The road to membrane-based WFI

No distillation means: Except for sanitization, no energy is used for heating and cooling. The membrane unit delivers a higher water yield instead of distillation and pretreatment. Not using salt is doubly good for the environment: simplified handling reduces the CO2 footprint considerably within transport logistics and, as no softener regeneration takes place, waste water containing chloride is also a thing of the past.

Avoiding consumption is intelligent, sustainable environmental protection.

Exceptional quality and safety. In WFI generation through the triple membrane barrier and removal of the microbiologically critical softener.
In production through the use of cost-effective WFI instead of PW as well as the option for additional alarm and action limits.

Smaller footprint. Lower investment. Lower operating costs. Cold WFI pays for itself.

The importance of risk assessment when designing units for ultra-pure media has been given extra weight since the approval of membrane-based non-distillation processes for generating WFI. Primary focus lies on pretreatment.

Without proper pretreatment, the hardeners dissolved in potable water quickly clog up the most important work stage, namely the reverse osmosis filtration. Two processes offer the solution: Softening through ion exchange or a dose of antiscalant.

The large surface area of the resin, along with the untreated, often standing water in the softener, represents a considerable microbiological risk. This can be safely controlled through continuous operation, use of quality components such as block valves, and frequent thermal sanitization combined with intelligent automation.

Less is more! Less space required for generation and distribution. A lower level of investment. Not to mention lower operating costs per m³/WFI whilst also offering a high degree of safety.

Exact dosage of tiny quantities of antiscalant (AS) prevents reverse osmosis being blocked. The AS remains in the concentrate with the calcium and magnesium. BWT monitored the safety of the process as part of a comprehensive long-term study in collaboration with an independent university: The microbiological risk is considerably smaller, whilst the complex handling of salt no longer takes place, meaning no chlorinated waste water is produced.

The first of two RO stages stops the majority of the microbiological load. Regular, professional cleaning of this first membrane stage is therefore of paramount importance.

The service engineer analyzes the process data at the beginning. He discusses results with the customer and carries out appropriate measures if necessary.

Seals and membranes suffer from aging. For this reason, a full and documented exchange is required periodically. A team of reliable, experienced BWT specialists organizes and carries out this complex task.

The reliability of automation and data recording hinges on the sensors used. Regular monitoring and calibration of all components that are critical from a quality and process perspective is therefore an integral part of any good service.

Integrity is always important in life. The same applies to units, and especially filters. Inspectors also place increased emphasis on it. BWT monitors and documents sterile filters and final ultrafiltration stages as part of the service.

BWT service technicians and engineers are ultra-pure media specialists in a regulated environment. They know what documentation should look like so that all questions can be clearly and satisfactorily answered during an audit or inspection.