Ceramic Ultra Filtration
Cuf is a 5th Generation Ceramic Filtration process with proven performance and represents a quantum leap forward in
membrane filtration; effectively rendering other membrane processes obsolete in terms of comparative performance. Cuf
has no permeate loss, absolute filtration at its rating over the 25 year design life of the system. This technology is capable
2
2
of producing UF quality water at 1,175 GFD (gallons/ft /day) / 2,000 LMH (Litres/m /Hr).
Cuf systems have a considerably smaller footprint with significant complexity reduction over all other ceramic or polymeric
membrane filtration systems. Low TMP (Trans Membrane Pressure) and unmatched flux and duty further contribute to
unmatched operating and capital cost structure reductions in the 50% range.
Cuf is a unique membrane and process which should not be confused with other ceramic membranes or process. Cuf is
comprised of patented ceramic membrane and process technology which has been developed and optimized over 20+
years of application and operations experience.
Purification Capability
Removes and Recovers Particulate, Color, DOC, Pathogens (> 4 log), TSS, VSS, Radium, Turbidity, Hardness, Oil,
Metals, H2S, P, THM & HAA Precursors and Silica. All this is performed in a single Cuf platform which eliminates
conventional pre and post treatment. Cuf is a complete plant. This technology is capable of ZLD (Zero Liquid Discharge;
water in equals water out).
Applications
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Drinking water
Municipal waste water
Reuse
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Re-injection,
Industrial reuse,
Oil & gas
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Product recovery
RO pre-treatment
Remediation
Processes & Complexity Reduction
Upstream and auxiliary processes such as coagulation basins, clarifiers, microfiltration, precipitation reactors, chemical
oxidation reactors, back wash, back pulse and cleaning skids are not required with Cuf. These costly and redundant
processes are eliminated or are performed within the Cuf system. Cuf generates efficient reactions, obtains greater
contaminant removal and has lower particle counts.
Conventional Membrane Process
DEWATERING
Expertise
PRETREATMENT
CERAMIC MEMBRANE
Multi-Skid Complexity
Cuf Process
BACKWASH CLEANING
Single Platform
Purifics has been deploying its proprietary Ceramic Ultra Filtration Systems since 1993. Our installed global base (60+)
provides unmatched experience and leadership in ceramic membrane system technology for Municipal and Industrial
applications.
Purifics experience has led to this unique technology to inhibit fouling, operate at extremely high Flux rates with unmatched
duty, capability, robustness, efficiency, reliability and durability.
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Platform Process Components
Unique Features
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No Fatigue & Abrasion Failure
No Off Gassing / Leaching
No Chemical Degradation
No Permeate Loss
No Backwashing or Back Pulse
No Membrane Replacement
No Temperature Constraints
OUTLET
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No Chemical Limitations
No pH Constraints
No TMP Constraints
No Permeate Losses
Self-Cleaning; Inhibits Fouling
Hydrophilic (resists oil)
Product Recovery
25 Year Membrane Life
Multi Membrane Modules
Modular Growth & Capacity
Reduced Trans-Membrane Pressure
Reduced Cross Flow Pressure Drop
Lowest Membrane Module Parts Count
PLC & SCADA
FULL REMOTE CONTROL
& DATA LOGGING
DYNAMIC
SHOCK
GENERATOR
HIGH SOLIDS CONTACT
(HSC) TANK
TMP PUMP
OUTLET
TMP PUMP
MEMBRANE
MODULE
TMP PUMP
PLC & SCADA
FULL REMOTE CONTROL
& DATA LOGGING
MEMBRANE
MODULE
WHEEL/LIFT
POINT
POWER & PUMP
CONTROL
POWER & PUMP
CONTROL
WHEEL/LIFT
POINT
SOLIDS DISCHARGE TO
OPTIONAL DeWRS
RINSE
INLET
16 MESH, 1.2mm
SCREEN
INLET
SOLIDS DISCHARGE TO
* NOT ALL FEATURES
REQUIRED IN ALL APPLICATIONS
OPTIONAL DeWRS
16 MESH, 1.2mm
RINSE
SCREEN
Process Description
DO ADDITION
INJECTION
POINT
COMPRESSED
AIR INLET
COMPRESSED
AIR INLET
COMPRESSED
AIR INLET
DO ADDITION
Raw water is screened for “frogs and logs” before entering the HSC
tank at the required rate. Water is then pumped to the membrane
* NOT ALL FEATURES REQUIRED IN ALL APPLICATIONS
module, in a cross flow arrangement; where nominally 50% of the
flow is filtered and exits as permeate. The balance of the flow is
returned to the tank with the filtered concentrate. The valve on top of
the membrane module regulates TMP to ensure that water in equals
water out. Consequently, TMP is allowed to modulate over a range
to ensure that flow rate requirements are achieved. Over time the
concentrate loop will accumulate higher levels of filtered material.
Influent
Concentrate
Permeate
When significant material has accumulated and impacts the TMP level an intermittent concentrate blow down will occur
or optionally the concentrate is sent to a DeWRS (DeWatering Recovery System) where the concentrated material is
dewatered to a wet sludge; achieving zero liquid discharge (ZLD). The membrane module is frequently subjected to a
dynamic shock to self-clean the membranes which inhibits fouling.
