Water treatment membrane devices can be used to produce potable water from brackish supplies and seawater as well as to upgrade the quality of industrial water. This standard permits the evaluation of the integrity and performance of membrane elements using visual observations and standard sets of conditions and are for short-term testing (< 24 h). This standard can be used to determine changes that may have occurred in the operating characteristics of elements but are not intended to be used for plant design.

1.1 This practice covers the inspection, performance testing, autopsy and analytical work associated with evaluating pressure driven membrane separation elements (MF, UF, NF and RO).

1.2 This practice is applicable for elements when newly manufactured or at any time during their operation in a water treatment facility. The Analytical section covers only membrane surface and foulant analyses.

1.3 The data derived from these tests should be evaluated versus newly manufactured elements/bundles or against operating systems when they were initially brought on-stream, or both. Industry norms can also be used for comparative purposes.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.