Historically, water has been widely available for industrial use at a low cost. But that’s changing. As global demand increases, so, too, has the looming issue of water scarcity. Whether spurred by rising costs, consumer demand for environmental responsibility, or by increasingly restrictive water use limits and regulations, many industrial facilities are beginning to adopt … » Read More
When it comes to membrane filtration and fouling—specifically for microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), reverse osmosis (RO), and nanofiltration (NF)—diagnosing system performance issues can be complicated. Even the slightest change to operating procedures, stream composition, pH, temperature, etc., can alter the corrective measures needed to keep membranes working properly. But it’s also important to stay ahead of … » Read More
Membrane fouling is the most common issue affecting pressure-driven membrane filtration systems, including microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) units alike. While it is not always possible to prevent membrane fouling altogether, there are usually ways to minimize its impact. In this post we’ll answer the question “how can you reduce … » Read More
Among the most common problems impacting microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) or nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) is the issue of membrane fouling. Addressing difficulties with fouling starts with addressing the question “what are the different types of membrane fouling and what causes them?” Understanding how and why membrane fouling occurs is key to … » Read More
Extracting lithium from geothermal brines and crushed ore requires a complex family of technologies and systems. If your facility has been exploring new ways to extract this valuable metal, you’re probably wondering, “How much does it cost to extract lithium from geothermal brine and crushed ore?” Estimating the cost of a lithium separation and polishing system is … » Read More
Membrane filtration systems are used for a variety of applications across many industries and verticals. If you’re considering a membrane filtration system for your own facility, you may be asking “What is membrane fouling and how can it be avoided?” While membrane filter units tend to require relatively little maintenance compared to other treatment and … » Read More
Methods for extracting and processing lithium can depend heavily upon the source, as lithium exists in different concentrations and states alongside other valuable metals and minerals, which will vary depending on where the lithium is found. If you are considering the various options for removing and concentrating lithium at your facility, you’ll likely want to know, what … » Read More
An essential component of lightweight batteries, pharmaceuticals, and other products, lithium is a valuable material that is projected to see increasing demand in the coming years. Yet existing lithium recovery processes can take years to discover and build facilities to recover and can’t be quickly scaled to meet rapid rises in market demand. There are … » Read More
Geothermal brines, the naturally heated fluids found within the earth’s crust, have been utilized for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations used them for bathing and heating small rooms, and today they heat entire homes, pools, and greenhouses; are used agriculturally; and even produce electricity. As technologies advance and more is learned about the potential value … » Read More
As cell phone and electric car markets grow, and they are expected to grow substantially, so will the demand for lithium, a highly reactive alkali metal that offers excellent heat and electrical conductivity. This metal is also used to manufacture glass, high-temperature lubricants, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. However, because of its high reactivity, pure elemental … » Read More
The world’s demand for lithium extraction is growing every day and is especially driven by an increased lithium use in new consumer electronic battery technologies and electric cars. While you’ve likely heard of lithium batteries, you might still want to know where all that lithium comes from and how it’s produced. If so, you may … » Read More
Brine mining is by far the most common method of lithium recovery used today. But what is it, and how is brine mining used for lithium recovery? In this article, we’ll look at how and why brine mining relates to lithium production and explore how the principles of brine mining are leveraged to develop new … » Read More
When it comes to managing wastes and byproducts of industry, brines can be some of the most challenging and costly to handle. Certain brine treatment methods, such as desalination or zero liquid discharge (ZLD), generate a smaller volume of brine waste with even higher concentrations of salts and solids, and discharging brine without a permit or … » Read More
While used in a number of industrial processes, brines can be difficult to treat and discharge once they’ve reached the end of their useable life. If your plant is looking for more economical ways to manage brine waste, you might be wondering “How can a facility reuse brine waste?” Today there are more instances than … » Read More
