Tech Fact

DuPont™ IntegraTec™
PES-UF Module Rinsing procedure

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Page 1 of 7 Form No 45-D02947-en, Rev 4

November 2022
Table of Contents
1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................. 3
2 COD Rinsing ................................................................................................................................................................. 4
3 Preparation for drinking water compliance ................................................................................................................. 7

Page 2 of 7 Form No 45-D02947-en, Rev 4

November 2022
1 Introduction
Membranes in the Multibore™ familiy contain preservative in order to prevent the membranes from drying out, to protect
the membranes from freezing temperatures during transport and storage and to inhibit microbiological growth in the
membranes. Drying of the pores in the membranes would result in permanent permeability loss due to pore collapse,
while freezing of the fluids in the pores could potentially damage the membranes. Microbiological growth wouldn’t
damage the membranes, but it would necessitate extensive oxidative cleaning.
DuPont™’s standard preservative solution consists of a mixture of glycerin (1,2,3 propantriol) and propylenglycol (1,2
propanediol). As both glycerin as well as propylenglycol are non-hazardous substances (approved as food additives), and
are completely miscible with water, it is relatively easy to rinse these substances out of the modules. However, local
restrictions may apply to the level of COD in the waste water, so that the initial rinsing water might have to be transported
to a waste water treatment plant. In other cases the COD needs to be monitored closely during the commissioning phase,
as the waste water will be charged based on the level of organic components. In this paper a method is described which
can be used to rinse the modules, and the resulting COD levels are estimated.
In case the modules are used for producing drinking water, the same rinsing procedure can be used.

Page 3 of 7 Form No 45-D02947-en, Rev 4

November 2022
2 COD Rinsing
Table 1 gives an estimate of the amount of glycerin, propylenglycol and COD per module. These are estimates only, and
variations can occur.

Table 1: estimate of glycerin, propylenglycol and COD load for some selected DuPont™ modules
(for guidance only; values can deviate significantly)

Module Glycerin (g) Propylenglycol (g) COD (g)

DuPont™ IntegraTec™ MB 50 1500 2500 6000

DuPont™ IntegraTec™ MB 60 1000 1700 4000

DuPont™ IntegraTec™ MB 70 1150 2000 4780

DuPont™ IntegraTec™ MB 80 1300 2250 5370

DuPont™ IntegraTec™ MB PRO 95 1350 2330 5720

DuPont™ IntegraTec™ MB 40 H 660 1140 2570

DuPont™ IntegraTec™ MB 55 H 910 1570 3750

DuPont™ IntegraTec™ MB PRO 64 H 910 1570 3750

A significant reduction in the volume of waste water can be achieved by using a batch process. In this case the modules
are filled with clean water and recirculated for a specific duration of time. Water should be filtered through the membranes
during this step. After this recirculation, the entire system (tank, pipes, modules, racks) needs to be drained completely.
Then the system is refilled, and the process is repeated. The sequence of filling, recirculation and subsequent draining is
called a cycle.

The recirculation can be done by using the CIP tank and pump. Alternatively the Feed tank and pump can be used. The
draining could be performed by using a valve which should be situated as close as possible to the lowest point of the
bottom header. Please note that the filtrate side should also be drained by opening an air inlet valve. Alternatively the feed
as well as filtrate side could be blown out by means of pressurized air. The tank used for recirculation should also be
drained as much as possible.
This process is visualized in the next 3 figures, using the CIP tank option. The membranes need to be filled at the beginning
of each cycle (figure 1).

Page 4 of 7 Form No 45-D02947-en, Rev 4

November 2022
 CIP Filt. Vent Filtrate
CIP Feed I-Test Air Vent Feed
Return
Return

Feed Top

Feed
Top Filtrate FILTRATE
Filtrate

BW
Supply
Control Valve
FEED Feed
UF
Bottom
Module(s)

Feed Bottom
Recirc. CIP
BACKWASH
CIP Feed WASTE

Caustic

Hypo

Acid
CIP TANK Inlet

Drain CIP Strainer 300μm Drain

CEB

Figure 1: recirculation by using the CIP tank: filling the membranes with water

The filling needs to take place in order to make sure the entire membrane surface area is rinsed properly. After this filling
step, the water should be filtered through the membrane and collected back in the CIP tank (figure 2).

