Autopsy Services

If you’ve spent time troubleshooting a problem and can’t figure it out…membrane element autopsy will provide an answer. Since 1988, DHP has seen over and over again where an element autopsy saved a company big money. Allowing problems to continue without resolution is not economical. Element autopsy identifies the problem(s). DHP provides recommendations to resolve the problem(s).

A DHP autopsy is cost effective if:

• You get less than 3 years of useful life from your elements/modules
• You have to clean more than six times per year
• Your membrane unit doesn't improve back to near-new performance following cleaning
• You want to definitely know what is causing a performance decline so you can correct it

During the course of an element autopsy, many evaluations and examinations are performed to identify:

• Manufacturing defects
• Active and inactive membrane area
• Damage to the membrane and structural components
• Composition, amount and performance changes due to:
  • Inorganic fouling
  • Organic fouling
  • Biofouling
  • Scaling
• Flow restrictions

The following is a brief description an element autopsy procedure. For more information, click on the links to the right.

1. You fill out a web-based questionnaire (when you order). This allows us to better serve you. We can provide better recommendations when we have information concerning the system from which the element was removed.
2. To determine the quality of membrane element manufacture and identify any manufacturing defects, we examine and evaluate the:
   • Fiberglass outer wrap (Shell)
   • Anti-Telescoping Device (ATD) on each end
   • Brine seal
   • Feedwater spacer
   • Permeate spacer
   • Glue lines
     1. Width
     2. Integrity
     3. Glue adhesion strength
3. We calculate the total active membrane area and compare with specification sheet
4. We document any damage to the element incurred during operation and/or shipping.
5. We identify the composition and relative amount of fouling materials
6. We identify the composition and relative amount of scaling materials
7. We measure the water flux rate, salt passage rate and dye penetration to document any membrane damage
8. We document any flow restrictions through the element

To Order a Spiral Wound RO & NF Membrane Element Autopsy, click here

Hollow Fiber Membrane Elements

Each type of hollow fiber microfiltration, ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis element is different. In general, similar analyses are performed for hollow fiber elements as spiral-wound elements and reporting is similar.

If you’re interested, please click [HERE].

Cartridge Filters

CF Procedure

CF Analyses

Reporting is similar for cartridge filters as spiral-wound elements. Analyses and pricing varies with clients needs.

If you’re interested, please click [HERE].

Other

Please click [HERE] if you have a unique autopsy requirement that is not listed on this website or to discuss any technical service.

Benefits of DHP’s Autopsy Services

David H. Paul, Inc. (DHP) provides the most cost effective autopsies available!