Site Engineer

1. Overview of Ultrafiltration (UF)Ultrafiltration is a membrane filtration process that removes suspended solids, bacteria, and some viruses from water using hollow fiber membranes. It’s usually used as a pre-treatment before Reverse Osmosis (RO) or for producing clean process water.

• ⚙️ 2. Main Responsibilities in UF OperationA. Plant Start-up & ShutdownCheck raw water availability and feed pump condition.
• Start feed pumps, backwash pumps, and air blowers in correct sequence.
• Observe flow, pressure, and turbidity readings.
• Shut down properly after operation (flush membranes with permeate water).

B. Monitoring ParametersOperators regularly check and record:

ParameterDescriptionTypical RangeFeed FlowWater entering UF systemAs per designPermeate FlowFiltered clean waterAs per designTransmembrane Pressure (TMP)Indicates membrane fouling< 1 bar preferredTurbidity (NTU)Output water clarity< 0.1 NTUDifferential PressureDifference between feed & permeate pressureShould be low

• C. Backwash & CleaningAutomatic Backwash (ABW): Happens periodically (every 20–60 mins). Uses permeate water to flush membranes.
• Air Scour: Compressed air helps dislodge solids from membrane surface.
• Chemical Enhanced Backwash (CEB): Done every few hours using chlorine or citric acid for deeper cleaning.
• CIP (Clean-In-Place): Full cleaning cycle using chemicals when TMP rises above limit.
• D. Maintenance WorkInspect and clean strainers and valves.
• Check pump seals, air blowers, and chemical dosing units.
• Ensure no leakages in piping or manifolds.
• Replace membrane modules when performance drops beyond recovery.

E. Data Recording & ReportingOperators must log:

• Daily readings (pressure, flow, turbidity).
• Chemical usage and cleaning cycles.
• Any alarms or equipment faults.
• Report to plant incharge or supervisor daily.
• F. Safety & HousekeepingUse gloves, goggles, and mask during chemical handling.
• Maintain clean surroundings and prevent chemical spills.
• Ensure proper drainage and ventilation near chemical tanks.

🧪 3. Common Chemicals UsedPurposeChemicalConcentrationDisinfectionSodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl)50–200 ppmScaling RemovalCitric Acid2–4%pH AdjustmentNaOH or HClAs required

1. 📋 4. Typical Daily Routine for UF OperatorInspect all pumps, valves, and instruments.
2. Start UF system and monitor startup readings.
3. Check and record operating parameters every 2–3 hours.
4. Ensure automatic backwash cycles are functioning.
5. Perform chemical cleaning as per schedule.
6. Record all data in logbook and report issues.