Microfiltration and Reverse Osmosis Membrane Replacement Understanding Operating Process Data and Autopsy Data Projection of Useful Remaining Life

摘要

Membranes are used more and more often for the creation of process water and water for indirect potable use from wastewater. The useful life expectancy of the microfiltration (MF) andreverse osmosis (RO) membranes is projected and planed in general for 5 years, which isconsistent with the manufacturers’ warranties for membrane systems operating in this type ofapplication where membranes are treating secondary or filtered secondary effluent to producewater for indirect potable use. In some advanced wastewater treatment facilities (AWTF), themembranes have been in service for 6-10 years, surpassing the manufacturers’ projected usefullife of five years. Replacement of the MF and RO membranes is triggered by either and/orcriteria; product water quality, performance efficiency, capacity, and mechanical integrity. TheCity of Los Angeles Terminal Island Water Reclamation Plant (TIWRP) 5 mg product waterAWTF producing finished water for in-direct potable use, in operation since 2001, operatingexperience is reviewed and MF and RO membrane opportunity for extended the usefulremaining life and replacement schedule approaches are presented.