What are the differences between the specialized separation module DTRO and conventional membrane modules?

　　The core differences between DTRO membranes (disc-tube reverse osmosis membranes) and conventional RO membranes (spiral-wound reverse osmosis membranes) primarily lie in their structural design and application scenarios:

　　Structural Design

　　The DTRO membrane features a disc-and-tube structure, in which membrane sheets and flow-guiding discs are arranged alternately to form wide flow channels (approximately 2 mm). In these channels, the feed liquid undergoes turbulent flow, reducing the risk of fouling on the membrane surface. By contrast, conventional RO membranes have a spiral-wound structure with a gap of only about 0.2 mm, making them prone to clogging and more suitable for water sources with low turbidity.

　　Processing capacity

　　DTRO membranes can withstand operating pressures of up to 90 bar and are suitable for high-concentration wastewater (such as leachate from landfills and chemical industry effluents), offering higher recovery rates. In contrast, conventional RO membranes typically operate at pressures ranging from 30 to 60 bar and are more commonly used in scenarios with better water quality, such as municipal sewage treatment and seawater desalination.

　　Anti-pollution performance

　　The wide-channel design and turbulence mechanism of DTRO membranes significantly reduce pollutant deposition, enabling them to directly treat wastewater with suspended solids concentrations as high as 5%. In contrast, conventional RO membranes require a pretreatment system to reduce turbidity to below 50 NTU; otherwise, they are prone to clogging.

　　Maintenance cost

　　The DTRO membrane supports modular maintenance; individual membranes can be replaced independently, resulting in low maintenance costs. In contrast, conventional RO membranes require the entire assembly to be replaced, leading to higher maintenance costs.

　　Applicable scenarios

　　DTRO membranes are specifically designed for treating highly polluted wastewater with high levels of suspended solids; conventional RO membranes are suitable for desalination applications involving water sources with better quality and lower pollution levels.