Dow Filmtec BW30-400 Industrial Equivalent Membrane: Specs & Benefits

Product Overview: Dow Filmtec BW30-400 Industrial Membrane

The Dow Filmtec BW30-400 is widely recognized as an industry standard for brackish water reverse osmosis (RO) applications. Designed to deliver high-quality permeate water, this 8-inch spiral-wound membrane element is engineered for industrial and municipal water treatment systems requiring consistent performance, high salt rejection, and durability.

As a core component in large-scale filtration, the BW30-400 (often associated with its successor, the BW30 PRO 400) offers a significant active surface area of 400 square feet. This large active area allows system operators to achieve higher productivity with fewer elements, ultimately reducing capital expenditures and operating costs for industrial plants [pureaqua.com].

Dow Filmtec BW30-400 Industrial RO Membrane
Figure 1: Dow Filmtec 8-inch Industrial Membrane Element

Who is this Product For?

The BW30-400 is specifically designed for industrial and municipal operators dealing with challenging feed water conditions. It is the product of choice for:

  • Industrial Water Managers: For demineralization plants requiring reliable boiler feed water or process water [filterwater.com].
  • Municipal Water Treatment Facilities: Plants that produce drinking water from brackish groundwater sources.
  • Wastewater Reuse Projects: Systems designed to treat and recycle secondary effluent for industrial reuse.

Key Technical Specifications

The robustness of the BW30-400 lies in its Polyamide Thin-Film Composite material, which provides high rejection rates while resisting fouling. Below are the standard specifications for this element.

Specification Value
Permeate Flow Rate 10,500 GPD (40 m³/d)
Stabilized Salt Rejection 99.5%
Minimum Salt Rejection 99.0%
Active Membrane Area 400 ft² (37 m²)
Feed Spacer Thickness 28 mil
Membrane Type Polyamide Thin-Film Composite

Note: Performance values are based on standard test conditions: 2,000 ppm NaCl, 225 psi (15.5 bar), 77°F (25°C), pH 8, and 15% recovery [ategroup.com].

Operating Limits and Conditions

Understanding the operating limits is crucial for maximizing the lifespan of a membrane element. The BW30-400 is known for its wide pH tolerance during cleaning, which allows for effective removal of biological and organic fouling.

Parameter Limit
Max. Operating Pressure 600 psig (41 bar)
Max. Operating Temperature 113°F (45°C)
Max. Pressure Drop (per vessel) 50 psi (3.4 bar)
Cleaning pH Range 1 – 13
Max. Feed Silt Density Index (SDI) SDI 5
Free Chlorine Tolerance < 0.1 ppm

Features and Advantages

The BW30-400 stands out in the market due to automated precision manufacturing, which ensures consistency between elements.

  • Proven Durability: Capable of withstanding a wider range of cleaning conditions (pH 1-13) compared to standard elements, making it easier to recover performance after fouling [pureaqua.com].
  • High Permeate Quality: With 99.5% stabilized salt rejection, it ensures the production of high-purity water suitable for sensitive industrial processes.
  • Economic Efficiency: The high active area and flow rate allow for optimized system designs, potentially reducing the number of pressure vessels and elements required.
Filmtec RO Membrane Schematic
Figure 2: Dow Filmtec High Rejection Brackish Water RO Element

Need Filtration Solutions?

At Purecowater, we understand the critical nature of reliable membrane performance. Whether you are looking for direct replacements or engineered solutions for liquid filtration, we are here to assist with high-quality components and expertise.

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