Physico-chemical cleaning of bag filters /

Abstract

In last years, desalination by reverse osmosis (RO) process has experienced a significant development, and it has become one of the major technologies for producing potable water throughout the world. Despite this relevant growth, reverse osmosis, and membrane processes in general, has several drawbacks to overcome. Specifically, fouling of filtration media (bag filters, cartridge filters and membranes) is the most important problem in reverse osmosis. Economics of this process is highly influenced by filtra tion media fouling rate and effectiveness of fouling control. The main purpose of this work is the cleaning of bag filter (filtration media) in order to make this useable again. Bag filter is used in reverse osmosis process to protect membrane. They are replaced by new ones after the accumulation of scales. This work involves cleaning and enables them to reuse to be economical. HCl solution of very low concentration is used to remove the scales in this cleaning method. After dipping the bag filter in this solution and then washing with high pressure water it become fit to reuse by calculating pressure drop. This is not a long life method but can be adapted to reuse the bag filters 3 to 5 times. So as for as the cost is concern this will prove economical that is a vital requirement for an industry.