Although brines are sometimes used in manufacturing (for example, during chlor-alkali processes that uses the electrolysis of sodium chloride to create chlorine and sodium hydroxide), they are also created as an industrial byproduct or waste that can be challenging to treat and dispose of (such as flowback water from fracking natural gas wells). Filtering and … » Read More
If you’re exploring options for industrial demineralization, you might be asking “How much does a water demineralization system cost for your plant?” The following article offers a simple explanation of what’s included in an average demineralization system, what those systems typically cost, and the factors that drive these costs up and down, focusing on ion … » Read More
Brine waste treatment is a form of wastewater treatment designed to reduce the volume of spent brine prior to discharge, and/or to recover valuable resources such as water, salts, and metals from the stream. Brine waste treatment systems can also reduce energy and chemical consumption and overall footprint when employed as part of a larger … » Read More
Brine waste treatment is becoming increasingly common, not only as a means of achieving compliance with rigorous discharge regulations, but also for the cost benefits that waste minimization strategies can provide. But “is it necessary to treat brine waste before discharge or disposal?” In many cases, treating brine effluent is necessary, though the reasons for … » Read More
If you’re new to handling brine waste and are looking for more information about properly treating it for recycling or discharging, you might be wondering “what is brine waste, and how can it be treated or disposed of?” This article provides a general overview of what brine waste is, how it occurs or is made, … » Read More
Demineralization, or the removal of virtually all ionic mineral contaminants from water, is crucial for producing water of sufficient purity for a variety of industrial applications. Demineralized process water is used to ensure the quality and consistency of various products, as well as to ensure consistent and predictable function of sensitive equipment. While it’s … » Read More
Demineralization, the process of removing nearly all dissolved salt and mineral ions from water, can prove ideal for facilities requiring ultrapure water for a variety of applications. If you have an overall understanding of demineralization but still have questions regarding the possible advantages of using it at your facility, you might be wondering “what … » Read More
Ion exchange and resin technologies are used widely for demineralization and deionization applications. If you are considering ion exchange (IX) technology to meet demineralization needs at your facility, an important question to consider is “What Are the Best Demineralization System Equipment and Supply Companies?” At SAMCO, we are confident that our custom-engineered ion exchange solutions are … » Read More
When an industrial facility requires ion exchange technology as part of its process, it’s important to not only know how much the ion exchange resins cost but also to factor in expenses associated with maintaining and disposing of them. These costs can be difficult to narrow down because of the many types of resins available on … » Read More
Purified feed water and process streams can be a critical aspect of ensuring consistency in production and equipment performance. While it’s easy to imagine why purified water is essential to so many industries—including cosmetics, food and beverage, power, pharmaceutical, and microelectronics, among others—you may still be wondering “What is the difference between demineralized, deionized, and … » Read More
In industrial water treatment, demineralization refers to the removal of dissolved solids from feed water and process streams. If you’re investigating options for water treatment and purification, you might be asking “What is water demineralization and how does it work?” The following article offers a simple explanation of how demineralization works, what you can … » Read More
Ion exchange resins are useful for many industrial water treatment and separation needs when utilized for suitable applications. In these cases, the technology can be highly efficient with relatively low cost and energy requirements. If they are properly maintained, resin beds can last years before requiring replacement, and for highly selective removal needs in process … » Read More
When thoughtfully applied within a water treatment system, IX offers cost-effective and efficient separation, with systems generally running for several years without major maintenance costs. Still, one must be mindful that IX resins degrade over time and must be replaced periodically to maintain system performance. If you’re wondering what happens when an IX resin reaches … » Read More
Using ion exchange resins for industrial water purification and separation can be complex, especially for those unfamiliar with what ion exchange resins are and how they work. If you are looking for a general explanation of “what the differences are between cation and anion exchange resins,” the two most-used resins in ion exchange technology, this … » Read More
Ion exchange (IX) is an incredibly versatile technology often utilized in industrial water treatment and selective separation. While all resins generally function on the same basic principles, there is a seemingly endless variety of IX resins available on the market today. Once you understand the basic resin types and their functions, it might be easier … » Read More
