Membrane Technology analysis



Membrane Autopsy
	Desalination membranes such as NF and RO membranes tend to undergo performance deterioration with time, which depends on the efficiency of the pretreatment. The decline in performance due to fouling or scaling of the membrane, in many cases, can be restored to some extent by means of chemical cleaning. However, the performance decline due to irreversible damage to membrane polymer cannot be restored. In order to find out the actual reason for the irreversible decline in membrane performance, autopsy becomes very essential, in addition to the investigation of the operation history of the membrane. Membrane autopsy procedure involves dissection of membranes, visual inspection of the surface of the membranes as well as other components of module to discover any physical damage. Furthermore, the foulants and the membrane itself are analyzed by various analytical procedures. Deposit Identification SEM – EDAX of SDI & Cartridge Filters The SEM-EDAX technique is used to study deposits on membrane surfaces, cartridge and security filters and even SDI papers. The information gained is invaluable when proposing preventative and corrective actions in pre-treatment operation. In many cases the examination of cartridge filters and SDI papers avoids the need for sacrificing membrane elements to autopsy.

	Group	Description

	MA 1	Standard (Spiral Wound) Membrane Autopsy Autopsy includes: Sample preparation, photo-documentation, extended fouling characterization (TGA, FTIR, SEM-EDXA, Microbiological microscopic & cultivation examination, Fujiwara test, Comprehensive Technical Report

	HFM	Hollow Fiber Membrane Autopsy Autopsy includes: Sample preparation, photo-documentation, extended fouling characterization (TGA, FTIR, SEM-EDXA, Microbiological microscopic & cultivation examination, Fujiwara test, Comprehensive Technical Report

	FJW	Fujiwara test (Chlorine damage) Autopsy includes: Sample preparation, photo-documentation.

	Special	Special services charged at an hourly rate Please contact Laboratory.






Membrane application studies

	Membranes and chemicals to be used during these studies have to be confirmed in corporation with technical management.


	Group	Description

	SEPA 1	Flat Sheet Separation Studies (per flat sheet type) These studies include standard water analyses of feed- and permeate water. Specific customer parameters (e.g. organic screenings) are on request.

	SEPA 2	Membrane cleaning study (per product/concentration) Study includes a salt rejection test before and after cleaning applying the specified chemical at requested concentration and temperature.

	SEPA 3	Filtration and cleaning studies (ZW1 Module)

	ABMet	Advanced Biological Metal removal (ABMet) Simulation Study Study includes initial Selenium speciation and ppb level (ICP/MS) Selenium analyses.

	MBRs	Membrane Bioreactor Laboratory Simulation Studies Price is dependant of requested run length and required analytical testing for specific customer needs

	Special	Special services charged at an hourly rate. Please contact Laboratory.







Flatsheet testing NF, RO, UF