Glossary of Terms - Nanostone Water

A filtration process that uses a microporous membrane with pore sizes typically between 0.1 and 1 micron to remove suspended solids, bacteria, small colloids, and turbidity from a fluid. Unlike reverse osmosis or nanofiltration, it operates at low pressures (up to 25 psi) or at atmospheric pressure. Microfiltration is often used as a pretreatment for reverse osmosis or as a standalone process for water purification and industrial applications.

A membrane filtration process that removes smaller particles, such as proteins, viruses, and other macromolecules, from liquids. It operates by using a semi-permeable membrane with pore sizes smaller than microfiltration, making it suitable for purifying water or acting as a pretreatment step for more advanced purification methods. UF is effective in industries like water treatment, food processing, and pharmaceuticals,

a natural process in which water molecules move through a semipermeable membrane from a solution of lower solute concentration to one of higher concentration, aiming to equalize solute levels on both sides. This phenomenon is fundamental in biological functions, such as plant root hydration and kidney filtration.

a water purification process that reverses natural osmosis by applying external pressure to a concentrated solution. This pressure forces water molecules through the RO membrane, filtering out dissolved salts, bacteria, and other impurities while allowing purified water to pass through.

a membrane filtration process that operates between ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis, offering several advantages such as ease of operation, high consistency, and relatively low energy consumption. It is particularly effective in removing heavy metal ions like chromium, nickel, copper, and arsenic from wastewater. Nanofiltration membranes efficiently reduce pollutant levels while maintaining a higher degree of performance and lower operational costs compared to other filtration methods.

A water filtration technology that uses porous ceramic materials to separate particles like viruses and microorganism by applying pressure, enabling high-performance . This method is widely used in water treatment, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical industries, offering benefits such as continuous operation, environmental sustainability, and minimal maintenance.

They are advanced filtration components made from inorganic materials (Alumina, Zirconia, Titania, Silicon carbide). They consist of multiple layers: a microporous active layer for fine filtration, an intermediate layer for structural support, and a macroporous outer layer providing mechanical strength. These membranes are highly resistant to chemical and thermal stress, making them ideal for use in harsh environments.

Semi-permeable filters made from organic polymers, such as polysulfone or polyamide, used primarily in water treatment processes. They operate under pressure to separate particles, such as bacteria, viruses, and salts. These membranes are generally less durable compared to ceramic membranes. Ceramic membranes, being more advanced and long-lasting, are preferred for applications requiring higher durability and longer operational lifespans.

The process of removing contaminants from water before it enters more complex treatment systems like reverse osmosis (RO). It includes methods such as screening, filtration, coagulation, aeration, and chemical treatment. Pre-treatment improves the efficiency and longevity of the system by preventing membrane fouling and damage.

Refers to the accumulation of wanted or unwanted materials, such as organic compounds, inorganic particles, or biological matter on the surface or inside the pores of a membrane, reducing its performance. Ceramic membranes have several advantages that help prevent fouling. Their chemical, thermal, and mechanical stability make them less susceptible to clogging compared to other materials.

In ceramic membrane technology, flux measures the liters per square meter per hour (LMH) of water passing through the membrane surface. For ceramic membranes, flux is especially crucial as it reflects the material’s ability to maintain stable performance despite challenging conditions like high temperatures or chemical exposure. Ceramic membranes often offer higher flux stability compared to other types, thanks to their resistance to fouling and robustness, allowing them to consistently handle various industrial applications effectively, such as water treatment in harsh environments.

Backflushing is a process where the flow of permeate is periodically reversed to help clean a membrane by dislodging accumulated foulants from its surface and pores. This technique improves the membrane's performance by enhancing permeate flux. Backflushing can be done at various frequencies and durations, with backpulsing involving shorter, more frequent reversals, and backshock using rapid, high-frequency reversals. The efficiency of backflushing depends on factors such as duration, frequency, and pressure applied during the process, with studies showing significant improvements in flux under optimized conditions.

Water with elevated levels of contaminants, such as heavy metals, salts, or organic compounds, that make it difficult to treat effectively using standard filtration or purification methods. Specialized treatment technologies are often required to address the unique characteristics of this water and ensure its quality for various industrial, municipal, or environmental applications.

Limited space in water treatment plants refers to situations where the available area for installation is constrained, particularly in densely populated urban areas. This limitation requires the adoption of compact, high-efficiency treatment technologies that can deliver effective water purification within the confined space.

