Membranes are susceptible to mineral scaling, biofouling and oxidation damage. The leading cause of fouling is biological growth that forms when the system is left unused without flushing or pickling. Fouling from mineral scaling can happen under certain seawater conditions, or from rust. Oxidation damage can occur if the membrane comes into contact with any strong oxidant, such as Ozone, Chlorine, etc. Monitor the product salinity and feed pressure for higher than normal readings, take environmental conditions into consideration.
Note that:
• Cold feed water or a higher salinity seawater source can cause high pressure.
• Low product flow is usually due to low voltage, a worn feed pump, or worn Clark Pump.
Due to the unique design of your Spectra system, low product water volume is typically not a membrane problem, but frequently related to low voltage, a worn feed pump head, or a worn Clark Pump. Always perform a flow test before cleaning your membrane. https://katadyngroup.ladesk.com/048446-Production-TroubleshootingFlow-Test
How to test to see if biological growth has occurred:
Before running the system, remove the pre-filters and examine their condition. If the filter housings are full of smelly, discolored water, the system was not properly stored. Install clean pre-filters.
Next, check the membrane. Detach the brine discharge hose, attach the brine service hose, and lead it to a bucket. Open the pressure relief valve 1/2 turn, and manually run the system for 30 seconds (metal toggle switch on feed pump module).
Examine the brine water: If it is discolored and smells bad, perform an SC-2 cleaning with unchlorinated water before running the system pressurized. If the brine is fairly clean, follow the New System Startup procedure outlined in your owner's manual. Check for performance. Clean the membranes only if performance is reduced.