Abstract
The low concentrations of heavy metals in seawater are very often ignored as potential foulants for RO membranes in seawater desalination. Cumulative deposition of such metals may result, which is difficult to remove by conventional cleaning techniques. Destructive tests on hollow fibre membranes, followed by a mass balance exercise during routine operation of the Ghar Lapsi seawater RO plant in Malta, revealed the existence of trace metal depositions. The metals iron, copper, zinc, chromium, lead and vanadium were detected on these membranes. Dilute mineral acids were found to be the only effective cleaning agents in ‘in vitro’ experiments. A more efficient pre-treatment and cleaning technique must therefore be investigated to control these deposits.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