They enhance water filtration by improving fouling resistance, permeate quality, and flux. By integrating nanoparticles like titania, alumina, and silver, these membranes gain catalytic properties that boost contaminant removal and reduce clogging. Nanomaterials’ small particle sizes (4–100 nm) enable more effective filtration and are particularly useful in wastewater treatment and drinking water production. However, environmental risks related to nanoparticle release remain a subject of ongoing study.

Refers to wastewater, often from industrial sources, that undergoes treatment to remove contaminants. Ceramic membranes are used to filter and separate solid particles, organic compounds, and other pollutants from the effluent, improving water quality. The filtration process enhances permeate flux, mitigates fouling, and helps in recycling or discharging treated effluent safely into the environment.

Seawater desalination is the process of removing salt and other contaminants from seawater to produce fresh, drinkable water. It is increasingly important as freshwater sources become limited due to population growth and climate change. The two main methods of desalination are thermal processes, which use heat to evaporate water, and membrane processes, such as reverse osmosis, which separate water molecules from impurities under high pressure through a diffusion-controlled process.

Ceramic ultrafiltration membranes are used in desalination as a solid pre-filter for the reverse osmosis (RO) membrane. They remove larger contaminants, such as suspended particles and colloids, from seawater. These membranes operate through a pressure-driven filtration process, effectively separating contaminants while allowing water molecules to pass through. They are renowned for their durability, resistance to fouling, and efficiency in harsh environments.

Involves the treatment and recycling of effluent from wastewater treatment plants for beneficial purposes. Reclaimed water must meet established quality guidelines before use. This practice offers a cost-effective solution for industries or regions facing water scarcity.

refers to the contaminated water produced by various industries, including manufacturing, food and beverage processing, textiles, and more. This water typically contains organic matter, metals, and other pollutants that must be removed before it can be safely discharged into the environment or reused in industrial operations.

Involve several stages depending on the source water and whether the goal is drinking water or wastewater treatment. For drinking water, initial treatments like ultrafiltration membranes are used to remove larger contaminants, followed by reverse osmosis for microscopic pollutants. Effective pre-treatment is crucial for maintaining system reliability and minimizing operating costs, ensuring the water is safe and efficient for consumption.

Is treated water used in steam boilers for power generation, heating, and industrial processes. Proper treatment is necessary to prevent issues like corrosion, scale, and foaming in the boiler. Power plants typically use surface water from rivers and lakes, which can have variable levels of turbidity, organic material, and temperature. This variability needs pre-treatment processes, to protect the Reverse Osmosis (RO) membranes used in these systems.

Is the discharge of a portion of circulating water to manage dissolved solids and impurities. This process helps prevent scaling, corrosion, and fouling, ensuring optimal cooling system performance. In power plants and refineries, evaporative concentration of solids can damage equipment, including reverse osmosis (RO) systems. Blowdown is critical for systems with zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) requirements, enabling efficient water treatment and safe disposal to meet environmental standards.

Water treatment is essential for optimizing water-dependent industrial processes, including heating, cooling, processing, cleaning, and rinsing. By ensuring proper treatment, it helps minimize operational costs and mitigate potential risks. Inadequate water treatment allows water to corrode and scale the surfaces of pipes and vessels, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance requirements.

Refers to the water supplied by public water systems for consumption by the general population. It is treated to meet regulatory standards for safety, quality, and purity, ensuring it is free from harmful contaminants and suitable for drinking, cooking, and other household uses.

Is the process of treating wastewater generated by mining activities to ensure it complies with environmental regulations before being discharged or reused. In the mining industry, water is utilized for a range of purposes, including mineral processing, dust control, and equipment cooling. Effective treatment removes contaminants and mitigates environmental impact, ensuring the safe handling of water throughout the mining process.

Water treatment and filtration in the microelectronics and semiconductor industries are crucial for handling toxic wastewater generated during production. As demand for electronics grows, effective water purification is vital for achieving zero-liquid discharge and resource recovery. This helps minimize environmental risks associated with semiconductor manufacturing.

A vital component of reverse osmosis (RO) systems, designed to remove suspended particles, silt, and particulates from feed water before it enters the RO membranes. These filters utilize multiple layers of filtration media, such as sand, gravel, and anthracite, to capture and retain particles of different sizes. By effectively pre-treating the water, MMF filters ensure that the water entering the RO system is clean and clear, improving the efficiency and lifespan of the reverse osmosis membranes.

Occur when algae grow excessively and produce toxins or other harmful effects. These blooms can harm humans, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, and birds. While some algae are toxic, others deplete oxygen in the water, suffocating marine life. HABs can also discolor water, contaminate drinking water, or create unpleasant beach conditions. HABs are a serious environmental and health concern in both marine and freshwater ecosystems.

