Current conventional cleaning methods, whether ex-situ or CIP, are expensive and inefficient requiring a large volume of harsh chemicals and long time to complete. The current industry standard ex-situ membrane cleaning method is based on a low velocity circulation of acid and base cleaning liquids and rely mostly on chemical dissolution of foulants. The Novaflux membrane cleaning process was developed with the aim to cardinally change this old practice. We introduced a new regime of fluid flow where high shear stress and effective mass transfer could effectively and efficiently remove foulants from membrane elements. The Novaflux process is expected to change the way membranes are cleaned and to expand new application for membrane processes in water treatment and industrial production.

This technology is based on modifications of the two-phase flow methods patented by Novaflux Technologies. Our technology removes many types of foulants, including: biofilm, inorganic scale, and particulate matter from the internal surfaces of the spiral wound membrane in a fraction of time without affecting membrane integrity or function. The Novaflux process for cleaning membranes is both effective and efficient requiring only minutes to complete. Another major advantage of the process is due to the very little cleaning solution requirement.

To date, the technology has been validated for smaller diameter spirals (2.5” and 4”), with the current research being directed at optimizing flow conditions and protocols to clean 8” membrane elements. In addition, recent efforts are being extended to clean several spiral elements in series, as normally used in industry.