Can Fine Automatic Screen Filters Replace Disposable Cartridges? Pilot Pre-Treatment Results from a Seawater Desalination Plant

A unique screen flushing mechanism enables a reliable continuous operation of a very fine screen (<10?m) filter, placing an interesting alternative to the conventional use of disposable cartridge filters for RO pre-treatment. Pilot results from a seawater desalination plant in Israel show that the desired filtrate quality can be obtained, while the automatic self-cleaning screen alternative can achieve a significant saving in operating costs of energy, manpower and consumables. Analysis and breakdown of O&M costs indicates a potential OPEX saving of 80-92% compared to cartridges. For a medium size desalination plant with a RO feed of 10,000gpm (2,270 m3/h) this saving can sum up to 94,000US$ annually. Protecting RO membranes by a fine automatic screen appears to be a feasible and sustainable alternative.