GE Water & Process Technologies Combined Membrane-EDI System

Operation & Maintenance Manual Demineralization Water Treatment System

10.4 SUPPLY LINE SANITIZATION

Supply line sanitization is recommended to prevent growth in the feed
line. Sanitize the supply line using chlorine and SBS dosing systems.

The basic frequency for this procedure should initially be once per week
with a 5-20 ppm chlorine solution for a period of one hour. Vary the
frequency of sanitization and concentration of chlorine to meet site-
specific needs. To neutralize the chlorine prior to the membranes, add
SBS at twice the chlorine dose.

Develop a site-specific procedure for this activity, as needs will vary

based on specific system configuration and piping, typically the piping
from the suction to the filter inlet requires sanitization.

10-6 February, 2013

SECTION 11
TROUBLESHOOTING
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Combined Membrane-EDI System GE Water & Process Technologies
Demineralization Water Treatment System Operation & Maintenance Manual

11.1 INTRODUCTION
This section provides information regarding some of the most common
issues and frequently asked questions related to this system and its
associated components.

Several training courses related to troubleshooting techniques and skills

are available upon request. For more information, contact GE W&PT.

To avoid injury or property damage while performing the

troubleshooting procedures outlined in this section, adhere to the
following points.

• When working with a pressurized system, ensure that all

associated components and piping have been fully
depressurized before beginning work. In the case of valves
connected to compressed air lines, the line must be fully
disconnected from the valve before work may begin. Simply
actuating the valve will not sufficiently depressurize the line.

• All routine troubleshooting must be carried out according to the

safety regulations and instructions specified by the supplier of
the component. Read all relevant safety information provided in
Volume I - Vendor Data Manual before attempting repairs.

• Wear suitable protective equipment when working with pumps,

piping, or other components that may have contained caustic or
acidic chemicals.

In the event of a contradiction between information provided in this

section and that supplied by the manufacturer, the manufacturer’s
information will always take precedence.

If problems discussed in this section persist or other difficulties arise,

contact GE W&PT. Completed operating logsheets will be necessary in
order for GE W&PT representatives to determine the cause of the issue.

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GE Water & Process Technologies Combined Membrane-EDI System
Operation & Maintenance Manual Demineralization Water Treatment System

Troubleshooting procedures involving mechanical or electrical

components should be performed only by qualified personnel. All
operators must familiarize themselves with the applicable safety
information before performing any of the procedures outlined here.

In the procedures below, when instructed to “check” a component,

ensure that the following actions are performed where applicable:

• Any and all electrical, signal, hydraulic, and pneumatic

connections should be examined for corrosion, loosening, or
breakage.

• Electrical wiring should be inspected for short-circuits.

• Fuses should be examined for continuity.

• Switches should be examined for proper positioning and

operation.

In situations where the cause of a problem is not clear, or where process

changes appear to be required, contact GE W&PT before making any
significant changes to operating parameters.

If the problem caused a system shutdown, after addressing all possible

causes, restart the system. If the system restarts and runs normally for
approximately 30 minutes, the problem has been corrected or was
transitory. If another system shutdown is triggered, stop all operation
and contact GE W&PT.

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Combined Membrane-EDI System
Demineralization Water Treatment System
Table 11.1 - MMF Troubleshooting Quick-Reference
Issue or Alarm
High backwash flowrate
Low Backwash flowrate
Outlet turbidity high after
backwash
February, 2013
GE Water & Process Technologies
Operation & Maintenance Manual
Possible Causes Corrective Action
Backwash Outlet Valve Adjust travel stop on Backwash
open too much Outlet Valve
Loss of Media Verify media level, add if necessary
Change in water Adjust travel stop on Backwash
temperature of Backwash Outlet Valve
water
Faulty flowmeters Fix the flowmeter
Feed pressure has Readjust feed pressure control
changed
Backwash outlet valve Adjust travel stop on Backwash
Outlet Valve
Change in water Adjust travel stop on Backwash
temperature of Backwash Outlet Valve
water
Faulty Flowmeter Fix the flowmeter
Feed pressure has Readjust feed pressure control
changed
Improper backwash Re-backwash unit
Rinse up time too short Increase rinse time
Service flowrate too high Readjust service flow rate
Short Circuiting Damaged under drain or improper
(channeling) service flow rate
11-3
GE Water & Process Technologies Combined Membrane-EDI System
Operation & Maintenance Manual Demineralization Water Treatment System

