AWWA MTC64506

The successful operation of a membrane process requires a thorough understanding of membrane processes, analytical data, system operation fundamentals, monitoring and field operating experience to prevent recurrent fouling problems. One of the primary causes of membrane failure is surface fouling. Identifying the material fouling the surface is critical for membrane cleaning and/or the development of preventative measures in the system's pretreatment. It is understood that the most important component of a membrane system, the membrane, contains a significant amount of information on any individual operating membrane facility history once a membrane plant is placed online. Aged membranes can be systematically evaluated using forensics to determine the type of foulants; these foulants and ancillary autopsy information could be used to provide information that impacts other operating systems and help resolve those problems, if any exist. The purpose of this paper is to: provide an overview of membrane processes and fouling, describe biofouling as a biofilm problem, and examine countermeasures; discuss membrane forensic procedures and describe basic autopsy testing practices; and, describe appropriate countermeasures and prevention options available to membrane plant designers and operators to combat and prevent fouling. Includes 12 references, tables.