2018 MEMSTAR Pressurized UF O&M Manual - Rev401
2018 MEMSTAR Pressurized UF O&M Manual - Rev401
2018 MEMSTAR Pressurized UF O&M Manual - Rev401
©2018 Memstar USA, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Copy by Permission Only. Copyright Strictly Enforced.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted, in any form,
or by any means, mechanical, electronic, photocopying, or otherwise, without the written permission
of Memstar USA, Inc./Memstar Pte. Ltd in whole or in part. No patent liability is assumed with respect to
the use of the information contained herein.
Memstar USA, Inc./Memstar Pte. Ltd strives constantly to improve its high-quality products, the
information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. For the latest revisions of our
documents please search on our website or directly contact the Memstar Sales and Technical teams.
We have taken every precaution in the preparation of this manual; nevertheless, Memstar USA,
Inc./Memstar Pte. Ltd assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, and we assume no liability for
damages resulting from the use of the information contained in this publication.
Table of Contents
1 Overview ................................................................................................................ 2
1.1 Term Abbreviations and Definitions ................................................................ 2
1.2 Key Operating Parameter Definitions ............................................................. 4
Filtrate flow rate ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Filtrate flux ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
Transmembrane Pressure .............................................................................................................................. 4
Normalized permeability ............................................................................................................................... 4
Filtration cycle duration ................................................................................................................................. 4
2 UF System Description........................................................................................... 6
3 UF System Commissioning ................................................................................... 9
3.1 Pre-startup Checklist ......................................................................................... 9
3.2 System Integrity Test ........................................................................................ 10
3.3 Installation of Membrane Modules ............................................................... 10
3.3.1 Drain Protective Solution ............................................................................. 10
3.3.2 Installing the Membrane Module on the Skid .......................................... 11
3.4 Startup Cleaning and Module Flush .............................................................. 14
3.5 Initial Flow/Permeability Test .......................................................................... 14
3.6 Integrity Test ...................................................................................................... 14
3.7 Control Sequence Test .................................................................................... 15
3.8 Adjust Operating Setpoints ............................................................................. 15
4 Normal Operations.............................................................................................. 17
4.1.1 Filtration .......................................................................................................... 17
Operating Pressures ..................................................................................................................................... 17
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4.3 Integrity Testing, Bubble Testing, and Repair ............................................... 24
4.3.1 Integrity Test principle .................................................................................. 24
4.3.2 System Integrity Test Procedure ................................................................. 24
4.3.3 Removal of Membrane Modules ............................................................... 25
4.3.4 Individual Module Integrity Test Procedure.............................................. 25
4.3.4.1 Bubble Test Procedure ............................................................................. 25
For 10” modules........................................................................................................................................... 25
For 6” Modules ............................................................................................................................................ 26
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Preface – About This Manual
To get the maximum benefit of your new Memstar UF modules, read this manual thoroughly and refer to it
often. Read this preface to familiarize yourself with the rest of the manual. In this preface you will read about
the following:
This manual applies to the Memstar 6” and 10” diameter pressurized ultrafiltration (UF) module product lines.
For submerged products, please refer to the Memstar Submerged Membrane Modules – Operation and
Maintenance Manual. All warranty claims are dependent upon strict adherence to this manual and shall
follow the warranty claim procedure described in the project specific warranty document.
Intended Audience
Use this manual if you are responsible for installing, setting up, or maintaining Memstar pressurized UF
module(s). There is no need for previous experience with our product.
Product application
The application of the modules covered in this manual are typical water and waste water treatment uses.
These uses include treatment of:
This manual is an installation, operation, and troubleshooting guide for use with Memstar pressurized
ultrafiltration module product line. This manual provides instructions for the following:
Throughout this manual, important statements are set off from the main text with an icon and an associated
signal word: “Danger”, “Warning”, “Caution”, or “Note.” The icon and signal word indicate the severity of the
condition or situation. Be sure to read these statements and take special care to follow the included
instructions.