Ion exchange (IX) resins are often highly effective for removing hardness, alkalinity, chloride, mercury, and organics, among other contaminants. While they can offer some efficiencies over other treatment technologies, they also call for specific maintenance processes. With proper care, IX resins can deliver consistent results and have a long service life, making them well worth … » Read More
Here at SAMCO Technologies, we understand that proper, economical industrial water treatment is essential to the efficiency and overall success of your facility’s everyday process. While we are confident that our ion exchange resin technologies are some of the most innovative and effective in the industry, we also realize they might not be the best … » Read More
Treatability studies are useful in the wastewater treatment process to help determine how wastewater might be properly managed, ensuring effective treatments are considered and/or implemented. These studies pinpoint which contaminants need to be removed in addition to narrowing down the ideal technological solutions. By using treatability studies as one of the first steps toward finding a … » Read More
While many of us have heard of ion exchange (IX) resins, few of us have a grasp on how the technology actually works. Whether you’re weighing potential treatment strategies, looking for ways to get the most out of your existing IX resins, or simply curious about IX chemistry, you may be asking “What is ion … » Read More
When industrial facilities require wastewater treatment, there are often steps preceding treatment to ensure the technologies recommended are the best fit for the facility’s particular issue. Since industrial wastewater treatment presents innumerable combinations of challenges and possible solutions, water treatment companies often suggest conducting treatability studies and/or pilot studies prior to building custom industrial wastewater … » Read More
With new water treatment technologies emerging all the time, it can be difficult to identify the ideal solution for your needs. Well-designed industrial water treatment systems can help you meet your production objectives and gain efficiencies along the way. The key is simply taking the time to understand the major factors that determine the … » Read More
Here at SAMCO Technologies, we understand that proper, economical industrial water treatment is essential to the efficiency and overall success of your everyday process. Improper treatment can lead to system upset, valuable process water going down the drain, and costly violations of local POTW (publicly owned treatment works) and environmental regulations, to name a few. … » Read More
The results from treatability studies help determine how wastewaters might be properly managed, ensuring effective treatments are considered and/or implemented. These studies are especially useful for pinpointing exactly what contaminants need to be removed in addition to helping narrow down the ideal solutions. If your facility needs a wastewater treatability study and it’s an unfamiliar process, … » Read More
If your facility relies on some form of industrial water treatment, or if you are planning to install a new system, it makes sense to consider the problems that might affect your industrial water treatment system, as well as steps you can take to mitigate or prevent these issues. While industrial water treatment can … » Read More
While industrial water treatment systems are not always necessary, they can provide a dramatic return on investment for your facility. Well-designed water treatment systems can help trim energy costs, maintenance costs, lost dollars due to wasted products/byproducts, discharge fees, and even regulatory fines. If you’re wondering how to add efficiency to your process, you … » Read More
Industrial water treatment systems meet a variety of purification and separation needs. They can range from relatively compact and straightforward to complex, multiunit processes that serve a variety of applications. If you’re new to water treatment, you might be asking “What is an industrial water treatment system and how does it work?” Since industrial … » Read More
Many of our customers often require some type of treatability study when they look to us for wastewater treatment solutions. This type of study or testing determines how wastewater might be treated, helping ensure proper treatments are considered. These tests can be useful—especially when there are several variables in wastewater streams and resolutions/technologies—at pinpointing exactly … » Read More
Industrial water treatment is a complex family of technologies and systems, serving a wide range of industries and applications. Whether your needs include water treatment, process purification and separation, wastewater treatment, or a combination of these, you’re probably wondering “How much does an industrial water treatment system cost?” As you’ve likely found, estimating the … » Read More
When industrial companies experience wastewater treatment and discharge issues, one of the first steps toward finding a solution is performing a treatability study, especially if meeting stringent discharge regulations is needed. Starting this way helps the facility determine how its wastewater might be treated, taking out the guesswork and ensuring proper treatment solutions are used … » Read More
