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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). This accumulation reduces the efficiency of the membrane by hindering the flow of water through it or by causing changes in the membrane’s selectivity.
Membrane fouling can lead to decreased water quality, reduced system performance, increased energy consumption, and ultimately, the need for more frequent membrane replacement or cleaning. Preventing membrane fouling typically involves proper pretreatment of the feed water, selecting appropriate membrane materials and configurations, and implementing effective cleaning and maintenance protocols. We can also recommend speciality cleaning products for the successful removal of foulants, however it is important to apply the cleaning products correctly. We can design a specific cleaning programme for you thanks to our cutting edge Lab services.
Learn about some of the most common types of foulants that we have identified on RO membranes during autopsy procedures and the appropriate chemicals to use.
Biofouling is the accumulation of microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi on the membrane surface, resulting in the formation of biofilms. Specialist attention should be paid to alkaline cleaning, antiscalant selection, pre-treatment and shut down procedures.
Antiscalant
Cleaners
Prevention:
Removal:
Iron is a common type of foulant found on membrane surfaces. Sources of iron include naturally occurring iron in most feed waters, overdosing of ferric based coagulants and corrosion products from distribution systems.
Alumino-silicate are naturally occurring colloidal particles, which have not been removed by the pre-treatment system. Difficult to remove from lead elements due to impermeability – ask us for advice on cleaning protocol design.
Aluminium membrane fouling can often occur as a result of excessive dosing of aluminium coagulants and poor operation of the filtration system. It is very difficult to remove from the membrane surface – ask us for advice on cleaning protocol design.
Aluminium membrane fouling can often occur as a result of excessive dosing of aluminium coagulants and poor operation of the filtration system. It is very difficult to remove from the membrane surface – ask us for advice on cleaning protocol design.
Below you will find information about our featured products. If you can’t find the product you are looking for, please Contact Us.
We specialize in producing specialty chemicals and offering membrane testing services that allow reverse osmosis (RO) plants to operate efficiently in areas where feed waters are challenging.
Registered to ISO 9001:2000 standards
