HYDRANAUTICS - Technical Service Bulletin
HYDRANAUTICS - Technical Service Bulletin
HYDRANAUTICS - Technical Service Bulletin
-- HYDRANAUTICS
This bulletin provides general information about the usual foulants affecting
the performance of Hydranautics' Composite Polyamide Reverse Osmosis
(RO) membrane elements and the removal of these foulants. The
information in this bulletin applies to 4-inch, 6-inch, 8-inch, and 8.S-inch
diameter RO membrane elements.
Note
The Composite Polyamide type of RO membrane elements may not be
exposed to chlorinated water under any circumstances. Any such
exposure will cause irreparable damage to the membrane. Absolute care
must be taken following any disinfection of piping or equipment or the
preparation of cleaning or storage solutions to ensure that no trace of
chlorine is present in feedwater to the RO membrane elements. If there is
any doubt about the presence of chlorine, perform chemical testing to
make sure. Neutralize any chlorine residual with a sodium bisulfite
solution, and ensure adequate contact time to accomplish complete
dechlorination.
Note
It is recommended that all RO membrane cleaning operations should be
closely coordinated with Hydranautics during the RO membrane element
warranty period. Hydranautics field service personnel should be on Site,
at least for the first cleaning event.
Note
The use of cationic surfactant should be avoided in cleaning solutions, as
irreversible fouling of the membrane elements may occur.
may be present in the feedwater. Common examples of such foul ants are
calcium carbonate scale, calcium sulfate scale, metal oxides scale, silica
coating, and organic or biological deposits.
Foulant Removal
3. Product water quality has decreased 10-15 percent; salt passage has
increased 10-15 percent.
Note
Ensure that the pH in any cleaning solution does not fall below 4.0. Other-
wise, damage to the RO membrane elements may occur, particularly at
elevated temperatures. The maximum pH should be less than 10.0. Use
sodium hydroxide to raise the pH, or sulfuric or hydrochloric acid to lower
it.
Solution 2 is the best known method for removing calcium sulfate scale
from the RO membrane.
Silica Coating
Organic Deposits
Cleaning Solutions
4. After completion of cleaning, drain and flush the cleaning tank; then
fill the cleaning tank with clean product water for rinsing.
6. After the RO system is rinsed, operate it with the product dump valves
open until the product water flows clean and is free of any foam or
residues of cleaning agents (usually 15 to 30 minutes).
T88107.00 Page 6
Note
All problems require the cause of the fouling to be corrected. Contact
Hydranautics for assistance.
I- -I TSB107.00 Page 7
-- HYDRANAUTICS
Note:
Before undertaking any long-term or short-term storage operation, contact
Hydranautics for specific instructions related to the local environment.
Scope
Note:
The composite polyamide type cif RO membrane elements may not
be exposed to chlorinated water under any circumstances. Any
such exposure will cause irreparable damage to the membrane.
Absolute care must be taken following any disinfection of piping or
equipment or the preparation of cleaning or storage solutions to
ensure that no trace of chlorine is present in feedwater to the RO
membrane elements. If there is any doubt about the presence of
chlorine, perform chemical testing to make sure. Neutralize any
chlorine residual with a sodium bisulfite solution, and ensure
adequate contact time to accomplish complete dechlorination.
Short-Term Storage
2. When the pressure tubes are filled, close the appropriate valves to
prevent air from entering the system.
Long-Term Storage
3. When the RO section is filled with this solution (make sure that it is
completely filled), close the valves to retain the solution in the RO
section.
4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 with fresh solution every thirty days if the
temperature is below 80 OF (27°C), or every fifteen days if the
temperature is above 80 OF (27 0c).
Prior To Installation
Note
It is recommended that all RO membrane cleaning operations should
be
closely coordinated with Hydranautics during the RO membrane
element
warranty period.
Note
The use of cationic surfactants may result in flux decline.
Foulant Removal
3. Product water quality has decreased 10·15 percent; salt passage has
increased 10·15 percent.
