Eurotec ETUF-9060R User manual

Product Manual
ETUF-9060R
Ultrafiltration Membrane
User Manual
Version 1.0

User Manual
CONTENT PAGE
Section 1.
General Information …………………………………………………………………………………………
1
Section 2.
Ultrafiltration System Basics ……………………………………………………………………………
4
Section 3.
Module Installation …………………………………………………………………………………………
8
Section 4.
Operations and Maintenance …………………………………………………………………………
10
Section 5.
Storage and General Handling …………………………………………………………………………
29

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User Manual
Section 1: General Information
1.1 About EuroTec
Established in Singapore as a regional center, EuroTec Pte Ltd is a subsidiary of First Line Co., a premium supplier
and manufacturer of key water treatment equipment components.
First Line Co. began in 2012 with its global headquarters, R&D center and more than 10 hectares of production
facilities situated in Harbin, China. Our main products include RO pressure vessels, cartridge filters and housings,
reinforced plastic clamps as well as ultrafiltration (UF) membranes. We are one of the top RO pressure vessel
manufacturers in China with over 300,000 of our pressure vessels installed in large-scale water treatment,
desalination and effluent polishing plants in China as well as in more than 32 other countries worldwide.
Consequently, we have an extensive presence in Asia, Europe, Middle East, Latin America and North America.
First Line believes strongly in research and development and is committed to continual innovation and the
advancement of our products, providing the best in product quality, services and support.
1.2 About ETUF Ultrafiltration Membranes
The ETUF series of ultrafiltration membranes is one of the latest product offerings from EuroTec/ First Line and
is borne out of a collaboration with a top-tiered research institute to produce membranes that are robust,
reliable, effective and consistent in quality.
The hollow fiber membrane, made from hydrophilic, high strength PVDF, is adept in removing suspended solids
and microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses from the feed water. Its applications include surface/ ground
water treatment, desalination and municipal/ industrial wastewater recycling (among others). It is an excellent
pre-treatment for reverse osmosis (RO) membranes and may be also utilized for drinking water production and
polishing purposes in industries such as semi-conductor manufacturing.
SEM Photo of Membrane Fiber

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User Manual
1.3 ETUF-9060R Specifications
Membrane Specifications
Property
UOM
Specification
Material
-
Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)
Flow Direction
-
Outside-In
OD/ ID/ Thickness
mm
1.30/ 0.70/ 0.30
Pore Size
Daltons/ µm
0.025
pH Tolerance (General Operation)
-
2 –11
pH Tolerance (Short Term/ Cleaning)
-
1 –12
Temperature Tolerance
°C
5 –40
NaOCl Tolerance (Max)
ppm
5,000
Bacteria Removal
%
99.9999
Tensile Load
N
5
Module Specifications
Property
UOM
Specification
Dimensions (Length x Diameter)
mm
2,340 x 344
Membrane Area
m2
60
Maximum Feed Pressure
bar
2.5
Maximum Transmembrane Pressure
(TMP)
bar
2.0
Maximum Backwash Pressure
bar
2.0
Dry Weight
kg
60
Wet Weight
kg
100
Feed Connection
inch
1.5 (FNPT)
Concentrate/ Reject Connection
inch
1.5 (FNPT)
Filtrate Connection
inch
1.5 (FNPT)

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User Manual
1.4 ETUF-9060R Module Parts
Item
Material
End Cap
PVC
Clamps
POM
O-Rings
EPDM
Collar
PVC
Module Housing
PVC
End Cap
Filtrate Outlet
1.5” FNPT
Concentrate Outlet
1.5” FNPT
Feed Inlet
1.5” FNPT
Filtrate End (Top)
Feed End (Bottom)
2,340mm
216mm
344mm
Clamps w/ Bolts & Nuts
O-Rings
Collar
Concentrate Chamber
Module Housing

