Feasibility of incorporating membrane technology in the leather industry

ESTELA ROMERO DÓNDIZ; JORGE E. ALMAZÁN; VERÓNICA B. RAJAL; ELZA CASTRO VIDAURRE

Aachen

Conferencia; 6th IWA Specialist Conference on Membrane Technology for water and wastewater treatment.; 2011

This paper aims to evaluate tannin removal through the use of ultra and nanofiltration membranes, using a model solution that simulates the washing flow of tanned cowhide which goes to the plant effluent. A high pressure filtration equipment of tangential flow was used with a piston pump connected to a pressure valve, used to control the pressure and consequently the flow. The sample analyses were performed according to the Standard Methods Rules for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. The results indicate tannin removal ratios higher than 39%. This study demostrates the feasibility of using ultra and nanofiltration membranes in the tanning industry, as well as the advantages of using this kind of treatment seeking the reuse of tannin and water, involving less impact on the environment and higher corporate profits.