Cleaners

Successful membrane cleaning depends primarily on the nature of the foulant. Before selecting cleaning chemicals and designing a cleaning protocol it is vitally important to correctly identify the deposit or foulant trough a RO feed water proper lab analysis and membrane autopsy service.

For the most effective cleaning, and therefore reduced cleaning frequency, conditions of pH, temperature and contact time are important.

We’ve provided the information below for guidance; however we would recommend asking us to design a cleaning protocol for you.

Membrane Cleaning Wizard

You can use our Membrane Cleaning Wizard to help you work out the best way to clean a reverse osmosis membrane.

How to choose the right Cleaner

Cleaners for membrane water treatment systems play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and longevity of membranes, especially in processes like reverse osmosis (RO), ultrafiltration (UF) and nanofiltration (NF). Choosing the right cleaning solution is essential to ensure thorough fouling removal without damaging the membrane or compromising water quality. Here are some key considerations when selecting membrane cleaning chemicals:

Type of Fouling

Different types of foulants require specific cleaning approaches. For example, organic fouling may be effectively removed using enzymatic cleaners, while inorganic foulants like silica and carbonate deposits may require alkaline or acid-based cleaners for dissolution.

Membrane Compatibility

Cleaning solutions should be compatible with the membrane material to prevent degradation or deterioration of membrane performance. It’s important to consult membrane manufacturers’ guidelines to ensure compatibility.

pH and Alkalinity

pH plays a critical role in membrane cleaning efficacy. Alkaline cleaners are typically used to dissolve organic foulants and mineral deposits, while acidic cleaners are effective against scale formation. Balancing pH and alkalinity is essential to prevent membrane damage.

Specialty Formulations

Some cleaning chemicals are specifically formulated to target particular foulants or membrane types. Specialty cleaners may offer enhanced performance in challenging fouling scenarios or for specific membrane materials.

Safety and Environmental Considerations

Choose cleaning solutions that are safe to handle and environmentally friendly. Look for products that are biodegradable and comply with regulatory standards.

Our Cleaners

Genesol 711

Genesol 711 has been developed as an inorganic scale cleaner and iron solvent for Reverse Osmosis and Nano-filtration membrane systems. Genesol 711 is highly effective at removing inorganic foulants, such as iron and calcium carbonate and also has proven efficacy against removing membrane biofilms.

Genesol 721

Genesol 721 is a low foaming, multicomponent, powder cleaner for membrane systems designed to reduce differential pressure, increase flux and improve salt rejection. The blend of chelating acids removes oxides of iron and manganese plus calcium carbonate scale. It is also effective in removing other metallic foulants such as aluminium.

Genesol 734

Genesol 734 is a general-purpose cleaner for a wide range of organic based foulants found in RO and NF Membrane systems. It’s particularly effective against clay (aluminium silicate), which can be difficult to remove with conventional cleaners. UF and MF units can also benefit from speciality cleaning alongside chemically enhanced backwashes.

Genesol 764

Genesol 764 is a general-purpose cleaner for a wide range of organic based foulants found in RO and NF Membrane systems. This formulation contains a high performing environmentally friendly chelant replacing EDTA. It is particularly effective against clay (aluminium silicate), which can be difficult to remove with conventional cleaners, it is also effective in cleaning Ultra-Filtration & Micro-Filtration systems.

Genesol UF 12

Genesol UF12 is an effervescent, alkaline, detergent, U.F. Membrane cleaner formulated with osmotic action to remove difficult biofouling, metals and organic deposits.

Genesol 30

Genesol 30 is a fast acting, broad-spectrum biocide used for cleaning RO and NF membranes. It can be used both on and off-line to eliminate microbiological fouling.

Genesol UF7

Genesol UF 7 is a neutral pH cleaner ideally suited for the removal of organic & inorganic foulants from UF membranes, particularly where the use of low & high pH cleaners may be limited due to Health and Safety or effluent disposal restrictions.

Genesol 61

Genesol 61 is a neutral pH cleaner ideally suited for the removal of organic & inorganic foulants from Reverse Osmosis and Nano-filtration membrane surfaces, particularly where the use of low & high pH cleaners may be limited due to Health and Safety or effluent disposal restrictions. The neutral pH of this product makes it particularly useful for cleaning cellulose acetate membranes.

Genesol 80

Genesol 80 is a membrane cleaner for use in RO, NF and UF membrane systems. It targets biofilm which predominantly consists of a glycocalyx layer of extracellular polysaccharide materials secreted by bacteria under stress.

Genesol 34

Genesol 34 is a blended chelating agent and non-ionic surfactant and has been developed as an alkaline general purpose cleaner for membrane systems. It will help to remove both organic and inorganic based deposits. It is classified as ‘readily biodegradable’ and is an excellent adjunct when used in combination with other Genesol membrane cleaners.

Genesol 36

Genesol 36 is a general purpose cleaner for the removal of organic foulants found on RO and NF membrane surfaces. The low dose rate of Genesol 36 ensures cost effective use and it is an excellent adjunct when used in combination with other Genesol membrane cleaners.

Genesol 37

Genesol 37 is a general-purpose cleaner for inorganic scale and iron deposits found in most types of membrane system. It is also highly effective at removing organic deposits from severely fouled systems.

Genesol 38

Genesol 38 is an inorganic scale cleaner and iron deposit remover for use in RO and NF membrane systems and has been approved for use in drinking water applications. Used at the right concentration, its self adjusting pH ensures highest solubility of iron salts is achieved.

Genesol 40

Genesol 40 is a general-purpose membrane cleaner effective against organic based foulants typically found in RO and NF membrane systems and has been approved for use in drinking water applications.

Genesol 50

Genesol 50 is based on a chelating agent and has been developed as a general purpose membrane alkaline cleaner for use with RO and NF Membranes. Genesol 50 will remove organic and inorganic based deposits. It is effective against iron fouling and many forms of calcium scale and is an excellent adjunct when used in combination with other Genesol membrane cleaners.

Genesol 703

Genesol 703 is a general-purpose cleaner for an extensive range of organic based foulants found in RO and NF Membrane systems. It’s particularly effective against aluminium silicate, which can be difficult to remove with conventional cleaners.

Genesol 704

Genesol 704 is a general-purpose cleaner for a wide range of organic based foulants found in RO and NF Membrane systems. It’s particularly effective against aluminium silicate, which can be difficult to remove with conventional cleaners. It is also effective against most micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi and algae.