At the end of 2023, in a water treatment project supporting a 6×660MW generator set in a domestic electrolytic aluminum plant, Oumei New Materials successfully replaced an international competitor and won the opportunity to provide high-efficiency products and technical services for the project. This achievement was attributed to the excellent cost-performance ratio of its products and the high-standard, intensive training system built to meet customer needs. Since then, it has embarked on a wonderful journey of empowering the industry through technical services.
The water treatment system of the project includes ultrafiltration devices, reverse osmosis (RO) devices, and mixed beds. The RO device produces approximately 84,000 tons of water per day with a recovery rate ranging from 65% to 75%. The water source is flexibly switched between river water and reclaimed water after production treatment according to production load and water source characteristics. However, the high salt content, hardness, and alkalinity in the influent—especially the sharply increased risk of microbial contamination in summer—are like obstacles on the path to efficient water treatment, testing the stability and reliability of the treatment system. The water quality conditions are as follows:
Facing these challenges, Oumei New Materials proposed a comprehensive solution. Adopting a turnkey model combining products with on-site full-service support, it fully leveraged the company’s strong technical and service capabilities. This model is like equipping the enterprise’s membrane system with a personal butler, providing all-round guarantees for the efficient and stable operation of the system—from daily operation monitoring to handling unexpected issues.
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In terms of chemical selection, Ochemate® CPE8000 high-efficiency concentrated scale inhibitor became a key tool. With a dosing concentration of only 0.35–0.4 ppm, it precisely targets scaling ions in water. Through its unique chelating and dispersing mechanisms, it effectively inhibits scale formation, greatly reducing the risk of scaling on the RO membrane surface and laying the foundation for the long-term stable operation of the system.
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To address the tricky problem of microbial contamination, Ochemate® TBC9521 non-oxidizing biocide was used in synergy with oxidizing biocides. The non-oxidizing biocide, applied through shock dosing, rapidly damages microbial cells, complementing the oxidizing biocides to efficiently inactivate microorganisms. This ensures the system operates smoothly even in environments prone to microbial growth.
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Basic theory training: New employees receive basic courses on RO process principles, scale inhibitor mechanisms, and equipment operation specifications. Proficiency in basic skills is ensured through theoretical exams and practical simulations.
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Specialized skill training: In-service employees undergo specialized training on precise scale inhibitor dosing strategies, membrane fouling diagnosis, and chemical cleaning procedures. Typical case studies are used to enhance fault-handling capabilities.
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Advanced technical training: Industry experts are invited to deliver cutting-edge technology lectures, and the team is organized to participate in cross-project experience exchanges to cultivate employees’ ability to innovate in system optimization and upgrading.
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Establishment of operation specification manuals: Clear operation standards are defined, including scale inhibitor dosing concentrations, equipment start-stop procedures, and parameter adjustment ranges, to ensure operational consistency.
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Implementation of data-based monitoring: Real-time operation data is collected using the DCS system, with parameter warning thresholds set to enable automatic alerts and rapid responses to abnormal situations.
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Formulation of maintenance plans: Periodic maintenance plans for membrane element cleaning, scale inhibitor storage tank maintenance, and instrument calibration are developed based on operation data to ensure the healthy operation of equipment.
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Regular review and analysis: Monthly operation analysis meetings are held to summarize issues using chart data, optimizing scale inhibitor dosing strategies and system operation parameters.
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Technical innovation practice: Employees are encouraged to participate in technical improvements, exploring the synergistic application of scale inhibitors with new membrane materials to further enhance system performance.
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Customer feedback mechanism: Feedback from on-site operators and power generation enterprises is collected to continuously optimize scale inhibitor formulations and training content, achieving service upgrading.
Since undertaking the chemical service work, Oumei New Materials has adhered to the spirit of excellence, making multiple meticulous adjustments to the scheme based on on-site conditions. Facts have proven that these efforts have yielded remarkable results. From key operating data, the system operation has become increasingly stable, and the cleaning cycle has been significantly extended. For example, Primary RO Unit 7# has operated for 17 months without any chemical cleaning since Oumei took over.
Trend analysis of key operation parameters shows:
The system’s water production shows a steady upward trend, overall pressure presents a downward trend, and the salt rejection rate remains stable—indicating the entire system is operating smoothly.
Since undertaking the chemical service work, Oumei New Materials has always maintained a professional and responsible attitude, making multiple meticulous adjustments and optimizations to the chemical service scheme based on on-site conditions. With the application of Ochemate® series chemicals, the water treatment system has operated increasingly smoothly, with significantly extended cleaning cycles and continuously improving key operating data, showing a positive trend of optimization.
In January 2025, the customer highly recognized Oumei New Materials for its stable and reliable product quality and excellent service results, and the two parties successfully renewed the cooperation contract for another two years. This not only fully affirms Oumei New Materials’ past work but also marks that both parties will work hand in hand to deepen cooperation continuously, jointly contributing to the efficient and stable operation of the electrolytic aluminum water treatment project.
