Practical use of hollow fiber filters

Hollow fiber filters (HFF) have been practical use in medical applications, but they are small flow-rate, non-backwash types. In contrast, a large-flow-rate, backwash-reuse type of hollow fiber filter has been developed and commercialized by Toshiba. In developing the new HFF product, there were three-main criteria. First, pore diameter must be large enough to minimize filter clogging; second, the product must permit an excellent backwash method, and; third, the fibers must be adaptable to high-flow-rate modules. Based on actual use, the results indicate improved treatment performance, reduction of secondary wastes to minimal levels and significant reductions in facility and running costs. Beginning in September 1985, this product has been used in a number of nuclear plants for liquid radwaste systems, and from June 1986, it has also been utilized in condensate purification systems. The data indicate excellent treatment performance. (author)