Mechanical pipe joining systems manufacturer Victaulic has developed a clean EPDM gasket compound that the company claims may reduce microbial growth in reverse osmosis (RO) systems. “Although there are multiple causes of membrane biofouling, we think we’ve made significant strides in the elimination of one of those causes,” said Stephen Morrison, Global Water Systems Technology Market Manager with Victaulic.
The development of the new gasket compound, the press release explained, was the result of research conducted by Victaulic, which revealed that gaskets commonly used in RO systems can contribute to membrane biofouling through the introduction of nutrients that feed microorganisms. When biofouling occurs, more pressure and therefore more energy is needed to push the water through the membranes. This can damage the equipment as well as require more frequent replacement of filtration media, leading to plant downtime and increased costs.
The clean EPDM compound, the press release continued, eliminates all possible organic nutrients that support microbial growth and cause membrane biofouling. Victaulic claimed that the new gasket may reduce microbial growth by up to 75 times that of commercially available gasket compounds currently being used.
Victaulic’s research consisted of testing various commercial and R&D gasket compounds to evaluate microbiological resistance using three quantitative methods: biomass volume (W270), mean dissolved oxygen difference (MDOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Based on the results, the researchers identified ingredients that do not support microbial growth, and optimised a new compound using those ingredients.
