Cleaners

Membrane fouling occurs when unwanted materials, such as suspended solids, organic matter, microorganisms, or mineral deposits, accumulate on the surface or within the pores of a membrane used in filtration processes like reverse osmosis (RO) or ultrafiltration (UF).

Successful membrane cleaning depends primarily on the nature of the foulant. Before selecting cleaning chemicals and designing a cleaning protocol it is vitally important to correctly identify the deposit or foulant.

Membrane Cleaning Wizard

You can use our Membrane Cleaning Wizard to help you work out the best way to clean a reverse osmosis membrane.

How to choose the right Cleaner

Cleaners for membrane water treatment systems play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and longevity of membranes, especially in processes like reverse osmosis (RO), ultrafiltration (UF) and nanofiltration (NF). Choosing the right cleaning solution is essential to ensure thorough fouling removal without damaging the membrane or compromising water quality. Here are some key considerations when selecting membrane cleaning chemicals:

Type of Fouling

Different types of foulants require specific cleaning approaches. For example, organic fouling may be effectively removed using enzymatic cleaners, while inorganic foulants like silica and carbonate deposits may require alkaline or acid-based cleaners for dissolution.

Membrane Compatibility

Cleaning solutions should be compatible with the membrane material to prevent degradation or deterioration of membrane performance. It’s important to consult membrane manufacturers’ guidelines to ensure compatibility.

pH and Alkalinity

pH plays a critical role in membrane cleaning efficacy. Alkaline cleaners are typically used to dissolve organic foulants and mineral deposits, while acidic cleaners are effective against scale formation. Balancing pH and alkalinity is essential to prevent membrane damage.

Specialty Formulations

Some cleaning chemicals are specifically formulated to target particular foulants or membrane types. Specialty cleaners may offer enhanced performance in challenging fouling scenarios or for specific membrane materials.

Safety and Environmental Considerations

Choose cleaning solutions that are safe to handle and environmentally friendly. Look for products that are biodegradable and comply with regulatory standards.

By considering these factors and working closely with the Genesys team of experts, you can select the most appropriate cleaning chemicals for your membrane water treatment system. For the most effective cleaning, and therefore reduced cleaning frequency, conditions of pH, temperature and contact time are important. We’ve provided this information for guidance; however we would recommend asking us to design a cleaning protocol for you.

Our Cleaners

Genesol UF Fe

Genesol UF Fe is a low pH cleaner formulated to remove Iron and Manganese fouling from UF membranes, especially in SWRO applications.

Genesol UF 2

Genesol UF 2 is a low foaming, multicomponent, acidic, UF membrane cleaner formulated with Osmotic Action to remove carbonate scales and metal oxides.

Genesol UF 12

Genesol UF12 is an effervescent, alkaline, detergent, U.F. Membrane cleaner formulated with osmotic action to remove difficult biofouling, metals and organic deposits.

Genesol 61

Genesol 61 is a neutral pH cleaner ideally suited for the removal of organic & inorganic foulants from Reverse Osmosis and Nano-filtration membrane surfaces, particularly where the use of low & high pH cleaners may be limited due to Health and Safety or effluent disposal restrictions. The neutral pH of this product makes it particularly useful for cleaning cellulose acetate membranes.

Genesol 80

Genesol 80 is a membrane cleaner for use in RO, NF and UF membrane systems. It targets biofilm which predominantly consists of a glycocalyx layer of extracellular polysaccharide materials secreted by bacteria under stress.

Genesol UF7

Genesol UF 7 is a neutral pH cleaner ideally suited for the removal of organic & inorganic foulants from UF membranes, particularly where the use of low & high pH cleaners may be limited due to Health and Safety or effluent disposal restrictions.

Genesol 34

Genesol 34 is a blended chelating agent and non-ionic surfactant and has been developed as an alkaline general purpose cleaner for membrane systems. It will help to remove both organic and inorganic based deposits. It is classified as ‘readily biodegradable’ and is an excellent adjunct when used in combination with other Genesol membrane cleaners.

Genesol 36

Genesol 36 is a general purpose cleaner for the removal of organic foulants found on RO and NF membrane surfaces. The low dose rate of Genesol 36 ensures cost effective use and it is an excellent adjunct when used in combination with other Genesol membrane cleaners.

Genesol 37

Genesol 37 is a general-purpose cleaner for inorganic scale and iron deposits found in most types of membrane system. It is also highly effective at removing organic deposits from severely fouled systems.

Genesol 38

Genesol 38 is an inorganic scale cleaner and iron deposit remover for use in RO and NF membrane systems and has been approved for use in drinking water applications. Used at the right concentration, its self adjusting pH ensures highest solubility of iron salts is achieved.