What will happen if pretreatment is not done in RO Plants?
Prior to constructing your reverse osmosis plant, choosing the appropriate pretreatment is a crucial stage in the design process. The RO unit and other equipment could be easily harmed without a pretreatment setup. The same is true when a pretreatment setup exists, but is improperly constructed.
Therefore, let’s understand what will happen if pretreatment is not done in RO Plants!
Although, the RO unit may be the highlight of any water treatment facility, pretreatment is as important. The following could occur in its absence.
· Fouling
Many of the pollutants in the feedwater used by the majority of RO systems are tiny. While invisible, these pollutants can obstruct the RO membrane when gathered in sufficient quantities. Fouling is the term for this accumulating material on the membrane surface.
As a result, the pressure decreases and the permeate flow decreases. It not only increases operating costs, but also reduces the membrane's lifespan. Once the fouling occurs, it is almost impossible to resolve it. As a result, new RO membranes are required.
Pretreatment equipment’s must therefore be installed as a proactive measure. In this manner, the fouling elements are taken out of the water before it enters the RO unit.
· Scaling
Reverse osmosis equipment suffers greatly from scaling issues. The efficiency of the RO unit is reduced when scaling substances, like calcium carbonate and calcium sulfate accumulate on the surface of the RO membranes.
Whenever water collects, scaling is visible to all of us. Inorganic matter begins to precipitate on the RO membrane, as the concentration of inorganic matter in the water rises. It lowers salt rejection, lowers pressure, and lowers permeate fluxes. The RO operation suffers as a result, and the water's quality declines.
Scaling can be prevented by taking a proactive stance, just like fouling. An antiscalant dosing system is present in the majority of RO systems. It's crucial to choose the antiscalant appropriately, based on the raw water analysis and to dose the chemical at a reasonable pace.
· Chemical Damage
Although, there have already been many advancements made in the production of RO membranes, the majority of them are still not chemically resistant. Oxidants can harm the membranes or the O-rings, causing concentrate stream leaks into the permeate line.
Pretreatment procedures like activated carbon filtration or sodium bisulfite dosage, are implemented before the RO unit to avoid this from occurring.
· Insufficient Product Flow Rate
Depending on the source of the raw water, the pollution may become too severe for the RO unit to handle on its own. Drinking water or potable water may not be available in municipal water treatment facilities, if production is low.
· Commercial Losses
The lack of pretreatment or a pretreatment that is inadequately planned, could have negative effects on commercial and industrial water treatment plants. Lower production is the result of an unexpectedly low product flow rate.
For instance, insufficient water output in commercial facilities, such as those in restaurants, may make it difficult to produce beverages and even to keep the equipment clean. This can prevent process water from being available for use, in the primary production lines in industrial settings. Both times, as production rates decline, there is eventually a loss of profit.
These are the four main reasons for a lack of pretreatment in a RO plant, along with their impacts.
Other general consequences include:
1. A shorter lifespan for the membrane
2. Increased costs of operation
3. Bad water quality
How can we assist?
Look for reverse osmosis (RO) systems from renowned manufacturers, like Netsol Water Solutions. We have found successful and efficient methods for the pretreatment in RO Plants.
We are one of the most affordable businesses dedicated to protecting water resources. To discuss your needs, contact us at 9650608473, or send an email to enquiry@netsolwater.com with your inquiry.