1. Pretreatment

Mechanical filtration: Hydrocyclones, sand filters, or multimedia filters to remove suspended solids and protect RO membranes.

Chemical dosing: Chlorination for disinfection, coagulants (FeCl₃/PACl) for particle aggregation, acid/antiscalants to control scaling.

Fine filtration: Cartridge filters (≤5 µm) for final protection before RO.

2. Reverse Osmosis Desalination

First-stage RO: Reduces salinity from ~35,000 ppm to ~500 ppm.

Second-stage RO (optional): Further reduces dissolved salts for process or boiler water.

Energy Recovery Devices (ERD): Improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.

3. Post-treatment

pH adjustment: Prevents corrosion in mining water pipelines.

Chemical addition: Lime, acids, or disinfectants as required by mining processes.

Storage: Product water stored in clear water tanks for supply stability.

Mining Process Water Use

1. Typical uses: Ore flotation, dust suppression, cooling, domestic use.

    -Some mines mix desalinated water with recycled process water to save costs.

2. Wastewater Recovery and Disposal

     -Partial reuse of process water in closed-loop systems.

     -RO brine discharged back to the sea in compliance with environmental standards.

Water is the most essential raw material in the food and beverage industry. From bottled water and soft drinks to dairy, beer, and juice, every product relies on safe and consistent water quality. A food-grade water filtration system ensures compliance with strict hygiene standards, stable taste, and consumer safety.

Below is an overview of the water treatment process in food and beverage manufacturing, highlighting the key filtration and purification technologies used worldwide.

Simplified Process Flow

Raw Water → Sand Filter → Activated Carbon → Cartridge Filter → Ultrafiltration → Reverse Osmosis (RO/EDI) → UV/Ozone → Pure Water Tank → Final Filtration → Production Line

1. Raw Water and Its Characteristics

The source of raw water may vary: municipal supply, groundwater, or surface water. Common issues include: High turbidity and suspended solids, Hardness (calcium and magnesium), Residual chlorine, Organic matter and odors, Microbial contamination.

2. Typical Treatment Stages

Step 1: Pretreatment

  The goal of pretreatment is to remove visible impurities and protect downstream systems.

  Multi-media filter (sand filter): Removes suspended solids, mud, and turbidity.

  Activated carbon filter: Removes residual chlorine, odors, colors, and part of the organic content.

  Water softener (optional): Reduces hardness by exchanging calcium and magnesium ions.

Step 2: Fine Filtration

  This stage further improves water quality and reduces microbial risks.

  Security filter (5 μm / 1 μm cartridges): Protects membrane elements from clogging.

  Ultrafiltration (UF): Effectively removes bacteria, colloids, and macromolecular organics, producing clear, safe water.

Step 3: Advanced Treatment

  Ensures safety, taste, and purity of water for production.

  Reverse Osmosis (RO): Removes dissolved salts, heavy metals, and small organic molecules.

  EDI (Electrodeionization) or mixed bed deionizers (optional): Provides even higher purity and stable taste, used in specific beverage applications.

Step 4: Post-treatment and Distribution

  Guarantees water safety during storage and use.

  Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection: Continuous microbial control.

  Ozone disinfection: Strong oxidation, sterilization, and flavor improvement.

  Pure water tank with recirculation system (316L stainless steel): Prevents secondary contamination.

  Final membrane filter (0.2 μm): Ensures sterile water before entering the production line.