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DTRO (Disc-Tube Reverse Osmosis) is a specialized membrane module designed for treating extreme wastewater characterized by high concentrations, heavy pollution, and a high risk of scaling. Its core technology lies in an innovative stacked configuration of disc-tube membranes and hydraulic guide discs. Secured by a central tie-rod and housed within a pressure-resistant casing, DTRO overcomes the limitations of traditional spiral-wound RO membranes—which demand stringent feed water quality—thereby extending the application scope of reverse osmosis technology from treating “clean water sources” to handling “extreme water quality.”
The wide and open flow channels effectively prevent physical blockage caused by suspended solids and large particles, making the membrane suitable for wastewater with high contamination levels.
Specially designed flow guide discs generate continuous turbulence, minimizing membrane fouling, scaling, and concentration polarization. DTRO systems can handle feed water with SDI values up to 20 while maintaining stable operating performance.
Reduced fouling and improved hydraulic design significantly extend membrane cleaning intervals. The membrane can be easily cleaned, and permeate flux is effectively restored after cleaning. Under demanding landfill leachate applications, membrane service life can exceed three years.
The modular structure allows convenient disassembly and on-site maintenance. Individual membrane cushions and flow discs can be inspected or replaced without replacing the entire module, reducing maintenance time and operating costs.
Each membrane cushion can be replaced independently. Membranes that remain in good condition can continue to operate, greatly reducing membrane replacement costs compared with conventional integrated membrane elements.
Description
Performance Parameters
| Specification | Unit | DTRO-9405 | DTRO-MP9405 | DTRO-HP9405 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filtration Mode | – | Crossflow Filtration | Crossflow Filtration | Crossflow Filtration |
| Feed Flow Rate | L/h | 500–1200 | 500–1200 | 500–1200 |
| Maximum Operating Temperature | °C | 40 | 40 | 40 |
| Maximum Cleaning Temperature | °C | 45 | 45 | 45 |
| Maximum Operating Pressure | bar | 75 | 90 | 120 |
| Normal Operating Pressure | bar | 30–70 | 40–80 | 60–110 |
| Typical Transmembrane Pressure (TMP) | bar | 5–7 | 5–7 | 5–7 |
| Membrane Area (Single Disc) | m² | 9.405 | 9.405 | 9.405 |
| Membrane Module Length | mm | 1400 | 1400 | 1400 |
| Membrane Module Diameter | mm | 215 | 218 | 224 |
| Operating Weight | kg | 74 | 90 | 96 |
| Standard Salt Rejection (25°C) | % | >98.5% | >98.0% | >97.5% |
| High-Pressure Inlet/Outlet Connection | – | Ø12 mm Hose Barb Connection | Ø12 mm Hose Barb Connection | Ø12 mm Hose Barb Connection |
| Permeate Outlet Connection | – | 9 mm Flexible Tube | 9 mm Flexible Tube | 9 mm Flexible Tube |
Structure and Working Principle
Modular Assembly Structure
The DTRO membrane module features a highly standardized, modular design consisting of the following core components:
- Membrane Cushions & Deflector Dishes: Stacked alternately to create unique flow channels.
- Central Tension Rod & End Flanges: Used for high-pressure fastening and tight sealing.
- Pressure Vessel: Encases the internal assembly to withstand extremely high operating pressures.
Octagonal-Structure Membrane Cushions
During high-pressure operation, the patented octagonal structural design creates uneven stress distribution. Under the impact of water flow, this generates high-frequency vibrations that drive the water into a continuous, fully turbulent “S-shaped” flow pattern, effectively preventing contamination and scaling.
Ingenious Hydraulic Principle
Driven by pressure significantly higher than the solution’s osmotic pressure, water molecules selectively pass through the semi-permeable membrane, while dissolved salts, heavy metal ions, and macromolecular organics (including COD) are highly rejected.
The core process mechanism can be summarized as: “Wide Channel + High Turbulence + Short Flow Path”
- Helical High Turbulence: Driven by a high-pressure pump, the feed water flows in a helical, turbulent path across the surface of the deflector dishes, which are supported by built-in raised pillars.
- Efficient Separation: Clean water (permeate) passing through the membrane cushions is collected and discharged through the central collecting pipe, while the concentrate exits along the outer edge of the module.
Application Scenarios
DTRO membranes are widely used in the treatment of wastewater characterized by high salinity, high organic content, high concentration, and low biodegradability; they represent a key technology for the advanced treatment and resource recovery of industrial wastewater.
☑ High-Difficulty & Highly Polluted Wastewater
Landfill leachate, coal mine drainage, coal chemical wastewater, and chemical/pharmaceutical/dyeing wastewater. In landfill leachate treatment, the COD removal rate typically exceeds 95%, with ammonia nitrogen and heavy metal rejection rates reaching above 98%.
☑ Industrial Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD)
Serving as a critical process step for industrial specialty concentration and volume reduction, it achieves extreme concentration of high-salinity wastewater, maximizes water resource recovery, and lowers the energy consumption and costs of subsequent evaporation and crystallization.
☑ Specialized Sea Water Desalination
With its exceptional anti-fouling and high-pressure capabilities, it offers unparalleled advantages for small islands, vessels, emergency water supplies, and high-turbidity nearshore seawater desalination.
☑ Agricultural Irrigation Wastewater Reuse
It efficiently removes hazardous substances, salts, and heavy metals from agricultural drainage runoff, bringing the wastewater up to safe reuse standards and supporting agricultural water recycling loops.