Trainee at fair: Krones’ exhibits Brau 2014 – Vol. 2: water treatment system Hydronomic

Only a few select machines have made it this far: they’ve survived the “casting couch” and are in the final – i.e. at the BrauBeviale 2014. The exhibits include plenty of interesting machines, which Markus and Nina from the Technology team want to take a closer look at. The two of them have done the hands-on research, and gone into the specifics with Krones’ own product specialists.

How do these machines work? What are they used for? After beginning with the Ergomatic labeller last week, today they’re presenting another exhibit: a Hydronomic UF (Ultra-Filtration) water treatment system. Nina and Markus describe the major insights they gained, and the most interesting facts on water treatment in general and ultra-filtration in particular.

Hydronomic water treatment systems: There’s water and then there’s water!

 … We were told this right at the start by product specialist Thomas Schuster. Food and beverage producers all over the world want a consistent quality of water. This is why it’s essential to treat the incoming water so as to ensure that its basic condition is always the same, so that the producers can make their products without any taste impairment. Something that’s assured by the products of Krones’ Hydronomic range.

Three steps in filtration

Filtration here mostly proceeds in three steps: firstly the Hydronomic MF (Media Filtration), which removes solids and turbid matter. Secondly, the Hydronomic UF (Ultra-Filtration), which is able to eliminate bacteria viruses and proteins. And thirdly the Hydronomic RO (Reverse Osmosis), which serves to demineralise the water, with a retention rate of at least 99.5%. All Hydronomic systems are modularised, hygienic and resource-efficient.

Ultra-filtration

We were particularly fascinated by the method involved in ultra-filtration, which utilises the large surface area provided by a multitude of hollow fibres. We also had it explained to us precisely how the ultra-filtration process for eliminating bacteria, viruses and proteins actually works: first of all, the mains water flows into the hollow fibres, where it is filtered, by flowing out via what is called a PES membrane of hollow fibres.

The ultra-filtrate obtained is then collected in a pipe underneath the membrane module, and discharged. The hollow fibres then have to be cleaned, to make them ready for the next time they’re used. This is done by backwashing them with unfiltrate in the opposite direction to the normal filtration flow. The operating pressure is approximately 4 bar, and the flow rate ranges between 5 and 120 m³/h.

The Hydronomic UF ultra-filtration system will so be on show at the BrauBeviale 2014. That’s something to look forward to! Well, after all this information it’s time for a nice glass of fresh water 🙂