Characterization of new and fouled SWRO membranes by ATR/FTIR spectroscopy

Abstract

Abstract Attenuated total reflection (ATR)–Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to characterize the chemical nature of fouling species on different spiral wound membranes operated at Al-Jubail SWRO plant. Three membranes from different companies operated for a period of 1 year were opened for autopsy, and difference spectra were obtained for the fouled membrane from virgin membranes. The spectra of the foulants were easy to distinguish from the spectra of membrane material. The results showed that the membrane surface of the feed end element was more heavily fouled than the brine end of the element. ATR/FTIR indicated a distinct enhancement to the amide I (1650 cm−1) and amide II (1550 cm−1) bands indicative of protein, and the C–O stretching band associated with polysaccharides is visible near 1040 cm−1. The deposits removed from the surface of membranes showed distinctive bands at 3270 and 1080 cm−1 associated with amino group/polysaccharide.

Keywords

• ATR/FTIR spectrometry
• Fouling
• SWRO membrane
• Membrane characterization