Jan 9, 2017 | Information
Here at Western RO, we have a good understanding of water filtration systems and the reasons to use them. We pride ourselves on being a resource to help clients understand their needs. Sometimes, we need commercial filtration in place to help clean waste water. Sometimes it is a simple residential solution to create clean drinking water. We take a holistic approach to solving the problem for every client. The reasons for needing filtration systems can range. Depending on the end goal there are different ways to achieve it. Filtrations systems have been in place for centuries, but the technology that is driving the industry forward is light years ahead of where it started. From purifying water over the fire to today’s industrial systems that can help keep entire cities healthy and safe, filtrations has progressed. Depending on your need there are several types of filtration systems that can help you reach your goal. We prefer Reverse Osmosis membranes in most cases because of their efficiency. While it may seem like water filtration systems are hard to wrap your head around, it is actually a very simple. Also, an effective way to separate contaminates from your water. Reverse Osmosis can create safe and clean water that is perfect for cooking, cleaning, and drinking. Clean water is highly important in today’s world. With water sources being polluted by fracking waste, lead pipes, and oil spills, it is a critical time to find good water filtration solutions. Access to clean water can make all of the difference in a person’s health and quality of life. Take the Flint Michigan crisis, the levels...
Dec 1, 2016 | Information
Water scarcity is a topic we like to discuss often, because one it is a reality we are going to have to face and two in some instances you can help elevate the issue with water filtration systems. As the climate changes, temperatures rise, and prolonged droughts become more frequent, we have to consider how we conserve what we can and reuse when needed. Environmental causes to water shortages are currently something we have no control over. But what about the causes to water scarcity that we can control? Clean water sources are a prized possession in some parts of the world and people will fight for control or to maintain them as best they can. Sometimes that fight is between tribes or organizations. Sometimes that fight is between man and beast. Sometimes the fight is between a community and a corporation. This type of conflict over clean water is one that could be avoided but recently the frequency in which corporations are trying control or subvert clean water is increasing. As is the case in Flint Michigan and Nestle’s CEO who thinks clean water is not a right but a privilege. In the most recent case of clean water conflict between a community and a corporation we only have to look to middle America. The Dakota Access Pipeline project was shifted from going through a community in North Dakota and redirected to the Standing Rock. The Stand Rock Sioux Tribe is standing up to $3.8 Billion dollar project that was redirected to go through their burial ground of their ancestors and cross under their water source. The project...
Nov 30, 2016 | Information
It’s the life source of our planet but one of the last things we think about when we jump in the shower or grab a bottle of water. We consume it daily, without blinking an eye, yet less than .5% of our earth’s water is consumable. The strain on freshwater sources is apparent in some areas, while completely unnoticed in larger nations like the US. The fact that bottled water cost 10000x more than what it costs to drink from a hose is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how skewed our understanding of water is. To make the bottle that holds the water it takes 5 to 11 times more water than what is in the actual bottle. The strain on supply can be overlooked by those with an abundance and if noticed they wouldn’t hesitate to say that the bottled water ‘tasted’ better. When in reality a bottle of water is not that much different in taste or quality compared to what comes out of the faucet in most homes. This, combined with the realization that we are pumping water faster than it can be replenished makes our obsession with bottled water seem like an insane notion. Water filtration and reverse osmosis have helped conserve some water, and turn previously undrinkable water into a suitable solution but still the love for bottled water continues. While daily conservation is key, it is not the biggest factor when it comes to where our water goes. The biggest consumer of freshwater is agriculture. Farmers use 80% of the water being pumped and during droughts can reach...
Nov 17, 2016 | Information
The American Membrane Technology Association (AMTA) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA) held their annual Membrane Technology Conference (MTC) to showcase what is new in the industry. The membranes on display range in use, for everything from drinking water to wastewater to reuse. The technology has a wide range of uses, and is helping to expand past the 2000 facilities currently using them. As the challenge for clean water increases it is important that the technology reflect the growing need and the MTC is the perfect place to show off what is new. The convention address not only the growing need for clean water but also how to solve the common problems that occur with a membrane filtration system. From ways to help keep the membrane clear to software to help design and care for your filtrations system. MTC had a lot going on and we wanted to share the top 10 companies that were making waves. 1. First is the LD Technology by Hydranautics. Their booth was focused on how to expand the life of a membrane and keep it clear of colloidal/particulate and biological fouling. They solution to solving the issue was to increase the feed spacer to 34mm to help reduce build up. This solved one issue but also meant that the surface area of the membrane had to be reduced to fit the larger spacer. 2. The next in line is LENA MBR by Doosan Hydro Technology. LENA, “low energy, no aeration”, takes on the same issue Hydranautics did but prevents sludge accumulation by employing a “membrane reciprocating system”. This system removes the need to use...
Oct 4, 2016 | Information
Clean water is hard to come by, and the costs to maintain water filtration plants are always increasing. We all want clean water, but what about clean air and renewable energy? These things all go hand in hand. Clean air and clean water can both be a product of renewable energy. Mount Pleasant Waterworks (MPW) is ready to reap the benefits of renewable energy while supplying clean water to over sixty-seven thousand people. This fall MPW will be launching the endeavor to lower the cost of operation for their Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plants. The largest consumer of electricity in the Mount Pleasant area, MPW will be installing roof-mounted solar panels to help lower their usage and cost. In total, it is estimated they will cut out 265 metric tons of carbon from entering the atmosphere. This reduction is equivalent to 255 acres of forests. This move towards renewable energy is the best thing MPW could do. It furthers their mission of treating wastewater through Reverse Osmosis and turning it into usable, clean, safe water. Our environment is interconnected. With this reduction in carbon, it will help the air quality in the area. Which in turn, creates less work for the plants and allows nature to focus on cleaning the surrounding soils and water more efficiently. As more and more watersheds are containment and fewer people have safe water it is a joyous occasion when a water plant takes a step like this. To date, this will be MPW’s largest commercial system. The move will also allow them to participate in the SCE&G’s Bill Credit Agreement Program. Through...
Sep 30, 2016 | Information
One of the biggest issues facing clean water today is industrial waste. The industrial revolution showed us the extent to which manufacturing can harm our water systems. Waterways like the Gowanus in Brooklyn New York are now registered Superfund site by the EPA due to industrial waste. Manufacturing can have a detrimental effect on the environment if wastewater managers do not leverage today’s tools for waste management. With today’s ability to leverage data and technology, industrial waste management is beginning to find ways to mitigate the damage. One example is the chemical processing industry. Recently they began to revolutionize their waste management through automation, data, and process controls. This step forward will not only modify the quality of filtration but also the bottom line for the facility. Most water treatment systems use a common process, allowing for the removal of solids, fats, and oils. Then treating the water to remove sludge and solids. From there wastewater may undergo treatment to further oxidize or disinfect before reuse or discharge to a public sewer or body of water. The new process starts from the beginning. They focus on reducing or removing solid particles and oils like normal but during the last phase of the process they are filtering the wastewater. Depending on the end use, the water could run through Reverse Osmosis Membranes or granular activated carbon to make the discharged water as safe as possible. This new process includes consideration for the end usage and leverages new technologies to achieve the goal of returning the water as pure and clean as possible. Previous generations would allow for chemical and solid...