Table 11.2 - RO Troubleshooting Quick-Reference

Issue or Alarm Possible Causes Corrective Action
Low inlet pressure Insufficient feedwater Increase feedwater pressure, open
pressure the inlet valve, and check for
restrictions. If the problem persists,
consider installing a boost pump
Clogged cartridge filters Replace the cartridge filters
Malfunctioning solenoid Clean the valve and the air supply
valve line and check the regulator. If the
problem persists, replace the
regulator and/or the valve
Low operating pressure High flowrates Close the orifice bypass valve,
check the permeate and
concentrate flows, and adjust as
needed. Excessive permeate flow
may be caused by an
interconnector that was not
installed correctly
Pump discharge screen Inspect and clean the screen as
(low primary pressure) needed
Fouled membranes (low Clean the membranes
final pressure)
Warm operating Reduce the operating temperature
conditions
The pump is rotating Switch any two of the 3-phase leads
backwards (3-phase
models only)
Faulty pump Refer to Volume I - Vendor Data
Manual for instructions
High temperature The temperature is too Shut down the system and let it
high cool. Also, lower feedwater
temperature, if possible. If
feedwater is recirculated, install a
heat exchanger
The setpoint is too low Adjust the setpoint value
Faulty sensor Refer to Volume I - Vendor Data
Manual for instructions
High or low inlet pH The pH level is out of Check the chemical injection
range assembly used to control pH.
Ensure that it is operating properly
and that all associated setpoints
are correct
Faulty pH probe Recalibrate and clean the probe.
Refer to Volume I - Vendor Data
Manual for instructions

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Combined Membrane-EDI System GE Water & Process Technologies
Demineralization Water Treatment System Operation & Maintenance Manual

Table 11.2 - RO Troubleshooting Quick-Reference

Issue or Alarm Possible Causes Corrective Action
High ORP Chlorine breakthrough Check the sodium bisulfite injection
assembly. Check for the presence of
chlorine. If using an activated
carbon filter upstream, check the
condition of the carbon bed
The setpoint is too low Confirm that water is free of
chlorine, and then adjust the
setpoint value
Faulty ORP probe Recalibrate or replace the probe.
Refer to Volume I - Vendor Data
Manual for instructions
Low permeate flowrate Low operating pressure Refer to the possible causes of low
operating pressure (listed above)
Fouled membranes Clean the membranes
Operating on cold Install a feedwater tempering valve
feedwater (less than 13ºC if more permeate flow is needed.
(55ºF)) Raise feedwater temperature to
within 13 - 18ºC (55 - 65ºF)
Membranes are installed Remove the membranes, check the
backwards or a brine seal brine seals, and then re-install them
has been damaged in the same direction as the
flowpath. Perform a chemical clean
immediately after re-installation.
Faulty flowmeter Recalibrate the meter. Refer to
Volume I - Vendor Data Manual for
instructions
Improperly positioned Confirm that the permeate and
valve concentrate valves (both CIP and
service for each) are positioned
properly
Low concentrate flowrate The concentrate orifice is Remove and clean the concentrate
with normal or higher- plugged orifice and associated plumbing
than-normal pressure
The concentrate line is Check the line for obstructions or
restricted closed valves
Faulty flowmeter Recalibrate the meter. Refer to
Volume I - Vendor Data Manual for
instructions
High operating pressure The recycle or Remove and clean the concentrate
(high permeate or concentrate lines are orifice and associated plumbing
concentrate alarm) plugged
Faulty pressure switch Recalibrate or replace the switch.
Refer to Volume I - Vendor Data
Manual for instructions
Service and CIP valves are Verify that valves are properly
both closed at the same aligned (either the CIP or service
time valve should be open)

February, 2013 11-5

GE Water & Process Technologies Combined Membrane-EDI System
Operation & Maintenance Manual Demineralization Water Treatment System

