RO
(Reverse Osmosis) system is the most widely used potable water treatment process
for removal of impurities such as salts, minerals, and other contaminants. RO
membranes are designed with a dense, thin, and semi-permeable layer that allows
water molecules to pass through while rejecting dissolved solids and other
contaminants. The RO membrane is the heart of the RO plant and plays a critical
role in determining the quality and quantity of water produced. The RO membrane
operates under high pressure and requires continuous cleaning and maintenance
to prevent fouling and scaling. But the major issue that surfaces up in such
systems is formation of scales due to the build-up of dissolved minerals and
salts on the surface of the RO membrane.
What
causes formation of scales in RO membranes?
The
level of hardness salts present in the feed water is the foremost reason. When
such feed water passes through the RO membrane, concentration of these salts
gets precipitated over the surface of the membrane. Overtime deposition of such
salts forms scales. This scale formation reduces the effectiveness of the
membrane, which ultimately decreases the flow rate of water. In smaller
systems, scale formation can be prevented by exchange softening process but in
larger systems, it becomes expensive.
RO Antiscalant – Cost Effective Solution
A
chemical solution that is fed to the feed water before it enters the RO
membrane. What it does is, inhibits the formation and growth of mineral
deposits on the surface of the membrane, which are responsible for decrease in
water flow and an increase in pressure drop. This antiscalant works as a
pre-treatment additive in RO plants. They prevent the RO membranes from scaling
and subsequent corrosion, keeping the capacity close to design. It becomes essential
to maintain the long-term performance and reliability of the RO membrane.
How
it works?
Use
of RO Antiscalant increases the solubility of the salts, that includes calcium
carbonate, calcium sulphate, barium sulphate, strontium sulphate, calcium
fluoride, silica and iron, ensuring that the salt remain in the solution rather
than forming scales on the membrane surface.
How
does it help RO membrane plants?
o
Prevents
scaling and fouling, which prolongs operational life of RO membrane
o
Improves
potable water quality
o
Reduces
membrane cleaning and maintenance frequency, lowering the operating costs and
reducing downtime
o
Increases
efficiency and productivity of the RO plant
Chemtex
manufactures its antiscalants for Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems, depending upon
the type of membrane, quality of feed water and rate of product recovery.
o
High pH RO
antiscalants to inhibit
scales and disperse colloidal particles in cellulose acetate and thin-film
membrane separation systems, stable over a wide range of supersaturated salt
solution.
o
Neutral RO
antiscalants reduces
membrane fouling within separation systems, effectively controlling inorganic
salts, metal hydroxides, and colloids in RO feed water.
o
Low pH RO
antiscalants eliminate
inorganic scales in multiple applications areas. It stabilizes metal ions to
prevent metal oxides precipitation and disperses silt and clay particles.
These manufactured formulations are all licensed
under FSSAI (Category 99 - Substances added to food). For more information, visit https://www.chemtexltd.com/products-and-solutions/water-treatment-chemicals/ro-chemicals/ro-antiscalant-chemical/.