AWWA ACE93201

Most NF and RO systems include pretreatment, membrane unit, post-treatment, and auxiliary facilities. Numerous components in membrane desalting systems must be selected for the specific application. Raw water quality, membrane type, and system recovery define pretreatment requirements. Pretreated feedwater quality and finished water goals are used to design the membrane unit or units. Permeate quality and finished water goals define permeate post-treatment needs. Finally, concentrate quality and regulatory requirements for waste disposal control the need for or degree of concentrate post-treatment. With careful consideration of capital and operation and maintenance costs for the various design options that apply, membrane desalting systems can be designed to provide reliable, cost-effective treatment for many applications.