Extend the useable life of membranes for years at a fraction of the costs of purchasing new membranes.  

WHAT IS RO MEMBRANE RESTORATION?

Reverse osmosis (RO) membranes reject impurities but allow water to penetrate. Over time, particulate matter concentrates on the surface of the membranes reducing their efficiency. The under-performance of these “exhausted” membranes results in higher operating pressures, reduced output, poorer quality, and increased operating expenses.

Continually replacing your commercial reverse osmosis membranes can become a costly endeavor since exhaustion can occur in as little as 3 to 12 months (depending on the application). Since the the cost of membrane restoration is a fraction of the costs associated with new membranes, many operators have come to recognize the economic advantage of periodic cleaning over replacement.

ResinTech’s Resource Recovery division specializes in restoring RO membranes used in industrial and commercial applications.

 

Advantages of cleaning

  • Increase effectiveness
  • Reduce costs
  • Environmentally friendly 

 

KNOWING WHEN TO CLEAN

The cleaning process itself can weaken RO membranes if performed too frequently. But waiting too long to clean membranes gives organics, clay, and biofilm more time to accumulate. Ultimately, the contaminants compress into the surface of the membrane forming an impermeable layer that becomes increasingly difficult to remove. Extra cleaning cycles require more time and chemicals.

Typical indicators that your membranes are ready for restoration:

  • Flux rate decreases by 10%-15%
  • Trans-membrane pressure (TMP) increases by 10%-15%
  • Permeate water quality decreases by 10%-15% 

Specially engineered cleaning stations combine the right combination of flows, temperatures, and pressures with a broad spectrum of solutions. 

Restoration

REMOVING ORGANICS

ResinTech has established strict parameters for the aqueous environment necessary to clean membranes effectively without harming them.

The solution should be prepared using the correct chemical concentration with permeate water of 95°F – 105°F (35°C – 40°C) that circulates to warm the membranes. The pH and temperature are adjusted to comply with the guidelines for each membrane manufacturer. Micro bubbles are introduced to create turbulence and encourage foulants to dislodge. The cleaning solution is recirculated for 30 minutes and membranes are soaked for another 30 minutes to determine the extent of organic fouling. During soaking, normal osmosis causes permeate flow back through the membrane loosening deposits. Discolored solution is replaced with new solution and the process is repeated until the solution remains clean.

INORGANIC CLEANING

Inorganic deposits such as calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, and silica are more stubborn and require addition solutions to remove. Calcium carbonate and iron are cleaned with a mild acid cleaner containing micro bubbles. Chelating agents are used to remove inorganic founts like calcium sulfate and silica that cannot be removed by acid solution.

RINSING

Once contaminants have been removed from the membranes, the must be rinsed until no cleaning solutions are detected. Flushing the with permeate removes remaining contaminants and left over chemical solution. Membranes are flushed until a normal pH is achieved (typically 30-60 minutes). Once complete, the membranes are wrapped in plastic sleeves, boxes, and shipped back to return to service. 

REPORTING 

ACM’s RO Membrane Health Analysis records the critical performance metrics for each membrane both before and after the cleaning process detailing how effective the cleaning was in restoring flow and salt rejection. We will evaluate your membranes and offer clean/replace recommendations for any size or manufacturer.

Cleaned membranes are returned to you packaged in new boxes and bags. ResinTech can also provide “loaner” membranes for use while we clean your units. 

Pricing & Resources

SUPPORTED SIZES

4” and 8” diameter RO membranes are accepted. 

 

PRICING*

4” Membrane

8” Membrane

$95-$110

$135-$150

* Price may vary depending on volume. Shipping not included. Contact us for volume pricing.

Getting started

Ready to get going?
1. Discard any membranes you feel are not salvageable.

2. Complete this form & print the order confirmation.

Click here to fill out the form online

3. Send fouled membranes to:

ResinTech’s Regeneration Division
Membrane Restoration
160 Cooper Road
West Berlin, NJ 08091

*Include the order confirmation & signed PO to “ACM Technologies”.

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