Symbol Description
Please familiarize yourself with the appropriate Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals that will be discussed
throughout this manual and used with the module. These Include, but are not limited to:
i
1 Overview
10” Modules Memstar Module Models with 10” diameter pressure vessel,
A physical cleaning method for removing suspended solids fouling from the
Air Scouring
membrane surface
Bubble Point The pressure (at a given temperature) at which the first bubble of gas is formed
Unfiltered water that has passed through the module on the feed side of the module
Concentrate
2
UF Ultrafiltration
3
1.2 Key Operating Parameter Definitions
Filtrate flow rate
Filtrate flow rate is the rate of the water that passes through the membrane from the feed side to the filtrate
side. It is a function of the pressure, and the quality of the feed water. The filtrate flow rate should be set in
according to Memstar’s recommended membrane flux.
Filtrate flux
Filtrate flux is the volume of filtered water passing through a unit of membrane surface area in a specified
period of time. It is commonly expressed as lmh (Liters of filtered water/m2 of surface area/hr of filtration time),
gfd (gallons of filtered water/ft2 of surface area/day of filtration time), or m/d (m3 of filtered water/m2 of
surface area/day of filtration time). Appropriate flux selection is one of the most important design and
operating considerations. The filtrate flux should be set according to Memstar’s recommendation for your
specific application. The flux may be increased or decreased during operation to account for changes in feed
water quality, temperature or product water demand.
Transmembrane Pressure
Transmembrane Pressure (TMP) is the pressure difference between the feed and filtrate sides of the
membrane. It is commonly measured in units of bar, psi, or kPa. TMP is the driving force for filtration. Most
ultrafiltration systems operate at a constant flow rate during filtration. As filtration occurs, solids deposited on
the membrane surface will create resistance to filtration causing the TMP to increase. Proper design filtrate flux
is necessary to control the rate of TMP increase. Physical and chemical cleaning are required to remove
accumulated fouling and reduce TMP. The maximum allowable TMP is 0.15 MPa (22.1 psi).
Normalized permeability
Normalized permeability, or specific flux, is defined as filtrate flux per applied transmembrane pressure
(differential pressure) corrected to a specified temperature, typically 20 or 25 degrees Celsius. It is commonly
measured in units of lmh/bar or gfd/psi @20 deg C. Normalized permeability is one of the most important
parameters used to measure the performance of the membrane system. In a properly designed and operated
UF system, the normalized permeability will decrease slowly between cleanings and will return to previous
levels after cleaning such that it remains essentially constant over long-term operation.
The filtration cycle duration is dependent on the quality of the feed water. An appropriate design value should
be selected per Memstar’s recommendation. The actual time should be set by testing at site and adjusted
according to the changes of the feed water quality during the operation. Typical filtration cycle duration is 20-
60 minutes.
4
1.3 Handling and Care of Membrane Modules
CAUTION: To avoid damage to the membrane module, the module should not be subjected to
impact, drops and excessive vibration.
CAUTION: Take caution when opening the shipping container. Do not damage the membrane
with the tools used to open the box.
CAUTION: Two people are recommended to lift the module at all times
Before Installation
Before use, the module should be stored in an area between 5-40˚C (41-104˚F), with good ventilation, no
direct sunlight, and no corrosive substances. Allowing the module to freeze by reaching temperatures below
0˚C (32˚F), may cause serious damage to the membrane. The protective solution in the membrane is
approximately 1.5L of 30% Calcium Chloride (CaCl2) and water. This prevents damage to the membrane,
along with bacterial growth. Do not to not discharge the protective solution until you are ready to install the
module.
After Installation
If the membrane system will be shut down for less than one week, fill the modules with a sodium hypochlorite
solution (50 mg/L).
If the membrane system will be shut down for a prolonged period, flush the sodium hypochlorite solution,
then fill the modules with a sodium bisulfite solution (1.5%) and water. Ensure the modules are completely full of
solution. With air present, sodium bisulfite can form sulfurous acid, which is not compatible with Acrylonitrile
Butadiene Styrene (ABS).
