Sensitive pressure drop measurements of individual lead membrane elements for accurate early biofouling detection

Accurate detection of biofouling in membrane filtration installations is assessed by monitoring the feed channel pressure drop over individual membrane elements of a full-scale installation using a sensitive pressure difference transmitter. Feed channel pressure drop increased mainly in the lead element of a nanofiltration installation. Also most biomass was present in the lead element, corresponding to membrane autopsy results obtained in several full-scale installations. The proposed pressure drop measurement over the lead element enables early detection of biofouling, facilitating timely and more effective control actions, with reduced environmental impact and cost.