Clinical Autopsy of a Reverse Osmosis Membrane Module

The desalination of seawater using reverse osmosis membranes is an attractive solution to global freshwater scarcity. However, membrane performance reduced by (bio)fouling. Membrane autopsies are essential for identifying the type fouling material, and applying corrective measures minimize fouling. Information from full-scale guiding improved plant operations scant in formal literature. In this case-study, a with feed channel pressure drop increase about 218% over vessel was autopsied. simultaneous determination microbial cells, ATP, total organic carbon (TOC) abundances per area allowed estimating contributions biofouling abundance cells determined flow cytometry (up 7 × 10 8 cells/cm 2 ), ATP 21,000 pg/cm ) as well TOC 98 ?g/cm were homogeneously distributed on membrane. Inorganic also measured, followed similar coverage distribution that biofouling. Iron (?150 , estimated ICP-MS) main inorganic foulant. ATR-FTIR spectra supported both organic/biological inorganic. High-resolution SEM-EDS imaging cross-sectioned assessing thickness layer 20 ?m) its elemental composition. Imaging results further homogeneous coverage. Moreover, revealed zones without compression polysulfone layer, suggesting stress due operating heterogeneous. procedure autopsy provided reasonable overview diverse contributors might be starting point building consensus protocol. Next, it would valuable build RO database, which can used guidance diagnostic tool improve management operation plants.