Membrane Descaler
Types of Membranes and How Scale Forms
Today, membrane processes are primarily used to produce “pure” water from fresh and saltwater, but they are also utilized in process and wastewater systems. Membrane processes can remove dissolved salts, nonionized organics, and particulate matter from water in a few different ways: ultrafiltration (UF), reverse osmosis (RO), electrodialysis (ED), and electrodialysis reversal (EDR).
Scale forms when low-soluble salts become supersaturated due to the exchange of water across the membrane and cannot be passed through, particularly in reverse osmosis (RO) process membranes. The most effective way to remove scale buildup is chemical membrane cleaning.
Things to Consider Before Membrane Descaling and Cleaning
Fouled membranes are less effective, restricting water flow due to buildup. Routine membrane cleaning is essential to system operations, and choosing the right cleaner and/or descaler should minimize downtime and extend the lifespan of your membrane. There are various factors to consider when selecting the right membrane descaler.
Different scale formations require different cleaning processes, and knowing what particulates are present can help determine the proper chemical solution for membrane cleaning. Some cleaners prioritize harsh acid formulations with sulfuric, hydrochloric, and phosphoric acids. These compounds are excellent for removing scale but are also harmful to membranes, personnel, and the environment. Another consideration is to choose a membrane descaler that reduces cleaning frequency, and is cost-effective for the operation.
Generally, membrane cleaners formulated with multifunctional ingredients or specialty cleaners are preferred for membrane cleaning procedures because they are effective and non-hazardous.
Scale Remover STSR, Non-Hazardous Membrane Descaler
Membrane descalers can sometimes prioritize harsh chemicals because of their efficacy in removing scale buildup. Scale Remover STSR is a non-corrosive, non-hazardous solution to RO membrane cleaning that is highly effective at removing mineral deposits, such as struvite, magnesium, limescale, calcium carbonate, rust, and more.
Scale Remover STSR is the solution for descaling, buildup prevention dosing, and scale control. Environmentally responsible and biodegradable, it is safe for equipment and personnel handling. Our capabilities allow us to create custom formulations for membrane cleaning. We can include foaming compounds or thickening solutions to engineer membrane descalers that meet your specific needs.
Membrane Cleaning Procedure
If your membrane has indicated an increase in pressure drop, a decrease in permeate recovery, or a decrease in salt rejection, it may be time to clean it. Low-pH solutions are suggested to clean metallic scales, and alkaline solutions are best for biological and organic buildup. The basic reverse osmosis membrane cleaning procedure is as follows:
- Prepare the cleaning solution and adjust temperature and pH levels as needed.
- Pump the cleaning solution into the system, allowing it to disperse.
- Allow the solution to soak and cycle within the system; soaking can take a few hours or may need to be left overnight.
- Flush the unit with permeate water and continue flushing until the solution is removed.
Find Specialty Membrane Cleaning Solutions at Struvite Removal
Struvite Removal has worked in the industry for 30 years. We are committed to developing environmentally friendly, non-hazardous cleaning and descaling solutions to serve the needs of various industries and applications. Our solutions can facilitate industrial descaling, prevention and treatment, degreasing, deodorizing, and spill clean-ups to restore your operation’s efficiency and performance. Visit our resources, and check out our case studies, blogs, and videos for more information.
Contact Struvite today or request a quote to get started.
