Criteria for: Water Reuse, Efficient Membrane Filtration Systems

Efficient Membrane Filtration Systems for the Treatment of Wastewater for Recovery and Reuse

Membrane filtration is the process of separating mixtures of materials depending on the particle size. When used for wastewater treatment, membrane filtration processes offer a high level of purification allowing the wastewater to be recovered and re-used. Moreover, the technology offers a low footprint and has relatively low energy consumption.

The quantity of water reused and/or recycled, at a particular site, is dependent on the level of treatment, which is directly related to the characteristics of the site effluent and the application required for the treated water. Typical reuse and recycle efficiencies obtained by membrane filtration processes range up to 90% depending on application.

Typically, a complete ‘system’ for wastewater treatment, recovery and re-use using membrane technology consists of a feed tank, permeate and reject handling facilities, monitoring and control units and a cleaning in place system. Pre- and post-treatment may also be incorporated into the process depending on the level of quality required for re-use.

Due to the complexity of the technology and variations due to tailored designs, a certification scheme has been developed for the inclusion of the technology into the WTL. The “Certificate of Environmental Benefit” verifies that the particular membrane filtration system is or will be constructed to a particular design meets the specified water-efficient criteria.

Investments in membrane filtration systems can only qualify for ECAs if a certificate has been issued for the equipment. A certificate can be revoked in certain circumstances. For example, this could happen if the membrane filtration system is certified at design stage and the design of the system changes during development or the development ceases.
Investments in membrane filtration equipment for the treatment of wastewater by means of microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration and/or reverse osmosis to enable recovery and reuse of the treated wastewater are eligible for the ECA providing they meet the eligibility criteria and are consequently certified by Defra.

Businesses investing in this type of equipment MUST provide supporting evidence to Defra via the online application form to demonstrate that the membrane filtration system, or the design of the system, meets the eligibility criteria.

The ECA is also available on replacement membrane elements for certified membrane filtration systems.