AWWA MTC64506

The successful operation of a membrane process requires a thorough understanding of membraneprocesses, analytical data, system operation fundamentals, monitoring and field operatingexperience to prevent recurrent fouling problems. One of the primary causes of membrane failureis surface fouling. Identifying the material fouling the surface is critical for membrane cleaningand/or the development of preventative measures in the system's pretreatment.It is understood that the most important component of a membrane system, the membrane,contains a significant amount of information on any individual operating membrane facilityhistory once a membrane plant is placed online. Aged membranes can be systematicallyevaluated using forensics to determine the type of foulants; these foulants and ancillary autopsyinformation could be used to provide information that impacts other operating systems and helpresolve those problems, if any exist.The purpose of this paper is to:provide an overview of membrane processes and fouling, describe biofouling as abiofilm problem, and examine countermeasures;discuss membrane forensic procedures and describe basic autopsy testing practices; and,describe appropriate countermeasures and prevention options available to membraneplant designers and operators to combat and prevent fouling. Includes 12 references, tables.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. - No.

Published:

03/01/2007

Number of Pages:

9

File Size:

1 file , 300 KB