This study is directed for biocide chemicals of Reverse Osmosis (RO) membranes only have played a role of removing biofouling (microorganism slime problem) on RO membrane surface. However, the more organic pollutants in raw water, the more difficult from recovering RO membrane surfaces.
Furthermore, new laws about chemical materials in Republic of Korea have required to the advent of innocuous substance improving existing noxious chemicals. Since innocuous substance provides convenience and safety to operators working at RO plants.
The new and enhanced biocide, which was developed in this study, does not have noxious chemicals. Dispersion force and anti-gelation(the same function of chemical dispersant) are added to the new biocide to remove the biofilm on RO membrane surfaces.
This new biocide with dispersion force on bio-slime of RO membrane surfaces also enhanced rate reduction flux according to differential pressure of RO membrane. In addition, it is satisfied with new laws and regulations on chemical materials.

The first study was focused on developing an optimal polymer as bio-dispersant. This dispersant (complex polymer of AA+AMPS +2-HEMA) shows good result for eluting calcium phosphate of 70% or more..

The new chemicals did not show a rapid variation of ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential) in proportion to chemicals input increasing. It did not show an effect on polyamide degradation of RO membrane surfaces degradation, either.

The 2nd study was focused on the new biocide by conducting a pilot test & applying to actual working plant.

The new biocide showed 23% ~ 27% improvement of differential pressures arrival time on the RO membrane during the period of pilot plant test. And The new biocide’s autopsy SEM/EDX result showed organic item(COD, SUV254) lower than CMIT/MIT, that is the new biocide’s COD 210mg/L, SUVA254 0.603L/mg·m, CMIT/MIT’s COD 263mg/L, SUVA254 0.708L/mg·m

At the actual working plant, the new chemicals showed an average of 33% improvement of arrival time on differential pressures that is the same with the result of pilot plant test.

The numbers of RO’s CIP (Clean In Place) times decreased 34% comparing with CMIT/MIT. This result showed the same with the result of pilot plant test and a research of relevant references. And after CIP RO membrane operating time increased 43% comparing with CMIT/MIT.

In conclusion, the chemical which was improved dispersion force and anti-gelation with the biocide function will simplify RO chemicals usage and treatment process.

In addition, the new chemicals have innocuous chemicals as ingredients which is safe to operators at the present working RO plant.