IDE Water Technologies Designs, Builds PFRO System for Industrial Semiconductor Manufacturer

IDE Water Technologies, a world leader in water treatment solutions, is nearing completion on a project for an industrial semiconductor manufacturer in Kiryat-Gat, Israel, to design and build IDE’s Pulse Flow RO (PFRO) system for brine minimization at their industrial wastewater treatment facility. IDE’s PFRO system offers significant benefits to increase recovery and reuse of wastewater, reduce the Cleaning in Place (CIP) frequency, reduce down-time and prolong the membrane life span.

The industrial wastewater at the production facility is treated by a Membrane Bio-Reactor (MBR). Effluent from the MBR is desalinated by a standard RO facility, operating at 75% recovery. To reuse more water and reduce brine discharge, IDE installed the PFRO system, which is fed by a mixture of cooling tower blowdown (CTBD) and brine of the existing RO system. The PFRO system will operate at a recovery of 54% and will increase the overall facility recovery to 88%.

“Since the MBR effluent contains considerable amounts of organic matter and minerals, there is a severe risk of scaling and fouling from which the existing RO system suffers. IDE’s proprietary, patented single stage PFRO technology overcomes the challenges of conventional RO operation by discharging brine in a pulse flow regime through short, high velocity surges. The frequently and rapidly changing osmotic and hydraulic conditions reduce biofouling and scaling tendency allowing to push the recovery of the RO to new heights. Furthermore, The PFRO’s method of operation simplifies the preventive maintenance approach – short and frequent cleanings with acid or caustic as required, which increase the time between CIPs and prolongs the life duration of the membranes” explains Amit Meninger, Senior Project Manager, Industrial Water Business Unit, IDE Water Technologies, “We are confident that IDE’s proposed configuration and design reflects a robust and competitive solution, meeting all water treatment requirements”

Semiconductor manufacturers are constantly met with the need to use and reuse water efficiently throughout their operations. IDE’s PFRO high recovery technology enables the organization to maximize the potential of their dedicated wastewater and treatment recovery facility and minimize discharge costs. This technology will support the company’s commitment to efficient water management through a combination of reuse and recycling.

For more information on IDE Water Technologies’ comprehensive water solutions, visit www.ide-tech.com.