Calcium carbonate scale that has been detected early can be removed
by lowering the feedwater pH to between 3.0 and 4.0 for one or two
hours. Longer resident accumulations of calcium carbonate scale can be
removed by recirculating a citric acid solution of 2-percent strength and a
pH of no less than 2.0 through the RO membrane elements.
T88102.01 Page 4
Note
All problems require the cause of the condition to be corrected. Contact
Hydranautics for assistance.
!- -I TSB102.01 Page 5
-- HYDRANAUTICS
Note
Ensure that the pH in any cleaning solution does not fall below 2.0.
Otherwise, damage to the RO membrane elements may occur, particu-
larly at elevated temperatures. The maximum pH should be less than
10.0. Use ammonium hydroxide to raise the pH, or sulfuric or hydrochlo-
ric acid to lower it.
Silica Coating
Organic Deposits
Cleaning Solutions
HYDRANAUTICS
8444 Miralani Drive
San Diego, CA 92126
--
\- -\ HYDRANAUTICS
1. Flush the pressure tubes by pumping clean product water from the
cleaning tank (or equivalent source) through the pressure tubes to
drain for several minutes.
4. After completion of cleaning, drain and flush the cleaning tank; then
fill the cleaning tank with clean product water for rinsing.
5. Rinse the pressure tubes by pumping clean product water from the
cleaning tank (or equivalent source) through the pressure tubes to
drain for several minutes.
6. After the RO system is rinsed, operate it with the product dump valves
open until the product water flows clean and is free of any foam or
residues of cleaning agents (usually 15 to 30 minutes).
T88102.01 Page 8
Note: The use of cationic surfactants may result in irreversible flux declines. These
surfactants should only be used after checking compatibility with PVD membrane
elements.
,- -, HYDRANAUTICS
--
Technical Service Bulletin April 1992 TSB100.00
This bulletin provides general information about the usual foul ants
affecting the performance of Hydranautics' Cellulose Acetate Blend (CAB)
Reverse Osmosis (RO) membrane elements and the removal of these
foulants. The information in this bulletin applies to 4-inch, 8-inch, and
8.5-inch diameter RO membrane elements.
Foulant Removal
3. Product water quality has decreased 10-15 percent; salt passage has
increased .10-15 percent.
The following paragraphs discuss the common foul ants and their
removal.
Note
Ensure that the pH in any cleaning solution does not fall below 4.0.
Otherwise, damage to the RO membrane elements may occur, particu-
larly at elevated temperatures. The maximum pH should be less than
7.5. Use sodium hydroxide to raise the pH, or sulfuric or hydrochloric
acid to lower it.
Calcium sulfate scale results when the solubility limit of calcium sulfate is
exceeded in the feedwater. This may indicate a failure of the scale
inhibitor injection system or a marked increase in feedwater sulfates.
Once precipitated, calcium sulfate is not readily dissolved. Operating the
RO system for a designated period at a lower than designed recovery
may help dissolve calcium sulfate. Solution 2 is the best known method
for removing calcium sulfate scale from the RO membrane.
Silica Coating
Organic Deposits
Cleaning Solutions
HYDRANAUTICS
8444 Miralani Drive
San Diego, CA 92126
--
,- -, HYDRANAUTICS
3. After completion of cleaning, drain and flush the cleaning tank; then
fill the cleaning tank with clean permeate water for rinsing.
Note
If the RO system is not placed back in service for more than one day,
adjust the pH of the rinse water to approximately 5.6. High or low pH
conditions for a prolonged period of time can severely damage the
RO membrane elements.
4. Rinse the pressure tubes by pumping clean product water from the
cleaning tank (Dr equivalent source) through the tubes to drain for
several minutes.
5. After the RO system is rinsed, operate it with the product dump valves
open until the product water flows clean and is free of any foam or
residues of cleaning agents (usually 15 to 30 minutes).
TSB100.00 Page 6
Note
All pl'Oblems require the cause of the condition to be corrected. Contact
Hydranautics for assistance.
TSB100.00 Page 7
--
\- -\ HYDRANAUTICS
* For good cleaning results maintain pH at 7.0 - 7.5 for cleaning solutions 2, 3, & 4.
