How to identify genuine and fake reverse osmosis membranes
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Our company replaced the Hydranautics reverse osmosis membranes in 2007; after using them for a year, we noticed that the desalination efficiency of the membranes had declined, and the quality of the water produced was very poor. Upon analysis, it was found that the membrane elements were damaged. When we inquired, we were told that the membranes purchased by our company were not from Hydranautics in the United States. How can we determine whether they are genuine or not? This post was last edited by johncom on 2009-3-6 10:22.]
This one. . . It seems I haven’t heard of anyone encountering counterfeit products; the Heide products are simply distinguished as being fully imported or produced in Songjiang. It’s not necessarily the membrane of a particular device that is faulty; I think I should first check whether there are any issues with the system, or whether minor mistakes were made during installation, which could lead to problems such as back pressure or water hammer during operation, thereby causing the membrane to rupture.
I think it’s due to the membrane rupturing. If it is merely a membrane blockage, it will cause high resistance in the reverse osmosis system and reduce water production volume, but it will not lead to a decline in the quality of the produced water, or at least not by much. But it’s hard to say what caused the membrane to rupture; it could be due to issues during installation or procurement. For the reverse osmosis membranes used in Phase 2 of our factory, we ordered them from the same supplier as those used in Phase 1. However, once they arrived, we found that there were significant differences between them – the membranes from Phase 1 came with labels indicating the manufacturer, while those from Phase 2 didn’t have anything like that
There is no such thing as genuine or fake reverse osmosis membranes; it’s just a matter of different manufacturers. The reasons for the operation and any issues with the system design should be investigated.
The operator has remained the same, so it’s not an issue related to operation or the system. The company purchased American Hydranautics seawater membranes SWC3 in 2004; these membranes were in use for three and a half years, during which time their desalination efficiency declined, the water production volume decreased, and cleaning did not yield good results. Subsequently, American Hydranautics SWC3+ reverse osmosis membranes were installed, but after more than a year of use, the desalination efficiency again dropped, the water production volume increased, and the quality of the produced water was poor. Upon analysis, it was found that the membranes had ruptured. When the company contacted Hydranautics’ office, they were told that it was a membrane quality issue – the membranes purchased by the company were not genuine Hydranautics products but counterfeit ones. So how can one distinguish between genuine and counterfeit membranes? Because the company still needs to purchase membranes for replacement. Last edited by lhzjl on 2009-3-8 15:35.]
I’ve heard that there are indeed second-hand membranes on the market that have been repackaged by unauthorized individuals and then put back onto the market. First, check whether the packaging is proper – whether the text on the packaging boxes is clear, and whether there are verification codes on the boxes; you can also call to inquire. Additionally, check whether the electric slow-opening valve within the system is working properly; if it isn’t, water hammer effects can damage the membrane.