Data Acquisition and Control in Membrane Test Systems: What to Log and Why

At a glance. Flux, rejection and fouling results depend on pressure, temperature and flow staying steady and being recorded. Tech Inc. test systems with data acquisition (DAQ) log every value and control the key ones automatically.

What to log

• Feed, retentate and permeate pressure, for transmembrane pressure.

• Temperature, so flux can be corrected to 25 °C.

• Permeate flow or mass, from a flow meter or balance.

• Feed and permeate conductivity or pH, for rejection.

• Crossflow velocity, for fouling and polarisation.

What to control

• Pressure by back-pressure valve or pump speed.

• Temperature with a chiller or heater.

• Constant flux or constant pressure operation.

• Timed cleaning and backwash sequences.

Why automatic beats manual

• Readings every second instead of every hour.

• Unattended overnight runs.

• Data exported to CSV or Excel, ready for analysis.

• PLC and SCADA options for audit trails and remote viewing.

Systems that include DAQ

RO, UF, MF, MD, FO and pervaporation test skids, the automated clean water flux QC tester, the membrane fouling simulator and the gas separation permeation test system.

Frequently asked questions

Can DAQ be added to an existing skid? Usually yes, with transmitters and a logging panel.

Which software? Data are logged on the panel and exported in open formats; PLC and SCADA versions are available.

Ask mail@techincresearch.com about DAQ for your system.