharge and freshwater consumption.

Ceramic Microfiltration (MF) Membrane

Ceramic MF technology is often used as a pre-treatment step. Microfiltration membranes filter out larger particles and microorganisms, thereby protecting downstream processes like UF and RO and and ensuring better water quality for further treatment stages.

Hollow Fiber Ultrafiltration (UF) Membrane

Hollow Fiber Ultrafiltration (UF) technology is used to remove larger organic molecules, colloids, and suspended solids from the wastewater, making it suitable for further processing.

Spiral Wound Nanofiltration (NF) Membrane

Spiral Wound Nanofiltration (NF) technology effectively removes dissolved salts, organic acids, and small molecules. It concentrates and recycles tanning chemicals, reducing the need for fresh chemicals and minimizing waste.

Spiral Wound Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane

Reverse osmosis (RO) technology crucial for removing dissolved salts, organic matter, and other small pollutants, producing high-quality water that can be reused in leather production processes.

Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs)

Membrane bioreactors (MBR) combine biological treatment with membrane filtration, offering an integrated solution for treating tannery wastewater. MBR systems effectively eliminate organic and inorganic pollutants, producing high-quality effluent suitable for reuse or safe discharge. This process significantly enhances the overall water treatment and sustainability in the leather industry.

Rare earth mining involves extracting a group of 17 chemical elements known as rare earth elements (REEs) from the earth’s crust. These elements are crucial for various high-tech applications, including electronics, renewable energy technologies, and advanced materials. Traditional mining methods often have significant environmental impacts, such as generating hazardous waste and depleting natural resources. To mitigate these issues, membrane technology is increasingly being used in rare earth element extraction. This technology employs selective barriers to separate valuable rare earth elements from waste materials more efficiently and with less environmental impact. Membrane processes can reduce the need for harmful chemicals and lower energy consumption, making the extraction process greener and more sustainable.

Relevant Technologies

Water from rare earth element extraction is treated through primary treatment, multiple media filtration, reverse osmosis, cement sedimentation, and the AO MBR system. By using microorganisms such as nitrifying bacteria and denitrifying bacteria, this system can achieve high levels of oxygen removal.

The typical processes involved are Pretreatment + Ultrafiltration + Reverse Osmosis, with parameters specifically set to ensure optimal water quality.

Ceramic Microfiltration (MF) Membrane

In rare earth mining, microfiltration technology can be used in the initial stages of processing. It helps in removing larger particulates and suspended solids from the mining slurry, ensuring that the downstream processes deal with a cleaner feed. This step is crucial for protecting and enhancing the efficiency of subsequent membrane processes.

Hollow Fiber Ultrafiltration (UF) Membrane

Ultrafiltration is typically used to further purify the slurry after microfiltration. It can remove smaller particles and organic matter that microfiltration might miss. In the context of rare earth mining, UF can help in concentrating rare earth elements by filtering out unwanted larger molecules, leaving a more concentrated solution of REEs.

Spiral Wound Nanofiltration (NF) Membrane

Spiral Wound NF technology are more selective and can be used to separate specific rare earth ions from the mixture. This technology is particularly beneficial for isolating rare earth elements from complex mixtures, as it can reject multi-valent ions and small organic molecules while allowing monovalent salts to pass through. This makes NF effective for selectively concentrating on specific rare earth elements.

Spiral Wound Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane

Spiral Wound RO technology is highly effective for the final concentration and purification of rare earth elements. It can remove nearly all dissolved solids, including a wide range of ions and small organic compounds. In rare earth mining, RO can be used to achieve very high purity levels of the final product, ensuring that the extracted rare earth elements meet the required standards for high-tech applications.

Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs)

Membrane bioreactors (MBR) combine biological treatment with membrane filtration, offering an integrated solution for treating tannery wastewater. MBR systems effectively eliminate organic and inorganic pollutants, producing high-quality effluent suitable for reuse or safe discharge. This process significantly enhances the overall water treatment and sustainability in the leather industry.

In the steel industry, membrane technology plays a crucial role in improving environmental sustainability and process efficiency. Membrane systems are employed to treat and recycle wastewater generated during various production stages, such as cooling, pickling, and rinsing. This not only reduces freshwater consumption and wastewater discharge but also helps maintain regulatory compliance.

Relevant Technologies

Our expertise lies in multimedia filtration and reverse osmosis to effectively remove contaminants, enabling the reuse of water within the plant. The typical processes involved are pretreatment, ultrafiltration, and reverse osmosis, with parameters specifically set to ensure optimal water quality.

Ceramic Microfiltration (MF) Membrane

Used as a pre-treatment step, this membrane filters out larger particles and microorganisms, protecting subsequent membrane processes.