Thanks to their unique ability to selectively target specific contaminants for removal, ion exchange (IX) systems can be an extremely efficient solution for separation and purification of process and waste streams. While they are most commonly used for softening applications, IX systems are also widely used for dealkalization, purification, metals removal, and other specialized … » Read More
When industrial companies require ion exchange technology, one of the first questions we typically hear is, “How much does an ion exchange system cost?” This can be difficult—but not impossible—to narrow down because of all the factors that can go into engineering and putting together a system to meet the facility’s needs. In the … » Read More
For industrial facilities looking to ion exchange systems and resin technology for their purification and/or separation technology needs, an important question to consider is, “What Are the Best Ion Exchange Equipment Supply and Technology Companies?” While SAMCO is confident our custom-designed and engineered ion exchange systems are some of the best in the industry, we … » Read More
Ion exchange (IX) is commonly used across a variety of industries, especially chemical and petrochemical, power, mining and metals, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, municipal, semiconductor, and others. IX can be an efficient solution for a variety of applications, including water softening, purification, separation, and pretreatment to protect downstream equipment and improve operational performance. … » Read More
Ion exchange (IX) and reverse osmosis (RO) can be used to solve some of the same separation needs, and are sometimes even used in combination with one another. Still, IX and RO differ in a number of ways that affect their overall suitability and cost-effectiveness for a specific process or application. If you’re … » Read More
Ion exchange (IX) systems can be an efficient solution for various demineralization, purification, and wastewater treatment needs. In fact, IX systems deliver several advantages over chemical treatment, as they generally require less space, less labor, no sludge disposal, and lower operational costs. While such benefits are attractive, you might be left wondering “What are … » Read More
Reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membrane systems are used in a variety of processes and applications, and they are often spoken about in unison as they are similar membrane technologies. They are being utilized more and more by industrial facilities looking to recycle and treat water for reuse and conservation. As water scarcity issues continue to increase, … » Read More
Ion exchange (IX) systems are used across a variety of industries for water softening, purification, and separation purposes. While the chemistry of individual ion exchange reactions varies from one application to the next, IX is a treatment process where dissolved ions are replaced by other, more desirable, ions of a similar electrical charge. If you’re … » Read More
Reverse osmosis and nanofiltration are often spoken about in unison as they are similar membrane technologies that solve a variety of process separation and filtration needs. The two technologies are being utilized more and more by industrial facilities looking to recycle and treat industrial wastewater for reuse and conservation. As water scarcity issues continue to … » Read More
Reverse osmosis (RO) and Nanofiltration (NF) are used across a wide variety of industrial applications for removal of dissolved materials from liquid streams. Implemented judiciously, RO and NF are effective strategies for recycling process liquids, reducing waste water, recovering and concentrating dissolved materials, and generating potable water. If your industrial facility requires removal of … » Read More
As global demands for clean water increase, more and more industrial facilities are looking toward membrane filtration solutions, such as reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF), to help manage intake, process, and waste water treatment. Using membrane filtration can help your facility reuse wastewater and virtually eliminate discharge fees, and depending on the industry … » Read More
Reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) are membrane filtration technologies that are designed to remove solute ions and molecules from a pretreated liquid stream. Well-designed RO/NF units are compact and demand relatively little maintenance, making them an attractive alternative to conventional treatment trains. Even despite the merits of today’s efficient RO/NF technologies, it pays to … » Read More
For industrial facilities looking to reverse osmosis (RO) or nanofiltration (NF) membrane systems for their purification and/or separation technology needs, an important question to consider is, “What are the best companies for reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membrane systems?” While SAMCO is confident our custom-designed and engineered RO and NF treatment solutions are some of the … » Read More
