Virus removal retention challenge tests performed at lab scale and pilot scale during operation of membrane units

摘要

The determination of the virus retention capabilities of UF units during operation is essential fornthe operators of drinking water treatment facilities in order to guarantee an efficient and stablenremoval of viruses through time. In previous studies, an effective method (MS2-phage challengentests) was developed by the Water Research Center of Veolia Environnement for thenmeasurement of the virus retention rates (Log Removal Rate, LRV) of commercially availablenhollow fiber membranes at lab scale. In the present work, the protocol for monitoring membranenperformance was transferred from lab scale to pilot scale. Membrane performances werenevaluated during pilot trial and compared to the results obtained at lab scale with fibers takennfrom the pilot plant modules. PFU culture method was compared to RT-PCR method for thencalculation of LRV in both cases. Preliminary tests at lab scale showed that both methods can benused interchangeably. For tests conducted on virgin membrane, a good consistency was observednbetween lab and pilot scale results with the two analytical methods used. This work intends tonshow that a reliable determination of the membranes performances based on RT-PCR analyticalnmethod can be achieved during the operation of the UF units.