AWWA MTC61213

Membrane fouling is a major problem for surface water filtration by low-pressuremembrane systems. This is partially due to the lack of understanding of a verycomplicated phenomenon that relates to multiple factors. The microfiltration (MF)system at the N.E. Bakersfield Water Treatment Plant experienced rapid trans-membranepressure (TMP) rise and short runs compared with the initial piloting test and membranecleaning difficulties, an indication that membranes have experienced serious fouling.Facing a challenging schedule and the difficult task to identify the cause ofmembrane fouling and to find the solution, technical teams were formed by engineers andscientists from the membrane supplier, consultants and the owner. Through teamworkand cooperation, the teams successfully identified that the membrane fouling was causedby the formation of iron-organic complex. Following the recommendation of changingthe coagulant from FeCl₃ to polyaluminum chloride, the plant performance changeddramatically and successfully passed full-flow performance tests meeting all the designcriteria. Since then, the plant has been running smoothly with low rate of TMP rise. As aresult, both the cost for operating the plant (energy and chemical consumption) and theusage of product water for plant operation were reduced by more than 60%. Includes tables, figures.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. - No.

Published:

03/01/2005

Number of Pages:

17

File Size:

1 file , 530 KB