WARNING!
Failure to adjust pH of the cleaning solutions to the listed values may
permanently damage the membranes.
I--.-, HYDRANAUTICS
Note:
Before undertaking any long-term or short-term storage operation,
contact Hydranautics for specific instructions related to the local
environment.
Scope
Short-Term Storage
Short-term storage is for periods where an RO plant must remain out of
operation for more than five days, but fewer than thirty days, with the RO
elements in place. Prepare each RO train as follows:
2. Flush the RO section with acidified water (pH 5.5 ± 0.5) that
contains a free chlorine residual of 0.1 to 0.5 mg/I when measured
at the brine discharge.
3. When the pressure tubes are filled with this solution (make sure
that they are completely filled), close the appropriate valves to
retain the solution in the pressure tubes.
Long-Term Storage
3. When the RO section is filled with this solution (make sure that it is
completely filled), close the valves to retain the solution in the RO
section'.
Dry Storage
1. Remove the end clamps and end cap assemblies from all pressure
tubes as follows:
a. Remove one clamp nut (21) and clamp bolt (20) from each end
clamp. Leave the other bolt in place to serve as a hinge pin, and
loosen it, if necessary, so that it does not bind.
b. Carefully withdraw the end cap assembly (7) as a unit from the
end of the pressure tube. Leave the flexible tubes attached and
the end cap assemblies hanging. If any flexible tubes are
removed from the end cap assemblies, mark or tag all items for
return to the same location.
2. Spray clean water through the open pressure tubes to remove any
dust or other foreign matter.
Note:
If additional cleaning is needed, improvise a swab large enough to fill
the inside diameter of the pressure tube. Soak the swab in a fifty
percent by volume glycerine/water solution and force it back and
forth through the pressure tube until the tube is clean and lubricated.
3. Lubricate the O-ring seal (10) with a very thin layer of silicone-base 0-
ring lubricant. When installing O-rings, do not roll them into position.
Expand the O-rings slightly to install. Do not pull the rings over any
sharp edges. Lubricate all other O-rings with a glycerine/water
solution.
Note:
Always load RO membrane elements into the feedwater end of the
pressure tube.
4. Place the leading end of the first RO membrane element (2) in the first
pressure tube and slide it in about three-quarters of the element
length.
5. Verify that the brine seal (3) is properly seated in the groove on the
trailing end (feed end) of the RO membrane element, in such a way
that the chevron seal opens in the upstream direction. Then install
the interconnector (4) with two O-rings (5) in place on the core tube
of the membrane element. Push the element into the pressure tube
until less than one-quarter of the element length ex1ends.
6. Lift the next RO membrane element into position, and install the
trailing end on the interconnector (4). Be very careful to hold the nex1
element so that the weight is not supported by the interconnector,
and push the element into the pressure tube until about one-quarter
of the second element ex1ends from the pressure tube.
8. Install one inboard end connector (8) with O-ring (5) in place at each
end of the pressure tube.
I- -, TS8104.00 Page 3
--
HYDRANAUTICS
10. Install end cap assemblies (7) on each end of the pressure tube, as
follows:
b. Rotate the end cap assembly to ensure proper alignment with the
connecting tubes.
c. Position the downstream end clamp over the end of the pressure
tube with one clamp bolt (20) and clamp nut (21). Tighten both
clamp nuts (21) finger tight, plus one-quarter turn. Do not
overtighten.
e. Repeat Steps a through c for the upstream end cap and end
clamps.
11. If any flexible tubes were removed, return them all to the same
location from which they were removed.
T88104.00 Page 4
Note:
Connecting the Victaulic couplings next to the ends of the pressure
tubes requires special attention. When a coupling has been
disconnected, reassemble the coupling by first positioning the lower
half in place below the pressure tube connector. Then position the
stainless steel U-bend or J-bend in place on the lower half of the
Victaulic connector. The upper half of the Victaulic connector can
then be placed into position, and the attaching bolts can be installed.
