Designation: D 6161 – 98

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Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM

Standard Terminology
Used for Crossflow Microfiltration, Ultrafiltration,
Nanofiltration and Reverse Osmosis Membrane Processes1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 6161; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope acidity—the quantitative capacity of aqueous media to react

1.1 This terminology covers the use of crossflow microfil- with hydroxyl ions.
tration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis for activated carbon—granulated or powdered activated carbon
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membrane separation processes. used to remove tastes, odor, chlorine, chloramines, and some
organics from water. A family of carbonaceous substances
2. Referenced Documents manufactured by processes that develop adsorptive proper-
2.1 ASTM Standards: ties.
D 1129 Terminology Relating to Water2 adsorption—the holding of a substance onto the surface of a
D 2035 Practice for Coagulation-Flocculation Jar Test of solid by chemical surface forces, without forming new
Water3 chemical bonds.
aerobic bacteria—bacteria that require oxygen for growth.
3. Significance and Use See bacteria, aerobes.
3.1 The need to understand the relationships found in aggregate—granular material such as sand, gravel, crushed
membrane unit processes for water treatment increases with the stone.
continuing demand for these separation systems. Defining the air scour—distributing air over the entire filter area at the
terms common to crossflow microfiltration, ultrafiltration, bottom of a filter media flowing upward to improve the
nanofiltration and reverse osmosis processes assist the manu- effectiveness of backwashing or to permit the use of lower
facturer, consultant and end-user in eliminating inter-process backwash water flow rate, or both.
terminology confusion. algae—any of a group of chiefly aquatic mono cellular plants
with chlorophyll often masked by a brown or red pigment.
4. Terminology alkalinity—the quantitative capacity of aqueous media to react
4.1 Definitions: with hydrogen ions. “M” alkalinity is that which will react
with acid as the pH of the sample is reduced to the
absorption—the holding of a substance within a solid by methylorange endpoint of about 4.5. “P” alkalinity is that
cohesive or capillary forces. which reacts with acid as the pH of the sample is reduced to
accumulator—a pulsation dampener installed on the suction the phenolphthalein end point of 8.3.“ M” is the total
and/or discharge lines of pumps, generally plunger type, to alkalinity which is the sum of hydroxide plus carbonate plus
minimize pressure surges and provide uniformity of flow. bicarbonate contents, “P” includes all the hydroxyl and half
accuracy—the closeness of agreement between an observed the carbonate content.
value and an accepted reference value. Where an accepted alum—aluminum sulfate, AL2(SO 4)3XH2O (X 5 14-18), a
reference value is not available, a measure of the degree of coagulant.
conformity of a value generated by a specific procedure to ambient temperature—the temperature of the surroundings,
the assumed or accepted true value, and includes both typically 20°– 25°C.
precision and bias. amorphous—non crystalline, devoid of regular cohesive
acetylation—substitution of an acetyl radical for an active structure.
hydrogen. Specifically, formation of cellulose acetate from anaerobic bacteria—bacteria that do not use oxygen. Oxygen
cellulose. is toxic to them. See bacteria, anaerobes.
amphoteric—capable of acting as an acid or a base.
1
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-19 on Water angstrom (A)—a unit of length equaling 10−10 metres, 10−4µ
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D19.08 on Membranes and Ion metres, 10 −8 centimetres and 3.937 3 10−9 in. The symbol
Exchange Materials.
Current edition approved March 10, 1998. Published December 1998. Originally
is Å, A or A.U. .
published as D 6161 – 97. Last previous edition D 6161–97. anion—negatively charged ion.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.01.
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.02.