Hollow Fiber Ultrafiltration (UF) Membrane

UF technology eliminates suspended solids, colloids, and larger organic molecules, preparing water for further purification steps.

Spiral Wound Nanofiltration (NF) Membrane

NF technology allows certain salts to pass through while removing larger organic molecules and multivalent ions, ensuring water meets specific reuse criteria.

Spiral Wound Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane

RO technology removes dissolved salts, heavy metals, and other small pollutants, resulting in high-quality water suitable for reuse in various stages of steel production.

Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs)

Combining biological treatment with membrane filtration, membrane bioreactors effectively eliminate organic and inorganic pollutants from wastewater, enhancing the overall treatment process and making the water suitable for recycling. 

In the petrochemical industry, PTA (Purified Terephthalic Acid) wastewater often contains high levels of acetic acid. Recycling and returning the acetic acid from the wastewater to the main process can significantly reduce the consumption of fresh acetic acid, resulting in substantial economic benefits.

The PTA clean production process includes Acetic Acid Recovery, Wastewater Treatment, Water Reclamation, and other applications throughout the production cycle. A signaficant breakthrough has been made in the water reclamation, where the expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) system has replaced traditional Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) technology.

In addition to PTA water reclamation and reuse, membrane technology is utilised for primary wastewater treatment and acetic acid recovery. Suntar’s ESGB Plus Systems offers several advantages over conventional methods:

  • Compact footprint
  • Uniform Feed Water Distribution
  • Elimination of stagnant water zones within the reactors
  • Enhanced mass transfer efficiency

Wastewater Treatment

In 2016, Suntar undertook the expansion of the Jiaxing Petrochemical Phase II project. In the petrochemical industry, PTA wastewater is particularly challenging to treat due to its high COD levels and poor biodegradability. Leveraging extensive project experience, Suntar implemented a comprehensive treatment process that includes pretreatment, anaerobic treatment, and two-stage aerobic treatment for the PTA wastewater.

The treated water is then subjected to a double-membrane treatment system consisting of ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis, ensuring it meets the standards for circulating cooling water and pure water recycling.

Acetic Acid Recovery

PTA wastewater in the petrochemical industry has high acetic acid content. If the acetic acid in the water is recycled and returned to the main process, the consumption of fresh acetic acid will be reduced which brings considerable economic benefits to the company.

The industrial acetic acid recovery unit adopts the treatment process of heat exchanger cooling, pretreatment and two stage reverse osmosis. The concentrate is returned to the main process and the permeate is transported to the wastewater treatment system.

Water Quality

The water to be treated mainly contains acetic acid, p-toluic acid, terephthalic acis, methyl acetate, methanol, formaldehyde, etc. with high temperature and low pH. PTA wastewater is processed through cooling and membrane filtration to achieve product water recovery rate over 90%; acetic acid recovery rate over 80%; acetic acid content in the productwater as low as possible.

Typical Processes

Pretreatment + Ultrafiltration + Reverse Osmosis

Past Project Capacity: 720 m³/d – 6240 m³/d

The oil-field industry plays a pivotal role in global energy production, involving the exploration, extraction, and processing of crude oil and natural gas. This industry employs advanced technologies and techniques, such as drilling, hydraulic fracturing, and enhanced oil recovery, to efficiently access and extract hydrocarbons from underground reservoirs. The industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability, with efforts to reduce environmental impact through improved water management, waste treatment, and the adoption of greener practices. Membrane technology is used to treat and recycle produced water, helping to minimize wastewater discharge and reduce the industry’s overall environmental footprint.

Process Flowchart

Relevant Technologies

Membrane technologies have become essential in the oilfield industry due to their efficiency in treating produced water, brine, and other waste streams. The typical processes involved are Pretreatment + Ultrafiltration + Reverse Osmosis, with parameters specifically set to ensure optimal water quality.

Ceramic Microfiltration (MF) Membrane

Ceramic microfiltration (MF) technology offers robust, high-temperature, and chemical-resistant solutions for oil-water separation. It efficiently separates free and emulsified oil under extreme temperature and pressure conditions, enabling the recovery of valuable hydrocarbons from wastewater streams and reducing waste.

Hollow Fiber Ultrafiltration (UF) Membrane

Hollow Fiber UF technology is effective  in removing suspended solids, oil droplets, and emulsified oil from produced water.

Spiral Wound Nanofiltration (NF) Membrane

Spiral Wound NF technology allows partial desalination of water for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) for selective removal of divalent and trivalent ions.

Spiral Wound Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane

Spiral Wound RO technology crucial for removing salts and dissolved solids to produce low-salinity water for EOR applications.

