The company’s new X-Flow Helix technology was recognised for its ability to prevent membrane fouling and reduce energy use in the treatment of industrial wastewater.
In naming Pentair the winner, the judging panel noted “the X-Flow Helix technology excels in simplicity, while its impact on energy consumption and productivity is very high.”
Pentair’s Helix technology design features a helical shape on the inside of a tubular membrane, creating continuous turbulence to prevent rapid fouling – a common occurrence in high-solids ultrafiltration. By introducing turbulence right at the membrane wall, the Helix technology provides continuous mixing and efficient removal of the cake layer that would otherwise reduce the membrane’s hydraulic permeability. The resulting higher permeate flow contributes to higher productivity and lower energy costs.
Jens Potreck, R&D manager, Pentair Flow & Filtration Solutions, explains: “It is well-known that membranes are susceptible to quick caking. The dirt typically sticks to the membrane wall, resulting in a rapid productivity drop. Until now, this problem was usually solved by increasing the crossflow velocity. Put simply, the pressure is increased. However, this requires a lot of energy. The Helix technology addresses this issue by creating an eddy current inside the membrane, thereby causing the particles to not stick at all.”
The Helix flux enhancement technology is now available for X-Flow’s 8 mm and 5.2 mm internal diameter tubular membranes.
The Water Innovator of the Year award is part of the Dutch Water Vision Platform, which brings together experts, users and suppliers of products and services in the industrial water sector to contribute to transparent information about industrial water.
