Why more and more customers using the air stripping methods are switching to membrane ammonia removal technology

Why more and more customers using the air stripping methods are switching to membrane ammonia removal technology

More and more customers who previously used the air stripping method for ammonia-nitrogen wastewater treatment are switching to membrane-based ammonia removal technology. This is mainly because membrane-based ammonia removal offers significant advantages in economic efficiency, removal performance, environmental benefits, and adaptability compared to traditional air stripping. The key reasons are as follows:

1. Ammonia Recovery for Economic Benefits

• Membrane-based ammonia removal efficiently separates ammonia from wastewater and allows it to be recovered as ammonium sulfate (NH₄)₂SO₄ or other valuable forms. This enables resource utilization, as the recovered ammonia can be used as fertilizer or an industrial raw material.

• Air stripping, on the other hand, directly releases ammonia gas into the air. This often requires additional gas treatment equipment (such as acid scrubbers) to reduce emissions, offering little recovery value.

2.Higher and More Stable Removal Efficiency

• Membrane-based ammonia removal uses a selective mass transfer mechanism, where ammonia diffuses through the membrane surface and is absorbed into an acidic solution. This process maintains a high and stable ammonia removal rate (typically >90%), regardless of external environmental conditions.

• Air stripping efficiency is highly dependent on pH, temperature, and airflow rate, meaning that even small fluctuations in these factors can significantly impact performance, making it challenging to maintain consistent compliance with discharge standards.

3. Lower Operating Costs and Energy Consumption

• Membrane-based ammonia removal does not require large amounts of air or heating. It operates at low pressure, consuming minimal energy. The acid consumption can also be precisely controlled to optimize pH, avoiding unnecessary chemical waste.

• Air stripping requires large volumes of air (high blower energy consumption) or heating (steam energy consumption) to enhance ammonia volatilization. Additionally, maintaining a high pH (>10.5) requires significant amounts of alkaline chemicals, leading to higher operating costs.

4. Less Sensitivity to Environmental Factors, Wider Applicability

• Membrane-based ammonia removal operates effectively across a wide range of temperatures and pH conditions, making it stable and reliable throughout different seasons.

• Air stripping is significantly less effective in colder weather, as ammonia volatilization decreases with lower water temperatures. This seasonal impact can make it difficult to meet discharge standards consistently.

5. Environmental Benefits: No Secondary Pollution

• Membrane-based ammonia removal is a closed-loop process, preventing ammonia emissions into the atmosphere, reducing air pollution, and minimizing health risks for operators.

• Air stripping releases large amounts of ammonia gas into the air, which can cause odor issues and environmental pollution. Additional gas treatment systems (such as acid scrubbers) are often required, increasing operational complexity and costs.

6. Compact System Design and High Integration

• Membrane-based ammonia removal systems are compact and space-saving, making them ideal for new installations and retrofits. The modular design allows for easy expansion and integration into existing wastewater treatment facilities.

• Air stripping towers are often large and require significant space, as a tall stripping column is needed to ensure sufficient gas-liquid contact time. This makes it less suitable for facilities with space constraints.

Conclusion
More customers are choosing membrane-based ammonia removal over air stripping because it offers superior economic efficiency, removal performance, energy savings, environmental benefits, and adaptability. This technology enables high-efficiency ammonia recovery, lower operating costs, reduced environmental pollution, and compliance with stricter wastewater discharge regulations, making it an increasingly preferred solution for ammonia-nitrogen wastewater treatment.