After initial operation if you store the membrane in another solution, such as a mixture of water and sodium
hypochlorite do not allow the membrane to get below 0˚C (32˚F). Again, the module should be stored in an
area between 5-40˚C (41-104˚F), with good ventilation, no direct sunlight, and no corrosive substances.
5
2 UF System Description
Although Memstar does not typically supply the UF system, it is critical to have properly designed system,
capable of following Memstar’s recommended operating process. Please refer to Memstar’s Pressurized UF
Technical Manual for system design recommendations. To facilitate operation explanation, the following
typical P&IDs are provided.
6
Figure 1: Typical P&ID – ED-Series Modules
7
Figure 2: Typical P&ID - E-Series Modules
8
3 UF System Commissioning
UF system commissioning should not occur until the plant is ready to start normal operations. If not, it is better to
leave the UF modules in their shipping containers, stored according to Section 1.3. Once the plant is ready to
start normal operations, proceed in the following order:
6. Integrity Test
o Flush system piping repeatedly to ensure the pipes are free of debris.
o Check and adjust pump and blower ramp-up and ramp-down times, as needed.
✓ Pretreatment processes and associated equipment, especially coarse and fine screening, is installed
and working properly.
9
3.2 System Integrity Test
Before installing modules on the skid(s), a system integrity test should be carried out. This is to ensure that
there is no leakage of water or air from the system. After installing the modules, it is more difficult to determine
if a decrease in test pressure is due to a system or module integrity issue.
2. Once full of water, close valves for the section of the system to be tested.
4. Once air pressure is stabilized, turn off the air supply. Note the pressure.
7. Repeat until all leaks are fixed and there is effectively no decline in pressure.
CAUTION: The protective solution, 30% Calcium Chloride (CaCl2), can corrode metals. Should
the metal pipes or skids come into contact with the protective solution, water should be used to
clean the affected area immediately to prevent corrosion. Protective solution should be
discharged according to your local requirements.
CAUTION: After removing the protective solution, module installation should be completed as
soon as possible to prevent the membrane fibers from drying out. Once the membrane fibers
become dry, the filtration performance of the module may deteriorate or even be totally lost.
CAUTION: Use two people when handling 6” modules. Use a fork lift, or other lifting device,
when handling 10” modules.
Prior to installing the membrane module, the protective solution must be removed. To remove the protective
solution, follow the below steps:
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3.3.2 Installing the Membrane Module on the Skid
CAUTION: Before connection, clean the skid piping thoroughly by flushing with water. Ensure
that there are no foreign particles, such as metal or plastic scraps from construction, or sand,
inside the piping.
CAUTION: Use two people when handling 6” modules. Use a fork lift, or other lifting device,
when handling 10” modules.
NOTE: Pay attention to the marks on the ports of the module. The concentrate port must be
connected to the upper end of the skid, and the other end labelled with “feed port” must be
connected to the lower end of the skid. Do not connect the module upside down, this will
cause damage to the module.
CAUTION: Minimize time between draining the protective solution and installing on skid. Once
the membrane fibers become dry, the filtration performance of the module may deteriorate or
even be totally lost.
Module installation should be conducted immediately after draining the protective solution.
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Table 1: 6" Module Connection Information
UF-0615E/UF-0615ET UF-0615ED/UF-0615EDT
UF-0620E/UF-0620ET UF-0620ED/UF-0620EDT
A Not Used Feed/Discharge Port –
DN32 / 1 ¼” Female Socket
B Concentrate Port – Concentrate Port –
DN32 / 1 ¼” Female Socket DN32 / 1 ¼” Female Socket
C1 Permeate Port – Permeate Port –
DN32 / 1 ¼” Female Socket DN32 / 1 ¼” Female Socket
C2 Feed/Air Inlet/ Discharge Port – Permeate Port –
DN32 / 1 ¼” Female Socket DN32 / 1 ¼” Female Socket
D N/A Air Inlet Port –
Φ12/9.5 Press Fitting
UF-1010E/ UF-1010ET
UF-1015E/ UF-1015ET
UF-1020E/ UF-1020ET
A Influent / Discharge Port –
DN50 / 2” Grooved End (Victaulic Style)
B Permeate Port –
DN50 / 2” Grooved End (Victaulic Style)
C Concentrate Port –
DN50 / 2” Grooved End (Victaulic Style)
D Air Inlet Port –
Φ25/19 Female Thread
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Key:
Seal
NOTE: This diagram is an example and does not apply to all module types.
