PWT’s Membrane Forensics department offers various options for optimizing cleaning procedures of membrane systems. Improved cleaning regimens can reduce system down time, chemical costs, labor demands, and discharge costs all while improving overall system performance. Each membrane system is unique, and requires a different approach so PWT developed a comprehensive offering to satisfy all situations.
Request a quote on membrane cleaningFor larger system with a dedicated Clean in Place (CIP) system the easiest and most economical method of cleaning is in-situ. PWT has the capability to provide general cleaner recommendations, review of current CIP procedures for potential improvements, onsite support, and off-site clean studies to maximize each cleaning’s effectiveness.
In some situations cleaning membranes in place is not practical or even possible. In these situations membranes can be removed, cleaned and preserved off-site. Off-site cleanings include characterization of the elements as received, a minimum 2 step cleaning process, and post-cleaning characterization to compare to the manufacturer’s specifications. PWT’s specialty membrane skid was designed with one-element pressure vessels to prevent cross contamination, while providing more accurate characterization results. The specially designed skid provides the ideal feed flow rate, temperature, and pressure depending on the element size and model, ensuring the best cleaning results possible.
The specialty cleaning skid can accommodate:
Membrane Forensics offers a full line of laboratory and full scale cleaning studies aimed at optimizing cleaning procedures. While autopsies can identify foulant make-up and guide recommendations for pretreatment chemistries, it does not guarantee proper cleaner selection.
Laboratory scale cell testing provides a completely controlled environment with which to evaluate multiple cleaners under identical conditions. Samples of membrane are installed in clear test cells for as-received characterization, followed by a cleaning regiment, and finally post-cleaning characterization to examine the effectiveness of each chemistry. Ideally a second element would be provided for a follow-up full element cleaning test to confirm the cell testing regiment is as effective on an intact element. As our experience has taught us, sometimes laboratory scale results are not fully representative of a real world system.