CECEP Incineration Plant – Tubular UF Membrane Replacement Achieves 17 m³/h Permeate Output
Project Overview
China Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Group (CECEP) operates one of the largest networks of waste-to-energy incineration plants in China. At one of their facilities, the leachate treatment system's tubular ultrafiltration (UF) unit was experiencing significant performance degradation due to aged imported brand membranes.
Torvexus was selected to supply replacement tubular UF membranes as a direct substitute for the original imported brand modules, with the goal of restoring — and improving — the system's permeate output.
Challenge
The existing UF system had been running with imported brand tubular membranes for several years. Key issues included:
- Declining permeate flux — output had dropped below 12 m³/h per set
- Increasing transmembrane pressure (TMP) despite frequent chemical cleaning
- Shortened CIP intervals — cleaning required every 7–10 days
- Rising operating costs due to excessive chemical consumption and energy use
- Risk of downstream DTRO/NF system damage from inadequate pre-treatment quality
Solution
Torvexus supplied 5 tubular UF membrane modules as drop-in replacements for the original imported brand membranes. The Torvexus tubular UF membranes are engineered for full compatibility with existing systems — same dimensions, connection interfaces, and operating parameters — requiring zero modification to the existing skid.
Replacement Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Membrane type | PVDF tubular UF |
| Quantity | 5 modules (single set) |
| MWCO | 50 kDa |
| Permeate output | 17 m³/h per set |
| Feed water | Incineration plant leachate (after biochemical treatment) |
| Replacement time | < 8 hours (no system modification needed) |
Results
After membrane replacement, the system was restarted and immediately demonstrated significant performance improvement:
- Permeate output: 17 m³/h per set — a 40%+ improvement over the degraded imported membranes
- Stable operation: System running continuously with consistent flux and low TMP
- Extended CIP intervals: Chemical cleaning interval extended to 20+ days
- Permeate quality: Turbidity < 0.3 NTU, SS < 2 mg/L — fully protecting downstream RO/NF membranes
- Zero downtime risk: Drop-in replacement completed within one shift, no piping or control system changes required
Customer Value
- Cost savings: Torvexus membranes at competitive pricing compared to imported brands, with equal or better performance
- Supply chain security: Domestic manufacturing ensures fast delivery and responsive technical support
- Proven compatibility: Direct replacement for major imported brands — no engineering redesign needed
- Performance guarantee: Torvexus provides performance warranty and on-site commissioning support
Conclusion
This project at a CECEP waste-to-energy facility demonstrates that Torvexus tubular UF membranes deliver performance on par with — or exceeding — leading imported brands. With 17 m³/h permeate output from a single set of 5 modules and continuous stable operation, Torvexus provides a reliable, cost-effective alternative for membrane replacement in incineration leachate treatment systems.
For operators looking to replace aged imported UF membranes, Torvexus offers free compatibility assessment and technical support to ensure seamless transition.