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User Manual
Section 2: Ultrafiltration System Basics
2.1 Basic System Design
The schematic diagram below shows the basic configuration for a typical ETUF system’s key equipment and
arrangement:
LEGEND
Pump
Pressure Transmitter
Auto-valve
Flow Transmitter
Pre-filter
Air Regulator
Compressed Air
Air Release Valve
V01
V03
V04
V05
V02
V06
V07
V08
V09
Feed
Tank
Filtrate
Tank
CIP
CEB
Air
U
F
Feed
Pump
(P01)
Backwash
Pump
(P02)
CIP
Pump
(P03)
CEB
Pump
(P04)
Discharge
Discharge
Chemicals
+ Water
Chemicals
Feed
Water
Filtrate
Pre-
Filter

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2.2 Key Auxiliary Equipment
The key auxiliary equipment for a typical ETUF system includes (but is not limited to) the following:
▪Feed and filtrate (or dedicated backwash) tanks
When designing for the tanks, make sure that the material chosen (typically: fiber-reinforced
plastic, reinforced concrete or stainless steel) is suitable for type of water it is to contain and
for the type of environment that the system is situated in (i.e. seaside, indoors/ outdoors,
warm/ temperature, dry/ humid, etc).
The size of the tank is dependent on the overall system design, as well as upstream/
downstream requirements. The general principle for the sizing of the tank is:
Size of tank = Downstream design flow x Expected retention time
In addition, care must be taken to keep the tanks (particularly the filtrate/ backwash tanks)
clean with periodic inspection and cleaning. This is especially true for systems located in
tropical/ subtropical countries where biological growth is more rampant. If the bio-organisms
or other types of contaminants are allowed to be back-flushed into the lumen of the hollow
fibers, the fouling will be severe and difficult to remove.
▪CIP (Clean-In-Place) tank
The CIP tank is used for the preparation and containment of cleaning chemical solutions. Thus,
the tank material(s) must be compatible with the chemical solutions used.
The general principle for the sizing of the tank is:
Size of tank = [No. of modules to be cleaned x Cleaning solution needed per module]
+ Pipe losses & other system considerations
(For cleaning solution needed per module, refer to Section 4.6)
After completing a CIP cleaning, the tank must be thoroughly cleaned. This is especially critical
if new and different chemical cleaning solutions are to be introduced subsequently.
▪CEB (Chemical Enhanced Backwash) tank
The material of the CEB tank must be suitable for the chemical solutions used.
The general principle for the sizing of the tank(s) is:
Size of tank = [No. of modules to be cleaned x Chemical to be dosed per module] +
Pipe losses & Other system considerations
▪Feed pump
The feed pump(s) should provide the required feed flow with suitable allowance at a pressure
no greater than the stated feed inlet pressure limit.
If the system is designed, as in most case, to operate at constant flow, then it is recommended
that each feed pump be fitted with and is controlled by a variable frequency drive (VFD) or a
similar control device.
The selection of the pump material is dependent on the conditions of the feed water and the
environment in which it is operating (e.g. duplex or super duplex material pumps are
recommended for seawater applications).
Backup/ standby pumps are generally recommended, especially for large systems or critical
operations.