1. Disconnect the hard plumbing at each end of the pressure tube. The
flexible tubing may remain attached to leave the end cap connected
to the manifold. Mark or tag all removed items for return to the same
location.
2. Remove the end caps and end clamps from each end of the pressure
tube as follows:
a. Remove one clamp nut (21) and clamp bolt (20) from each end
clamp. Leave the other bolt in place to serve as a hinge pin, and
loosen it, if necessary, so that it does not bind.
b. Push the end cap assembly (7) into the pressure tube to loosen
the end clamp (19).
c. Remove the end cap assembly (7) as a unit; reinstall the clamp
bolt and clamp nut to the end clamp to prevent loss.
d. Carefully withdraw the end cap assembly (7) from the end of the
pressure tube, unassembled.
3. Push the RO membrane elements from the pressure tube in the same
direction as feedwater flows. Push the elements out one at a time.
Support each element as it is being pushed out of the tube until the
element is free of the pressure tube.
I--.-, HYDRANAUTICS TSB104.00 Page 5
11 ~
......-
Note
Feed and concentrate end cap assemblies (7) are essentially the same.
TSB104.00 Page 6
IS
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,
Hydracode 8 Inch and 8.5 Inch Side Entry RO/UF Pressure Vessel
Instructions
Note:
• These vessels may cause loss of life, severe bodily harm, or property
damage if not correctly installed, operated and maintained. Read and
understand all instructions given in this bulletin before attempting to
open, operate, or service th is vessel.
• Failure to follow these instructions and observe every precaution will
result in malfunction and could result in catastrophic failure.
• Misuse, incorrect assembly, or use of damaged or corroded components
can result in high-velocity release of the end closure.
• We recommend that only a qualified mectlanic experienced in serviCing
high-pressure hydraulic systems open, close, and service these vessels.
DO NOT
1. Operate vessel at pressures in excess of rated pressure or
temperatures over 120 of.
General Information
• The 8 inch and 8.5 inch Hydracode RO/UF Pressure Vessels are used
as housings for reverse osmosis membrane elements for water
desalination. They are available in standard and Ultrapure versions, as
shown in this bulletin. Any make of 8 inch or 8.5 inch nominal
diameter spiral-wound element may be used. The vessels utilize a
fiberglass reinforced plastic shell for superior corrosion resistance.
However, metallic parts of the vessel may be subject to corrosion,
which can result in an unsafe condition.
Even though your vessel may have been installed by others, there are a
few quick checks on installation you should make before use. Check that
each vessel is:
• Mounted so that center and side entry ports are closely aligned with
the manifold heads; correct causes of misalignment in any row of
vessels connected to the same heads.
NOTE!
Hydracode vessels which are five (5) elements in length or longer require three
(3) support pOints (please refer to vessel drawings # 510001, 510002, 510003,
510004). The center support pOint does not need to be a load bearing support,
but is necessary in order to eliminate any bowing effect which would cause
alignment problems.
T86106.00 Page 4
WARNING!
Relieve pressure from vessel before beginning this procedure.
Contamination Removal
Metal oxidation products and mineral deposits can interfere with vessel
disassembly. Remove all foreign matter from both ends of vessel using a
small wire brush or suitable abrasive (such as medium-grade Scotch-
Brite",). Flush away loosened deposits with clean water.
The head assembly consists of the bearing plate, sealing plate, head
seal, permeate port with port seal and adapter seal, and port retainer.
CAUTION!
Do not allow oil to penetrate the membrane element, as this will cause
permanent damage.
5. If head seal does not come out with head, remove seal now.
TS6106.00 Page 5
--
,- -, HYDRANAUTICS
Replacing Elements
Removing Elements
Inserting Elements
1. Examine inside of vessel for any damage which could affect sealing of
head or element seals.
CAUTION!
DO NOT lubricate element seals with a silicone based material (such as
Parker Super O-Lube TM, the recommended lubricant for end plug seals).
5. With thrust ring removed from vessel, insert a head assembly without
head seal but with adapter attached, into downstream end of vessel.
Place one locking segment into groove at 6 o'clock position then pull
head back to firmly contact segment.
