ISSN: 2577-4050
Authors: Mu Liu*
During long-term operation, reverse osmosis (RO) membrane fouling is an inevitable occurrence that leads to a decline in membrane performance. When the water quality fails to meet specific application requirements, it becomes necessary to replace the deteriorated membranes. Membrane autopsy is widely recognized as the most direct and effective method for studying and identifying membrane fouling. By analyzing the results of membrane autopsy and membrane fouling diagnosis, valuable insights can be gained to optimize the operation of the membrane system, maintain the membrane elements through regular routines, and restore membrane performance. However, the current practice of membrane autopsy and the study of membrane fouling diagnosis lack a systematic and comprehensive approach. This paper aims to address these gaps by introducing various analytical methods for membrane fouling, discussing the existing challenges in practical applications, and reviewing the diagnosis of fouling composition. These findings are expected to shed light on understanding the mechanisms and control methods of membrane fouling, and ultimately enhance the operation of membrane systems.
Keywords: Reverse Osmosis Membrane; Membrane Fouling; Chemical Analysis; Membrane Autopsy
