Abstract
In order to minimize Endtoxin (ET) contamination due to stasis in Reverse Osmosis (RO) equipment and supply lines, a new water treatment system was developed which employs an around-the-clock recirculating method to continually prevent stasis in RO water treatment processes. The new system was continually operated for 18 consecutive months continuously, after which ET concentration and durability were assessed. In section of the system following the RO module, the ET concentration was found to be below 5EU/l at the RO tank and supply line inlet to the dialysis room. However, at the supply entr-ance to the dialysis equipment, the ET concentration was 6EU/l after 15 months of operation. The RO water volume was 20±1.0l, the RO module pressure was 4.8±0.9kg/cm2, and the conductivity at the RO outlet was 2.0±0.3μS/cm, with those parameters remaining constant during the observation period. The consumption of electricity was increased by 48% and consumption of water by 0.6%, while sterilizing solution was not used and ET cut filter consumption was reduced by half. This full-time recirculating water treatment system could maintain lower concentrations of ET over a long period without draining the initial water or performing a sterilization procedure, while being effective for reducing ET.
