How are RO membranes made?

Pre-coating a layer of highly permeable microporous polysulfone (PSF) onto the non-woven fabric serves as a support layer in RO membranes. Next, interfacial re-condensation creates an ultra-thin separation functional layer, usually a wet one. Reverse osmosis composite membranes made of conventional aromatic polyamide are created in this way.

If a wet film is needed to enter the drying unit, a dry film is also needed. The fact that a dry membrane is created by drying a wet membrane is what distinguishes it from a wet membrane. Let us understand the benefits and drawbacks of using a dry or a wet RO membrane in this blog.

The benefits and drawbacks of dry and wet reverse osmosis membranes

Benefits of Wet reverse osmosis membrane element

1. Each membrane element is checked for performance before it leaves the manufacturer, which can guarantee that performance satisfies standards and stop defective membrane elements from leaving the factory.

2. The wet reverse osmosis membrane component performs exceptionally well at start-up. After field installation, the membrane element can be cleaned simply for the optimal performance, saving start-up time and washing water resources.

3. The wet membrane element generally performs better overall than the dry membrane element, and it also produces somewhat more water and at a little faster rate of desalination.

Drawbacks of Wet reverse osmosis membrane element

1. It is necessary to use a protective solution or other protective measures to shield wet membrane components. All periods must be spent maintaining moisture in the membrane components, and keeping them free of microbial contamination.

2. Because the membrane element is moist, it is best to carry it below freezing in the winter in an insulated vehicle, or to store it there after you get there.

Benefits of Dry reverse osmosis membrane element

The following are some benefits of dry reverse osmosis membrane elements:

1. Dry-type membrane components do not require protective liquid or other special protective measures, are light in weight, have a low cost of transportation, and have a longer storage time than wet-type membrane components.

2. Because there is no moisture, dry membrane components may be transported without special equipment throughout the winter and below freezing temperatures, making transportation convenient and lowering the requirements at the preservation site.

Drawbacks of Dry reverse osmosis membrane element

1. A spot check of membrane components before they leave the plant cannot ensure that their performance will meet standards, and there is a chance that some membrane components may have flaws.

2. The performance of the membrane element is low when it is first loaded into the system, and it takes a long time to soak and wash, allowing the performance to gradually improve while wasting time and water.

3. Reverse osmosis membrane components function less efficiently overall than wet membrane components, as evidenced by lower water yield and desalination rates.

How can Netsol Water assist you?

At Netsol Water, we combine technology, funding, and knowledge to meet customer’s water treatment needs, at an affordable price for both commercial water treatment facilities, and industrial wastewater treatment plants. Thanks to our ten years of experience helping some of the biggest end-users in India, with their water and wastewater treatment needs, our highly skilled and trained field staff is ready to help you achieve your operational and sustainability goals.

Therefore, in addition to providing thorough system design and engineering, we are happy to offer field services and support with the selection of treatment materials. Contact us at +91 9650608473 or enquiry@netsolwater.com to learn more