Microfiltration ceramic and polymeric membrane filters have been used for the last century in the treatment of safe drinking water. Customers everywhere have been comparing which between the two types is cost friendly regarding capital, maintenance and operation cost in general. Research has as well been done to find washing and chemical cleaning efficiencies for the two membranes. For instance, ceramic microfiltration filters cost between US$32.56 to US$69.56 depending on the size, color, and manufacturer. Polymeric membrane filters cost about US$ 8.99 to US$ 15.45 in Amazon online shops. This shows that initial cost for polymeric filters is less compared to ceramic filters. (Judd, Simon, and Bruce Jefferson 2003).
Microfiltration ceramic membranes have fetched more cost advantages over conventional polymeric membrane filters. Coagulation ceramic membrane processes are robust options for treatment of surface water through the use of intrinsic mechanical and chemical resistivity. This means replacement costs are cut down due to durability effect. About US$43.56 are saved per filter annually due to long durability. This is good saving for the customer. Also, ceramic membranes have less fouling tendency, and superb chemical cleaning efficiency. This means that little maintenance is committed to these type of filters reducing the cost of operation (South Africa. Knowledge Review 2001).
Compared to polymeric filters, ceramic microfiltration membrane requires a little initial cost for manufacturing. About US$6.51 are used to manufacture one ceramic filter compared to US$6.34 for producing polymeric filters. They have maximum hydrophobic in nature with eighty-five percent rejection to oil and ninety-nine percent to bacteria. This gives ten their easy-to-clean property saving about US$4.45 per filter used to buy cleaning detergents. Although the initial purchasing of these membranes is higher than polymeric membrane filters, a lot of money spend on maintenance is saved. Also, a fast rate of filtration requires a slight pumping energy, less power is used, and low electricity bills are recorded thus little money is paid to the electricity supplier. About US$ 2,253.35 is saved annually (Noble, R. D., and S. Alexander Stern. 1995).
Microfiltration membranes have a more space intensive clarification and use gravity filtration. In addition to much less space, the membrane systems provide substantial rejection of very small-sized particles including pathogenic microorganism. These membranes are suitable for automatic and computer controlled maintenance. Automatic control means little inspections are required, cutting down salaries and allowances paid to mechanics to inspect them. About US$ 24,896.63 is saved monthly where only two personnel are needed instead of four. (Dr, Simone, and Jeremy Thomason. 2009).
According to Amazon sellers, a water company spends about US$ 5,932.03 yearly to replace damaged polymeric membrane filters. They capture particles that are on the surface of the membrane; about US$ 5264.27 is used for cleaning the blocked filters (Judd, Simon, and Bruce Jefferson 2003). . Their short life span compared to ceramic membranes increases the cost of operation as the damaged ones need constant replacement. Unlike the “one piece” in ceramic membranes, polymeric membrane filters come in bundles of hundreds of hollow fibers. The fibers are thus not spaced effectively. Also, these membranes are readily attacked by chemicals. Less resistivity to chemicals means that they are destroyed by chemical reactions reducing their rigidity hence tearing a short time after installation. Thousands of dollars are used to replace damaged filters.
References
Dr. Simone, and Jeremy Thomason. Biofouling. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, 2009. Available at: <http://www.123library.org/book_details/?id=15223>. [Retrieved on 8th March, 2016]
Judd, Simon, and Bruce Jefferson. Membranes for Industrial Wastewater Recovery and Re-Use. New York: Elsevier, 2003.
Noble, R. D., and S. Alexander Stern. Membrane Separations Technology Principles and Applications. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 1995. Available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/book/9780444816337[Retrieved on 8th March, 2016]
South Africa. Knowledge Review: 2001/02. Pretoria: Republic of South Africa, 2001.
http://www.amazon.com/British-Berkefeld-SSCF-7-Ceramic-Replacement/dp/B00BWIWZIO [retrieved on 3th march 2016]
