Membrane Cleaning Procedure at Pure-Aqua
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by: jamesarmstro
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Word Count: 315
Date: Thu, 5 May 2011 Time: 4:25 AM
It is generally recognized that any reverse osmosis membranes, like most other water treatment equipment, will need cleaning or flushing at some time during its useful life. Frequent cleaning is not required for properly designed and operated RO system. Membrane cleaning may be necessary when one of the following symptoms noticed:
1) Salt passage to the product water stream doubles.
2) Product water flow rate decreases by 10-15% (at constant temperature and pressure).
3) Membranes pressure drops approach maximums.
All performance data should be compared to the recorded data at start-up (baseline)
Depending on the type of foulant, chemical cleaning solution should be chosen properly. High pH cleaners are designed to remove organic fouling. Low pH cleaners are generally used to remove scale.
Caution: Frequent cleaning will cause premature hydrolyzing and deterioration of the membrane.
Steps to be Followed for Membrane Cleaning
(Example is for thin-film spiral wound based membrane)
• Shut down the RO system.
• Fill the cleaning tank with fresh water. RO permeate is recommended.
• Connect the cleaning pump discharge to the membrane feed line.
• Start the cleaning pump. DO not return brine and product lines to the cleaning tank, flush water should be directed to drain. This step is to flush the membranes and replace the membranes with fresh water. Flushing time can be 3 to 5 minutes.
• Fill the tank with the recommended and appropriate chemical cleaning solution. Agitate for proper mixing.
• Connect the cleaning system feed, brine and product lines. The cleaning pump discharge line should be connected to the feed line of the membranes, the brine and product lines should be returned to the cleaning tank.
• Start cleaning pump. Allow cleaning solution to circulate for about 30-45 minutes.
o Note: Cleaning solution should be prepared with RO permeate or oxidant free pretreated feed water.
• Repeat flushing procedure.
About the Author
reverse osmosis Membrane cleaning Filmtec membranes
Contact Us:-
Pure Aqua 2230 South Huron Drive
Santa Ana,
CA 92704
USA
Tel: (714) 432-9996 Fax: (714) 432-9898 E-Mail: sales@pure-aqua.com