• CAPEX: Initial costs for acquiring or upgrading physical assets.
• OPEX: Ongoing costs for daily operations, including maintenance and utilities.

Is the measure of water clarity, determined by how much light is scattered by suspended particles like clay, silt, organic matter, and microorganisms. It is measured in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). High turbidity can occur during storms when particles are washed into water or stirred from the riverbed. Low turbidity, often below 10 NTU, indicates clearer water typical during low flow periods. Turbidity affects water quality and ecosystem health, making it a key parameter for monitoring rivers and other water bodies.

The unit used to quantify turbidity, determined using a nephelometer. This instrument measures the intensity of light scattered at 90 degrees by suspended particles. Turbidity values below 0.2 NTU are a standard for drinking water treatment facilities to ensure high water clarity and effective disinfection.The unit used to quantify turbidity, determined using a nephelometer. This instrument measures the intensity of light scattered at 90 degrees by suspended particles. Turbidity values below 0.2 NTU are a standard for drinking water treatment facilities to ensure high water clarity and effective disinfection.

A parameter to assess the fouling potential of water for reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. The SDI test measures the rate at which suspended particles clog a 0.45-micron filter over time. Values below 3 are considered suitable for RO systems, as higher values indicate a higher risk of fouling, reducing membrane efficiency and lifespan.

A sustainable water treatment approach designed to recover and recycle all wastewater, leaving only solid by-products for disposal. ZLD systems commonly use reverse osmosis, brine concentrators, and thermal evaporators to achieve complete water recovery, often employed in industries like power generation, mining, and textiles.

The concentration of insoluble particles, such as sediments, algae, and organic debris, in water, typically measured in mg/L. High TSS levels indicate poor water quality, affecting aquatic ecosystems and increasing the load on treatment processes. TSS removal is essential for drinking water and wastewater treatment systems.

Refers to the combined content of dissolved inorganic and organic substances, including salts, metals, and ions, in water. TDS is a critical parameter in processes like desalination, with higher levels often requiring advanced technologies such as reverse osmosis or electrodialysis to meet quality standards.

Wastewater generated during the semiconductor manufacturing process, containing fine abrasive particles, metals like copper or tungsten, and residual chemicals. Treating CMP wastewater involves processes like coagulation, ultrafiltration, and reverse osmosis to remove contaminants and recover water for reuse.

Ultrapure water is water purified to extremely stringent standards, with virtually no dissolved or suspended solids, organic contaminants, or microorganisms. Industries like semiconductors and pharmaceuticals require UPW for processes where even trace impurities can cause defects. UPW is produced through multiple treatment stages, including deionization, reverse osmosis, and ultrafiltration.

Industrial processes such as machining and metal cutting generate wastewater containing fine particulates, oils, and sometimes heavy metals. Treatment methods often include oil-water separation, sedimentation, and ultrafiltration to recover water for reuse and meet discharge regulations.

is a chemical compound composed of hydrogen and fluorine, existing as a colorless gas, a fuming liquid, or as hydrofluoric acid when dissolved in water. It is widely used in industrial applications, including the production of refrigerants, pharmaceuticals, high-octane gasoline, and glass etching. HF is highly hazardous, capable of penetrating skin and tissues, causing severe burns, respiratory damage, and systemic toxicity based on exposure levels and duration.

A group of synthetic chemicals widely used in consumer products and industrial processes for their ability to resist heat, water, and grease. However, these "forever chemicals" are persistent in the environment and are often found as contaminants in water sources. Due to their chemical stability, PFAS do not break down easily and can accumulate in drinking water, posing potential health risks. Water filtration systems are increasingly being used to remove PFAS from water supplies, employing advanced technologies such as reverse osmosis to reduce contamination and protect public health.

Is the water supplied to boilers and cooling towers. Proper treatment of this water is crucial to optimize system efficiency, prolong the lifespan of equipment, minimize maintenance costs, and ensure consistent performance. Properly conditioned feed water helps prevent scaling, corrosion, and other issues that could hinder system operation, ensuring reliability and cost-effectiveness over time.

Is water that has been treated to remove suspended solids and particles, typically through a clarification process. This treatment is used as a pre-treatment step in drinking water purification, as well as in the treatment of municipal wastewater and industrial effluent, helping to reduce contaminants before further purification or disposal.

It refers to water that is released from a system, site, or structure in a controlled manner that ensures, it does not cause environmental harm, public health risks, or legal non-compliance. Safe discharge of water typically involves directing it to appropriate treatment or containment systems, such as landscaped or bioretention areas for infiltration, sanitary sewer systems with required permits, or specialized containment tanks for safe disposal or re-use.