Industry Leader in RO Expertise and Membrane Applications Since 1983™
Our Products Company Info Product Catalog Technical Site Contact Us Search

Membrane Chemicals

Cleaning Procedure


Use RO permeate water if possible.  Whether the Membranes need acid or alkaline cleaning will depend on the type of foulant suspected.  We recommended acid cleaning be performed first even when alkaline cleaning is desired.  If Membrane performance recovers with acid cleaning, then alkaline cleaning is not necessary.


Membrane Cleaning System
Connect cleaning tank and pump system to the membrane system.  It may be necessary to clean one tube at a time (see flow requirements below).  Pump pressure must not exceed 60 psi.  Permeate and concentrate lines must return to the cleaning tank.  Include a 10 micron filter in the concentrate return line to the tank.
 

Membrane Cleaning Procedure

  • Preparation of Solution
    Add slowly the cleaner (for amounts check the detailed procedure for that cleaner) cleaning tank water, and mix well.
    CAUTION  Mix with care and wear protective clothing.
  • Cleaning Procedure
    CAUTION  Do not allow the cleaning solution temperatures to exceed 120°F or the flows to exceed 4 gpm for 2½" elements or 12 gpm for 4" elements or 40 gpm for 8" elements.  Recirculate solution.
    • Operate system at 50 psi for 10 minutes.   During this first 10 minutes of the cleaning cycle, the flow rate should be maintained at less than 1 gpm for 2½" elements and 9 gpm for 4" elements and 35 gpm for 8" elements for 20 minutes to clear foulants from the system.
    • Do not let tank run dry.  Add more water and cleaner if necessary
    • Discard cleaning solution to drain, diluting with copious amounts of water, then rinse tank well.
    • Fill tank with clean water and flush system to drain for 10 to 15 minutes.
      Add clean water as necessary.  Rinse the system until the concentrate pH is almost the same as the clean water pH.


CAUTION: 
Flush thoroughly before cleaning with other cleaners.  Cleaning chemicals may react with one another or foulants to produce additional fouling on the membrane.

This page was last updated 10/30/06


 

For prompt, courteous and reliable service, contact us today!


Home Contact Us How To Order
Back Up Next
Cleaning Systems Membrane Chemicals Cleaning Cartridges Using Flocon 100 & 260 When to Clean Membranes Foulant Symptoms Cleaner Selection Cleaning Flow Rates Cleaning Procedures AM-88 Preservative Disinfectant Procedures Chemical Info Downloads

Copyright © 2008 Applied Membranes, Inc. All Rights Reserved.