How Mining RO Plant Eliminates Organic Fouling and Biofouling? Among the many challenges facing the mining industry is eliminating organic fouling and biofouling. These can occur through a number of processes. Most commonly, the fouling material is a mixture of natural organic matter. Other causes include chemical corrosive compounds and particulate matter from the atmosphere.
Typical foulants include oils, proteins, and macromolecules. Other non-scale forming substances include chemicals from process contamination, makeup water contaminants, and particulate matter from the atmosphere.
The chemistry of the feedwater solution may also influence the fouling process. For example, phosphorous can be a limiting nutrient in water treatment systems. In addition, a high ionic strength can lead to severe organic fouling.
A pre-treatment process can be employed to reduce fouling. Typical pre-treatment methods include adjusting pH and removing certain contaminants. Also, aeration can improve mass transfer over membrane surfaces.
Biofouling is a serious problem for RO and NF membranes. It is also a major contributor to downtime and reduced membrane life. In addition to biofilms, bacteria can also interfere with corrosion.
In the case of RO membranes, biofouling can lead to increased membrane cleaning frequency and decrease membrane useful life. In addition, fouling can cause scaling problems. To avoid this, the feed solution can be acidified to decrease the scaling tendency.
The optimum pre-treatment process should consider both the pH and ionic strength of the feedwater solution. Other factors that can affect membrane fouling include hydrodynamic conditions and the ionic composition of the feedwater solution. REVERSE OSMOSIS PLANT FOR MINING INDUSTRY
Generally, the optimum pre-treatment process should reduce fouling while maintaining a constant feed pressure and water flux. However, this is often not possible.
The best way to eliminate organic fouling and biofouling is by using advanced technologies to minimize the effects of biofilms. These technologies can include increased crossflow, increased membrane pressure, and higher operating temperature. In addition, it can also be achieved by improving module and system design.
