Membrane Autopsy Services
This analysis uses a suite of microscopy techniques to examine filtration membranes and identify causes of reduced flow or poor performance. By imaging the membrane surface with light microscopy and SEM, we can identify how fouled a membrane is and look for any damage to the membrane. We can then identify the composition of any foulant detected in further detail with EDS, FTIR, and elemental mapping. This combination of techniques allows us to analyze complex foulants with mixtures of inorganic and organic materials. EDS analysis identifies the elemental composition of the foulant and FTIR identifies the chemical composition, while elemental mapping can visualize the foulant on the membrane surface to distinguish the mineral scale or other inorganic debris from deposits of an organic polymer or microbiological growth.
Advantages:
- Level or degree of fouling readily discernable microscopically
- Multiple foulant layers or components can be identified, including mixtures of inorganic and organic materials
- Non-foulant related causes of reduced performance can also be identified, such as mechanical wear, physical or chemical damage
- Experience with a wide variety of membrane types- spiral wound, hollow fiber, tubular, cartridge, Reverse Osmosis, Ultrafiltration, Microfiltration
Application Fields:
- Manufacturing and Industrial Processes
- Water/Waste Water Filtration and Process Treatment
- Food and Beverage Production
