Remediating biofouling of reverse osmosis membranes

Technical Report · Tue Oct 22 04:00:00 EDT 1991

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10172329· OSTI ID:10172329

Siler, J L

Several potential additives and the use of influent pH adjustment were examined to remediated the biofouling problem of the ETF reverse osmosis (RO) system. Tests were conducted with simulated RO feed containing salt, metal hydroxides and bacteria. The addition of sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), sodium bisulfite, and adjusting the influent pH to 3 were each successful in reducing the RO biofouling. Little or no benefit was found from the use of a biofilm remover (Filmtec Alkaline Cleaner) or the use of surfactants (Surfynol or sodium lauryl sulfate). In addition, Surfynol use resulted in irreversible fouling and necessitated membrane replacement. At the water recoveries used in the ETF (>90%), sodium bisulfite addition resulted in the recovery of 70--90% of the flux and almost complete restoration of the DF to prefouled conditions. Based on the bench-scale tests completed, IWT would recommend that sodium bisulfite addition be tested at the ETF. This testing would involve optimizing the amount of bisulfite required. In addition, it is recommended that the addition of SHMP or influent pH adjustment be evaluated since the relative differences in labscale tests were small and scale-up effects could be present. The ETF operating permit allows each to be added.

• Research Organization: Westinghouse Savannah River Co., Aiken, SC (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC09-89SR18035
• OSTI ID: 10172329
• Report Number(s): WSRC-RP--91-1059; ON: DE92019345
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420200
ADDITIVES
BACTERIA
BIOLOGICAL FOULING
FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT, AND TECHNIQUES
MEMBRANES
OSMOSIS
PH VALUE
SAVANNAH RIVER PLANT
SODIUM PHOSPHATES
SULFITES