DOW FILMTEC Fiberglassed Elements for Light Industrial Systems.

Important Information

Proper start-up of reverse osmosis water treatment systems is essential to prepare the membranes for operating service and to prevent membrane damage due to overfeeding or hydraulic shock. Following the proper start-up sequence also helps ensure that system operating parameters conform to design specifications so that system water quality and productivity goals can be achieved.
Before initiating system start-up procedures, membrane pretreatment, loading of the membrane elements, instrument calibration and other system checks should be completed.
Please refer to the application information literature entitled “Start-Up Sequence” (Form No. 609-02077) for more information.

Operation Guidelines

Avoid any abrupt pressure or cross-flow variations on the spiral elements during start-up, shutdown, cleaning or other sequences to prevent possible membrane damage. During start-up, a gradual change from a standstill to operating state is recommended as follows:

• Feed pressure should be increased gradually over a 30-60 second time frame.
• Cross-flow velocity at set operating point should be achieved gradually over 15-20 seconds.
• Permeate obtained from first hour of operation should be discarded.

General Information

• Keep elements moist at all times after initial wetting.
• If operating limits and guidelines given in this bulletin are not strictly followed, the limited warranty will be null and void.
• To prevent biological growth during prolonged system shutdowns, it is recommended that membrane elements be immersed in a preservative solution.
• The customer is fully responsible for the effects of incompatible chemicals and lubricants on elements.
• Maximum pressure drop across an entire pressure vessel (housing) is 50 psi (3.4 bar).
• Avoid static permeate-side backpressure at all times.