Using SDI, SDI + and MFI to evaluate fouling in a UF/RO desalination pilot plant

This paper assesses the performance of a UF/RO demonstration plant located in the Oosterschelde estuary in the south-western part of the Netherlands. Spring blooms in the seawater pose a challenge to the plant because of the resulting increased fouling potential of the water. Determinations of the f...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Desalination 2012-01, Vol.285 (31), p.153-162
Main Authors: Alhadidi, A., Kemperman, A.J.B., Schurer, R., Schippers, J.C., Wessling, M., van der Meer, W.G.J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Brackish
Case study
coagulation
Desalination
Drinking water and swimming-pool water. Desalination
Estuaries
Exact sciences and technology
Fouling
Membranes
MFI
Natural water pollution
Normalized SDI
Pollution
RO feed water fouling potential
seawater
Seawaters, estuaries
Silt Density Index
Tanks
water potential
Water treatment and pollution
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:This paper assesses the performance of a UF/RO demonstration plant located in the Oosterschelde estuary in the south-western part of the Netherlands. Spring blooms in the seawater pose a challenge to the plant because of the resulting increased fouling potential of the water. Determinations of the fouling indices SDI, SDI + and MFI0.45 were carried out at the plant with different operational conditions, such as of coagulant addition and pH correction. Eight different membranes were used in the tests. In general, the UF performance was found to be good as the SDI values were around 1, provided standard membranes were used, and the MFI0.45 values lower than 1 s/L 2. The MFI0.45 showed the same tendency as the SDI in most cases. As expected, whereas the SDI showed marked sensitivity to used membrane type and operational conditions, the SDI + did not display this dependency and hence appear to be a more reliable fouling index than the SDI. Storing the RO feed overnight in the feed tank increased the fouling potential of the RO feed, likely caused by continued coagulation. ► The SDI + was tested and SDI mathematical models were confirmed in a case study. ► Effects of membrane resistance and testing conditions on the SDI value were eliminated when using the SDI +. ► SDI, SDI + and MFI0.45 indices were measured under different operation conditions. ► It was found that the UF performance was good and SDI ~ 1.
ISSN:0011-9164
1873-4464
DOI:10.1016/j.desal.2011.09.049