Reverse Osmosis Membrane Model BW30-400/34i Used In Petrochemical Industry

Introduction

The Reverse Osmosis Membrane Model BW30-400/34i, manufactured by Dow Filmtec and supplied by Xinxiang Lifeierte Filter Corp. (LEFILTER), is a high-performance membrane designed for brackish water desalination and industrial water treatment. Renowned for its exceptional rejection rates and energy-efficient operation, this membrane is widely adopted in industries requiring ultra-pure water, including petrochemicals, power generation, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. As a trusted alternative to OEM membranes, LEFILTER ensures compatibility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, making the BW30-400/34i a cornerstone of modern water purification systems.

Product Specifications

• Model: BW30-400/34i (Dow Filmtec equivalent)

• Membrane Type: Polyamide Thin-Film Composite (TFC)

• Diameter: 8 inches (standard)

• Length: 40 inches (1016 mm)

• Filtration Rating: 0.0001 μm (effective for dissolved salts, organics, and microorganisms)

• Operating Conditions:

• Max Temperature: 45°C

• Max Pressure: 41 bar (600 psi)

• pH Range: 2–11 (continuous operation), 1–12 (short-term cleaning)

• Flow Rate:

• Permeate Flow: Up to 10,000 GPD (gallons per day)

• Salt Rejection: ≥99.5% (tested with 2,000 ppm NaCl at 15 bar)

• Compatible Housing: Standard 8-inch pressure vessels

Features and Advantages

1. High Efficiency with Low Energy Consumption

The BW30-400/34i operates at 15–20% lower pressure compared to conventional RO membranes, reducing energy costs while maintaining high flux rates. Its advanced thin-film composite structure ensures >99.5% rejection of salts, silica, heavy metals, and organic contaminants.

2. Robust Chemical Resistance

Engineered to withstand harsh cleaning agents (e.g., chlorine, acids, alkalis), this membrane maintains performance integrity even in aggressive industrial environments.

3. Extended Service Life

• Fouling Resistance: Hydrophilic surface minimizes scaling and biofouling.

• Mechanical Durability: Reinforced polyester backing layer resists abrasion and pressure spikes.

4. Sustainability

• Reduced Wastewater: High recovery rates (up to 85%) minimize concentrate discharge.

• Compliance: Meets NSF/ANSI 61 standards for drinking water safety.

Product Structure

The BW30-400/34i features a multi-layered design optimized for precision and durability:

1. Active Layer: Ultra-thin polyamide film for selective contaminant rejection.

2. Support Layer: Polysulfone substrate providing mechanical strength.

3. Backing Layer: Non-woven polyester fabric for enhanced pressure resistance.

4. Spacer Mesh: Turbulence-promoting feed spacers ensure even flow distribution.

Working Principle

The BW30-400/34i operates on reverse osmosis (RO) technology:

1. Pre-Treatment: Feed water passes through multimedia filters to remove suspended solids.

2. Pressurization: High-pressure pumps drive water into the membrane module.

3. Separation:

• Permeate: Pure water molecules pass through the semi-permeable membrane.

• Concentrate: Contaminants (salts, organics) are flushed away as brine.

4. Post-Treatment: Permeate is polished via UV sterilization or ion exchange, if required.

Applications in the Petrochemical Industry

Critical Use Cases

• Boiler Feedwater Treatment: Removes silica and hardness ions to prevent scaling in steam generators.

• Wastewater Reclamation: Recovers hydrocarbons and heavy metals from refinery effluents.

• Cooling Tower Blowdown Recycling: Reduces freshwater consumption by treating and reusing blowdown water.

• Acid/Base Recovery: Purifies spent acids/alkalis for reuse in chemical processes.

Case Study

A Middle Eastern refinery integrated BW30-400/34i membranes into its wastewater treatment system, achieving:

• 75% reduction in freshwater intake through closed-loop recycling.

• 30% lower energy costs due to optimized pressure requirements.

Applications in Other Industries

1. Power Generation

• Ultra-Pure Water (UPW) for Turbines: Ensures impurity-free water to prevent corrosion in high-pressure boilers.

• Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD): Treats limestone slurry water to enhance scrubber efficiency.

2. Electronics Manufacturing

• Wafer Fabrication: Produces UPW with resistivity >18 MΩ·cm for semiconductor production.

• Photovoltaic Cell Cleaning: Eliminates particulates and ionic contaminants to improve cell efficiency.

3. Food & Beverage

• Bottling Water Purification: Removes pathogens and minerals for consistent taste and safety.

• Dairy Processing: Treats CIP (Clean-in-Place) rinse water for reuse, reducing wastewater.

4. Pharmaceuticals

• WFI (Water for Injection) Production: Meets USP/EP standards for endotoxin-free water.

• API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) Synthesis: Provides high-purity water for reaction processes.

Related Models

LEFILTER supplies compatible alternatives to Dow Filmtec membranes, including:

1. BW30XFR-400/34: Higher fouling resistance for turbid feed water.

2. BW30FR-400/34i: Chlorine-tolerant version for municipal wastewater.

3. SW30HRLE-440i: Seawater desalination variant with 99.8% salt rejection.

4. TW30-1812-100: Compact 1.8-inch diameter model for small-scale applications.

Conclusion

The Reverse Osmosis Membrane Model BW30-400/34i stands as a pinnacle of innovation in water treatment technology. Its unparalleled efficiency, durability, and adaptability make it indispensable for industries striving to balance productivity with sustainability. Whether in the demanding environments of petrochemical refineries or the precision-driven realms of electronics manufacturing, this membrane delivers consistent performance while slashing operational costs. Partnering with LEFILTER ensures access to premium-quality membranes backed by global expertise, empowering industries to meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.