PPG announced the introduction of a high-performance ultrafiltration (UF) membrane and filter elements for industrial process water and wastewater applications. The new UF membrane adds to PPG’s line of microfiltration (MF) membranes and filter elements, which are designed to remove oil and other contaminants so process water and wastewater can be disposed or reused safely and economically, helping to improve water reuse and play a role in addressing global water scarcity.

Incorporating a proprietary antifouling treatment technology, PPG’s UF membranes are superhydrophilic, or water loving, which inhibits trace amounts of oil, grease and other tough-to-filter contaminants from fouling the membranes and filter elements. In turn, this can extend the service life of membranes, reducing costs through lower maintenance and replacement needs.

“Our antifouling treatment represents a significant technical advancement with potential benefits in multiple industries,” said Lisa Walters, PPG filtration segment manager, Specialty Coatings and Materials. “The traditional belief is that membranes are not well-suited for removing oil and grease because of their tendency to foul. PPG filtration membranes have an exceptional ability to separate emulsified contaminants from water.”

PPG’s high-performance MF and UF membranes separate oil, grease and emulsified contaminants from higher volumes of industrial process water. This can reduce the number of filters and the amount of manufacturing floor space needed to recover the water for reuse. Aided by the antifouling treatment, PPG membranes can offer plant managers and maintenance engineers a solution that helps their filtration systems perform better and last longer with enhanced cleanability.

“The ability to clean and reuse industrial process water is beneficial in so many ways, not just to the companies that recapture this valued resource, but also for the environment by reducing demands and stress on freshwater supplies,” said Walters. “Our sustainably advantaged membranes and the enhanced performance provided by our new UF offerings and MF membranes with antifouling treatment offer another great example of how PPG products protect and beautify the world.”

Potential applications for PPG filtration membranes include industrial process water and wastewater, from oil and gas to automotive and industrial paint lines, to graywater treatment.