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

Socpus ID

84877352903 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84877352903

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