Potential use of magnetic fields - a perspective

The critical area of concern at the start of the millenium continues to be the biofouling of seawater/brackish water and the pre-treatment methods practiced. Practical studies indicate that with widely fluctuating raw water chemistry, the Gulf seawater which predominantly operates on open intake is more susceptible to biological fouling and algae growth thereby forcing plant downtime. In such a scenario, one often encounters with prohibitive water cost and probable mechanical damage to the equipment. The grave area of concern in the beginning of the millenium continues to be the sharp increase in the build-up of biofilm. The No. 1 killers of RO plant are the colloidal solids and biological contaminants. This has motivated the author to moot the introduction of energy efficient systems incorporating de-fouling device. By such a device almost all the suspended particles and colloids is reduced which is primarily achieved by incorporation of turbulence generating flow distributors and EMF device. Ln the overall analysis, such a modification in the membrane module should be a forerunner in the efficient operation and maintenance of membrane based units. Apart fi-om energy saving by as much as 18%, one of the basic benefits is significant reduction in downtime.