13
3.4 Startup Cleaning and Module Flush
Any remaining protective solution must be flushed before the system is started. If the system is shut down for a
prolonged period, please refer to the module storage information in Section 1.3.
NOTE: Control the valve opening and closing speed, such that the pressure increases no faster
than 0.25 bar/second (~4 psi/second).
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3.7 Control Sequence Test
Prior to starting normal operations, all automatic sequences (Filtration, Air Scour, Maintenance Clean,
Recovery Clean, Integrity Test) need to be tested in auto mode to ensure that the pumps, blowers, and valves
are operating at the correct time. Use the sequence tables in Section 4 to confirm the control sequence is
correct.
Prior to switching to automatic operation, setpoints for key operating parameters should be made and
verified. Memstar suggests that the operating parameters in the following table are adjustable.
Item Description
1 Feed flow rate
2 Filtrate flow rate
3 Concentrate flow rate
4 Air scouring flow rate
5 Filtrate cycle time
6 Drain time
7 Fill time
8 MC interval
9 MC chemical dosing time
10 MC chemical soaking time
11 MC and RC drain time
12 RC interval
13 RC chemical dosing time
14 RC chemical soaking 1 time
15 RC chemical air scour time
16 RC chemical "top-off" time
17 RC chemical soaking 2 time
The initial set point for these parameters should be according to the system design recommendations
provided by Memstar. Adjustments will likely be made over time depending on the actual feed water quality
and the observed system performance.
Many parameters can only be optimized on site. Use the following procedures to adjust these parameters to
site specific conditions:
1) Concentrate flow rate adjustment – Open the auto concentrate valve and open the manual regulating
valve slowly until the flow rate recommended by Memstar is obtained. Most systems are operated in
dead-end mode, meaning the concentrate flow rate is zero.
2) Air scour flow rate adjustment – Open the auto air scouring valve. Turn on the blower. If using a positive
displacement blower, adjust the blower speed slowly until the flow rate reaches the designed value. If
15
using another type of blower, slowly adjust the manual regulating valve until the flow rate reaches the
designed value
a. Air flow rate per 10” module is 15 m³/h (9 cfm).
b. Air flow rate per 6” module is 5 m³/h (3 cfm).
3) Fill time adjustment - The fill time should be set on site by observing how long it takes for the skid to fill. This is
critical to minimize water wastage and maximize recovery.
4) Drain time adjustment – The drain time should be set on site by observing how long it takes for the skid to
be completely empty. This is critical to ensure foulants have been removed from the skids before refilling.
5) Chemical dosing rate –
a. Turn on the chemical cleaning pump. Measure the water flow rate. Turn off the chemical
cleaning pump.
b. Calculate the required chemical dosing rate to achieve the desired chemical concentration.
c. Set the chemical dosing pump accordingly.
d. Turn on the chemical cleaning pump and the chemical dosing pump.
e. Take a sample of the chemical cleaning solution at the modules. Measure the concentration
(for chlorine cleans) or pH (for caustic and acidic cleans).
f. Adjust the chemical dosing rate up or down to achieve the desired target.
g. Repeat d. through f. until the target is met.
6) RC chemical "top-off" time adjustment – During RC air scour, a portion of the water in the skid is displaced
by air. Prior to RC soak, the skid should be topped off with chemical solution so that the entire length of
membrane fibers will be exposed to chemical. The top-off time should be set by observing the amount of
time it takes for chemical solution to start flowing out of the concentrate valve.
When all the parameters are set under manual mode, the system should be switched to auto mode.
16
4 Normal Operations
After completing the commissioning process above, normal operations should commence immediately. If
there is a break between commissioning and normal operations, follow the instructions in Section 1.3.
