Membrane technologies have seen a significant global growth and increase in application in the last two decades. Membrane systems are now available in several different forms, configurations and sizes, each uniquely fitting a particular need and application.
Membrane systems are used for a variety of applications in many public agencies and private industries, including:
- Drinking water;
- Desalination;
- Contaminant removal;
- Municipal wastewater;
- Industrial wastewater;
- Ultrapure water;
- Recovery/reuse;
- Agriculture;
- Landfill leachate;
- Pharmaceutical;
- Power generation;
- Pulp and paper;
- Semiconductor;
- Shipboard; and
- Specialty chemical.
Several factors are critical for the successful application and operation of membrane facilities, such as:
- Proper membrane selection based on historical water quality information;
- Proper pretreatment;
- Proper water conditioning and post-treatment;
- Scaling and fouling prevention;
- Optimizing energy requirements; and
- Proper disposal of byproducts.
The American Membrane Technology Association (AMTA) holds conferences and technology transfer workshops throughout the country to supply information about planning, designing, procuring and operating membrane plants. Industry leaders gather at these events with one goal: learning to properly apply and improve the uses of membrane technology for their various treatment problems.
AMTA is the only national organization dedicated to the application and improved use of membrane technologies. The AMTA website, www.amtaorg.com, includes membership information and a calendar of conferences and workshops helpful to those who want to learn more about any type, use or form of membrane system.
