 AquaMem
offers comprehensive chemical and microbiological analysis
(autopsy) of fouled membrane elements or coupons. The purpose of such
analyses is threefold...
- To determine if
the membrane element exhibits manufacturing or usage related
defects...
- To determine the composition and source of the fouling
layer and quantify the distribution of foulants on the
membrane...
- To identify the most effective cleaning regimen to return
the system to
full productivity...and
- To determine what other steps are needed to prevent or
retard membrane fouling issues in the future.
Our membrane autopsies adhere to a prescribed protocol that
begins with element visual
inspection for gross engineering or materials defects, such as
glue-line failures, telescoping, or feed channel blockages. Macroscopic inspection
is followed by direct epifluorescence microscopic examination and
analysis of foulant substances to determine whether biofilms or
non-biological precipitates are present. If biofilms are found to be a
significant component of the fouling layer, they are quantified by
performing heterotrophic plate counts and ATP analyses in combination
with total protein and polysaccharide analyses. Complete community
structure profiling of biofilms by t-RFLP, BIOLOG, and FAME analysis is
also provided. FTIR and SEM-EDX
analyses are performed by cooperating laboratories to provide surface
chemical composition data. Dye penetration (leak) tests of coupons are
used to determine if membrane permselectivity has been compromised
by over chlorination or chemical cleaning. All results
are fully interpreted and presented to clients in concise written and
electronic
formats.
Please contact
us for more information or a quotation. Thank you! |