Memstar suggests the control system to be capable of being operated in Manual or Auto mode. In each
mode, there are six working conditions. The working conditions are as follows:
• Standby - All the equipment and valves are closed. When power is on, the system will be in stand by
condition.
• Filtration – The system is filtering water.
• Air scour – The filtration process is stopped, and the air scour process is started.
• Maintenance cleaning - The filtration process is stopped, and the maintenance cleaning process is
started.
• Recovery cleaning - The filtration process is stopped, and the recovery cleaning process is started.
• Integrity testing - The filtration process is stopped, and the integrity testing process is started.
When the power is off, the system will be shutdown. All the equipment and valves will be in the stop or closed
state.
4.1.1 Filtration
Most systems using Memstar modules are designed to operate in dead end mode. In dead end mode, all feed
water is converted to filtrate water. During dead end filtration, the feed water valve (AV-01), the filtrate valve
(AV-05), and the feed pump (P-1) are all on. In certain situations, where the solids concentration in the feed
water is high, a small concentrate bleed (5-10% of the feed flow rate) will be utilized to control the solids
accumulations rate in the modules. During filtration, suspended solids are deposited on the membrane
surface. The filtration cycle duration is usually based on a set time interval but may also be set by a meeting a
certain processing volume.
Operating Pressures
1) Feed water pressure: The maximum pressure for the membrane module is 0.3 MPa (43.5 psi).
2) TMP: The maximum TMP is 0.15 MPa (22 psi).
17
4.1.2 Air Scouring
To remove the suspended solids accumulated during filtration, the system should automatically go into the air
scouring process after completion of the set filtration cycle time. During air scour, air is pumped by the blower
(B-1) to the bottom of the membrane modules while the air scour valve (AV-03) and top drain valve (AV-06)
are open. Hollow fibers swing and vibrate in rising air bubbles and the contaminants are stripped away from
membrane surfaces, as a result of the frictional impact from the fiber movements and shearing from localized
eddies formed around rising bubbles. Air scour pressure is equal to the water head above the bottom of the
membrane modules plus some minor losses in the module and piping losses.
NOTE: Make sure the module(s) are full of water throughout the air scour step to gain maximum
cleaning effect.
After reaching the preset air scour time, the skid should be drained by closing the concentrate valve and
opening the drain valve (AV-07). The air scour valve (AV-03) should remain open while the skid is drained. This
will keep solids in suspension and expedite the drain pressure slightly.
NOTE: Make sure the module(s) are completely drained. Failure to do so will result in
accelerated fouling of the membrane modules.
NOTE: The air scouring pressure should be less than 0.05 MPa (7.3 psi)
Once the skid is empty, turn off the air scour valve (AV-03) and the drain valve (AV-07). Open the feed valve
(AV-01) and top drain valve (AV-06). Slowly start the feed pump (AV-01). Once the skid is full of water, and all
air has been evacuated, open the filtrate valve (AV-05) and close the top drain valve (AV-06).
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Table 4: Control Sequence table – Air Scour
Valve Position Pump Status
Typical Top MC/ Chemical
Drain Filtrate Air for MC/RC Feed Air
Step Feed Filtrate Drain Air Scour Chemical RC Dosing
Step Step Description (AV- to Drain MIT Feed Pump Blower
Duration (AV-01) (AV-05) (AV- (AV-03) Injection Pump Pump (DP-
07) (AV-08) (AV-04) (AV-02) (P-1) (B-1)
(s) 06) (P-2) 1/2/3)
1 Stop Filtration 0 O O X X X X X X X R S S S
Step Transition - Feed
pump speed 10 O O X X X X X X X R→S S S S
adjustment
Step Transition - Valve
positioning and
5 O→X O→X X→O X X→O X X X X S S S→R S
blower speed
adjustment
2 Air Scour 60 X X O X O X X X X S S R S
Step Transition - Valve
5 X X O→X X→O O X X X X S S R S
positioning
3 Air Scour and Drain 60 X X X O O X X X X S S R S
Step Transition -
Blower speed
5 X X X O O X X X X S S R→S S
adjustment and valve
positioning
Step Transition - Feed
pump speed 10 O X O X X X X X X S→R S S S
adjustment
4 Skid Fill 30 O X O X X X X X X R S S S
Step Transition - Valve
5 O X→O O→X X X X X X X R S S S
positioning
5 Resume Filtration 0 O O X X X X X X X R S S S
Total Sequence
190 Notes: O=open valve R=Run pump
duration (s)
Total Sequence
3.2 X=Closed Valve S=Stop Pump
duration (min)
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4.2 Chemical Cleaning
DANGER: If sodium hypochlorite and acid are mixed, poisonous chlorine gas will be formed.
