Nano Filtration Membrane Skid #2 – Fouling Issues

Abstract

Water treatment plants that use nano filtration membranes are affected by fouling issues when the feedwater is not controlled efficiently. The city of Hallandale Beach experienced a reduction in the filtration capacity and an increase in process pressure in Skid #2. This research used Lean Six Sigma principles that helped identify the root causes and countermeasures to mitigate or eliminate them. The DMAIC methodology was developed using its five steps: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. The data gathered by supervisory control and data acquisition software allowed the use of statistical tools to identify events of high flow and pressure in the process, which were analyzed to confirm that the skid does not have an effective way to control the pressure/flow, chemical dosing issues, and pressure protection failures. The proposed countermeasures fixed the pressure protection system, recommended the installation of an influent modulating valve and a new chemical dosing system. Key Terms ⎯ Chemical dosing, DMAIC, fouling issues, nano filtration membranes.