Reverse Osmosis Protection: DMI-65 is an extremely powerful silica sand based catalytic action water filtration media that is designed for the removal of Iron and Manganese without the use of potassium permanganate through an Advanced Oxidation Process.
In the context of Reverse Osmosis Protection, typical sources of iron fouling are
The following are symptoms of iron and manganese fouling:
Incorporation of DMI-65 pretreatment filtration will materially reduce these symptoms as well as benefitting the total RO system.
DMI-65 is infused technology and not just a surface coating technology, unlike other catalytic water filtration media, which removes the chance of any chemical leaching into the water stream.
In order to begin the process of oxidation of the iron (and manganese) in solution DMI-65 is designed to operate in the presence of chlorine or other oxidant. In this process the oxidant removes electrons and is consumed in the process. The operator needs to ensure that there is a 0.1 – 0.3 ppm free chlorine residual in the effluent water. Chlorine, fed as sodium hypochlorite or bleach (12.5% NaOCl), is the preferred oxidant since it is relatively inexpensive, readily available around the world and it is effective. It also performs the vast majority of any disinfectant process.
Unlike ion exchange resins where higher regenerate dosages will increase the ion exchange capacity, chlorine residuals or concentrations higher than required to oxidize the Fe and Mn do not increase the oxidative properties of the media. Additionally, a higher free chlorine residual in an RO system would require more extensive post treatment to reduce the residual and protect the membranes from chlorine attack.
DMI-65 has been certified to the US Standard of NSF/ANSI 61 for Drinking Water System Components and for use in England and Wales Under Regulation 31(4)(a) of the water supply (Water Quality) regulations 2010 and has also been tested by many other water treatment authorities and laboratories.
DMI-65 is manufactured in Australia.
Case History
A power plant in Central Texas had an reverse osmosis (RO) system with a 30 year history of iron fouling of the cartridge guard filters and RO membranes. The Fe in the well water averaged 2.0 ppm and despite various equipment configurations they were unable to reduce it below 0.2 ppm. This resulted in frequent and costly replacement of the 5.0 micron filter cartridges. They had two 6’ diameter filters, one with anthracite and one with Birm that were used in series in an attempt to alleviate the iron fouling. All of the existing media from these filters was removed and piped them to run in parallel. They then installed DMI-65 and had immediate success with the filter operation. The Iron in the effluent from the filters averages 0.007 ppm when measured using a Hach DR5000. Replacement of the cartridge filters went from days-or-weeks to months.
Membrane Protection. The efficient removal of dissolved iron to almost undetectable levels as low as 0.001 PPM materially reduces the incidence of iron fouling which therefore reduces the need for membrane replacement and keeps the treatment system working at its optimal levels. Membranes are expensive, as is the time cost to replace them and the production downtime
High Flow Rates. The infused technology of DMI-65 promotes the highest oxidation rate of any catalytic filtration media. This permits a significantly higher water flow rate to achieve the same level of iron and manganese removal. DMI-65 can operate at linear filtration velocities up to twice that of conventional media with a corresponding reduction in capital equipment costs.
High Load Capacity Because of the increased surface area due to the micro-porous structure of the matrix material, the DMI-65 also has higher iron and manganese load capacity which can extend the duration of filter runs and the time between backwashing, thereby reducing downtime, operating expense and wastage.
Regeneration Not Required. The media operates with a continuous injection of sodium hypochlorite at low residual levels (0.1 to 0.3 ppm) which eliminates the need for Potassium Permanganate.
Wide Operating Environment. Stable and satisfactory performance at pH 5.8 to 8.6 and a maximum operating temperature of 113° F (45°C) reduces the need for investment to alter the operating environment.
Long Life. DMI-65 is not consumed in the process, providing considerable advantages over other processes or media. The media does not display a decaying capacity to do its catalytic work. Over a 5 to 10 year period, through many backwashing operations of the bed to remove retained solids, an attrition loss of the media occurs by contact between particles and mechanical abrasion.
“RO membrane iron fouling, effects overall performance and requires replacement as frequent as every 1 to 7 days. With DMI65 pretreatment media, replacement is prolonged to more two month intervals. RO membrane iron fouling can not be reversed by cleaning in place methods, resulting significant loss in performance. RO operation with DMI65 filter media pretreatment has filtrate iron levels <0.05 ppm with no increased differential pressures if RO membranes, maintaining the factory baseline performance.“
William H. Stroman
Primary Energy / EPCOR Operations US INC.
ASME Research Committee Power Plant and Environmental Chemistry
Case Study: Water Treatment for Winery at Langhorne Creek in South Australia. The Langhorne Creek region is situated some 80km to the south east of Adelaide on the alluvial plains between the Mount Lofty Ranges and Lake Alexandrina. Whilst this region has been producing winegrapes for over 150 years, viticulture has until recently been confined…
The DMI-65 filter media has performed well in removing iron contained in the well water. In addition to iron removal lowered SDI’s has addressed the fouling to down stream cartridge filter elements and RO membranes that was previously a fouling problem from filter aid chemical passage through the MM filters.