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▪Backwash pump
The backwash pump(s) should provide the required backwash flow with suitable allowance at
a pressure no greater than the stated backwash pressure limit.
The backwash pump should be controlled by a VFD or an equivalent device, which is linked to
the control system. This is because, similar to the feed pump, higher pressure will be required
to maintain the backwash flow as the membrane becomes increasingly fouled.
A single backwash pump may be used to service several skids as they take turns to be
backwashed. Thus, the sizing of the backwash pump is dependent on the number of modules
that are flushed at a time. The number of pumps needed is, in turn, dependent on the number
of skids and the frequency of the backwashes.
The selection of the material of the pump is also dependent on the conditions of the filtrate
water and the environment where the pump is located.
Backup/ standby backwash pumps are generally recommended, especially for large systems
or critical operations.
▪CIP pump
The material of the CIP pump should be appropriate for the chemical cleaning solutions used
and the environment in which it is operating.
Similar to the backwash pump, a single CIP pump may be used to service several skids as they
take turns to be cleaned. Thus, the sizing of the CIP pump is dependent on the number of
modules that are cleaned at a time and the recirculation flow per module.
(For the typical recirculation flow per module, refer to Section 4.8).
▪CEB pump
The material of the CEB pump should be appropriate for the chemical cleaning solutions used
and the environment in which it is operating.
▪Air equipment
Air is required for the air scouring of the membranes as well as the operation of pneumatic
equipment/ instruments (e.g. auto-vales) in the system. Thus, having a suitable and reliable
air source (e.g. air compressor) is important.
The process air should be oil and moisture-free.
Air pressure and flow control are especially critical. Pressure regulators, valve terminals, flow
control valves and indicators are required. Uncontrolled air flow/ pressure may cause module
and membrane fiber damage.
Air release valves are recommended especially, for (but not limited to) the concentrate and
filtrate lines. Improper handling of process air may lead pressure buildup within the system
that may result in module and/ or membrane damage.
▪Pre-filter
The role of the pre-filter is to protect the UF membranes from damage by large particulates.
Essentially, it is a guard filter.
The pore size ratings required for a typical UF system and its operation range from 50 –200
microns, depending on the feed water constituents.
▪Control system
For most cases, the operation of the UF system is largely automated. As such, a suitable control
system (typically a Programmable Logic Control or PLC system) and an appropriate user
interface are required.

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The functions that are handled by the control system typically include: automated start-up/
shut-down of pumps, opening/ closing of critical valves, timed processes, emergency
procedures, data recording and transmission (such as to a Supervisory Control and Data
Acquisition or SCADA system).
▪Measuring equipment/ instrumentation
Pressure and flow indicators/ transmitters, pressure regulators, as well as various water
quality measuring devices such as turbidimeters, pH meters, thermometers, etc are all
essential for the proper running of a UF system.
Pressure and flow measuring equipment, especially, are crucial as indicators of the basic
operational “health” of the system. Data from these equipment should be regularly
transmitted to the control system for assessment and storage.
Key pressure readings include: feed, concentrate, filtrate and pump discharge pressures.
Key flow readings include: feed, concentrate, filtrate and back flush flows.

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User Manual
Section 3: Module Installation
3.1 Skid Design
The “skid” or “train”, for a UF system, mainly refers to the combination of the rack on which the modules are
installed on and the headers (feed, filtrate and concentrate) and air lines which the modules are connected to.
In addition to that are the requisite fittings, valves, pipes, tubes, hoses, as well as other instruments and
equipment.
The picture below shows a typical ETUF-9060R skid:
Some key notes regarding skid design:
▪The skid must be designed such that the modules can rest stably, with proper weight distribution, onto
its platforms. The ETUF-9060R has a designated locating base for the module to rest on (see picture
below). This locating base must be properly mounted onto the skid. Preferably, the bases is to be bolted
onto the skid platform.
▪The skid must be designed such that the modules can be secured to it via restraints/ clamps to prevent
it from toppling over.
Filtrate
Header
Concentrate
Header
Feed
Header
Air Line
Header
Connecting
Ports
Header
Connecting
Ports
ETUF
Modules
319mm
285mm
75mm
285mm

