CIP Process to be followed:

 Process parameters during chemical cleaning of RO membranes are: Pressure 2-3 bar, and flow rate
3000 L/h for 8-inch membranes.

Circulation intervals: 0.5 – 1 hour (repeat for 2-3 times after soaking period of 30 min).

Final flushing: Minimum for 30 minutes with RO permeate water.

1. Alkaline Cleaning:

 Prepare 200 L of 0.5 wt% EDTA and 1 wt% NaOH solution using RO permeate water.
 Cleaning tank should be filled with RO permeate water. Add EDTA, in small increments to the water to
obtain 0.5% (by weight) solution and followed by NaOH (1 wt%).
 Example: To prepare 100 L of solution, 0.5 kg of EDTA and 1 kg of NaOH are required.
 Circulate this solution through RO membrane modules at pressure 2 – 3 bar and flow rate 1800-2400 L/h
(for 4” membrane module).
 During circulation, monitor pH (maintain close to 12) and turbidity of water. If the turbidity of the water
coming out of the reject is high, discard the water.
 After cleaning, flush the membranes with RO permeate water with same pressure and flow rate
conditions.

2. Acidic Cleaning:

 Prepare 1.5 wt% citric acid solution using RO permeate water.

Cleaning tank should be filled with RO permeate water. Add citric acid, in small increments to the water
to obtain 1.5% (by weight) solution. Continuous agitation will help to dissolve the citric acid quickly and
completely.
Example: To prepare 100 L of 1.5 wt% solution, 1.5 kg of citric acid is required.
 Circulate this solution through RO membrane modules at pressure of 2 bar and flow rate 1800-2400 L/h
(for 4-inch membrane module).
 During circulation, monitor pH (maintain close to 2) and turbidity of water. If the turbidity of the water
coming out of the reject is high, discard the water.
 After cleaning, flush the membranes with RO permeate water with same pressure and flow rate
conditions.

Safety Precautions

When preparing cleaning solutions, ensure that all chemicals are dissolved and well mixed before
circulating the solution through the element.
 Alkaline cleaning
Feed Flow
Activity Time From To pH value Remarks
Pressure rate
Circulation 30Min           Alkaline cleaning will be
Soaking 45Min           done with following
mixing of,
Circulation 30Min          
Water=100L
Soaking 45Min           EDTA=0.5Kg
NaoH=1 Kg
Note: Flushing will be
Flushing 30Min          
done with RO permeate
water
 

Acidic cleaning
Feed
Activity Time From To Flowrate pH value Remarks
pressure
Circulation 30Min           Acidic cleaning will be
Soaking 45Min           done with following
mixing of
Circulation 30Min          
Water=100L
Soaking 45Min           Citric Acid = 1.5Kg
Note: Flushing will be
Flushing 30Min           done with RO permeate
water