Technical Service Bulletin: Membrane Start-Up, Shutdown, and Preservative Flushing Guidelines

Technical Service Bulletin October 2013 TSB118.
14
Membrane Start-up, Shutdown, and Preservative Flushing Guidelines

This Technical Service Bulletin provides information related to starting up and shutting
down an RO/NF system with Hydranautics membranes, and for flushing composite
elements prior to use.
Preservative Flushing Introduction

To preserve elements from biological growth and to help maintain performance over time,
Hydranautics Composite Polyamide type membranes are stored in dionized water, a
0.99% sodium bisulfite solution, or a combination of 0.99% sodium bisulfite and 10%
propylene glycol solution (Please see product specification sheet to determine
preservation solution for each specific product). It is therefore advised to flush
membranes prior to use to eliminate residual preservatives in the product stream.
Once the elements have had the preservatives flushed from them, they would
need to have preservatives re-applied for long-term storage. Please refer to
TSB108 which details our short-term and long-term storage procedures for our
composite membranes.
Preservative Flushing during Start-up

Hydranautics has received NSF61 approval of our RO and NF products. These approvals are
contingent on 30 minutes of low pressure flushing of new elements to ensure that sodium
bisulfite (SBS) preservative is sufficiently removed from the element prior to use. We also
recommend that the user carry out a bisulfite test of the product water after flushing to ensure
that SBS concentration is below any additional regulations required by local authorities. If the
elements are to be used in systems requiring ultrapure water, a minimum flushing time of
24 hours is recommended to reduce the TOC concentration to below 50 ppb (assuming
zero TOC in the feedwater).
Warning: For potable applications using models that are preserved with
both sodium bisulfite and propylene glycol, discard the product
water for at least 24 hours prior to drinking or using in food
applications. Ingestion of the preservative may cause irritation to
the gastrointestinal tract, colic, diarrhea, or other similar
symptoms.
TSB118.14 Page 2
For potable applications using models that are preserved with
sodium bisulfite only, discard the product water for at least 30
minutes prior to drinking or using in food applications.
RO/NF System Start-up
It is important to be sure that the elements are loaded and shimmed correctly to remove
any excess slack that may cause disconnects (see TSB122 - Element Loading
Guidelines). A low pressure flush to purge air from the membranes is always
recommended before a high pressure startup. This can be accomplished through the use
of a soft-start mechanism, or a variable frequency drive. Failure to do this can result in a
water shock wave (water hammer) that can cause physical damage to the RO/NF
membranes. The permeate valves should always be open to drain during this flush to
prevent damage to the membranes.
After the air has been purged from the system the feed pressure should be increased
gradually up to the working pressure of the RO/NF unit. Pressurization (and
depressurization) of the membrane elements should not exceed ten (10) psi/second
(0.7 bar/second) at any time.
RO/NF System Shutdown
Brackish Systems
Upon shutdown for brackish systems, a flush with the feed water at low recovery (brine
valve wide open) is usually sufficient to remove the high concentration of salts from the
membranes. The permeate valves should be open to drain during this flush to prevent
damage to the membranes.
Seawater Systems
Upon shutdown for seawater systems, a flush with RO/NF permeate is recommended to
remove the high concentration of salts from the membranes. The permeate valves
should be open to drain during this flush to prevent damage to the membranes. If RO/NF
permeate is temporarily unavailable, the membranes should be flushed with RO/NF feed
at low recovery (with brine valve wide open). The membranes should then be flushed
with RO/NF permeate as soon as it is available. The seawater RO/NF system should not
be left unflushed with a high concentration brine on the membrane surface.
NOTE:
The quantity of water used in both normal RO/NF System Start-up and RO/NF System
Shutdown flushing should be equal to or greater than that which is retained in the system.
For standard 16-inch X 40 inch elements assume thirty-four (34) gallons (130 L) per
element. For standard 8-inch X 40-inch elements assume ten (10) gallons (37.85L) per
element. For standard 4-inch X 40-inch elements assume three (3) gallons (11.35L) per
element.
TSB118.14 Page 3
If further information is required, please relay questions to the Technical Support

department at our corporate headquarters.
Hydranautics
401 Jones Rd.
Oceanside, CA 92058
Tel: (760) 901-2500
Fax: (760) 901-2664
email: [email protected]
Internet: www.membranes.com

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Technical Service Bulletin October 2013 TSB118.

Membrane Start-up, Shutdown, and Preservative Flushing Guidelines

Preservative Flushing Introduction

Preservative Flushing during Start-up

RO/NF System Start-up

RO/NF System Shutdown

If further information is required, please relay questions to the Technical Support

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