Water treatment equipment requires regular maintenance. This is due to the high concentration of metallic impurities and various solid substances present in raw water. These impurities lead to the formation of deposits and scale within system components, which can cause malfunctions and reduce the service life of technical equipment.
Water treatment system servicing includes the following steps:
- inspection of all components and mechanisms;
- scheduled service and repairs;
- preventive maintenance of components;
- regular replacement of filters, replenishment of reagents, and membrane cleaning;
Iron Removal Filters
Tap water often contains high concentrations of metals, especially iron. Such water is unsuitable for both industrial and domestic use. To reduce heavy metal concentrations, iron removal technology is applied — this is the first stage of water purification and softening. Depending on the application, filters can be designed for household or industrial use. The technical specifications also vary depending on the types of contaminants:
- Ferrous iron (Fe²⁺): removed using reverse osmosis and ion exchange filters;
- Ferric iron (Fe³⁺): removed with multi-stage ultrafiltration systems;
- Iron bacteria: removed using specialized filtration systems;
Iron removal can be carried out using either ion exchange or oxidation methods. Regular scheduled maintenance ensures long-term and reliable system operation. The exact maintenance procedures depend on the filter type and may include:
- filter condition diagnostics;
- cleaning of control valves;
- replacement of filter cartridges;
- quarterly regeneration of active components;
- refilling the filter column with media;
Water Softening Systems
Water hardness refers to the concentration of calcium and magnesium salts. Using hard water can be harmful to health and may cause damage to household appliances and industrial equipment. Salts accumulate in pipes and system components, eventually leading to irreversible corrosion. To reduce these impurities, the following softening methods are used:
- cationic ion exchange filters;
- chemical (reagent-based) softening;
- ion exchange resin-based softening;
These systems require regular servicing. Chemical softening is mostly used in industrial settings due to the use of substances that can be hazardous to humans. The concentration of reagents in the system should be adjusted based on test results. The use of filters does not eliminate the need for preventive measures — quarterly pipe cleaning to remove scale and deposits is recommended. When using ion exchange resins for softening, resin bead regeneration in the filters is necessary. The frequency of full filter replacement depends on the volume and quality of the treated water.
Reverse Osmosis Membrane Cleaning
An osmotic membrane is a mesh with microscopic pores that retains almost all particles, resulting in water quality comparable to distilled water. Reverse osmosis membranes are widely used in households and industries to remove heavy metals, as well as organic and inorganic contaminants. They can retain approximately 96–99% of all impurities, but for proper and long-lasting performance, coarse mechanical impurities should first be removed using specialized filters. As membranes become dirty, they must be cleaned using appropriate reagents. Membranes are only replaced when the mesh is completely worn out. The frequency of cleaning and replacement depends on the filter type and the volume and quality of the processed water.
Water treatment system servicing should be entrusted to professionals — replacing filters and membranes and handling hazardous chemicals requires specific knowledge and skills. Timely diagnostics, preventive measures, and system maintenance can help avoid breakdowns, reduce energy consumption, and significantly extend the service life of the entire installation.
Chemical Cleaning of Reverse Osmosis Membranes
Reverse osmosis is a relatively modern water purification technology that, at first glance, seems to require minimal operating costs and few consumables. However, during the operation of reverse osmosis systems, insoluble deposits inevitably form on the membrane surfaces. These are not flushed out with the wastewater (concentrate) but instead clog the microscopic pores of the membrane. This reduces the effective filtration area and inevitably leads to a decrease in system performance and a decline in permeate (purified water) quality.
The formation of such deposits is unavoidable. The rate at which they appear depends on each individual case, as the quality of the feed water varies.
Like any filtration element, reverse osmosis membranes require regular replacement. With proper water pre-treatment (iron removal, softening) and regular cleaning using specialized cleaning agents, the membranes can operate effectively for at least three years.
Reverse osmosis membrane cleaning is carried out in several stages, with the frequency depending on the type and quantity of contaminants:
- Acidic membrane cleaning with pH and temperature control of the cleaning solution;
- Alkaline membrane cleaning with pH and temperature control of the cleaning solution;
- Biocide cleaning to prevent the growth of microorganisms;
In addition, the flow rate of the cleaning solution is crucial! Cleaning should be performed at low pressure and high flow rate. All equipment used in the chemical cleaning process must be resistant to aggressive acidic and alkaline solutions.
In addition to providing chemical cleaning services for reverse osmosis membranes, we can also offer:
- chemical agents for membrane cleaning;
- antiscalants for reverse osmosis systems;
- 5-micron filter elements for RO systems;
- reverse osmosis membranes;
- upgrades and reconfiguration of existing RO systems;
- design and improvement of water pre-treatment processes;
- servicing, repair, and maintenance of water treatment systems;
You can also purchase from us everything needed to operate and maintain water treatment systems, including reverse osmosis membranes.
As a manufacturer of water treatment equipment, we ensure the highest quality of technical support. By choosing our services, you are guaranteed professional execution. Our specialists will arrive at your site fully equipped with the necessary tools and equipment.