The membrane module is the core of the membrane separation oil and gas recovery device, which can be used for many years after proper maintenance. If maintenance is lacking for two or three years, the performance will significantly decline. Daily maintenance is not complicated, just by observing the permeation side and interception side solidly, and monitoring the pressure difference trend, the state of the membrane can be held in hand all the time. This article explains clearly the observation points on both sides, the usage of the pressure difference ledger, and the arrangement of the cleaning cycle, so that the operation and maintenance personnel can follow the instructions.
Connect the permeation side to the vacuum pump, focusing on the vacuum degree and permeation flow rate. If the vacuum level cannot be increased, first check the sealing of the pump and pipeline, and then consider whether the membrane wire is contaminated; The gradual decrease in flow is accompanied by a decrease in recovery rate, which is mostly due to the accumulation of membrane pollutants and requires cleaning arrangements.

Observation on the permeation side should be paired: only looking at the vacuum degree without considering the flow rate can easily mistake pump problems for membrane problems. Record the vacuum reading and flow reading under the same working condition in the ledger every day, and it is normal for both curves to run together. If one curve falls off and the other does not, it is necessary to first distinguish whether it is the power end or the separation end. It is recommended to observe the cycle once a day and add it once after unloading operations, as liquid impact often occurs during unloading conditions.
The interception side pressure reflects the back pressure of the exhaust gas, and an abnormal increase in pressure will result in a difference in the driving force of the compression membrane, leading to a decrease in the recovery rate. By observing the trend of interception side pressure and combining it with discharge port detection data, membrane performance degradation can be detected in advance.
There is another easily overlooked observation point on the interception side: the sensory state of exhaust emissions. The noticeable increase in exhaust odor and the appearance of oil stains on the vent pipe are often signals of decreased membrane selectivity, which expose the problem earlier than the instrument data. Include 'smelling emissions and observing pipe openings' in weekly inspections, and cross check with the pressure records on the interception side to make more accurate judgments.
Record the inlet and outlet pressure of the membrane module in the inspection ledger, and a monthly increase in pressure difference is a pollution signal. Arrange online cleaning according to the cleaning cycle provided by the manufacturer, and follow the instructions for cleaning agents and circulation time. Do not add concentration based on feeling.
The value of the differential pressure ledger is in trend rather than at a single point. The management points are shown in the table below:
| Ledger items | Record content | Key points for interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Pre membrane and post membrane pressure | Daily readings under the same working conditions and post operation notes | The monthly increase in pressure difference is a pollution signal |
| Cleaning Record | Date, medication, cycle time, pressure difference after cleaning | Evaluation of cleaning effect based on the recovery amplitude of pressure difference after cleaning |
| Accumulated operating hours | Net operating time after deducting downtime | Arrange testing in advance near the design lifespan |
| Intake air temperature | Seasonal transition period encrypted records | Abnormal temperature affects membrane performance and lifespan |
The lifespan of membrane components is affected by intake temperature, impurities, and operating time. The intake filter components should be replaced periodically, and protection should be replaced according to regulations during shutdown. Pay attention to antifreeze in winter. Record the accumulated operating hours in the ledger and arrange for testing before approaching the design lifespan. Don't wait until the recovery rate drops before taking action.
Membrane components approaching the end of their lifespan often experience performance degradation in terms of recovery rate rather than pressure difference. At this point, do not repeatedly increase cleaning frequency to force it - cleaning can solve pollution problems, but cannot solve aging problems. Communicate with the equipment supplier in advance about spare parts and replacement windows, and schedule the replacement during the off-season sales or maintenance window, which is much more relaxed than emergency shutdown for membrane replacement.
The pressure difference trend is fixed, not according to a fixed calendar. The cleaning cycle provided by the manufacturer is a reference starting point, and the actual interval depends on the ledger: when the pressure difference exceeds the initial operating value and reaches the prompt level, cleaning will be arranged. If it remains below the prompt level for a long time, the interval can be appropriately extended. Frequent and indiscriminate cleaning can actually shorten the lifespan of the membrane, and the medication always imposes a load on the membrane.
There is no problem with following the instructions for regular online cleaning. The key is to strictly follow the concentration and circulation time of the chemicals, and keep a record of the pressure difference after cleaning. It is recommended that deep operations such as offline disassembly and inspection and membrane replacement be carried out by the equipment party. The disassembly and assembly process requires cleanliness and torque, and non-standard work is equivalent to turning maintenance into damage.
The core is antifreeze and insulation. During downtime, replacement protection should be carried out according to regulations, and pipeline heat tracing inspections should be in place. For outdoor devices, special attention should be paid to low-temperature nighttime periods. If the system with water in the condensate freezes and blocks once, the membrane components and pipelines may be damaged. During winter inspections, the anti freezing items should be separately listed and checked, and should not be mixed with the regular items and passed by.
LuoyangWohong PetrochemicalEquipment Co., Ltd. provides supply, installation, and operation support for membrane separation oil and gas recovery devices, and can assist in establishing pressure differential ledgers and maintenance plans. Welcome to contact and exchange ideas.
This article is organized by Luoyang Wohong Petrochemical Equipment Co., Ltd. If you need to learn about membrane separation oil and gas recovery equipment and maintenance services, please feel free to contact and exchange ideas.