Conducting a Test

The test rig design presented allows for alterations to ensure that the student can test whatever properties they desire. The following steps advise how the test can be set up to gain a desired flow rate and stopped after conducting a test.

1. Prepare Feed-water
The water should be prepared to the desired specifications. Sodium chloride should be added to tap water to gain a desired salt content. For nano-filtration systems it is wise to also include magnesium sulphate and calcium chloride as both these chemicals are found in water, however for this test it may not be necessary. The feed water pH should then be adjusted to 8 by adding HCl or NaOH.

2. Heat the Feed-water

In the first test the water will be from a cold tap therefore it will take longer to heat to 25C but after this it is likely the water will sit at room temperature. The feed water should be heated to the required temperature using the control from the heating element. Measure this with an external thermometer to ensure accuracy.

3. Check Piping
Check the piping is correctly installed and that everything is tight.

4. Prepare Membrane
Place the membrane within the membrane holder and do not connect the membrane holder to the system at this time, allow for flow without membrane holder. This is to calibrate the system without the membrane.

5. Allow flow from the tank into pump

Open the tap on the water tank to allow flow into the pump.

6. Activate the pump.

Turn the pump on and allow flow through the system. After a few seconds view the pressure provided on the pressure gauge and take note of this. Adjust the pressure / flow rate using the pump.

7. Calibrate the needle valves.

The valves on the waste ends can be adjusted to allow for desired pressures and flow rates in the main system. These should be calibrated and pressure and flow rate should be measured should be viewed.

8. Turn off the pump after calibration

Turn off the pump and allow the system to drain without touching the needle valves and pump controls.

9. Connect the membrane

Connect the membrane holder to the system.

10. Run the test.

Turn the pump on and allow flow through the system. Desired measurements should be taken, it is likely that these will be the time the test runs, the volume of water that passes through the membrane and the pressure this is conducted at. The temperature in the initial water tank should be measured at various times and the heating element adjusted accordingly.

11. Close the needle valve into the collection tank and membrane holder.
This will stop the flow into the collection tank / membrane and will allow for an accurate time measurement to be taken and will ensure no more water passes into the membrane holder.

12. Turn off the Pump.

This will stop the flow.

13. Quickly open other valves fully.

Opening the other valves will allow for flow back into the initial water tank to avoid waste. After the water stops flowing, undo the piping before and after the membrane holder and collect any waste water in a container. Turn off the flow from the initial Water Tank.

14. Conduct further tests.

At this point it may be necessary to test the permeate solution gathered for salt content or test the membrane for various salt collection.

15. Clean
Clean components that have come in contact with salt water to reduce corrosion. It may be wise to run non-salt water though the pump to reduce corrosion.