Troubleshooting Filmtec Membranes
Troubleshooting Filmtec Membranes
*NOTE* - These troubleshooting tips can be used for troubleshooting other membranes beyond Filmtec!
Troubleshooting: Symptoms of Trouble, Causes, and Corrective Measures
Changes of the permeate flow, the salt passage and the differential pressure are symptoms which can be attached to specific causes in many cases. Although, the symptoms of different causes may overlap in reality, and the symptoms are more or less pronounced in specific cases. An overview of symptoms, their possible causes, and corrective measures are given in the table below.
Permeate Flow
Salt Passage
Differential Pressure
Direct Cause
Indirect Cause
Corrective Measure
Oxidation Damage
Free Chlorine, Ozone, KMnO₄
Replace Element
Membrane Leak
Permeate Backpressure; Abrasion
Replace Element; Improve Cartridge Filtration
O-Ring Leak
Improper Installation
Replace O-Ring
Leaking Product Tube
Damaged During Element Loading
Replace Element
Scaling
Insufficient Scale Control
Cleaning, Scale Control
Colloidal Fouling
Insufficient Pretreatment
Cleaning, Improve Pretreatment
Biofouling
Contaminated Raw Water; Insufficient Pretreatment
Cleaning, Disinfection, Improve Pretreatment
Organic Fouling
Oil; Cationic Polyelectrolytes Water Hammer
Cleaning, Improve Pretreatment
Compaction
Water Hammer
Replace Element or Add Elements