PROJECT DETAILS


  • Project No 2006
  • Project Name Membrane integrity testing for virus particle removal
  • Lead Organisation Water Research Australia
  • Research Lead UNSW Sydney
  • Main Researcher Pierre Le Clech
  • Completion Year 2009

Project Description

The Australian water industry uses a variety of membrane processes to remove unwanted pathogens or compounds, such as salt, from source waters. As membranes age their ability to fulfil these removal and filtering functions declines. The problem is that although there are recognised and validated tests for membrane integrity, they are usually performed only on new membranes, and information about the effect of membrane aging on pathogen removal is limited. This project reviewed published literature and identified four methods suitable for future development as Membrane Integrity Tests that may prove applicable to evaluate aging membranes during ongoing and long-term plant operation.