ADELAIDE DESALINATION PROJECT PILOTING EXPERIENCE

摘要

Media filtration has historically been the preferred pre-treatment process for seawater desalination, however ultra-filtration (UF) has emerged as a viable option. The Adelaide Desalination Pilot Plant facilitated operating comparisons of conventional and UF pre-treatment. Silt density index (SDI) and flow cytometry were utilised to characterise system performance. Differential pressure profiles provided useful information on fouling and cleaning efficacy. UF was found to provide superior filtered seawater quality (98.5% SDI_(15) below 3.5 and 90% below 3) and far more efficient microbial removal. Media filters required significant ripening for SDI_(15) to stabilise below 3.5. Membrane fouling was controlled despite forced operating challenges.