What specific information can a membrane autopsy reveal that routine performance monitoring cannot?

A membrane autopsy can reveal specific information about the causes and extent of membrane degradation, fouling, and scaling that routine performance monitoring often cannot detect. While routine monitoring tracks parameters like permeate flow, salt rejection, and pressure drop to indicate overall system performance, a membrane autopsy involves a detailed physical and chemical analysis of the membrane itself. This analysis can identify the specific foulants present on the membrane surface, such as calcium carbonate, silica, iron oxides, or organic biofilms. It can also determine the distribution of these foul....