Seeking advice on the post-treatment process for biochemical-treated pharmaceutical wastewater!
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After biochemical treatment of cephalosporin pharmaceutical wastewater, the effluent quality is not satisfactory: the COD level is 800–1000 mg/L, and the turbidity is around 50 NTU. It is now planned to employ membrane technology for the reuse of this water; I would like to know what additional processes can be implemented to ensure proper water quality for the reverse osmosis membranes and to reduce fouling of these membranes. How effective is the air flotation process for this water quality? Are there any cases related to air flotation? Seek help from experts!
Such high COD levels are detrimental to the operation of membranes, as inorganic salts in the water can easily clog them.
Which membrane should be added, NF or RO? However, whether it is NF or RO, there are requirements regarding turbidity. It is possible to consider using UF first, and then consider NF or RO. Personal opinion, for reference only
This post was last edited by Gorō Bagua Stick on 2015-10-15 at 13:57. The COD level is so high; your current biochemical system isn’t properly calibrated! Either it’s a design issue. This water is not difficult to handle. Go and check out similar manufacturers. Neither air flotation nor membranes is suitable. It is recommended to strengthen anaerobic treatment at the beginning, and to add a BAF + Fenton oxidation process later. We specialize in shallow air flotation, pressure dissolved air flotation, jet air flotation, electrolytic air flotation, vortex air flotation, and eddy current air flotation. There are over 200 sets of performance data. QQ8749412 for exchanging specific details.
Generally, the method of using resin in combination with membranes can be employed for treatment. Before introducing the membrane, adsorption resin is added to reduce the COD level of the resin. For large-molecule organic substances, especially those containing benzene rings, adsorption treatment using macroporous adsorption resin can be carried out; experiments can be conducted to discuss these treatment methods
I don’t know much about resin’s ability to remove COD; I hope the forum moderator can clarify this. What is the adsorption saturation of resin for COD? What is the replacement frequency and removal rate? Can it be regenerated?
There is a certain limit to adsorption saturation, which depends on the COD level of the incoming water. Given that your incoming water has a COD level of around 1000 mg/l, the adsorption saturation capacity of the resin might be 100 BV; in other words, 1 cubic meter of resin can handle up to 100 cubic meters of water. The processing volume will be relatively large. The resin has a service life of around 3-4 years before it needs to be replaced. As for the removal rate, it can only be determined by examining the components in your wastewater; if you have a specific water quality report, it can be analyzed. It can be regenerated, usually once every 24 hours. The method of regeneration is determined based on the water quality and the adsorbent substances
If the COD level is too high, it should be reduced first before using membranes; this ensures more stable operation. If the water volume isn’t very large, membranes can be used directly, and high-pressure membranes can be considered for direct concentration