The Power of Medium Pressure UV Technology to Combat Biofouling and Boost Membrane Performance

Medium-pressure UV technology is documented as an effective approach to minimize membrane biofouling in RO systems without chemical biocides. Using polychromatic UV light in the 200–415 nm wavelength range, the technology disrupts microbial growth upstream of membrane systems. Two case studies demonstrate operational benefits: a 100,000 m³/day seawater facility achieved 50% CIP frequency reduction and a 21% decrease in post-CIP differential pressure; a 1,000 m³/day mining site eliminated chlorination and dechlorination requirements, extending CIP intervals from 13–30 days to once every five months and reducing membrane cleaning expenses by over 60%.