Reverse osmosis operations are facing persistent fouling phenomenon that has challenged
the integrity of these processes. Prediction of fouling potential by measuring a fouling index
toward feed water is essential to ensure robust operation. Moreover, employing a reliable
fouling index with good reproducibility and precision is necessary. Silt density index (SDI)
is considered insufficient in terms of reliability and empirical theory, among other
limitations. Nevertheless due its simplicity, SDI measurement is utilized extensively in RO
desalination systems. The aim of this research is to assess the reliability of SDI. Methods
include the investigation of different SDI membranes and study of the nature of the SDI
filtration. Results demonstrate the existence of the membrane properties' variation within
manufacturers, which then causes a lack of accuracy in fouling risk estimation. The nature
of particles during SDI filtration provides information that particle concentration and size
play a significant role on SDI quantification with substantial representation given by particles
with size close to membrane nominal pore size. Moreover, turbidity assisted SDI
measurements along with determination of UF pretreated and clean water fouling potential,
establishes the indication of non-fouling related phenomena involved on SDI measurement
such as a natural organic matter adsorption and hydrodynamic condition that alters during
filtration. Additionally, it was found that the latter affects the sensitivity of SDI by being
represented by some portions of SDI value.
Keywords: Reverse Osmosis, Fouling index, Particulate Fouling, Silt Density Index (SDI),
and Assessment of SDI.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:kaust.edu.sa/oai:repository.kaust.edu.sa:10754/209376 |
| Date | 07 1900 |
| Creators | Rachman, Rinaldi |
| Contributors | Ghaffour, NorEddine, Physical Science and Engineering (PSE) Division, Amy, Gary L., Sinha, Shahnawaz |
| Source Sets | King Abdullah University of Science and Technology |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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