Loss of membrane performance can be attributed to several potential reasons such as biological fouling, iron and silt fouling, scaling, organic fouling and chemical or physical membrane degradation. When other tools and techniques fail to satisfactorily identify the problem or when confirmation of a particular root cause is needed, a membrane element autopsy can give an insight into the causes of the loss of membrane performance.
The destructive standard procedures include tests ranging from visual inspections, microbiological examinations, scanning electron microscopy to oxidation testing, deposit weight density, and FTIR analysis.
DEMIH Membrane Element Autopsy Labs are equipped to carry out a number of tests that can help identify the root causes of the loss of performance of particular membrane elements. Interpreting autopsy results in the light of a good understanding of the membrane plant system operating conditions can lead to corrective actions ensuring the restoration of the performance and life of the asset.