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User Manual
▪The material and dimensions of the skid must be suitable for the environment it is located in and can
withstand the weight of the modules as well as the vibration of the skids during operation.
▪The feed, filtrate and concentrate ports of the modules are to be connected to their respective headers
via pipes or hoses and adaptors. Sufficient space must be catered for these fittings.
3.2 Module Installation
▪Due to the size and weight of the ETUF module, it is recommended that at least 2 able-bodied personnel
handle each module at a time.
▪After removing the ETUF module(s) from the packaging, do a visual inspection on the module(s) to make
sure that there are no damaged parts. Once satisfied, record all the serial numbers of the modules for
future references.
▪There is preservative solution in every module. This needs to be drained (from the feed port) before
loading and operation. HOWEVER, if the membrane is not to be used immediately, do NOT drain the
preservative solution as it will cause the membrane to dry up, resulting in the closing of its pores.
Therefore, if the membrane is to be operated at a later date, one may either keep it in storage or install
the modules first without opening the ports and draining the preservative solution. For the latter, the
module may then be taken down and drained before operation begins.
▪When loading the module onto the skid, make sure that module is vertical and that the filtrate end is
facing the top while the feed end is facing the bottom.
▪Restrain the module onto the skid using a clamp or restraining cables.
▪The main connecting points on the module are the feed port (for feed water, air and discharge), the
concentrate port (for concentrate recirculation and discharge) and the filtrate port (for filtrate and
backwash water).

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User Manual
Section 4: Operations and Maintenance
4.1 Key Operating Parameters
The key parameters to note during the operation of the ETUF system are:
▪Net filtrate flow rate
This describes the final filtrate production rate of the system after deducting filtrate losses due to
mainly the backwash, CEB and (most of the time) CIP processes. Flow rates may be expressed in units
such as: m3/h, gal/h, l/s, l/min, MLD, GPD, etc.
▪Instantaneous filtrate flow rate
This describes the filtrate flow of the system during active filtration process. Of note, the membrane
flux is defined as instantaneous filtrate flow divided by the total membrane area of the system. Flux is
often expressed in units such as: LMH (l/m2/h) or GFH (gal/ft2/h).
▪Concentrate flow rate
Concentrate flow exists only if the operation is designed for cross-flow filtration, that is, a portion of
the feed water is either recirculated back to the feed tank/ source or discharged. (This recirculated/
discharged component of the feed water is called the “concentrate” or “reject”). Cross-flow creates
more turbulence and tangential flow along the surface of the membrane and prevents foulants from
attaching to the membrane, slowing down the fouling rate. However, it requires a larger pump and
more energy to operate as compared to dead-end filtration (where all the feed water is filtered through
the membrane). Thus cross-flow is often used for feed waters with higher suspended solids content.
Concentrate flow is often expressed as a percentage of the filtrate or feed flow. Conversely, for dead-
end filtration, there is no concentrate flow.
▪Instantaneous feed flow rate
The instantaneous feed flow into the membrane modules is essentially: instantaneous filtrate flow rate
+ concentrate flow rate. The feed pump(s) must be designed according to the instantaneous feed flow
rate.
▪Feed pressure
The feed pressure describes the pressure of the feed water just before entering the membrane modules.
Pressure is often expressed in units such as: bar, kPa, psi, etc.
▪Transmembrane pressure
The transmembrane pressure (TMP) is essentially the pressure required to force the water through the
membrane. The TMP may be calculated as such:
TMP = [Feed pressure + Concentrate Pressure]/2 –Filtrate Pressure
This is a critical parameter as it can indicate the amount of fouling on the membrane. The higher the
current TMP in comparison to the startup/ post-chemical cleaning TMP, the more the membrane is
fouled (provided that the other parameters are kept constant). TMP growth rate should also be
monitored.

