Aerospace | Reverse Osmosis & Water Treatment Systems

Here are some key aspects of water treatment in the aerospace industry:

1. Potable Water Treatment: Ensuring a safe and reliable supply of drinking water is essential for aircraft and space missions. Water treatment systems are used to remove contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and particulates, from the water supply. Processes like filtration, disinfection (e.g., UV or chemical disinfection), and advanced purification techniques (e.g., reverse osmosis) are employed to meet stringent drinking water standards.
2. Cooling System Treatment: Aerospace vehicles and systems rely on cooling systems to dissipate heat generated during operation. These systems often employ water as a coolant. Water treatment is necessary to prevent scale formation, corrosion, and microbiological growth within the cooling systems. Techniques like chemical treatment, filtration, and periodic maintenance help maintain the cooling system efficiency and prolong its lifespan.
3. Hydraulic System Treatment: Hydraulic systems in aerospace applications utilize fluids to transmit power and operate various components. Water contamination in hydraulic fluids can lead to system malfunctions, equipment damage, and reduced performance. Water removal and purification techniques, such as dehydration and filtration, are employed to maintain the required purity levels in hydraulic systems.
4. Fire Suppression System Treatment: Fire suppression systems on aircraft and in aerospace facilities utilize water or water-based agents to control and extinguish fires. Ensuring the quality and reliability of the water used in these systems is crucial. Water treatment methods are employed to remove impurities, maintain water flow and pressure, and prevent clogging or damage to the fire suppression equipment.
5. Wastewater Treatment: Aerospace facilities often generate wastewater from various processes and operations. Proper treatment of this wastewater is essential to meet environmental regulations and minimize the impact on surrounding ecosystems. Wastewater treatment processes, including sedimentation, filtration, biological treatment, and disinfection, are employed to remove contaminants and ensure compliance with discharge standards.

Aeration Water Treatment Process

Aeration water treatment is a process that involves the introduction of air into water to remove or alter certain dissolved gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and in some cases, certain contaminants. It is commonly used in water and wastewater treatment to improve water quality, address taste and odor issues, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatment processes. Here's how aeration water treatment works:

1. Oxygen Transfer: One of the primary purposes of aeration is to increase the dissolved oxygen levels in water. By introducing air or oxygen into the water, the oxygen transfer process takes place, allowing oxygen molecules to dissolve in the water. This is particularly important for maintaining aerobic conditions and supporting biological processes, such as in wastewater treatment plants.

2. Volatile Compound Removal: Aeration can help remove volatile compounds from water. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that easily evaporate into the air. By aerating water, some VOCs can volatilize and escape into the atmosphere, reducing their concentration in the water. This is beneficial in addressing taste and odor issues caused by certain VOCs.

3. Gas Stripping: Aeration can be used for gas stripping, where dissolved gases, such as hydrogen sulfide (which causes a rotten egg odor), carbon dioxide, or methane, are removed from the water. These gases are released into the air as the water is agitated and aerated.

4. Oxidation: Aeration can promote oxidation reactions in water. For example, aeration can facilitate the conversion of ferrous iron (Fe2+) to ferric iron (Fe3+), which is then easier to remove through filtration or sedimentation processes. Aeration can also assist in the oxidation of certain contaminants, such as hydrogen sulfide or certain organic compounds, making them more amenable to subsequent treatment.

5. Mixing and Flocculation: Aeration can help with mixing and flocculation processes in water treatment. By introducing air, turbulence is created, which aids in the mixing of chemicals and the formation of flocs. Flocs are larger particles that can settle more easily during sedimentation or filtration stages, improving the removal of suspended solids and some contaminants.

In the aerospace industry, water treatment is closely regulated to meet stringent quality standards and ensure the safety, reliability, and efficiency of aerospace operations. Specific requirements may vary depending on the application, such as commercial aircraft, space missions, or aerospace manufacturing facilities. Compliance with industry standards and regulations is essential, and aerospace companies often work closely with water treatment specialists and regulatory agencies to ensure effective water treatment practices are in place.

It's important to note that aeration alone may not be sufficient for complete water treatment, particularly for the removal of certain contaminants. It is often used in conjunction with other treatment processes, such as filtration, sedimentation, disinfection, or chemical dosing, to achieve the desired water quality goals. The specific application and water quality considerations will dictate the appropriate aeration system and its integration into the overall water treatment process.

For more information please view/download the industry brochure