Membrane Services

Contact Information

Global Nalco Locations
Local Sales Offices
Energy Services Contacts

 

Nalco Company
WPS Headquarters 
1601 W. Diehl Road
Naperville, Il 60563-1198
630-305-1000  Phone
630-305-2900  Fax

Nalco Energy Services Headquarters 
7705 Highway 90-A
Sugar Land, TX  77478
281-263-7000  Phone

 

 

Membrane Autopsies

When questions about declining membrane performance need clear answers, a membrane autopsy may be required. We recommend when to perform a membrane autopsy, perform it for you, and help you interpret the results. We can identify the type of fouling, scaling, and damage to the membrane and can recommend steps you can take to resolve the issues. When a standard plant survey isn't getting to the root of the problem, we can offer a membrane autopsy. We use a destructive autopsy procedure to analyze the foulant in the membrane itself. Nalco's Membrane Service Centers are some of the largest and best-equipped laboratories in the world that specialize in this type of work.

What does a membrane autopsy involve?

The autopsy analyses can include:

  • Selection of the representative element(s).
  • Dissection of a fouled membrane element, to reveal the membrane leaves and plastic spacer material.
  • Chemical, microbiological and microscopic examination.
  • Crossflow test cells to characterize membrane performance.
  • Identification of the key foulants.
  • Documentation through photographs.
  • Remedies and recommendations.

What is the membrane autopsy process?

Nalco's Membrane Solutions Group can:

  • Recommend when to use an autopsy procedure. Generally, we recommend the autopsy only when a detectable biofilm or fouling layer has established itself.
  • Perform the autopsy. Our world-class laboratories are equipped for expert analysis.
  • Provide you with clear results that you need for better analysis. With those autopsy results, we provide recommendations to help you determine the best strategies for resolving the membrane fouling problem.