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Abstract
Operating expenses (OPEX) for a seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant result primarily from energy use, membrane cleaning, and maintenance, all of which are influenced by RO membrane performance. Desalination plant operators can reduce energy consumption and increase water output by cleaning membranes more frequently or replacing aging RO membranes; however, doing so increases cleaning and maintenance costs. In addition, such actions may not improve overall OPEX of the desalination plant. This article evaluates how membrane element replacement and cleaning strategies affect OPEX generally and the Perth Seawater Desalination Plant specifically.