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 D 6161
anion exchange material—a material capable of the revers- bactericide—agent capable of killing bacteria.
ible exchange of negatively charged ions. bacteriostat—substance that prevents bacterial growth and
anisotropic membrane—a nonuniform structure in cross- metabolism but does not necessarily kill them.
section; typically the support substructure has pores much bank—a grouping of devices. See array, block, train.
larger than the barrier layer. See asymmetric membranes. bar—unit of pressure; 14.50 lbs/in. 2, 1.020 kg/cm2, 0.987 atm,
anode—positive electrode. 0.1 MPa.
anionic polyelectrolyte—usually acrylamide and acrylamide BAT—best available technology.
and acrylic copolymers, negatively charged, used for baume scale,•Be—a measure of the density of a solution
coagulation/flocculation, see Polyelectrolytes. relative to water.
anthracite—a granular hard coal used as a filtration media, • 145
BE 5 145 2
commonly used as the coarser layer in dual and multimedia specific gravity*

filters. United States for densities greater than unity.

antifoulant—see antiscalant. • 140
BE 5 2 130
antiscalant—a compound added to a water which inhibits the specific gravity*

precipitation of sparingly soluble inorganic salts. For densities less than unity.
anti-telescoping device—a plastic or metal device attached to *60°F/60°F
the ends of a spiral wound cartridge to prevent movement of bed depth—the depth of the filter medium or ion exchange
the cartridge leaves in the feed flow direction, due to high resin in a vessel.
feed flows. bed expansion—the depth increase of filter medium or ion
AOC—assimilable organic carbon. exchange resin that occurs during backwashing.
aquifer—a water-bearing geological formation that provides a binders—in reference to cartridge filters, chemicals used to
ground water reservoir. hold, or 8bind’, short fibers together in a filter.
aramid—a fully aromatic polyamide. biocide—a substance that kills all living organisms.
array—an arrangement of devices connected to common feed, biological deposits—the debris left by organisms as a result of
product and reject headers; that is, a 2:1 array. their life processes.
asymmetric membrane—membrane which has a change in biomass—any material which is or was a living organism or
pore structure with depth. See anisotropic membranes. excreted from a micro-organism.
ATD—see anti-telescoping device.
biostat—a substance that inhibits biological growth.
atomic weight—the relative mass of an atom based on a scale
binding—in surface filtration, a build-up of particulates on the
in which a specific carbon atom (carbon 12) is assigned a
filter, restricting fluid flow through the filter at normal
mass value of 12.
pressures.
ATP—adenosine triphosphate.
block—a grouping of devices in a single unit having common
autopsy—the dissection of a membrane module or element to
control. See array, bank, train.
investigate causes of unsatisfactory performance.
availability—the on-stream time or rated operating capacity of BOD (biochemical oxygen demand)—the amount of dis-
a water treatment system. solved oxygen utilized by natural agencies in water in
a-value—membrane water permeability coefficient. The coef- stabilizing organic matter at specified test conditions.
ficient is defined as the amount of water produced per unit body feed—the continuous addition of filter medium (for
area of membrane when net driving pressure (NDP) is unity, example, diatomaceous earth) to sustain the efficacy of the
a unit of measurement is m3/hr/m2/kPa. filter.
AWWA—American Water Works Association. BOO—build, own, operate.
AWWARF—American Water Works Association Research BOOT—build, own, operate and transfer.
Foundation. boundary layer—a thin layer at the membrane surface where
backwash—reverse the flow of water with/without air either water velocities deviate significantly less than those in the
across or through a medium or membrane designed to bulk flow.
remove the collected foreign material from the bed or brackish water—water with an approximate concentration of
membranes. total dissolved solids ranging from 1000 to 10 000 mg/L. See
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bacteria—any of a class of microscopic single-celled organ- high brackish water, sea water.
isms reproducing by fission or by spores. Characterized by breakpoint chlorination—the point at which the water chlo-
round, rod-like spiral or filamentous bodies, often aggre- rine demand is satisfied and any further chlorine is the
gated into colonies or mobile by means of flagella. Widely chlorine residual, the “free” chlorine species.
dispersed in soil, water, organic matter, and the bodies of break tank—a storage device used for hydraulic isolation and
plants and animals. Either autotrophic (self-sustaining, self- surge protection.
generative), saprophytic (derives nutrition from non-living brine—the concentrate (reject) stream from a crossflow mem-
organic material already present in the environment), or brane device performing desalination. Portion of the feed
parasitic (deriving nutrition from another living organism). stream which does not pass through the membrane.
Often symbiotic (advantageous) in man, but sometimes brine (concentrate) seal—a rubber lip seal on the outside of a
pathogenic. spiral wound cartridge which prevents feed by-pass between

