Operational experience of the brackish water reverse osmosis of the water treatment plant in Sant Joan Despí

Abstract

Abstract To ensure correct operation of any facility that uses membrane treatment technology (ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, etc.) requires a set of maintenance and cleaning operations, which allow correct operation and optimum duration of membranes, and also ensure the quality of water produced. In 2009, the existing drinking water treatment plant in Sant Joan Despi started operating a treatment combining ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis technologies to ensure compliance with the health limits set by the Spanish Royal Decree RD140/2003. Specific antiscalant was developed especially for controlling calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, and barium sulfate scales, which are the most problematic insoluble species in the brine of the reverse osmosis at the water treatment plant in Sant Joan Despi. Specific software was developed to calculate the optimum dose of antiscalant based on the feedwater chemistry, the temperature, and the RO plant’s conversion, thus minimizing operating costs. Furthermore, Adic...