H2O Innovation completes plant retrofit for client in Iowa
by CM Staff
H2O Innovation was awarded the contract for membrane replacement of the client’s existing microfiltration (MF) system.
QUEBEC CITY — H2O Innovation Inc. announces that it has recently completed a plant retrofit for an ethanol client located in Iowa, United States. This project demonstrates the Corporation’s background and market access required to provide a direct replacement solution. Experience gained from this project aims to better position H2O Innovation to support future market demand.
H2O Innovation was awarded the contract for membrane replacement of the client’s existing microfiltration (MF) system, originally designed to treat 350 gpm (1,900 m3/day) of process water. The modules were approaching end of life based on reduced water flow and filtrate quality. The facility also needed to expand capacity without significant capital investment. The Corporation’s solution, working closely with Toray Membrane USA, Inc. (Toray or the Supplier), was to design the replacement around a new module that offers more surface area in the same footprint. H2O Innovation’s engineering and field services capabilities and open-source strategy qualify the Corporation for this type of replacement. The Corporation estimates around 840 M gpm (3.8 M m3/day) installed capacity of this type in North America will likely require replacement and upgrade in the next 5 to 10 years.
“H2O Innovation’s Services team provided great support in one of the first retrofits with Toray’s new pressurized hollow-fiber ultrafiltration modules. H2O Innovation provided elegant engineering solutions to incorporating our higher area module as a direct replacement. By doing so, the customer gains a system with 20% more membrane area than before”, stated Sean Carter, Product Manager of Toray.
As part of its 3-Year Strategic Plan, the Corporation’s Water Technologies & Services business line grew its Services revenues by hiring additional Customer Care and Field Service staff. The Services team is focused on delivering products and services that help customers optimize the operation of their water, wastewater and water reuse systems.
“The flexibility of our engineered replacement approach provided a solution for a customer who was tied to proprietary MF modules. We were able to reduce the cost of the membrane change-out and increase capacity of the system, all while eliminating the need for capital expenditure. The long-term relationships we build with our customers by working to disrupt the status quo and drive value lead to loyalty that allows an increase of our recurring revenues”, added Gregory Madden, Chief Strategy Officer of H2O Innovation.
