Case Study : Mandalay Resources
Achieving Stable RO Performance with NanoTech’s MPE Technology
Overview
In partnership with Mandalay Resources, NanoTech Systems deployed its advanced Magnetic Partial Extraction (MPE) technology to address recurring challenges in mine water treatment. The site was facing persistent RO membrane fouling, reduced efficiency, and increased downtime due to fluctuating feedwater quality.
NanoTech’s innovative MPE pre-treatment solution successfully stabilized reverse osmosis (RO) operations, reducing cleaning frequency and enhancing long-term system performance. By integrating magnetic nanomaterials for contaminant removal, the project delivered cleaner water, lower operational costs, and greater process reliability proving the power of next-generation water purification in the mining sector.
Client and Location
Mandalay Resources, Central Victoria, Australia
Problem Addressed
High TDS, Excessive Brine and PFAS
Result Delivered
Magnetic Partial Extraction (MPE)
The Challenge
Mandalay Resources faced ongoing RO membrane fouling due to variable feedwater quality and high organic loads. The instability led to frequent system cleaning, costly downtime, and inconsistent throughput. Traditional chemical pre-treatments were expensive, waste-generating, and ineffective under fluctuating mining conditions.
Our Solution: MPE-Driven Water Treatment
NanoTech Systems deployed a Magnetic Partial Extraction (MPE) unit as an inline pre-treatment system. The modular setup uses functionalised magnetic nanomaterials to capture and extract organic and inorganic contaminants before they reach the RO stage.
This approach reduced fouling, stabilised operations, and significantly extended membrane life with a compact, low-maintenance, and scalable design.
Proven Result
| 📏 Metric | 🔄 Before MPE | 🔁 After MPE | ⚙️ Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| RO Cleaning Frequency | Every 10 days | Every 30+ days | Reduced To (↓) 70% |
| BOD Levels | Greater Than (>) 3 | Less Than (<) 2 | Reduced To (↓) 33% |
| TOC Reduction | None | Reduced To (↓) 60% | Significant |
| Operational Stability | Variable | 24/7 continuous | ✔️ Stable |
RO Cleaning Frequency
Before MPE: Every 10 days
After MPE: Every 30+ days
Improvement: Reduced To (↓) 70%
BOD Levels
Before MPE: Greater Than (>) 3
After MPE: Less Than (<) 2
Improvement: Reduced To (↓) 33%
TOC Reduction
Before MPE: None
After MPE: Reduced To (↓) 60%
Improvement: Significant
Operational Stability
Before MPE: Variable
After MPE: 24/7 continuous
Improvement: ✔️ Stable
Key Learnings & Insights
NanoTech’s collaboration with Mandalay Resources delivered valuable insights into the role of magnetic nanomaterials in industrial water treatment.
Magnetic nanomaterials effectively capture both organic and inorganic contaminants before RO filtration.
MPE technology provides a low-maintenance ,chemical-free solution that reduces environmental impact.
The pretreatment process extends RO membrane lifespan and improves long-term operational stability .
Scalability and modularity make MPE adaptable to diverse industries — from mining to agriculture.
Combining innovation and sustainability ensures both performance and compliance with environmental standards.
Conclusion
The Mandalay Resources case study demonstrates how NanoTech Systems is redefining industrial water treatment through Magnetic Partial Extraction (MPE) technology.
By reducing fouling, minimizing waste, and increasing system uptime, NTS proved that smart water innovation can deliver real-world impact — environmentally and economically.