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Membrane Cleaning
For normal cleaning, the SC-3 Acid Cleaning Compound is used first, then the SC-2 Alkaline
Cleaning Compound. If known bio-fouling is present, the SC-2 may be used first. Using hot
water if possible, up to 120° (45C) is recommended as it greatly enhances the ability of the
cleaners to do their jobs.
If the history of the system is unknown or has been left “unpickled” for an extended length of
time and biological growth is present, it is recommended that the system is cleaned with SC-2,
using an alternate source of unchlorinated fresh water before the system is run under pressure.
A simple test can be performed to see if biological growth has occurred. Before running the
system, remove the prefilters and examine their condition If the housings are full of smelly dis-
colored water, the system was not properly stored. Install clean prefilters if they were bad. Next
check the membrane. Attach the brine discharge service hose and lead to a bucket. Open the
pressure relief valve one turn, and manually run the system for 30 seconds. Examine the brine
water: if it’s discolored and smells bad, perform an SC-2 cleaning with an alternate source of
unchlorinated water before running the system pressurized. If the brine is fairly clean, the sys-
tem can be purged, run normally, and checked for performance. Clean the membranes only if
performance is reduced.
Heating the water is preferable. One way to do this is to find a camp stove and use a large
stainless steel pot to heat the solution in. The cleaning solution throughout the system will heat
as it circulates in and out of the pot. An alternative is to heat the one or two gallons of initial
water to 120° on the main stove before mixing in the cleaner and circulating it into the system.
Periodically stop and reheat the solution.
Perform the cleaning procedures while the ship is in acceptable sea water for purging and testing.
• There are two types of cleaners: acid and alkaline. The acid cleaner (SC-3) will remove min-
eral scaling. The alkaline cleaner (SC-2) is used to remove biological by-products, oil, and
dirt particles that get past the prefilters. If membrane performance is reduced and they have
not been pickled recently, cleaning with both chemicals is recommended. The acid cleaner
should be used first. If the membrane fails to respond to both cleanings, this is an indication
of another problem with the system, or that it is time to replace the membrane. Contact
Spectra Watermakers before removing a membrane.
• The membranes need to be cleaned only when operating pressures have risen more than
10% or the product quality degrades. The leading cause of fouling in marine use is from
biological growth that occurs when the system is left unused without flushing or pickling.
Fouling from mineral scaling can happen during operation under certain sea water condi-
tions, and from rust. Monitor the product salinity and feed pressure bar graphs for higher
than normal readings for the conditions. Other conditions can cause high pressure such as
cold feed water or clogged filters. Low product flow is usually due to low voltage, damaged
feed pump or Clark pump. Look for all other causes before cleaning the membrane. Mem-
brane life can be shortened by excessive cleaning.
The Membranes