The Influence of Beach Well and Deep Ocean Intakes on TEP Reduction in SWRO Desalination Systems, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Transparent expolymer particles (TEP) are believed to be a key organic compound that leads to membrane biofouling in SWRO systems. The sticky nature, high surface reactivity and micro-gel character of TEP play a major role in a membrane fouling, because deposition on the membrane surface acts as culture media for bacterial growth and as a depositional substrate. In turn, the TEP contributes to biofilm formation and membrane clogging with time. The removal of TEP at early stages of the desalination process is important to avoid any adverse effect on membrane operation. The intake system can play a significant role in TEP reduction. In this research, the impact of intake systems on TEP reduction was investigated. Two RO desalination plants in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia were studied.