Desalization Membranes Ion-exchange

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Abstract

The design and operation of seawater reverse osmosis plants (SWRO) strongly depends on the raw seawater quality to be treated. The performance of desalination RO systems relies upon the production of high quality pretreated water. The selection of the best pretreatment technology depends on the raw seawater quality and its variations. To date, membrane manufacturers have put a lot emphasis on the silt density index (SDI) as a surrogate parameter for water quality to prevent fouling on RO membranes. However this SDI measurement is based on the reduction of permeability with time of a water sample through a microfiltration (MF) membrane. The transfer mechanisms through an RO membrane are very different from those occurring through an MF membrane, it is highly likely that the fouling mechanisms and occurrences will greatly differ from an SDI membrane and an RO membrane. Therefore, while the SDI measurement can be a useful indicator with respect to the particulate content and MF fouling compounds, this index does not provide any information regarding the nature of the foulants passing through a 0.45-micron (ﾵm) membrane, and the risks of biofouling.

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