The skids should be thoroughly rinsed between chemical cleanings so that the chemicals do
not mix.
Air scouring will remove most fouling from the membranes, but not all. Over time, fouling will accumulate.
Chemical cleanings are used to remove fouling that is not removed by air scouring. Chemicals should be
selected based on the type of foulants present. The chemicals used should not damage the membrane
module or create secondary pollution. Memstar utilizes two types of chemical cleaning:
1) Maintenance Clean (MC)- The maintenance clean is a shorter clean designed to maintain the membrane
permeability. In general, a chemical solution is pumped into a drained skid from the feed or filtrate side of
the membranes, usually the filtrate side. After a set soaking time is reached, low pressure air is used to
scour the membrane. After air scouring, the skid is drained and rinsed, before resuming filtration. After
maintenance cleaning, the TMP should be at least partially recovered.
2) Recovery Clean (RC) - The recovery clean is similar to the maintenance clean but uses a higher
concentration of the chemical and longer soak times. The recovery clean is designed to recover the
membrane permeability to the original value. The steps of the RC are very similar to the MC, but with an
extra soaking step. A recovery clean may be triggered by time (every 30-90 days), or when MC fails to
restore membrane permeability and the TMP continues to rise a certain amount about the initial value. For
example, more than 50KPa (7.3 psi) of the initial value.
20
4.2.2 Method to Verify the Effectiveness of the Cleaning
Please record the following parameters before and after the cleaning:
The recovery clean procedure should be programmed into the control system. It should be manually initiated
whenever an established number of days have passed (commonly, 30 days), or the TMP reaches 1.5 bar (22
psi). The procedure should be repeated for each chemical. Ensure rinsing is complete before introducing a
new chemical. Typically, sodium hypochlorite is first, followed by sodium hydroxide. Finally, citric, hydrochloric,
or sulfuric acid is used.
21
Table 5: Control Sequence Table - Maintenance Clean
22
Table 6: Control Sequence Table - Recovery Clean
23
4.3 Integrity Testing, Bubble Testing, and Repair
Integrity testing is used to confirm that the system and modules are intact. If membrane fibers are damaged or
broken, or module or skid seals are not made correctly, feed water may pass to the filtrate side of the
membrane and filtrate quality may be affected. This may be indicated by an increase in turbidity. Therefore,
it may be necessary to conduct a n integrity test and repair any damaged membrane fibers or leaking
points.
Caution: The testing should be completed in less than 5 minutes. Immediately after testing, the
modules must be filled with water.
The following procedure is used to confirm system integrity and identify any integrity breach in need of repair.
1) Fill up the skid with water to make the membrane modules completely wet.
2) Open the integrity test (IT) valve (AV-04) and the filtrate valve (AV-05). Compressed air applied through
the integrity test valve will drive the water from the feed side of the membrane to the filtrate side. As water
evacuates and air fills the feed side, the pressure will slowly increase until the it reaches a regulated set
point, which should be less than 100KPa (14.5 psi).
3) Allow the pressure to stabilize at the set point, typically ~2 minutes. This will occur once all the water on the
feed side of the membrane has been evacuated.
4) After the pressure has stabilized, close the IT valve. Note the pressure.
5) Hold the pressure for 5 minutes.
6) Typically, if the pressure drop is less than 5KPa (0.7 psi) in 5 minutes, the system integrity is intact. If the
pressure drops rapidly, it indicates that there is a leak in the system.
