Mechanism and Prevention of Reverse Osmosis Membrane Fouling.

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA053630 | Open PDF

Abstract:

New, high performance reverse osmosis membranes experience a troublesome rate of fouling by colloidal and dissolved constituents in feedwaters. In field tests on nonbrackish surface waters, for instance, the U.S. Army Mobility Equipment R and D Command MERADCOM has observed performance declines in spiral wrap membrane modules that limit their useful life to three months. This problem is not experienced only by MERADCOM but occurs to varying degrees throughout the water treatment industry where reverse osmosis processes are used. The purpose of this research program is to investigate the incipient fouling mechanisms taking place on membrane surfaces, characterize the foulant deposits, and search for practical means to retard or eliminate the membrane fouling process. Naturally occurring surface waters were to be used in these tests because of the difficulty in simulating naturally occurring foulants.

Author(s):
Cadotte, J. E. ; Petersen, R. J.
Author Organization(s):
MIDWEST RESEARCH INST MINNETONKA MN NORTH STAR DIV
Descriptive Note:
Final rept. 1 Jun 76-30 Sep 77,
Supplementary Note:
DOI: 10.21236/ADA053630
Pagination:
0003

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
ARO-14093.1-CX
Contract/Grant Number(s):
DAAG29-76-C-0053
Monitor Series:
14093.1-CX
 Subject Terms
Communities of Interest:
Materials and Manufacturing Processes
Descriptor(s):
*REVERSE OSMOSIS, *WATER POLLUTION, *FOULING, *MEMBRANES, POLYMERS, FIELD TESTS, WATER TREATMENT, SURFACE WATERS, CLAY, INDUSTRIAL PLANTS, COLLOIDS, INORGANIC COMPOUNDS, FILTRATION, FEED WATER
Field(s)/Group(s):
Water Pollution and Control
Report Date:
1977 Sep 30