Tokyo-based Kurita Water Industries Ltd has obtained certification from NSF International for an anti-fouling reverse-osmosis (RO) desalination membrane treatment chemical, which can be used while the plant remains in production.
Kuriverter IK-110 is a slime-control agent designed to inhibit slime and prevent it from fouling the membrane. The company says that this is a new type of chemical product that harnesses the ability to peel slime fouling off the RO membrane.
This, combined with the fact that it uses high-safety materials, has led to the claim that Kuriverter IK-110 is the world’s first NSF-certified slime‑control agent that is capable of functioning effectively while the RO membrane system is still in use.
Until now, says Kuriverter, removing slime fouling the RO membrane as part of the drinking-water production process has involved halting the RO system and immersing the membrane in disinfectant chemicals. As Kuriverter IK-110 combines safety with the ability to keep the RO membrane system running, however, it enables systems to produce drinking water more efficiently and can help to reduce maintenance and management costs.
As such, it is likely to be used for an even wider range of purposes in the future, including food and beverage plants as well as desalination facilities.
The Kurita Group has already obtained NSF certification for RO membrane pretreatment coagulants and scale-inhibitors, meaning that all of its major RO membrane water-treatment chemicals are now NSF certified. This will enable Kurita to continue increasing its sales in countries, regions and markets where RO membrane treatment is on the rise, focusing particularly on desalination facilities supplying drinking water.
