Biofouling of Reverse Osmosis Membranes in a Petrochemical Complex: Possibility of Anti-Microbial Coating Based on Initial Experimental Results: A Case Study
Subject Areas : Biotechnological Journal of Environmental Microbiology
1 - Poya sanat Arya Company, Tehran, Iran
Keywords: Biofilm, Biofouling, Biodeterioration, Reverse osmosis (RO)-Antimicrobial coating, Temenos,
Abstract :
AbstractIn this root cause analysis, biofouling of membranes in the reverse osmosis (RO) unit of a Petrochemical Complex is studied. The overall cause of getting biofouling was found to be inappropriate water treatment of Pre-RO systems. More specifically, the undertreatment of water by sand filters, pressurized filters, and cartridges caused increased microbial contamination on RO membranes, leading to biofouling. Biodegradation of polymers is a mechanism by which the act of microorganisms will cause loss of mechanical integrity in such materials. It is important to understand the mechanism and look for ways by which such a mechanism can be controlled. The following were advised to control biofouling in the RO system of this Petrochemical complex 1. Chemical washing of sand filters as pressurized filters as well as RO membranes, 2. Application of UV or removal of chemical chlorination and installation of non-oxidizing biocides after chlorination,3. Replacement of Phosphorus-containing anticalins instead of non-phosphorus sealants,4. Application of superhydrophobic anti-microbial coatings on membranes