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the cartridge and the inside pressure vessel wall. cellulose—an amorphous carbohydrate (C 6H10O5) that is the
brine seal carrier—see ATD. principal constituent of wood and plants.
brine system staging—a process in which the concentrate, cellulose acetate (CA)—in the broad sense, any of several
under pressure, of a group of membrane devices is fed esters of cellulose and acetic acid.
directly to another set of membrane devices to improve the celsius (°C)—the designation of the degree on the Interna-
efficiency of the water separation. tional Practical Temperature Scale. Formerly called centi-
bubble point pressure—the pressure necessary to displace a grade,° C 5 K minus 273.15. K 5 Kelvin.
liquid held by surface tension forces from the largest centigrade—since 1948, now called Celsius, a temperature
equivalent capillaries in a membrane filter. scale.
bubble point test—a nondestructive membrane filter test used ceramic membrane—generally a glass, silica, alumina, or
to assess filter integrity and proper installation. carbon based membrane. Generally used in micro and
bundle—a general term for a collection of parallel filaments or ultrafiltration. They tend to withstand high temperatures and
fibres. wide pH ranges and be more chemically inert than polymeric
B-value—salt diffusion coefficient— The coefficient is de- membranes.
fined as the amount of salt transferred per unit area of CFU—colony forming unit; unit used in the measure of total
membrane when the difference in salt concentration across bacteria count (TBC).
the membrane is unity. A unit of measurement is m/h. channeling—unequal flow distribution in the desalination
BWRO—brackish water reverse osmosis. bundle or filter bed.
CAC—combined available chlorine. chelating agents— a sequestering or complexing agent that, in
calcium carbonate equivalents (mg/L as CaCO3)—a method aqueous solution, renders a metallic ion inactive through the
for expressing mg/L as ion in terms of calcium carbonate. formation of an inner ring structure with the ion.
Concentration in calcium carbonate equivalents is calculated chemical feed pump—a pump used to meter chemicals, such
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by multiplying concentration in mg/L of the ion by the as chlorine of polyphosphate, into a feed water supply.
equivalent weight of calcium carbonate (50) and dividing by chloramine—a combination of chlorine and ammonia in water
the equivalent weight of the ion. (See Table 1). which has bactericidal qualities for a longer time than does
carbonate hardness—the hardness in a water caused by free chlorine.
carbonates and bicarbonates of calcium and magnesium. The chlorine—chemical used for its qualities as a bleaching or
amount of hardness equivalent to the alkalinity formed and oxidizing agent and disinfectant in water purification.
deposited when water is boiled. In boilers, carbonate hard- chlorine demand—the amount of chlorine used up by reacting
ness is readily removed by blowdown. with oxidizable substances in water before chlorine residual
calcium hypochlorite—Ca (HCIO)2, a disinfection agent. can be measured.
cartridge—see spiral-wound cartridge. chlorine, residual—the amount of available chlorine present
catalyst—a substance whose presence initiates or changes the in water at any specified time.
rate of a chemical reaction, but does not itself enter into the chlorine, free available—the chlorine (Cl 2), hypochlorite ions
reaction. (OCl–), hypochlorous acid (HOCl) or the combination
cathode—negative electrode. thereof present in water.
cation—positively charged ion. chlorine, total available—the sum of free available chlorine
cation exchange material—a material capable of the revers- plus chloramines present in water.
ible exchange of positively charged ions. CIP—cleaning-in-place.
cationic polyelectrolyte—a polymer containing positively citric acid—C3H4(OH)(CO 2H)3, membrane cleaning chemi-
charged groups used for coagulation/flocculation, usually cal.
dimethyl - aminoethyl methacrylate or dimethyl-aminoethyl clarifier—a tank in which precipitate settles and supernatant
acrylate. See polyelectrolyte. overflows, a liquid-solids separation unit using gravity to
TABLE 1 Conversion FactorsA,B
mg/l mg/l Clark or Grain per French German EPM Atomic
as Ion as CaCO3 English Degree US Gallon Degree Degree MEQ/L Weight
Ca++ 2.495 0.175 0.0583 0.250 0.140 0.0499 40.08
Mg++ 4.112 0.288 0.0583 0.411 0.231 0.0823 24.32
Na+ 2.175 0.152 0.0583 0.218 0.122 0.0435 22.99
K+ 1.279 0.089 0.0583 0.128 0.072 0.0256 39.10
Sr++ 1.141 0.080 0.0583 0.114 0.064 0.0288 87.63
Ba++ 0.728 0.051 0.0583 0.073 0.041 0.0146 137.36
Fe++ 1.791 0.125 0.0583 0.179 0.101 0.0358 55.85
HCO3– 0.819 0.057 0.0583 0.082 0.046 0.0164 61.02
SO4– 1.041 0.073 0.0583 0.104 0.058 0.0208 96.07
Cl– 1.410 0.098 0.0583 0.141 0.079 0.0282 35.46
F– 2.632 0.184 0.0583 0.263 0.148 0.0526 19.00
NO3– 0.806 0.056 0.0583 0.081 0.045 0.0161 62.00
CO3– – 1.666 0.117 0.0583 0.167 0.094 0.0323 60.01
PO4– – – 1.579 0.110 0.0583 0.158 0.089 0.0316 94.98
A
To convert from mg/l as ion to any other unit multiply by factor.
B
To convert to mg/l as ion from any other unit divide by factor.

