Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. has supplied membrane separation wastewater treatment systems that use Poreflon PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) hollow fiber membranes to the Kisa Mill of Japanese denim-manufacturer Kaihara Corporation and its mill in Thailand, Kaihara (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
The performance of these systems was confirmed by conducting joint demonstration experiments on wastewater treatment using PTFE hollow fiber membranes, including PVA that is difficult to decompose and easily fouls the membranes, for one and a half years. Satisfied with the results, these wastewater treatment systems were installed at the Kisa factory (daily drainage: 1,200 m3) and Kaihara (Thailand) (800 m3), which have been in operation since 2015.
These systems enable stable processing to changes in wastewater quality and external environment at the mills, and significant improvements have been made in reducing industrial waste, energy cost, installation area, etc.
Sumitomo Electric has been marketing mainly in the form of membrane modules for industrial wastewater and sewage treatment, etc., but the company plans to strengthen sales in the form of equipment and systems incorporating membrane modules in the future.