Trends Toward Open Platform System for Low Pressure Membranes

This presentation will consider the trend toward Open Platform System (OPS) for low pressure membrane filtration. The OPS offers greater flexibility when selecting from a wide range of MF/UF membrane modules currently available on the market. Unlike the standardized reverse osmosis (RO) module, MF and UF modules are offered in a range of configurations from multiple different vendors. This forces owners to work with one vendor and limits options when seeking replacement modules. But the design of OPS provides more options and greater flexibility. This presentation will compare the different low pressure modules available and demonstrate how an OPS design can accommodate multiple MF/UF modules. Several case studies will be considered, including a 6 MGD OPS that can accommodate up to six different low pessure modules. The presentation includes discussion of design challenges, procurement approaches and control sequence methodology as well as lessons learned during construction and startup of these OPS.