7) Check the transparent pipe section at the top of each module for leaks. If vigorous bubbles are observed
in the transparent pipe of a module, it should be removed for further testing and repair.
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4.3.3 Removal of Membrane Modules
CAUTION: Use two people when handling 6” modules. Use a fork lift, or other lifting device,
when handling 10” modules.
CAUTION: Once the membrane fibers become dry, the filtration performance of the module
may deteriorate or even be totally lost. When removing the membrane prevent it from become
dry due to air drying.
When necessary, remove the membrane module according to the following instructions:
1) Prior to removal, use the chemical cleaning pump to rinse all the modules on the same skid with about 2
skid volumes of clean water.
2) Stop the operation of the skid.
3) Open the drain valve for the skid and discharge the water from the membrane module through the
feed/discharge port.
4) Disconnect the module at the filtrate port(s), followed by the feed/drain port. Leave the top concentrate
port connected.
5) For 6” modules: Use two people. One person should hold the membrane module steady, while the other
makes disconnection by unscrewing the union nuts.
6) For 10” modules: Use two people. Connect the module to the lifting device. Disconnect by undoing the
grooved end style couplings.
7) Use one person to hold the module steady, while the other makes the final disconnection.
8) Lift the module from the skid and place horizontally on the ground, with the side ports facing up.
9) Cap all the ports of the module immediately using the sealing caps.
CAUTION: Properly support the module with straps to prevent the module from falling over.
25
iv. Tighten wing nuts on eye bolts until the fixing bar cannot move.
NOTE: Do not apply excess force. Excess force may damage the module. The
fixing bar is only intended to prevent movement of the air supply adaptor.
For 6” Modules
1) Fix module on testing stand vertically (the feed water port down)
2) Dismantle the clamp and end cap of the two ends
3 ) Seal the concentrate port and feed water port with sealing cap
4) Connect compressed air to the air inlet
5) Apply a small amount of pressure on the membrane 50-100kPa (7.2-14.5 psi), never more than 15 psi
6) Spray clean water on the end surface of the potting
7) If bubbling (like a fizz) is observed on the surface in a specific location, one or more membrane fiber(s) are
damaged and need to be isolated from operation. Proceed to Section 0.
8) If bubbling (like a fizz) is not observed, proceed to Section 4.3.4.3.
26
4.3.4.2 Fiber Pinning Procedure
1) Once the source of the bubbling has been identified, turn off the pressurized air.
2) Insert a Memstar repair pin into the opening of the damaged fiber and press it in until 2/3 of the pin is inside
the module.
3) Cut the pin.
a. Do not pull the pin out while cutting
4) Press any extruding portion of the pin into the fiber.
5) Follow the bubble test procedure above to make sure the broken fiber is completely sealed.
After the completion of repairing the top filtrate side, the membrane module is turned upside down and is
repaired as per above procedure.
Plastic Needle
27
5 Data Recording
It is very important to record the operating data of the system accurately and completely. At minimum, the
following variables should be recorded automatically and stored in an exportable format on the SCADA system
or other data logging equipment.
3
✓ Feed water flow rate (m /h) (gpm)
3
✓ Filtrate flow rate (m /h) (gpm)
28
6 UF system troubleshooting
6.1 General Membrane Module Troubleshooting
The following are critical to maintain stable operation and produce high quality water over the long term:
Feed water quality should be monitored closely. Changes in feed water quality may require adjustment of
operational settings. Careful attention to how the membrane performance is affected by changing feed water
quality is required to make necessary system adjustments.
1 – 10 (NIPS)
pH 1—14 allowed during cleaning (TIPS)
1-14 (TIPS)
≤0.5 mm,
Particle Size ≤0.12 mm for seawater feeds, To prevent mechanical damage
no sharp particles allowed
*This is not an extensive list and does not constitute the only conditions for a valid warranty claim. Refer to
your project specific warranty document for all conditions that apply to your warranty.
29
6.2 Common UF System Troubleshooting Basics
For any information that was not covered in this manual, please reach out to your Memstar Sales
representative.
30