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User Manual
▪Backwash pressure
Backwash pressure is the pressure required to backflush the membrane (during backwash process) at
the design backwash flow rate. Similar to the TMP, the backwash pressure can also be an indicator of
the fouling condition on the membrane. The higher the current backwash pressure in comparison to
the startup/ post-chemical cleaning backwash pressure, the more the membrane is fouled.
▪Backwash flow rate
The backwash flow rate is a designated value that describes the flow rate of the water during backflush.
The appropriate value is one that is high enough to dislodge the foulants/ particulates from the surface
of the membrane, yet does not overstress the membranes.
▪Backwash frequency
The backwash frequency describes how often a backwash is conducted. The frequency depends on the
feed water quality and the overall operating parameters setting.
▪Backwash duration
The backwash duration simply describes time required to perform the whole backwash process,
including air scouring and backflushing. The backwash duration depends on the feed water quality,
overall operating parameters setting and the size of the system.
▪Air scouring pressure
The air scouring pressure describes the pressure of air at the entry point of the module when air
scouring is conducted.
▪Air scouring flow rate
The air scouring flow rate describes the flow rate of the air entering the module during air scouring.
Both air scouring pressure and flow rate must be monitored closely as excessive air pressure and flow
may damage the membrane.
▪CEB frequency
Chemical Enhanced Backwash (CEB) refers to the process where the backwash water is dosed with
cleaning chemicals. The membrane is then soaked in the “chemically enhanced” backwash water for
period before being flushed again. (For more detailed description of the process, refer to section 4.7).
The CEB frequency describes how often CEB is conducted.
▪CEB dosing rate and dose duration
The CEB dosing rate and dose duration essentially describes how much cleaning chemicals are dosed
within a set period of time during CEB.
▪CEB duration
The CEB duration is the overall time required to conduct CEB.
▪CIP frequency
Clean-In-Place (CIP) refers to the process where the membrane is cleaned by the recirculated flushing
of pre-concocted chemical solutions as well as other steps such as soaking and backwash. The CIP
frequency simply denotes how often it is conducted.

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▪CIP duration
The CIP duration describes the length of time required for the entire CIP process.
▪Recovery rate
The recovery rate refers to the net amount of filtrate produced as a percentage of the total amount of
filtrate produced.
Recovery = [Net amount of filtrate produced/ Total amount of filtrate produced] x 100%
4.2 Start Up and Shut Down
Before starting up the system, ensure that:
▪All the modules are accounted for and their serial numbers recorded.
▪All the modules are securely restrained to the skid.
▪All piping connections are secured and well-set with no undue stresses.
▪All equipment and instrumentation in the system are calibrated, working properly and in their right
setting.
▪For newly installed/ unused modules, the preservative solution inside the module should be drained
before operation.
▪The pre-treatment processes are working and that the feed water quality is of acceptable standard.
Starting up the system:
▪Firstly, conduct a forward flush at a feed flow rate of approximately 2m3/h for every module being
flushed for 15 mins. This is to flush out any residual preservative solution inside the module.
▪After that, conduct an actual filtration process for another 5 mins. It is recommended that the filtrate
for the first 5 mins be discharged as well to ensure that there is no residual preservative solution inside
the module.
▪Subsequently, continue filtration as per normal automated process.
▪During startup, care must be taken to prevent sudden surges in pressure within the system. The design
flows/ flux should be reached incrementally. These are so as to prevent pressure build-ups or water
hammering incidences within the system that can lead to membrane, module and/ or component
damage. The same principles should be applied when shutting down the system.
▪It is recommended that the flow/ flux be between 30 –60% of the design flow/ flux for the first 24
hours of operation. Only after that should the flow/ flux be increased to the actual design flow/ flux.
Shutting down the system:
▪Sudden pressure/ flow stoppage should be avoided.
▪When shutting down a system for short-term purposes (e.g. CIP), the modules must be backwashed
prior to shut down. If the system is to be shut down for a longer term (e.g. overall plant maintenance,
etc.), a Recovery CIP (R-CIP) must be conducted and the modules must be filled with water.
▪However, if the modules are to be idle for more than 3 days, it is recommended that the modules be
backwashed again or taken down for re-preservation and storage.

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User Manual
4.3 Filtration Stage
Filtration and backwash can be considered the “routine” part of UF operation. Both are typically performed with
fixed parameters and sequences which are programmed into and executed by the control system.
To initiate filtration, feed water is first pumped into UF modules using the feed pump. Filtration occurs under
pressure and the filtrate is then channeled to the filtrate water tank. Depending on the feed water quality, either
cross-flow or dead-end mode may be selected. The schematic diagram below shows the system operating in
cross-flow mode, where the concentrate is channeled back to the feed tank:
V01
V03
V04
V05
V02
V06
V07
V08
V09
Feed
Tank
Filtrate
Tank
CIP
CEB
Air
U
F
Feed
Pump
(P01)
Backwash
Pump
(P02)
CIP
Pump
(P03)
CEB
Pump
(P04)
Discharge
Discharge
Chemicals
+ Water
Chemicals
Feed
Water
Filtrate
Pre-
Filter

