Four practical points for longer run length and better recovery after cleaning.
Normalise operating data
Raw flow and pressure change with temperature and operating conditions. Normalisation helps distinguish actual fouling from normal variation.
Understand the scaling risk
Calculate the risk from relevant salts at the actual recovery and water chemistry. Also check silica, metals and the effect of pretreatment.
Clean at the right time
Do not wait until fouling becomes irreversible. Define criteria for normalised flow, pressure drop and salt rejection.
Choose the cleaning sequence
The likely fouling mechanism determines product choice, pH, temperature, contact time and sequence. Always check membrane compatibility.