Experiences from the Adelaide Desalination project: ultrafiltration cleaning optimisation—from pilot to full-scale operation

Abstract

Abstract Membrane fouling remains a major concern for ultrafiltration (UF) pretreatment for seawater reverse osmosis (RO). The focus of this study was the optimisation of the chemical cleaning regime and any associated impact on the downstream cartridge filters (pre-RO). Different shock acidification/chlorination and maintenance wash (MW) regimes for the pilot UF were tested. The results of the study at the Adelaide Desalination Pilot Plant (ADPP) are summarised as follows: • Sulphuric acid shock dose alone at pH 4 was ineffective for prevention of UF biogrowth, when performed for one hour per week or less. • Shock chlorination provided an effective tool for limiting biogrowth in UF systems. • Relocating the sodium metabisulphite dechlorination dosing point downstream of the cartridge filters was essential for controlling biogrowth and to ensure stable operation of the filters. • Chlorine MWs provided better UF permeability and transmembrane pressure (TMP) recovery than sulphuric acid MWs. • A chlorine MW...