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User Manual
4.4 Backwash Stage
Backwash is conducted periodically and is intended as a means to, on a regular basis, physically remove foulants
that are attached to the surface of the membranes and/ or that remain within the module. When the backwash
stage is initiated by the control system, filtration is stopped (with the feed water remaining within the modules).
What follows are the 5 essential steps for backwash:
Air Scouring
Compressed air is introduced into the modules via the feed side. As the air bubbles rise up within the module,
they “scrub” against the foulants (especially suspended solids) attached to the surface of the membranes,
physically removing them from the membranes.
V01
V03
V04
V05
V02
V06
V07
V08
V09
Feed
Tank
Filtrate
Tank
CIP
CEB
Air
U
F
Feed
Pump
(P01)
Backwash
Pump
(P02)
CIP
Pump
(P03)
CEB
Pump
(P04)
Discharge
Discharge
Chemicals
+ Water
Chemicals
Feed
Water
Filtrate
Pre-
Filter

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User Manual
Module Draining
The feed water is then drained from the modules. The feed and concentrate discharge valves are opened to
allow this to happen.
V01
V03
V04
V05
V02
V06
V07
V08
V09
Feed
Tank
Filtrate
Tank
CIP
CEB
Air
U
F
Feed
Pump
(P01)
Backwash
Pump
(P02)
CIP
Pump
(P03)
CEB
Pump
(P04)
Discharge
Discharge
Chemicals
+ Water
Chemicals
Feed
Water
Filtrate
Pre-
Filter

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User Manual
Backflush (Concentrate Side Discharge)
After the module is drained, the first backflush conducted. Filtrate water is pumped from the filtrate/ backwash
tank back into the membranes through the lumen side (i.e. a “reverse” of the feed flow direction). Backflush is
conducted to further remove the foulants from the surface of the membrane as well as those trapped within
the pores. The backflush water is discharged through the concentrate drain.
V01
V03
V04
V05
V02
V06
V07
V08
V09
Feed
Tank
Filtrate
Tank
CIP
CEB
Air
U
F
Feed
Pump
(P01)
Backwash
Pump
(P02)
CIP
Pump
(P03)
CEB
Pump
(P04)
Discharge
Discharge
Chemicals
+ Water
Chemicals
Feed
Water
Filtrate
Pre-
Filter

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User Manual
Backflush (Feed Side Discharge)
After the first backflush is conducted, the second backflush takes place. Essentially it is the same as the first
except that the discharge point for the backflush water is through the feed drain.
V01
V03
V04
V05
V02
V06
V07
V08
V09
Feed
Tank
Filtrate
Tank
CIP
CEB
Air
U
F
Feed
Pump
(P01)
Backwash
Pump
(P02)
CIP
Pump
(P03)
CEB
Pump
(P04)
Discharge
Discharge
Chemicals
+ Water
Chemicals
Feed
Water
Filtrate
Pre-
Filter

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User Manual
Forward Flush
Forward flush is usually conducted just before filtration is resumed. For this step, the feed water is pumped from
the feed tank, passing through the modules and flushed out via the concentrate drain. There is no filtration
during this time. The purpose of the forward flush, like air scouring, is to remove foulants from the surface of
the membranes.
V01
V03
V04
V05
V02
V06
V07
V08
V09
Feed
Tank
Filtrate
Tank
CIP
CEB
Air
U
F
Feed
Pump
(P01)
Backwash
Pump
(P02)
CIP
Pump
(P03)
CEB
Pump
(P04)
Discharge
Discharge
Chemicals
+ Water
Chemicals
Feed
Water
Filtrate
Pre-
Filter