PPG pipes in a new water reuse method

PPG announced the introduction of a high-performance ultrafiltration (UF) membrane and filter elements for industrial process water and wastewater applications.

“Our antifouling treatment represents a significant technical advancement with potential benefits in multiple industries,” said Lisa Walters, PPG filtration segment manager, specialty coatings and materials.

The new UF membrane adds to company’s line of microfiltration (MF) membranes and filter elements, which are designed to remove oil and other contaminants so process water and wastewater can be disposed or reused safely and economically, helping to improve water reuse and play a role in addressing global water scarcity, said the paint firm.

“The traditional belief is that membranes are not well-suited for removing oil and grease because of their tendency to foul. PPG filtration membranes have an exceptional ability to separate emulsified contaminants from water,” said Walters.

Potential applications, said PPG, for filtration membranes include industrial process water and wastewater, from oil and gas to automotive and industrial paint lines, to greywater treatment.

Incorporating a proprietary antifouling treatment technology, PPG said its UF membranes are superhydrophilic, or water loving, which inhibits trace amounts of oil, grease and other tough-to-filter contaminants from fouling the membranes and filter elements.

In turn, this can extend the service life of membranes, reducing costs through lower maintenance and replacement needs, said the firm.

“The ability to clean and reuse industrial process water is beneficial in so many ways, not just to the companies that recapture this valued resource, but also for the environment by reducing demands and stress on freshwater supplies,” said Walters.