CAUTION!
System malfunctions and element damage may result if elements are
installed in the wrong direction.
• Avoid excessive bending of TFE seals. If seal is bent, the outer cover
may kink. Although such kinks should not unduly affect sealing
properties, they are best avoided.
• Take extra care, where the head seal is concerned, to ensure that all
vessel surfaces which the seal might touch, are completely smooth.
t---I HYDRANAUTICS
TSB 106,00 Page 7
CAUTION!
When lubricating vessel chamfer, wear protective gloves or finger cots to
prevent cuts or penetration by glass fibers.
4. Holding the thrust ring with the two (2) stainless steel tabs in line with the
side entry port and pressing the tabs in slightly, insert thrust ring into
DOWNSTREAM end of vessel.
5. Push thrust ring in until the two tabs locate into the seal groove
surrounding the side entry port.
CAUTION!
Make sure the tabs are located one on each side of the stainless steel
side entry port. Tips of tabs should rest on, or just clear of the port seal.
6. Fit adapter to permeate port, fit head seal into place on sealing plate and
insert head into downstream end of vessel, holding assembly square to
shell axis. A sharp, forceful thrust may be needed to enter head seal into
vessel bore.
TSB106.00 Page 8
CAUTION!
If head is allowed to rock side to side during installation, head seal may
become detached.
7. Install the four locking segments into the groove WITH THE STEPPED
FACE OUTWARDS. Secure with the 3/8-16 UNC X.75" long screws
supplied, firmly tightened (approximately 5 Ib/ft).
\NARNING!
Interlocking components must be correctly installed. Incorrect assembly
or installation can result in catastrophic failure.
Refurbishing Shell
1. Using a fine wire brush or a piece of Scotch-Brite "', remove any large
deposits from locking segment groove.
3. Use clean water to rinse away all loosened deposits and soap
residue.
-- and leaks are observed when the vessel is placed back in service,
the shell may need to be replaced.
Note: Take care not to damage the hard anodized surface of aluminum
parts.
1. Remove any large deposits from the metal parts (locking segments
and bearing plate) using a wire brpsh.
2. Scrub entire part surface with medium grade Scotch-Brite TN until all
contaminants are removed.
4. Inspect all parts for serviceability, including the parts in the following
paragraphs.
Inspecting Parts
Part Replacement
CAUTION!
Use of components damaged by corrosion can result in catastrophic
failure.
• All seals should be replaced each time the vessel is serviced. Parts
are available from your supplier.
Head Disassembly/Assembly
CAUTION!
Wear safety glasses during snap ring removal and installation.
To Disassemble Head
3. Carefully remove seals from each end of permeate port (inner seal
one end, outer seal other end). New seals should be used each time
head is assembled.
4. Wash all components in fresh water and dry, using clean, dry
compressed air, if available.
I- -, HYDRANAUTICS
TSB106.00 Page 11
To Assemble Head
j, ~~ >,( ~ .,' .r·c '
1. Fit O-ring, lubricated with Parker Super O-Lube" or other suitable
lubricant, to each end of permeate port or to seal plate on the
upstream end of Ultrapure ves~i3ls. (ExcesS lubricant may foul
membranes and should be removed. A thin, :shiny coat is sUfficient).
3. Fit bearing plate over same end of permeate port/plug with smaller
outside diameter of bearing plate towards sealing plate.
4. Fit snap ring into permeate port grooVe adjacent tq bearing plate,
taking care to avoid damaging outer end of permeate port/plug.
Head is now ready for addition of head seal and insertion into vessel.
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TSB106.00 Page 12
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NOTES:
1. Ultrapure models have an adjustable permeate plug in place of the
regular permeate port, at the upstream end of the vessel. The term
"permeate port/plug" is used in this bulletin to indicate either
arrangement as appropriate.
2. Ultrapure models use a different type of seal from those in the regula
r
model. The Ultrapure seal consists of an O-ring encapsulated in
a clear,
TFE cover. Special handling for these seals, referred to as TFE
seals, is
indicated in this guide.