Application of ultrafiltration technology in drinking water industry of China: A comprehensive assessment of hybrid membrane processes

Abstract

Abstract Over the last decades, ultrafiltration (UF) has been and will continue to play an important role in the Chinese drinking water industry. The hybrid membrane processes have been emerging as promising alternatives to traditional treatment processes. This review paper offers a thorough overview of the current status of UF technology in the drinking water industry in China, while also evaluating the landscape of different hybrid membrane processes. The paper conducts statistical analysis on the projects operational between 2004 and 2022; and those currently under construction. This analysis accentuates the evolution of scale and capacity, geographical distribution characteristics, and the driving forces. Furthermore, the characteristics and application scenarios of several hybrid membrane processes are emphatically described, including direct UF, gravity-driven membrane process, coagulation-UF, activated carbon-UF, medium-flow process, long-flow process, and double-membrane process. A granular dissection of UF membrane market distribution follows, including an incisive comparison between submerged and pressurized UF membrane systems. Finally, the potential trajectory of UF in the Chinese drinking water industry is prospected. UF applications have grown significantly in China's drinking water industry, with the dominance of medium- and long-flow membrane processes. UF technology will contribute to future decentralized water supply.