Submerged membranes capital costs

However, there were a few attempts to evaluate the operation costs of PMRs in terms of energy consumption. For example, Ryu et al (2005) performed an energy cost analysis of a PMR applied for removal of humic acids, dyes and 4-chlorophenol from water (Table 21.4). The pilot scale PMR was composed of a 500 dm reactor with MF submerged membranes (effective surface area of 8 m ) above which UV-A lamps were positioned (365 nm, 300 W). In the bottom of the reactor an air blower was mounted. The permeation was conducted by means of a suction pump. The PMR was found by the authors to be cost effective (9.65 kWh/m ) compared to other conventional processes. However, it was also noted that many terms including capital cost, membrane replacement and maintenance should be also considered to build a complete budget (Ryu et aL, 2005). Such an economic analysis of various membrane systems and applications was recently discussed by Calabrb and Basile (2011). 

Capital Costs The capital costs have dropped for aU membrane systems. However, there is evidence that submerged hoUow-fiber modules have marginally lower costs, particularly for larger plants, due to the absence of pressure vessels, simpler plumbing and simplicity of the hollow-fiber bundle. 

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