Title
3-Step Approach Towards Evaluation And Elimination Of Acid Use In Pre-Treatment For A Brackish Water Reverse Osmosis Process
Keywords
Acid elimination; Canary unit; Reverse osmosis; Scale inhibitor
Abstract
To control carbonate scale formation on reverse osmosis (RO) membrane surfaces, it is common practice to add acid as a pre-treatment chemical. However, advancements in the formulation of proprietary scale inhibitors have resulted in a re-evaluation of the need to suppress the pH of RO feedwater. In this study, a 3-step approach was taken to eliminate sulfuric acid pre-treatment at a 4.5 MGD (17,000m3/day) brackish water RO plant operating for over 7 years without previous membrane replacement. The 3-Step approach adopted in this study to evaluate and eliminate use of acid in pre-treatment process involved first pilot testing the plan to reduce the dependence on acid. Secondly, implementing the plan on the full-scale system with conservative pH increments and thirdly continuously screening for scale formation potential using a "canary" monitoring device. This 3-step approach resulted in the successful elimination of sulfuric acid pre-treatment at the brackish water RO plant, with an estimated $105,000 minimum annual cost savings. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.
Publication Date
7-30-2013
Publication Title
Journal of Environmental Management
Volume
124
Number of Pages
115-120
Document Type
Article
Personal Identifier
scopus
DOI Link
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2013.03.038
Copyright Status
Unknown
Socpus ID
84877352903 (Scopus)
Source API URL
https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84877352903
STARS Citation
Tharamapalan, Jayapregasham; Boyd, Christopher C.; and Duranceau, Steven J., "3-Step Approach Towards Evaluation And Elimination Of Acid Use In Pre-Treatment For A Brackish Water Reverse Osmosis Process" (2013). Scopus Export 2010-2014. 6012.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/scopus2010/6012