Microfiltration and Reverse Osmosis Membrane Replacement Understanding Operating Process Data and Autopsy Data Projection of Useful Remaining Life

Membranes are used more and more often for the creation of process water and water for in direct potable use from wastewater. The useful life expectancy of the microfiltration (MF) and reverse osmosis (RO) membranes is projected and planed in general for 5 years, which is consistent with the manufacturers' warranties for membrane systems operating in this type of application where membranes are treating secondary or filtered secondary effluent to produce water for indirect potable use. In some advanced wastewater treatment facilities (AWTF), the membranes have been in service for 6-10 years, surpassing the manufacturers' projected useful life of five years. Replacement of the MF and RO membranes is triggered by either and/or criteria; product water quality, performance efficiency, capacity, and mechanical integrity. The City of Los Angeles Terminal Island Water Reclamation Plant (TIWRP) 5 mg product water AWTF producing finished water for in-direct potable use, in operation since 2001, operating experience is reviewed and MF and RO membrane opportunity for extended the useful remaining life and replacement schedule approaches are presented.