ALTIVIA - Application Detail (RO Membrane Biofouling Control)

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RO Membrane Biofouling Control

The Achilles heel of reverse osmosis (RO) membranes is biofouling. Bacteria which survive the disinfection process can attach to the RO membrane. As the membrane is organic, the bacteria may be able to metabolize the membrane material as a food source, depending upon the organism. As the bacteria metabolizes the membrane material, it ‘chews’ a hole in the RO membrane. It also produces biofilm, which acts as a ‘secondary’ membrane and becomes a part of the water purification process. If a biofilm-removing chemical, such as chlorine dioxide, is used, then leakage of cations and anions through the hole created by the bacteria can occur. This leakage has erroneously been attributed in the past to the oxidation of the membrane material by chlorine dioxide. Once the chlorine dioxide is removed from the membrane material, bacteria once again settle and produce biofilm, covering the hole. Leakage stops. Thus, trying to ‘clean up’ a badly fouled RO membrane has not generally been very successful. However, extending the life of the membrane by prevention of biofouling with chlorine dioxide is possible and desirable. The proper choice of chlorine dioxide generation methodology is crucial for this application, as the presence of free chlorine can adversely affect the RO membranes, as it is a very strong oxidant.

ALTIVIA offers a range of oxidants to meet your treatment needs, including the broadest line of chlorine dioxide treatment programs available in the industry.

Sub Applications

Drinking Water