GE Sepa RO Membranes By: Austin Anderson Materials Science 3344 Dr. Larry Peel Reverse Osmosis Membranes RO elements What is a membrane made from? In the late 1950s asymmetric cellulose acetate (CA) membranes were developed for RO processes. In the late 1950s asymmetric cellulose acetate (CA) membranes were developed for RO processes. its derivative is polyamide (PA) polymer membrane. its derivative is polyamide (PA) polymer membrane. A polyamide is a polymer containing monomers joined by peptide bonds. A polyamide is a polymer containing monomers joined by peptide bonds. RO membrane biofouling Scanning Electron Microscope of 3-day old biofilm forming on surface of a CA RO membrane. Scanning Electron Microscope of 3-day old biofilm forming on surface of a CA RO membrane. The biofilm begins to develop from discrete microcolonies which eventually grow together to form a confluent biofilm. The biofilm begins to develop from discrete microcolonies which eventually grow together to form a confluent biofilm. Micromem Analytical, 2004 RO membrane biofouling 1. Primary organic film 2. Primary cell adhesion & EPS production 3. Cell growth 4. Particle/colloid entrainment 5. Secondary cell adhesion 6. Confluent biofilm 7. Biofilm sloughing Clapp et al., 2004 SEM image of Membrane with biofouling: Ridgeway and Flemming, 1996 Pilot studies Lab-scale studies References Clapp, Lee. Texas A&M University - Kingsville department of Environmental Engineering. Clapp, Lee. Texas A&M University - Kingsville department of Environmental Engineering. General Electric., Instruction Manual for Osmonics Sepa CF II Membrane Element Cell. General Electric., Instruction Manual for Osmonics Sepa CF II Membrane Element Cell. General Electric.,General Electric., Wikipedia,Wikipedia,