Off-Site Laboratory Cleaning Study

Avista laboratory personnel routinely perform cleaning studies on fouled membranes provided to us by our customers. Cleaner selection and site-specific cleaning procedures are determined using this analysis. The results are then duplicated by the customer on-site to achieve a significantly higher rate of success.

The element(s) is dissected and membrane samples are cut to size and placed in a closed cell test loop. A variety of cleaning solutions are recirculated across the membrane surface, simulating actual on-site cleaning characteristics (cross flow, flux, etc). A range of variables are applied including:

1. RoClean type and order of use
2. Solution temperature
3. Recirculation time
4. Soaking

The cleaner(s) and procedure that provided the most significant foulant removal and which restored overall membrane performance are then recommended to the customer for use on-site.

Figure 1: Two fouled membrane samples, cut to size and ready to test.

Figure 2: Same two membrane samples after recirculating in a RoClean P303 solution for 30 minutes.