Comparison of Pilot and Full Scale Ion Exchange Pretreatment to Microfiltration Membranes

Microfiltration membrane fouling can occur through the accumulation of particles, organic matter and biological growth. Depending on the surface water source and the treatment prior to water contacting the membrane, different fouling mechanisms can occur and physical and chemical cleanings become necessary for the membrane to produce water efficiently. Magnetic ion exchange (MIEX?) resin used in the flow-through MIEX? process is a treatment that removes organic matter prior to membrane filtration and was compared to conventional coagulation methods of natural organic matter removal, at both the bench scale and pilot scale. As plants look to minimize infrastructure, the direct filtration designs will become more viable options and the benefit of MIEX? treatment can be realized, not just in lowering disinfection by product formation as is seen in current applications, but also increasing membrane efficiency.