Non-invasive inspection of in situ spiral wound reverse osmosis membranes using nuclear magnetic resonance

The work performed as part of this thesis, expands on this prior research such that such NMR and MRI measurements are applied to spiral wound reverse osmosis (SWRO) membrane modules operating at realistic process conditions for the first time. High image resolution MRI velocimetry was used to determine velocity images within operating SWRO modules, both clean and after variable amounts of fouling. Simple NMR signal acquisition was shown to be able to detect the onset of fouling prior to pressure drop, ?P. Where feasible, these high field NMR/MRI measurements were repeated on the SWRO membrane module using the Earths Field NMR (EFNMR) for detection of the fouling. EFNMR, which is a low cost and portable instrument, was shown to be sensitive to the development of fouling in the modules and thus is a promising candidate for future monitoring and hence early detection of fouling onset.