Prediction of particulate fouling in full-scale reverse osmosis plants using the modified fouling index – ultrafiltration (MFI-UF) method

This study aims at applying and verifying the MFI-UF method to predict particulate fouling in RO plants. Two full-scale plants treating surface water, with average capacity of 800–2000 m3/h, were studied. Firstly, feed concentrate was measured using 5–100 kDa membranes same flux applied (20–26 L/m2.h). Subsequently, particle disposition factor (?) calculated simulate deposition cross-flow filtration. Finally, rates predicted based on ?, compared actual For plant A, results showed that 100 membrane have best agreement (with 3–11 % deviation). B, both 10 agree well 2 15 deviation, respectively). However, 5 is considerably overestimated for plants, which attributed effect low porosity membrane. More widespread applications are required demonstrate most suitable prediction.