Field Evaluation of UF Filtration Pretreatment Impact on RO Membrane Scaling

Pretreatment of reverse osmosis (RO) feed water high mineral scaling propensity was evaluated with respect to downstream RO membrane scaling, for two different pretreatment configurations. The schemes included (i) media sand filtration, followed by a hydrocyclone (HC) and (ii) hydrocyclone, microfilter, UF module, where both configurations mesh screens added protection. first configuration reduced the source turbidity ~0.5 NTU, while treatment that yielded <˜0.1 NTU; strategies provided within range recommended desalination. Membrane tests, pretreated without antiscalant dosing, using plate-and-frame unit monitoring system, real-time surface images were quantified progression scaling. desalting revealed flux decline 75% greater scale coverage (primarily gypsum) factor approximately eight higher relative UF-treated water. results suggest can significantly benefit from achieve feedwater well below typically 0.5 NTU upper limit.