Optimization of the sequence of washing reverse osmosis membranes used for seawater desalination

Abstract

Seawater contains a number of organic and inorganic components that cause fouling of membranes when subjected to a process of reverse osmosis desalination. This fouling is one of the most important problems in the management of desalination plants, as it entails a significant loss in system performance. For membranes to be able to continue operating under appropriate conditions, they must undergo periodic cleaning protocols. This paper presents the results obtained when, subjecting a previously fouled aromatic polyamide membrane to different washing agents and using different concentrations of the same. Optimal concentrations of cleaning reagents were established. The results indicate that the performance of cleaning using a mixture of reagents, and alternating alkaline and acidic media, enabled maximum recovery of the membrane permeate flux (94.2 %) and a significant reduction in the consumption of cleaning reagents.