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Platform Process Components
TMP & Flux Comparison
Conventional Membrane Process
Process Flow
Cuf Process
Process Utilities
Air
100psig
Energy
480V 3 Phase
Internet
High Speed Static IP
Intermittent concentrate
blowdown to head
works or to optional
DeWRS
In certain applications dissolved oxygen or a common coagulant may be injected to oxidize or agglomerate dissolved
contaminants.
When DOC removal is required to remove color and THM/HAA formation potential, a small amount of coagulant is added to
the raw water as it enters the HSC tank, where coagulation occurs prior to filtration. No upstream coagulation basins or
clarifiers pretreatment is required, just the Cuf platform.
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Platform Process Components
Membrane Integrity Test
The Cuf process complies with the LT2ESWTR requirements for four log Cryptosporidium removal at 1,175 GFD (2,000
LMH) and membrane verification requirements for drinking water and Water Reuse. This method is detailed at the end of this
document with the full test procedure identified in the equipment manual. Integrity testing is fully automated in the Cuf
process.
Dynamic Shock
Purifics’ proprietary Dynamic Shock process self-cleans the Cuf membrane in a continuous online operation. The shock is
generated and travels through the water, the membrane and the module to drive foulants off the membrane surface.
Remote Access
Cuf utilizes a high speed internet connection with a static IP or VPN access to a client supplied network. This allows
programming/SCADA updates and remote technical support. The connection allows the Cuf to automatically message
pertinent plant personnel in the event of a fault. If no landline access is available, cellular alternatives are available.
Available Ratings / Certifications
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LT2ESWTR Compliant
ASME B31.1 & 31.3
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NSF 61, NSF 419*
Class I Div 2
*Certification in process.
TMP Maintenance
Over time, extended shut down or upset events, Flux may not be fully recovered by dynamic shock alone. When this occurs
an automated TMP Maintenance Cycle is activated. The Concentrate recirculation loop (in blue) is isolated from the process
and the TMP pump provides recirculated high cross-flow, raises the temperature, and the pH shift chemical is injected. Acid
is used for inorganic substances, caustic is used for organic substances. The combination of heat, cross-flow velocity and pH
shift is used to scour and dissolve residual foulants from the membrane. The TMP maintenance fluid is discharged through
the blowdown line. When the 20 minute cycle is complete, full recovery is achieved and the system is brought back online.
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Platform Process Components
Modular Platform Capacity 00.25124163264 MGD/MLD
M36
M16
M48 Pallet
DM36
DM48 Pallet
For larger systems, reference
DOC3050 CUF Multi MGD Water Plant
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Platform Process Components
LT2ESWTR Compliance for Membrane Integrity Verification
LT2ESWTR is “Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule” which identifies the requirements for log removal of
Cryptosporidium and the verification method to ensure the membrane integrity. This is achieved in the Cuf process by the
following three procedures.
1/ Challenge Test
Challenge Testing is being conducted by a recognized lab to four log Cryptosporidium removal certification at 1,175 GFD
(2,000 LMH).
2/ Continuous Indirect Integrity Monitoring
Continuous indirect integrity monitoring is performed using Turbidity monitoring of the influent and effluent stream and is
compliant with LT2ESWTR. This is performed using inline turbidity sensors and is monitored and logged by the Cuf
systems PLC. The systems PLC will automatically take the required action if the turbidly limit is exceeded.
3/ Direct Integrity Testing
Direct Integrity Testing of the membrane is performed off line using a Marker which is detected by a particle counter. This
method of membrane integrity test is compliant with LT2ESWTR. The system automatically goes off line once per day and
the membrane module goes into its isolation mode. The Marker, which is TiO2 nanoparticulate (1 micron), is added at the
required loading and continuously fed to the membrane. An effluent sample is then tested with a particle counter to verify
no particles exceeding 3 um are detected. The testing process takes 15 minutes.
It should be noted that high flux membranes in the Cuf process cannot use the bubble decay test because the pressure
decay is too rapid to be correctly measured. Purifics has been using the TiO2 (Titanium Dioxide) Marker test successfully
for over twenty-two years. The TiO2 marker is NSF 61 approved, as part of the Cuf NSF 61, and is very low cost. It should
also be noted that a TiO2 marker breach can also be detected visually and by Turbidity sensors. Consequently, the TiO2
marker direct integrity test can also provide a Continuous Direct Integrity Test in applicable applications.
Purifics Ceramic Membrane
340 Sovereign Road, London, ON, Canada, N6M 1A8
Ph: 519-473 5788, info@Purifics.com, www.Purifics.com
Protected by patents & patents pending, both domestic and foreign. Purifics, Photo-Cat, AOP+, DeWRS &
are registered trademarks.
DOC3019R32
Printed in Canada
Purifics membrane technology is unique in the industry for its
unmatched performance, efficiency, strength, durability, flux
and anti-fouling properties.