This paper reports the microbiological, geochemical, and X-Ray powder diffraction (XRD) analyses on water and/or reverse osmosis (RO) membrane cartridges in order to establish the nature of the deposits responsible for the premature blockage of RO membranes. The membrane autopsy revealed the irregularity in resin application of the membrane layers and excessive deposits on membrane cartridges. XRD phase composition obtained from Rietveld method revealed that the inorganic crystalline materials part of the deposits on the aged RO membranes mainly consisted of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) (> 99.00%), which was further confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric analysis. Microbial analysis indicated that microbial activity is unlikely to have played any significant role in the membrane blockage. It is concluded that the premature RO membrane blockage is mainly due to the deposition of carbonate scale and defects in membrane sealing. The mitigation strategy for carbonate scale has been discussed.
The reverse osmosis (RO) membrane fouling is a significant challenge faced by oil and gas plants, impacting their operational efficiency and overall productivity. The primary cause of RO membrane fouling in oil and gas plants can be attributed to the presence of various foulants, including suspended solids, organic matter, scaling minerals, and biological agents. Among these foulants, microbial activity plays a significant role in accelerating membrane fouling1-7. Microbes such as bacteria, fungi, and algae can colonize the RO membranes' surface and form biofilms. The biofilm will further promote the adhesion of other foulants to the membrane surface. Additionally, microbial metabolic byproducts can contribute to the formation of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), further exacerbating fouling issues1-7.
To address RO membrane fouling in oil and gas plants effectively, it is essential to consider both physical cleaning methods as well as strategies targeting microbial control. Implementing regular cleaning protocols using appropriate antifouling agents can help remove accumulated foulants from the membranes. Furthermore, incorporating biocides or disinfectants into the treatment process can help mitigate microbial growth on membranes8-12. Several studies have investigated different approaches to combat RO membrane fouling in oil and gas plants. These references provide valuable insights into understanding the mechanisms behind fouling formation and offer potential solutions for effective mitigation strategies1-12. By comprehending the causes of fouling and recognizing the significant contribution of microbes, oil and gas plant operators can proactively implement measures that enhance their RO system's performance while minimizing downtime caused by frequent cleaning cycles due to membrane fouling1-7.
