Summary
VSEP (Vibratory Shear Enhanced Processing) provides a proven and effective solution for treating Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) wastewater from coal-fired power plants. Using vibrating RO membrane separation with no pretreatment, VSEP delivers high permeate quality, reduced sludge volumes, and significant OPEX savings. The VSEP RO system produces clean water filtrate that can be reused or discharged having met the stringent EPA Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELG).
Industry Problem: High-Strength, Hard-to-Treat FGD Wastewater
FGD wastewater contains a mix of:
- High dissolved solids
- Pollutants including: Arsenic, Selenium, Mercury and Nitrates
- High levels of Calcium Sulfate and other scaling compounds
- Variable flow and chemistry depending on coal source
Regulatory pressure is moving towards zero liquid discharge (ZLD) requiring very clean water recovery for reuse. Discharge can be possible in some cases, but only with exceptionally low levels of pollutants.
VSEP Solution for FGD Wasewater Treatment
VSEP uses a unique vibratory shear membrane system that prevents solids from building up on the membrane surface by disrupting concentration polarization.
Key VSEP Advantages in FGD Applications
- High membrane flux even with elevated solids
- Up to 90% permeate recovery depending on water chemistry
- Small footprint – ideal for plant retrofits
- Lower chemical demand than conventional pretreatment
- Reduced reject and brine volumes
- Handles variation in feed composition
Why VSEP is Now a Preferred Technology for FGD Treatment
Power producers and engineering firms increasingly specify VSEP for FGD wastewater because it:
- Works where other systems fail
- Supports ZLD initiatives
- Reduces overall treatment complexity
- Provides predictable, stable water quality
These properties make VSEP a reliable choice for coal, gas, and industrial plants seeking scalable, cost-effective solutions for high-solids wastewater.
Learn More or Request a Technical Evaluation
New Logic Research provides detailed pilot testing, engineering design packages, and cost analyses for FGD wastewater applications.
Request information: info@vsep.com
Read more about VSEP and Power Plant Effluent.