We clean membranes every day
If you come down to San Diego and visit our production area, you would see one section set apart with a testing/cleaning membrane skid. This is where we take elements sent to us by many of our clients that want their elements professionally cleaned. We only charge when the elements meet their specifications. And we have been cleaning hundreds of membranes every year for decades. You know our membrane cleaners have to be the best to meet that challenge.
What type of membrane cleaners do you need?
In almost all cases a good membrane cleaning requires using low and high pH cleaners. The low pH cleaner (Diamite LpH, KL 1000) removes mineral scale, and metal oxides such as iron. The high pH cleaners (Diamite AFT, KL 2000) remove organic material, biological debris and anything else that is a not dissolved by acid cleaners.
In addition to low and high pH cleaners some system also are fouled with silica. To remove silica requires a membrane cleaner that can dissolve silica (High Flux A, KL 1050).
Finally, there are other foulants that require specialized cleaners. These foulant include barium sulfate (KL 2020), calcium sulfate/alum (KL 2030), and sulfur (KL 2040). These foulants are very serious and may necessitate shutting down the membrane system and immediate cleaning.
Should you use powder or liquid cleaners?
Convenience and cost determine whether to use liquid membrane cleaners or powder membrane cleaners since we have both for each type of cleaning requirement.
Liquid cleaners are the most convenient. You can pour and measure the right amount into the cleaning tank, add the right amount of good quality water, give the mixture a little stir and be good to go. If you are just learning how to clean membranes, liquid cleaners can simplify the process.
Powder cleaners are the most cost effective due lower weight and hence lower shipping charges. However, to mix you have to weigh out the powder and add it in a measured fashion to the good quality water, then mix thoroughly to make sure everything goes into solution. Powders are recommended for overseas shipments and experienced membrane system personnel.