Optimization of Chemical Cleaning for Improvement of Membrane Performance and Fouling Control in Drinking Water Treatment

A pilot-scale study using a ZeeWeed® 1000 membrane pilot plant was conducted to optimize the use of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and citric acid for membrane permeability recovery and membrane fouling control in drinking water treatment. Backwash was the most effective strategy for permeability recovery and under the same NaClO dose, a lower concentration combined with a longer soak time achieved a higher permeability recovery. Organics were the major foulants responsible for permeability decrease. Inorganic foulants surprisingly increased after NaClO cleaning. Similarly, a lower pH was more effective in permeability recovery than a higher concentration of citric acid.