Reverse Osmosis (RO) Plant - Startup

Advanced Reverse Osmosis Technology

Startup - Before starting up a reverse osmosis plant system, it should be verified that all pretreatment systems are working according to their specifications. It may be necessary to take water samples for analysis. In the case of polyamide (thin film composite) membranes free chlorine must be 0.0 ppm.

The Silt Density Index (SDI) should be according to the RO design guidelines (typically < 5.0).

If the water analysis (ions, temperature, pH) has changed significantly, it is recommended that you run a new scale projection analysis on our ROCIsoft system.

On startup, the inlet valve should open prior to the initiation of the high-pressure pump, to completely fill the system with low pressure water (<100 psi [< 7 Bars]). This “soft start” will prevent hydraulic shock at startup. Pre-treatment chemical addition should begin at this time (making sure the chemicals are not over-injected). The high-pressure pump should then be started and the system slowly bought on-line, up to design permeate flow.

If starting up after a period of shutdown, flush the permeate to drain for 30 minutes to remove residual preservation chemicals. Produced water permeate can be used when it meets the quality requirement of downstream processes.

For further information or assistance please contact Reverse Osmosis Chemicals International on +44 (0) 161 877 2334 or e-mail info@rochemicals.com.