Matching Hollow-Fiber With Spiral-Wound Membranes: Process Compatibility and Optimization

Abstract

Because of its warm water and high salinity, the Red Sea is well known as a challenging water source for seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) processes. In particular, the warm water provides excellent conditions for growth of bacteriological organisms, and Red Sea desalination plants have a history of biofouling. The ability to apply chlorine to SWRO membranes provides a significant advantage. This article discusses combining cellulose triacetate membranes in the first pass with boron removal technology in the second pass and is based on experiences at the Shuqaiq IWPP project, which included tight specifications for chloride (18 mg/L) and boron (0.5 mg/L), in the final product water.