BiofilmRemovalandChemicalSanitizationofROSystems

Sanitization of the reverse osmosis water purification system and biofilm removal from water system.
To control microbial growth, RO systems must be chemically sanitized on a regular basis. Prior to sanitation it is important to chemically clean the firstpass
RO system. This will help to disrupt any biofilm that protects viable bacteria from contact with the sanitant. It also removes foulants that will react with and
chemically deplete the sanitizing agent.

Typically this is done in a twostep process. The first step commonly involves the use of an acid cleaner
such as citric acid to remove the inorganic foulants. Next, a highpH cleaner such as sodium hydroxide is
used in order to remove organic foulants. Then the system is sanitized with one of the following agents:
formaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, or peracetic acid/hydrogen peroxide. It is important to consult the
manufacturer of the RO system to determine the correct concentrations of the chemicals that are
compatible with the membranes in the system, and always rinse with Purified Water before changing
chemicals.
Both cleaning and sanitation processes consist of four steps. First, the cleaning chemical is mixed with
permeate water in a cleaninplace ClP tank. Second, the chemical solution is recirculated through the RO
system for 15 to 30 minutes. Then, the system is left to soak for 20 to 30 minutes. The system should be
started once every 5 to 10 minutes for a short time to allow fresh solution to contact the membrane.
Finally, the system should be rinsed with permeate water until the residual cleaning
and/or sanitation chemicals have been removed.
Although the second pass of the RO does not typically require cleaning as frequently as the first pass, a regular cleaning and sanitation schedule should be
maintained. This schedule should be based on the microbial concentrations and samples collected from the permeate water from the secondpass RO
machine. When microbial concentrations in the permeate begin to rise steadily, sanitation should be conducted.
If peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide are used to sanitize PA membranes, the membrane must be cleaned with an acid cleaner in order to remove free iron
and any other transitional metals; otherwise the membrane may be chemically damaged by the sanitation procedure. It is also important to make certain
that the sanitant is mixed with water that is free of chlorine. The membrane's exposure to the sanitant should not exceed one hour per week at the
recommended concentration level, or reduced membrane life may occur.

Related: Biocontamination Control Techniques for Purified Water System

Biofilm Removal
Biofilm is a common term used to describe the accumulation of microorganisms and their byproduct excretions onto surfaces of a water treatment
system. Because most microorganisms prefer to become attached to a surface, more and more microorganisms will adhere to the surfaces of a water
system. As microorganisms die, they become nutrient sources for other microorganisms. Over time, a film consisting of living and dead organisms will
form. A slimy cover called a glycocalyx surrounds the organisms and serves to trap nutrients from the water source and protect the organisms from
chemical destruction and biofilm removal.

Related: How to Remove the Pathogenic Bacteria from Water Systems

For biofilm removal, it is necessary to conduct a series of sanitation and cleaning steps. First, inorganic should be removed using a lowpH cleaner. Second,
any organic compound or dead microorganisms should be removed using a highpH cleaner such as sodium hydroxide. Third, a sanitation should be
conducted using a common sanitizing agent such as formaldehyde, chlorine, or peracetic acid/hydrogen peroxide. Then conduct a series of organic
cleaning cycles followed by sanitation cycles. Prior to changing chemicals, always flush with purified water. For severe, established biofilms, it may be
necessary to repeat this process 5 to 10 times. During each step, the sanitation agent should be in contact with the system for 15 to 30 minutes for an
effective biofilm removal.

Also see: Purified Water System Validation

Ankur Choudhary is India's first professional pharmaceutical blogger, author and founder of Pharmaceutical Guidelines, a widelyread pharmaceutical
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