Membrane technologies used in ESMIL systems

The selection of membrane technology depends on the characteristics of the process stream, the required water quality and the desired treatment objectives. Depending on the application, ESMIL systems incorporate the following membrane technologies:

Microfiltration (MF)

A membrane process used to remove suspended solids, particulate matter, bacteria and other larger contaminants. Applied in water treatment, wastewater treatment, concentration processes and as a pretreatment stage before ultrafiltration, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis.

Superfiltration and ultrafiltration (SF/UF)

Technologies used to remove suspended solids, colloids, bacteria, most viruses and organic macromolecules. Superfiltration and ultrafiltration differ in their degree of separation, allowing them to be selected for different process requirements. They are used for water treatment, wastewater polishing and as a pretreatment stage before NF and RO processes.

Nanofiltration (NF)

A selective separation process used to remove some dissolved salts, organic compounds and colour while retaining selected mineral components. Through appropriate process design and integration with other membrane technologies, it enables the selective concentration and recovery of specific components. It is used for water softening, resource recovery and industrial wastewater treatment.

Reverse osmosis (RO)

A membrane process that effectively removes dissolved substances, including salts, heavy metals and organic compounds. It is used for the production of high-quality water, water recovery and the reduction of salinity in process streams.

VSEP® (Vibratory Shear Enhanced Processing)

A membrane technology that uses vibration to minimise membrane fouling and maintain high filtration performance. It can be equipped with RO, NF or UF membranes and is used for the treatment of challenging wastewater containing high concentrations of suspended solids, organic matter, fats and oils.

Electrodeionisation (EDI)

A technology used to remove ionised substances from water. It is most commonly applied as a final polishing stage for reverse osmosis permeate to produce ultra-pure water.

Specialised membranes

For process streams with particularly demanding characteristics, where severe membrane fouling or enhanced chemical resistance is a concern, ESMIL offers specialised membrane materials tailored to specific operating conditions. Depending on the application, these include:

• zwitterionic membranes
• ceramic membranes
• stainless steel membranes
• modified ultrafiltration (UF) membranes

How do we design membrane systems?

Every treatment process has different requirements, which is why the design of our membrane systems begins with an analysis of the process stream and the definition of the treatment objectives. We specialise in designing pretreatment systems, which form the foundation for the efficient and reliable operation of membrane installations. Based on this analysis, we select the appropriate membrane technology, system configuration and operating parameters, tailoring each solution to actual operating conditions while ensuring low capital and operating costs.

Technology verification before implementation

The characteristics of the process stream have a direct impact on separation performance and system operating parameters. That is why every project begins with testing to verify the process assumptions and identify the most suitable solution for the specific application.

This approach reduces investment risk, confirms the expected operating performance and optimises the system configuration before implementation.

Once the process assumptions have been confirmed, we proceed with the design and manufacture of a membrane system tailored to the process requirements and the technical conditions of the project.