KFM Filter: Breaking Through the Technical Bottleneck of High Polymer Wastewater Deep Treatment
With the widespread application of polymer flood oil recovery technology, the volume of polymer-containing wastewater continues to increase. This type of wastewater is characterized by complex water quality, high viscosity, a high proportion of emulsified oil, and small oil droplet sizes.
Filtration technology plays a critical role in the treatment of polymer-containing wastewater. However, traditional filtration equipment faces numerous challenges when treating such wastewater, including rapid filter media fouling, suboptimal treatment efficiency, and difficulties in backwashing. Emulsified oil and suspended solid particles are adsorbed and retained in the filter bed. As pollutants accumulate, this leads to a continuous rise in head loss across the filter bed. Furthermore, pollutants that have already been trapped may be re-released under the shear forces of the fluid, causing secondary pollution and severely affecting the effluent quality. Therefore, the technical performance of the filtration media becomes the core factor determining the final treatment effectiveness and plays a decisive role in improving effluent quality.
In response to the technological bottlenecks in polymer-containing wastewater treatment and the dual pressure of water resource scarcity, Shenzhen Clear Science & Technology Co., Ltd (SINOKLE) company has successfully developed the KFM Active Filter Media Filtration System.
Core Technological Advantages
The KFM active filter media is made from silicate-based materials through 60 specialized processes. It has a high melting point of up to 1200°C, a specific gravity of 1.25, and features properties such as being odorless and insoluble in water. Its most notable feature is that its surface has undergone super-hydrophilic modification, creating a nano-scale pore structure. The specific surface area is 300 times that of quartz sand, providing a sufficient reaction interface for pollutant adsorption.
The surface of the filter media carries a negative charge, which effectively captures positively charged oil droplets and particles through electrostatic adsorption. At the same time, the free radicals generated have oxidative and bactericidal capabilities, preventing bacterial growth and filter media fouling from the source. Its unique surface properties make backwashing easier, achieving 100% filtration efficiency recovery in just 5-10 minutes.
Outstanding Treatment Performance
In practical applications, the KFM active filter media filtration system demonstrates excellent treatment performance. It intercepts over 95% of suspended solids larger than 1 micron, with effluent oil content consistently controlled at ≤5 mg/L and suspended solids concentration ≤2 mg/L, fully meeting high-standard reinjection requirements.
Compared to traditional filter media, KFM active filter media offers significant advantages: the abrasion rate is only 0.07‰, the breakage rate is 0.08%, and its lifespan lasts up to 15 years, far exceeding the lifespans of anthracite coal (1-2 years) and garnet (1-3 years). Its backwash strength requirements are low (12-15 L/(s·m²)), and energy consumption is reduced by more than 50% compared to traditional technologies.
Engineering Application Value
The modular design of the KFM filter reduces the footprint by 30% compared to traditional systems, with a single unit capable of handling up to 100 m³/h. In the Congo oilfield project in Africa, this technology successfully reduced the oil content from 3,825 mg/L to 4.1 mg/L and suspended solids from 972 mg/L to 4.6 mg/L, demonstrating exceptional engineering adaptability.
This technology uses a fully automated PLC control system, supporting remote monitoring and intelligent backwashing, significantly reducing operational and maintenance difficulty as well as labor costs. Its strong resistance to contamination and wide adaptability make it an ideal choice for the treatment of challenging polymer-containing wastewater.
Sustainability Significance
The widespread application of the KFM active filter media filtration system not only enhances the efficiency of polymer-containing wastewater treatment but also provides reliable technological support for the green development and sustainable growth of oilfields. Its long-lasting and stable operational characteristics effectively lower operational costs, making an important contribution to the dual improvement of economic and environmental benefits for oilfields.