Featured Success Story

The oily wastewater of the Yanchang Oilfield project is pretreated with an inorganic ceramic membrane to meet the discharge standards. The secondary surface water is pretreated and filtered with an ultrafiltration system and the produced water is reused in production. This project has a capacity of 2100m3/d which includes 1000m3/d produced oily sewage and 1100m3/d Hulu River surface water. 

The metallurgy industry is integral to extracting, refining, and processing metals essential for construction, manufacturing, transportation, and technology. Membrane technology has emerged as a key enabler of sustainable and efficient practices in this sector. It enables the treatment and recycling of wastewater, recovery of valuable metals, and removal of impurities. These innovations not only reduce freshwater consumption and waste discharge but also ensure compliance with environmental standards, enhancing overall resource efficiency and supporting sustainable metallurgical operations. 

Relevant Technologies

Our membrane systems are designed to efficiently recover valuable metals from industrial effluents and processing streams. By utilizing advanced membrane technology, these systems enable the recovery and purification of acids and alkalis from metallurgical waste streams, significantly reducing chemical consumption and operational costs. Additionally, our solutions effectively treat effluents containing heavy metals, acids, and organic contaminants, ensuring compliance with stringent environmental discharge standards. The typical processes involved are Pretreatment + Ultrafiltration + Reverse Osmosis, with parameters specifically set to ensure optimal water quality.

Hollow Fiber Ultrafiltration (UF) Membrane

Hollow fiber ultrafiltration (UF) technology effectively removes suspended solids, emulsified oils, and particulate matter from wastewater, ensuring high-quality treatment and improved water reuse potential.

Spiral Wound Nanofiltration (NF) Membrane

For metal recovery and recycling, spiral wound nanofiltration (NF) technology is used to separate and concentrate heavy metals such as copper, nickel, and zinc from wastewater. In water and wastewater treatment, it effectively separates dissolved salts and heavy metals from water streams, contributing to efficient resource recovery and cleaner effluent.

Spiral Wound Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane

For metal recovery and recycling, spiral wound reverse osmosis (RO) technology recovers high-purity water and concentrates metal solutions for reuse or further processing. In water and wastewater treatment, it effectively separates dissolved salts and heavy metals from water streams, enhancing resource efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Electrodialysis (ED)

For metal recovery and recycling, electrodialysis (ED) separates and recovers ionic metals from electrolytic solutions. In acid and alkali recovery, it efficiently recovers acids (e.g., sulfuric acid) and alkalis from pickling baths and other waste streams, contributing to resource conservation and reducing waste.

Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs)

Combining biological treatment with membrane filtration, membrane bioreactors effectively eliminate organic and inorganic pollutants from wastewater, enhancing the overall treatment process and making the water suitable for recycling. 

The pulp and paper industry is a key sector that produces paper, cardboard, and other paper-based products, relying heavily on the use of water in various stages of production. This process generates large volumes of wastewater, often containing high levels of organic materials, fibers, and chemicals. Membrane technology plays a vital role in addressing environmental concerns by efficiently treating this wastewater. 

Relevant Technologies

Membrane filtration methods, such as ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis (RO), help in the removal of suspended solids, color, and harmful chemicals, enabling water recycling and reducing the environmental footprint. Additionally, membrane systems aid in improving process efficiency, reducing chemical usage, and enhancing overall sustainability in the pulp and paper industry. 

The typical processes involved are Pretreatment + Ultrafiltration + Reverse Osmosis, with parameters specifically set to ensure optimal water quality.

Ceramic Microfiltration (MF) Membranes:

Ceramic MF technology is used in the initial stages of wastewater treatment to remove larger particles and bacteria. It can help in reducing the overall load on other treatment processes like UF or RO.

Hollow Fiber Ultrafiltration (UF) Membrane

Hollow Fiber UF technology eliminates suspended solids, colloidal particles, and some dissolved materials from the wastewater. UF technology is effective at clarifying water, reducing the load on downstream processes like biological treatment, and enabling the reuse of water in various stages of paper production.

Spiral Wound Nanofiltration (NF) Membrane

Spiral Wound NF technology operates between UF and RO in terms of pore size and removal capability. It is used to remove divalent ions, organic matter, and some dissolved solids from water, offering a balance between filtration efficiency and energy consumption.

Spiral Wound Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane

Spiral Wound RO technology is used for more advanced water treatment, particularly for removing dissolved salts, organic contaminants, and chemicals from the water. RO technology provides high-quality permeation, making it suitable for recycling water in processes that require very low concentrations of contaminants.