CIP Filt. Vent Filtrate

CIP Feed I-Test Air Vent Feed
Return
Return

Feed Top

Feed
Top Filtrate FILTRATE
Filtrate

BW
Supply
Control Valve
FEED Feed
UF
Bottom
Module(s)

Feed Bottom
Recirc. CIP
BACKWASH
CIP Feed WASTE
Caustic

Hypo

Acid

CIP TANK Inlet

Drain CIP Strainer 300μm Drain CEB

Figure 2: recirculation by using the CIP tank: filtering through the membranes

At the end of each cycle, as much water as possible should be drained from the module(s), pipes, and tank (figure 3).

Page 5 of 7 Form No 45-D02947-en, Rev 4

November 2022
 CIP Filt. Vent Filtrate
CIP Feed I-Test Air Vent Feed
Return
Return

Feed Top

Feed
Top Filtrate FILTRATE
Filtrate

BW
Supply
Control Valve
FEED Feed
UF
Bottom
Module(s)

Feed Bottom
Recirc. CIP
BACKWASH
CIP Feed WASTE

Caustic

Hypo

Acid
CIP TANK Inlet

Drain CIP Strainer 300μm Drain CEB

Figure 3: draining the system

Please remember that after completely draining the system, the membranes still hold a significant amount of fluid. This is
the main reason that the process needs to be repeated several times. In figure 4 the theoretical concentrations after each
cycle are given, when using a system based on DuPont™ IntegraTec™ MB 70 module. Please note that the actual
concentrations are dependent on the water quality, recirculation times, feed flow rate, temperature, rack volumes as well
as the remaining volumes after draining. Experimental results show that these theoretical values can be achieved. The
following process conditions were used for these rinsing experiments (drinking water was used and the water was fully
drained after each rinsing step):

• Flux 80 l/(m2h)

• Filling time 5 minutes

• Recirculation time 1 hour

• Temperature 20 C
o

100000

10000
Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l)

1000

100

10

1
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Number of rinsing steps (-)

Figure 4: Theoretical estimate of COD when using the proposed method (based on system with DuPont™ IntegraTec™
MB 70 modules)

Page 6 of 7 Form No 45-D02947-en, Rev 4

November 2022
3 Preparation for drinking water
compliance
If the modules are used for producing potable water, rinsing is necessary in order to comply with drinking water
regulations. These regulations are country specific, but it is recommended to follow the described procedure (chapter 2
of this document) for at least 7 rinsing steps.

Please note that it is possible that the modules are preserved with sodium bisulfite, but the recommendation of 7 cycles
of rinsing is still valid.

All information set forth herein is for informational purposes only. This information is general information and may differ
from that based on actual conditions. Customer is responsible for determining whether products and the information in this
document are appropriate for Customer's use and for ensuring that Customer's workplace and disposal practices are in
compliance with applicable laws and other government enactments. The product shown in this literature may not be
available for sale and/or available in all geographies where DuPont is represented. The claims made may not have been
approved for use in all countries. Please note that physical properties may vary depending on certain conditions and while
operating conditions stated in this document are intended to lengthen product lifespan and/or improve product
performance, it will ultimately depend on actual circumstances and is in no event a guarantee of achieving any specific
results. DuPont assumes no obligation or liability for the information in this document. References to “DuPont” or the
“Company” mean the DuPont legal entity selling the products to Customer unless otherwise expressly noted. NO
WARRANTIES ARE GIVEN; ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE

Have a question? Contact us at: ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED. No freedom from infringement of any patent or trademark owned by DuPont or others is to be
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Page 7 of 7 Form No 45-D02947-en, Rev 4

November 2022