Water Analysis

A thorough and up-to-date water analysis is a critical aspect in selecting a targeted and properly-dosed antiscalant product for reverse osmosis (RO) or nano-filtration (NF) systems of any size and water quality. Selective ions must be tested in the feed water in order to predict the scale/fouling potential in the system. The specific ions tested are then entered into the Avista Advisor Projection software where recovery rates, antiscalant selection, dose rates and potential scales/foulants are determined.

Laboratory Membrane Cleaning Study

Our Avista laboratory membrane cleaning studiy, in conjunction with our Avista membrane autopsy, is a useful tool in validating the effectiveness of a membrane cleaning regime against a site-specific foulant.

Membrane cell test cleaning study before.

Membrane cell test cleaning study after.

The Avista membrane autopsy identifies foulants and recommends solutions to minimize future fouling, and the Avista cleaning study identifies the best cleaner(s) and procedure to remove fouling on the Reverse Osmosis (RO), Nano (NF), Ultra (UF), or Micro (MF Filtration membranes already affected.

Samples of a dissected membrane or casing are placed on a clear cell tester and baseline flow and rejection performance are established under crossflow conditions. A cleaning solution is then recirculated through the tester at optimum temperature. Upon completion, post-clean data is recorded to determine the effectiveness of that particular chemistry. If necessary, this process continues until we’ve identified the cleaner that provides the best result.

Membrane and Module Autopsy

The physical dissection of a reverse osmosis (RO) element or microfiltration/ultrafiltration (MF/UF) module and the resulting analysis of its foulants can be one of the most definitive methods of troubleshooting a system.

Identifying the cause of performance loss is only part of this valuable service. Equally important are the recommendations provided in the Avista report which outlines the best course of action in correcting system problems including frequent cleanings, loss of productivity, reductions in permeate quality, system downtime or premature membrane or MF/UF replacement.

Why Conduct An Autopsy?

• To identify scaling or fouling problems
• To determine the proper cleaning regimen
• To improve system performance

Filtration Study

The MMF Filtration Study helps determine the most efficient and cost-effective dosage of RoQuest® coagulant for site-specific feedwaters. The MMF Laboratory Analysis uses particle counts, zeta potential, and turbidity to characterize a water sample for colloids and silt and determine its fouling potential. The analysis can be done on feed water or filtrate to gain a better understanding of the foulant parameters.

To assist you in identifying site-specific foulants, we offer Membrane Autopsies. Our Autopsies include Chromatic Elemental Imaging (CEI), an innovative technology first introduced by Avista that can identify the location and relative concentration of elements in a membrane fiber sample.