Reverse Osmosis (RO) is an important technique in the production of demineralized process water. Especially if the source water has a relatively high salt content, or higher TOC concentrations, RO off ers great advantages over demin installations based on ion exchange.
The biggest challenge for a carefree operation of the RO installation is the prevention of fouling of the membrane, especially if the installation processes more demanding raw water types. This fouling causes loss of capacity and in the long run even failure, if no regular membrane cleaning is performed.
Method
The project will consist of four activities.
1. Overview of pretreatment methods
KWR Watercycle Research Institute will develop an overview of techniques based upon our knowledge and experience.
2. Study of the situation at the participants’ locations
During a visit to each location, we will collect historical data on the performance of the membrane installation over a longer period. This will include the composition of the raw water, cleaning sequence, pressure over the membrane, product quality and fl ow.
An eff ective pretreatment might be a good alternative for this type of operation. Not only will it result in lower cleaning and maintenance costs, it will also provide longer carefree operation at the initial design capacity of the installation. This is however easier said than done, since there is a wide variety of fouling mechanisms, and solutions are usually tailor-made 1 .
3. Collection of practical cases
KWR will collect practical cases (with reference to activity 2) in which effective measures are taken against fouling of RO membranes. This will include interviews and process data where applicable.
Aim
The aim of this project is to produce a document that presents the best practices for pretreatment in both the design and operation phase of the RO plant. It will present available pretreatment techniques in connection with the type of fouling, and examples of successful pretreatment at both national and international locations. The project will focus on the RO installations and water qualities of the participants.
4. Report
Deliverables
KWR will publish the results of the project in an English report which will only be made available to the participants. The highlights will then be published, upon the approval of all participants, probably in H2O, Powerplant Chemistry or VGB
Powertech .
Involved scientists
Edwin Muller and Hans Huiting (both KWR) will perform the project. Frank Oesterholt will be responsible for the project’s quality assurance. Danny Traksel will be project manager.
1 Stephen P. Chesters, Results from 99 seawater membrane autopsies,
IDA World Congress – Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC),
Perth, Western Australia September 4-9, 2011REF: IDAWC/PER11-297).

Starting conditions
KWR will perform the above-mentioned activities in close cooperation with the participants.
Project team
A team consisting of representatives of KWR’s department of
Industry, Wastewater & Reuse (IWR) and representatives of the participants will guide the project. This project group will meet three times:
• March 2012 – preliminary meeting, determination of fi nal project scope
• June 2012 – interim meeting, presentation of preliminary results
• September 2012 – fi nal meeting, discussion of concept report.
Project costs
A contribution of € 10,000.- (excluding VAT) will be required of each participant. A minimum of fi ve participants will be necessary for the project to get started.
Planning
When the contract is confi rmed, we expect a project running time of twelve months. KWR will plan three meetings with participants in which we will present and discuss the progress of the project.
Contact KWR
Edwin Muller edwin.muller@kwrwater.nl
Contact
Would you like to learn more about KWR Watercycle Research
Institute? Then contact us:
Postal address
KWR Watercycle Research
Institute
PO Box 1072
3430 BB Nieuwegein
The Netherlands
T +31 (0)30 60 69 511
F +31 (0)30 60 61 165
E info@kwrwater.nl
I www.kwrwater.nl
@KWR_Water
Chamber of Commerce
27279653