Table 11.2 - RO Troubleshooting Quick-Reference

Issue or Alarm Possible Causes Corrective Action
Restricted or reduced Refer to the possible causes of low
permeate flowrate permeate flowrate (listed above)
Excessive pressure drop Flow restriction Check for blockage at the
(high primary pressure downstream from the RO concentrate inlet and outlet of each
and low final pressure) pump outlet pressure vessel. Check for blockage
at the pump discharge screen
Telescoped membrane is Ensure that the membrane
covering the pressure element’s anti-telescoping device
vessel outlet (ATD) is positioned properly
Severely fouled Clean the membranes
membranes
Water is flowing through The feedwater inlet valve Clean the valve and the air supply
system while system is in is not closing or is not line and check the regulator. If the
OFF mode seating properly problem persists, replace the
regulator and/or the valve. Clean
the membranes immediately after
resolving the problem
Declining rejection (high Fouled membranes Clean the membranes
permeate conductivity)
Damaged O-ring seal Check the condition of the O ring
(common issue following groove, interconnectors, and end
installation of new caps. Replace any damaged parts if
membranes) found
Change in feedwater Open the concentrate valve and
quality flush the line. Test the water for pH,
hardness, TDS, and iron. Send the
results to GE W&PT for review.
Faulty conductivity Recalibrate the monitor and
monitor or fouled probe compare readings to those from
another meter. Clean or replace the
probe. Check the connections
between the probe and the monitor
Low recycle flowrate Increase recycle flowrate

11-6 February, 2013

Combined Membrane-EDI System GE Water & Process Technologies
Demineralization Water Treatment System Operation & Maintenance Manual

Table 11.3 - EDI Troubleshooting Quick-Reference

Issue or Alarm Possible Causes Corrective Action
High stack pressure drop The stack is fouled Clean the stack
Production flowrates are Adjust flowrates as needed
too high
Low stack pressure drop Production flowrates are Adjust flowrates as needed
too low
Low dilute flowrate The stack is fouled Clean the stack
A valve is closed Confirm that valves are positioned
correctly for operation
Faulty flow switch or Inspect all flow switches and
transmitter transmitters and repair or
recalibrate as needed
Low feedwater pressure Inspect upstream processes for
blockage or faults
Incorrect flow settings Adjust setpoints and/or valve
positioning as needed
Poor dilute quality Incompatible feedwater Compare current feedwater
quality parameters to design
specifications. (Excess carbon
dioxide is a common finding)
Improperly wired Immediately shut down the system,
electrodes lock-out and tag-out the rectifier,
and inspect the electrode wiring.
Contact GE W&PT for assistance if
an issue is found
One or more stacks is Check all fuses, wiring, and the
receiving little or no rectifier output settings. Ensure that
electrical current the rectifier’s negative terminal is
grounded
The electrical current is Check the rectifier output settings,
too low ensuring it is set for current-limiting
operation (voltage should be set for
100%). Check the Field Monitoring
Spreadsheet for indications of
fouling
Concentrate pressure is Adjust the concentrate pressure
greater than feedwater or until a differential pressure of 0.34
dilute pressures bar (5 psi) is achieved

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GE Water & Process Technologies
Operation & Maintenance Manual
Table 11.3 - EDI Troubleshooting Quick-Reference
Issue or Alarm
Low concentrate flowrate
Low electrode flowrate
The system will not start in
AUTO mode and the
rectifier does not activate
11-8
Combined Membrane-EDI System
Demineralization Water Treatment System
Possible Causes
Not all stack connection
points are occupied
Inadequate temperature
compensation
The stack is fouled
Faulty flow switch or
transmitter
The stack is fouled
Faulty flow switch or
transmitter
Electrode outlet valve
misaligned
The rectifier is not set in
AUTO mode
The rectifier has no power
Low electrode flowrate
Corrective Action
Piping for stacks which have not
been connected may trap low-
quality water. If water begins
leaching from these sections into
the dilute flow, flush any unused
connection piping to prevent further
contamination
Check the conductivity/resistivity
meter settings and ensure that
temperature compensation is
enabled
Clean the stack
Inspect all flow switches and
transmitters and repair or
recalibrate as needed
Clean the stack
Inspect all flow switches and
transmitters and repair or
recalibrate as needed
Check valve positioning
Set the rectifier in AUTO mode
Confirm that the rectifier disconnect
is set to ON. Confirm that the
rectifier works by starting it
manually
The electrode valve is not set
correctly, the flow switch or
transmitter not configured
correctly, or the electrode wiring is
faulty. Check for input at the PLC
February, 2013