Reverse osmosis (RO) and Nanofiltration (NF) are physical separation technologies used to remove contaminates from liquid streams. In recent years, RO/NF technologies have become more efficient and affordable for use across a variety of industrial applications, including potable water generation and the treatment of brackish water, seawater, and wastewater. If you’re wondering what filtration … » Read More
Determining whether or not an industrial plant needs a microfiltration (MF) and/or ultrafiltration (UF) membrane system isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. While these systems are not essential for every industrial process, when thoughtfully implemented within an intake, process, or waste stream, they can go a long way in improving a facility’s efficiency … » Read More
Microfiltration (MF) and Ultrafiltration (UF) are used to separate, fractionate, clarify, and purify process streams for a variety of industrial applications. MF and UF systems are used widely across the dairy, food and beverage, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and automotive industries, and recent advances in filtration membrane technology and module design have made MF/UF increasingly cost-effective … » Read More
Microfiltration and ultrafiltration (MF/UF) membrane systems are used in a variety of processes and applications. They can help facilities treat boiler feed water, separate out contaminated waste to acceptable effluent standards, and manufacture safe food and/or beverages, to name a few. If your facility might require MF/UF membrane system technology, you are likely wondering, “How … » Read More
Microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) solve a variety of process liquid treatment and purification needs, generally with low operational costs and a small footprint. MF and UF are typically incorporated within a larger treatment process, and, when used to pretreat process streams, MF/UF systems are particularly effective at preventing costly fouling of downstream equipment, such … » Read More
Microfiltration (MF) and Ultrafiltration (UF) are membrane-based filtering technologies that use thin layers of semipermeable material to separate out contaminating particles, such as organic material, bacteria, suspended solids, and other pollutants. In industries such and dairy, pharmaceutical, and chemical, the separated material may be a product they are recovering, and more facilities continue to … » Read More
Microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) are both processes by which a contaminated liquid is passed through a semipermeable membrane that removes solids too large to fit through the membrane’s pore size, yielding a purified liquid stream. To what degree the stream is purified depends on the contaminants present and the pore size of the … » Read More
Whether you are looking for a microfiltration or ultrafiltration (MF/UF) membrane system that will help your facility manufacture safe food and/or beverages, boiler feed water for industrial process, or treat contaminated waste to acceptable effluent standards, it can be overwhelming to search for the MF/UF membrane system that is ideal for your specific application. … » Read More
Not every industrial facility that produces wastewater will require zero liquid discharge (ZLD). It is usually looked to as a last resort because it can be a complex process that requires a high initial investment. If a facility is located on a site that has severe water scarcity issues and/or astronomical discharge fees, it might … » Read More
An industrial company that produces wastewater as a byproduct of its process will usually require some type of wastewater treatment system to help it avoid harming the environment, human health, and the facility’s process if the water is being reused. The water treatment system will also help the facility evade incurring heavy fines and … » Read More
If your industrial facility discharges its waste into deep wells, streams, sewers to publicly owned treatment works (POTWs), and/or other waterways, it is likely there are some types of regulations on discharging the waste. With an increasing push toward environmental protection, many industrial facilities and effluent regulators are strengthening strategies to reduce industrial process … » Read More
As more and more facilities are turning to zero liquid discharge (ZLD) for wastewater treatment and effluent reduction—whether it’s to comply with local discharge regulations or recycle and reuse as much water as possible in your process—more information is becoming available about the possible issues your facility might face while using ZLD technology. Because … » Read More
With an increasing push for environmental protection, many industrial facilities and effluent regulators are making decisions that lessen their impact on the environment and human health. Changes and implementations are constantly being discussed and met both nationally and internationally to change the way industrial facilities discharge waste, and it is important to know which … » Read More
With increasing stewardship of environmental protection, both nationally and internationally, many industrial facilities and effluent regulators are strengthening strategies to reduce industrial process waste by implementing zero liquid discharge (ZLD), a process that limits liquid waste at the end of your industrial process to—as the term suggests—zero. A more recent example of how ZLD … » Read More
