Assembly instructions for modules with

spiral wound membrane elements

Ref. no.: 4005UK – June 2003 Page 1 of 5

ATD end plug Complete module

O-ring / lip seal with spiral wound
Membrane element membrane elements

ATD coupler
Feed end

Clamp ring
End cap
Clamp gasket

Housing

Permeate end

Permeate end cap

1 Introduction
These instructions describe the assembly of modules with spiral wound membrane elements, and
apply to 4” and 6” configurations with standard ATDs or ESA type ATDs with O-rings or lip seals.

Two men are recommended to carry out the assembly.

Frichsvej 21 • DK-8600 Silkeborg • tel +45 8720 0840 • fax +45 8720 0890 • info@dss-silkeborg.com • www.dss-silkeborg.com
 Assembly instructions for modules with
spiral wound membrane elements
Ref. no.: 4005UK – June 2003 Page 2 of 5

1.1 Before assembly

Prior to assembly, please check the amount, types and code numbers of the housings, the
membrane elements and accessories. Correct amount of the various parts can be checked as
follows:
The amount of ATD couplers equals the amount of membrane elements.
The amount of ATD end plugs, permeate end caps and end caps equals the amount of
housings.
The amount of clamp rings and clamp gaskets equals twice the amount of housings.
The amount of O-rings (or lip seals) equals the amount of ATD end plugs plus twice the amount
of ATD couplers.

If the job is to replace membranes in an existing plant, the old membrane elements are removed,
and the housings and other reusable parts cleaned and quality checked.

IMPORTANT!!
To maintain the membrane element guarantee and ensure an optimal performance, it is essential
that:

the membrane elements fit into the housings with tight tolerances.
the membrane element in the feed end of the module is provided with an ATD end plug.
the membrane elements are connected to each other and to the permeate end cap with ATD
couplers.
the parts used are original.
O-rings, lip seals and ESA type ATDs are lubricated before assembly.
these assembly instructions are followed closely.

2 Assembly instructions

2.1
Start at the feed end of the housing.
Prepare an ATD coupler with O-rings (or
lip seals) using lubricant, and fit it into the
membrane element. Load the first
membrane element into the housing with
the ATD coupler first, leaving
approximately 15cm outside enabling you
to withhold the element when proceeding
the assembly.

Record the code no. and location of the

membrane element on the membrane
installation sheet (use the specific sheet
which follows new DSS Silkeborg plants,
or the general sheet enclosed in these
instructions).

Frichsvej 21 • DK-8600 Silkeborg • tel +45 8720 0840 • fax +45 8720 0890 • info@dss-silkeborg.com • www.dss-silkeborg.com
 Assembly instructions for modules with
spiral wound membrane elements
Ref. no.: 4005UK – June 2003 Page 3 of 5

Note: ATD’s of the ESA type can be

loaded from the feed end of the housing
only, and with the feed side of the ESA
facing backwards. The lip seal on the rim
of the ESA must also be lubricated before
installation. ESA type ATD’s may only to
Loading direction
a very limited extent be pushed
backwards.

2.2
Withhold the first membrane element
while connecting it to the second element
with an ATD coupler. Record the code
nos. and push the elements further into
the housing. Proceed this way until the
full amount of membrane elements are
loaded into the housing. An ATD end plug
is fitted to the end of the last membrane
element, and the element stack is pushed
forward until the front ATD coupler is
appears at the other end of the housing.

Please note: for ESA type ATDs, the

Max 10 mm
element stack must only be pushed Retentate outlet
forward until the ESA coupler is
maximum 10 mm from the retentate
outlet.

If the ESA coupler is pushed further

forward, the retentate outlet may damage
the lip seal on the rim of the ESA.
Permeate end

Frichsvej 21 • DK-8600 Silkeborg • tel +45 8720 0840 • fax +45 8720 0890 • info@dss-silkeborg.com • www.dss-silkeborg.com
 Assembly instructions for modules with
spiral wound membrane elements
Ref. no.: 4005UK – June 2003 Page 4 of 5

2.3
Go to the permeate end of the housing.
Fit a clamp gasket to the end of the
housing (do not use lubricant). Fit a
permeate end cap to the ATD coupler,
and push it backwards aligning it with the
clamp gasket on the housing. Apply a
clamp ring, apply anti-seizing compound
(example: Never-Seez™) to the bolts and
tighten the nuts well and evenly.

2.4
Go to the feed end of the housing. Push
the back membrane element forward
towards the permeate end to ensure that
all parts are fitted tightly together.

Fit a clamp gasket and an end cap to the

end of the housing, and tighten a clamp
ring around them.

2.5 Initial cleaning before operation

Before the plant is put into operation, an initial cleaning must be carried out. It is recommended to
run a full standard CIP cycle. Please consult the membrane data sheets and the plant
documentation.

Frichsvej 21 • DK-8600 Silkeborg • tel +45 8720 0840 • fax +45 8720 0890 • info@dss-silkeborg.com • www.dss-silkeborg.com
 Membrane installation sheet

Ref. no.: 4005UK – April 2003 Page 5 of 5

By installation of membrane elements, the code no. of each element must carefully be recorded on
the below sheet. One sheet is filled in for each loop. For plants delivered by DSS Silkeborg, a
special sheet for the specific plant is available in the plant documentation.

In order to facilitate on-line support and troubleshooting and maintain the membrane guarantee, the
completed sheets must be stored with the plant documentation or forwarded to DSS Silkeborg.

Plant:
Membrane element type:
Installed by: Date:

Loop no:
Element 1 Element 2 Element 3 Element 4 Element 5 Element 6
Module 1
Module 2
Module 3
Module 4
Module 5
Module 6
Module 7
Module 8
Module 9
Module 10
Module 11
Module 12
Module 13
Module 14
Module 15

Please make a drawing of the principles for numbering of the loops and modules:

Frichsvej 21 • DK-8600 Silkeborg • tel +45 8720 0840 • fax +45 8720 0890 • info@dss-silkeborg.com • www.dss-silkeborg.com