Featured Success Story

The feed water for this project is low-salinity seawater, treated using a combined process of sedimentation, filtration, ultrafiltration, and reverse osmosis. The produced water can be reused in production. The water supply capacity is 30,000 m³/d, with a 33,000 m³/d flocculation precipitation filter unit and a 25,000 m³/d reverse osmosis system.

The coal-chemical industry involves the conversion of coal into various chemicals, such as fertilizers, synthetic fuels, and petrochemical products. This industry faces significant challenges in terms of resource efficiency, environmental impact, and waste management. Membrane technology plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges by providing efficient separation processes for water purification, desalination, and the recovery of valuable by-products. Membranes, including ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and nanofiltration, are increasingly used to improve the treatment of wastewater, reduce chemical consumption, and enhance overall sustainability in coal-chemical plants.

Relevant Technologies

Hollow Fiber Ultrafiltration (UF) Membrane

Hollow fiber ultrafiltration (UF) technology is used to separate fine particles, organic matter, and colloidal substances from water and wastewater. It is applied in the pre-treatment of water and the recycling of processed water, helping to reduce water consumption and ensure better water quality for reuse.

Spiral Wound Nanofiltration (NF) Membrane

Spiral wound nanofiltration (NF) technology is employed for the selective separation of divalent ions and small organic molecules. This is particularly useful in wastewater treatment, effectively removing contaminants such as sulfate, hardness, and organic substances.

Spiral Wound Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane

Spiral wound reverse osmosis (RO) technology is used to desalinate and purify water, especially in processes that require high-quality water, such as cooling systems or the production of synthetic fuels and chemicals. It effectively removes salts, heavy metals, and other impurities from water sources, ensuring clean and reliable water for various applications.

Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs)

MBR systems combine biological treatment with membrane filtration. They are used in wastewater treatment to improve the removal of organic and inorganic contaminants, reducing the footprint of treatment plants while enhancing effluent quality.

Electrodialysis (ED)

In certain processes, electrodialysis membranes are used for selective ion removal and to treat brine streams, allowing for the recovery of valuable chemicals and minimizing waste disposal.

Featured Success Story

The coking plant uses a double membrane process for desalinating wastewater, with the treated water being used as supplementary water for circulating cooling systems.

The oil-water separation process plays a crucial role in environmental protection by removing oil and other contaminants from water across various sectors, including oil and gas, petrochemicals, and wastewater treatment. Oilfield wastewater is complex, containing petroleum, demulsifiers, salts, phenols, sulfur, and other pollutants harmful to the environment. The treatment of oil production effluent focuses on removing oil and suspended solids to prevent the reinjection of contaminated water into the oil field, which could block the oil production layer. Membrane technology enhances separation efficiency, reduces chemical usage, and enables the recycling of treated water, making the oil-water separation process more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

Relevant Technologies

Relevant Technologies

Our technology effectively addresses various water and wastewater challenges, including oilfield produced water, cold rolling oily wastewater, reuse of degreasing fluid, coking oil wastewater treatment, and oily wastewater from cutting and polishing. We provide advanced solutions for the treatment and recycling of these challenging effluents, ensuring efficient oil-water separation and sustainable water management across multiple industries.

Ceramic Ultrafiltration (UF) Membrane

Ceramic UF technology is effective in removing larger oil droplets, suspended solids, and other particulate matter from oil-water mixtures. This technology is commonly used in treating produced water from oil and gas operations or industrial wastewater, providing pre-treatment before further processing or discharge.

Spiral Wound Nanofiltration (NF) Membrane

Spiral Wound NF technology provides selective separation of divalent ions, small organic molecules, and emulsified oils. NF technology is used for further treatment of water after primary separation, improving the overall quality of the treated water.

Spiral Wound Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane

Spiral Wound RO technology is employed in advanced oil-water separation processes to remove dissolved contaminants, such as salts, small organic molecules, and fine emulsions, from water. This process is particularly useful for achieving high-quality effluent or for desalination of water after the initial oil separation.

Electrodialysis (ED)

In certain processes, electrodialysis membranes are used for selective ion removal and to treat brine streams, allowing for the recovery of valuable chemicals and minimizing waste disposal.

Featured Success Story

The oily sewage from the Yanchang Oilfield Project undergoes pretreatment and is treated with inorganic ceramic membranes to meet discharge standards. The second stage involves pre-treating surface water, followed by ultrafiltration, before reinjection. This project handles 1,000 m³/d of oily wastewater and 1,100 m³/d of Hulu River surface water, with a total treatment capacity of 2,100 m³/d.

The effluent quality after treatment exceeds the industry standard, meeting the “Recommended Index of Water Injection Water Quality for Clastic Rock Reservoirs” issued by China National Petroleum Corporation, as per the SY/T-5329-94 A-level re-injection standard.

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