Many water processing systems are designed to reduce the total oxidizable carbon compounds (TOCs) present in the water. Trihalogenated methane compounds (THMs) are common contaminants in water and are often a major component of TOC measurements. THMs often result from the use of chloramines by municipal water treating plants. The presence of these compounds can adversely affect downstream processes that require high purity water. For example semiconductor manufacturing sites can experience reductions in product yields in the presence of THMs. Therefore removal of THMs can increase product yields and thereby increase profits.

Membrana recently conducted THM removal pilot trials at a semiconductor site. These trials confirmed that Liqui-Cel Membrane Contactors are very effective in removing THM compounds. Based on this data and other operating experience, commercial systems can be designed to remove up to and exceeding 95% of THM compounds (your specific results will depend on THM composition and actual operating conditions). Celgard Inc. now has several systems in operation that were installed specifically to remove THMs. These systems have been operating successfully for over a year. In addition to THM removal, other volatile compounds can be easily removed using Liqui-Cel Membrane Contactors.