Even well-protected membranes foul over time and must be cleaned in place to restore performance. A disciplined cleaning regime, triggered by the right indicators, is central to long membrane life.
Cleaning is triggered when normalised flux, differential pressure or salt passage drift past defined thresholds.
Cleaning before fouling consolidates restores performance more fully and protects the membrane.
Identifying the foulant directs the cleaning chemistry to what is actually present.
High-pH cleaners remove organic and biological foulants by hydrolysis and dispersion.
Low-pH cleaners dissolve carbonate and metal-oxide scale.
Approved biocides control biofilm within membrane-compatible limits.
A cleaning-in-place cycle typically proceeds as a low-flow chemical recirculation followed by a soak and a higher-flow flush, often alkaline first to lift organics and biofilm, then acid to dissolve scale, each at controlled temperature and pH within the membrane manufacturer's limits. The decision to clean is based on normalised data: a 10 to 15 percent decline in normalised permeate flow, a 10 to 15 percent rise in differential pressure, or a defined increase in salt passage. Timely, well-diagnosed cleaning is the difference between a five-plus-year and a prematurely failed membrane.
Heated, instrumented CIP skids with dosing and recirculation for safe, repeatable cleans.
Normalisation software and records trigger and evidence cleaning.
Compatible chemical selection and handling protect membranes and operators.
Reynolds & Bauhm designs membrane systems and the pre-treatment that protects them — from UF/MF and SDI control to RO array design, energy recovery and CIP.
Our expertise spans multiple industries with sector-specific water treatment solutions.