Membrane module autopsy used in the reverse osmosis process

Abstract

This research was done to get acquainted with the characteristic of the membrane module in spiral, used in the osmosis reverse process. The goal to know its measure, components, hydrophilic, topography, materials and performance. The membranes of the module were characterized by the next techniques: atomic force microscopy (AFM), infrared spectroscopy by ATR (Attenuated Total Reflectance), contact angle and cross- flow equipment. Agree with the autopsy, the infrared spectrums indicate that the membrane is constituted by support of polyester paper, a polysulfone layer, a cellulose acetate layer and polyamide layer. The feed spacer is polypropylene and the permeate spacer is polyethylene terephthalate. All the measures did the membrane module were the same as the technical sheet from the manufacturer. The contact angle was 22.4±3.55° and roughness of 182.43±42 nm. The performance of the membrane was 70% to reject salts of feed 1000 ppm Na2SO4.