Common Problems and Solutions in Commercial RO Plants

Reverse Osmosis is widely used commercial water treatment technology in the world today. RO plants are applied in the production of water that does not contain any undesirable impurities, bacteria and nuisances. This technology offers the most efficacious solution as a means of producing a compound that has already been through various tests in other aspects of commerce. However, as with any other water treatment plants, RO plants can be faced with some problems which may affect the utility of the system. In this blog, we shall be concentrating on the problems that may be found in commercial RO plants and how to tackle or solve them.

1. Fouling and Scaling

Among all the problems that affect most of the commercial RO plants, fouling and scaling are among the most frequent. Basically, fouling is the build up of organic and inorganic materials on the surface of the membrane whereas scaling is the formation of massive deposits of dissolved minerals on surface of the membrane. Fouling has an effect of reducing the permeability of the membrane, a deterioration in the quality of the treated water and increase in the operating pressure.

To address fouling and scaling, the following preventive measures can be taken:

· Pretreatment: Basically, accurate preparing of the feed water may help reduce fouling and scaling. This may be done through the use of sediment filters, activated carbon filters, softeners to remove organic matters, suspended particles, and dissolved mineral.

· Chemical cleaning: Foulants and scale deposits on the membrane surface require periodic chemical cleaning. Common solvents include hydrochloric acid, citric acid, sodium hydroxide, and other chemicals which have the tendency to dissolve and wash away foulants and scale deposits.

· Operating conditions: Operating conditions can also keep fouling and scaling at ease, after certain conditions have been met. For instance, regulating the feed water temperature to its recommend level and avoiding the extremes of pH minimize the chances of scale formation.

2. Membrane Compaction

Membrane compaction is another problem that is typical of many large commercial RO plants. This happen when feed water pressure is very high and this will compress the membrane thus lowering its permeability. Inability to synthesize necessary solutions and remove contaminants out of water leads to compaction of membranes and, therefore, significant decrease in productivity of water treatment.

To prevent membrane compaction, the following solutions can be implemented:

· Monitor and control feed water pressure: Membrane compaction can however be avoided by constantly assessing and managing the feed water pressure. The recommended operating pressure must be obtained, and this is usually provided by the membrane manufacturer.

· Use pressure limiting valves: Systems to control high pressure should be placed along the FWD line, such as pressure limiting valves that protect the membranes of an RO plant. These valves do this automatically by maintaining the pressure at the right levels for each one of the appliances within a system.

· Schedule periodic inspections: Frequency checks of the RO plant will assist in the identification of any problems relating to membrane compaction. A best practice of the system is that routine maintenance and monitoring will yield the best efficiency.

3. Channeling and Pinching

Channeling and pinching terms are used to indicate that feed water pass through the pressure vessel and do not contact the membrane elements. This can lead to a sharp decline in quality of the treated water together with the general performance of the system.

To prevent channeling and pinching, the following solutions can be implemented:

· Ensure proper membrane element spacing: Channeling and pinching can be avoided if the correct spacing is observed between the membrane elements. Here, the manufacturer recommends that these elements should be placed optimally following some standard spacing.

· Regularly inspect and clean the pressure vessels: Although proper procedures involved channeling and pinching of the new welds to the existing material we can carry out the activities periodically to check for any problems that may arise with regard to pressure vessels and also clean up to address them appropriately. Cleaning of pressure vessels can assist in eradicating foulants or debris that can bring in channeling and pinching into the pressure vessels.

· Use high-quality membrane elements: Selecting high quality membrane elements can also reduce chance of channeling and pinching. Optimized elements are intended to give stable operation while offering the best chance of preventing feed water bypass.

4. Membrane elements could be either broken or damaged

Defective or damaged membrane elements are likely to affect the efficiency of a commercial RO plant. Leaking and corroded parts can let untreated feed water through the system and contaminate treated water besides decreasing the general system productivity.

To address broken or damaged membrane elements, the following solutions can be implemented:

· Regularly inspect the membrane elements: It becomes necessary to inspect periodically the membrane elements for sign of damages or any signs of wear out. This can also help in avoiding some hitches that may slow the efficiency of the system.

· Replace damaged or worn-out elements: Any membrane elements that are damaged or have worn in should be replaced immediately so as to service the system appropriately.

· Use high-quality membrane elements: The best way to avoid premature failure of the membrane elements is to purchase quality parts that are much less likely to be damaged or subjected to wear and tear. Superior parts are anticipated to run in a very insecure environment common with RO plants and give typical performance.

5. Power problem in Electrical and Instrumentation fields

Problems with the electrical and instrumentation can lead to poor performance by a commercial RO plant. These issues could be as basic as loose connections or failure of certain sensors, as complicated as fused up circuits or bad controllers.

To address electrical and instrumentation issues, the following solutions can be implemented:

· Regular maintenance: It is suggested that comprehensive electrical and instrumentation system should be installed, and the required monitoring and maintenance should be done periodically so that if some problem arises and it impedes the functionality of the electrical and instrumentation part of the carrying system, then appropriate action should be taken.

· Use high-quality components: An important practice is encouraging a supplier to provide high-quality electrical and instrumentation components in order to reduce the chance of a failure or breakdown occurring. Such components are intended for difficult operating conditions and service reliability.

· Hire experienced technicians: A team of technicians should be hired so that any problem that may arise from the sector of electrical and instrumentation can be easily noted and worked on by the technicians.

Conclusion

Various common problems may arise in commercial RO plants that can have an impact on the performance of the system. Among such problem areas are fouling and scaling, compaction and channeling or pinching, damaged or broken elements of membrane and electrical and instrumentation problems. Solving these issues needs prevention, maintenance, and the utilization of quality parts and accessories. Incorporating the measures discussed in this blog will enable operators of commercial RO plant increase the durability of their systems and yield quality treated water.

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