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remove solids by sedimentation. inverse of resistivity. Measured by a conductivity meter, and
clark degree—number of grains of substance per one British described in microsiemens/cm or micromhos/cm, µS/cm.
imperial gallon of water expressed CaCO3. Concentration in contaminant—any foreign substance present which will ad-
Clark or English degree is calculated by dividing concentra- versely affect performance or quality.
tion in calcium carbonate equivalents by 14.3. One grain continuous deionization—a deionization process that does
weighs 1/7000 lb and one imperial gallon of water weighs 10 not require regular interruptions in service to discharge ionic
lbs at 25°C. (See Table 1.) materials collected from the water being processed.
coagulant—chemical added in water and wastewater applica- control block—a group of devices having a common piping
tions to cause destalization of suspended particles and and control system.
subsequent formation of flocs that adsorb, entrap, or other- conversion (Y)—product water flow rate divided by feed
wise bring together suspended matter that is so fine, it is water flow rate. Also called recovery; given as fraction or
defined as colloidal. Compounds of iron and aluminum are decimal. See recovery.
generally used to form flocs to allow removal of turbidity, conversion factors—see Table 1.
bacteria, color, and other finely divided matter from water corrosion products—products that result from chemical or
and waste water. electrochemical reaction between a metal and its environ-
coalescing—the separation of mixtures of immiscible fluids ment.
(such as oil and water) based on different specific gravities CPU—chloroplatinate unit (color indicator).
and surface tensions. Can occur whenever two or more crossflow membrane filtration—a separation of the compo-
droplets collide and remain in contact and then become nents of a fluid by semipermeable membranes through the
larger by passing through a coalescer. The enlarged drops application of pressure and flow parallel to the membrane
then separate out of solution more rapidly. surface. Includes the processes of reverse osmosis, utrafil-
COD—chemical oxygen demand—the amount of oxygen tration, nanofiltration, and microfiltration.
required under specified test conditions for the oxidation of Dalton—an arbitrary unit of molecular weight, 11⁄2 the mass of
water borne organic and inorganic matter. the nuclide of carbon 12. Unit of measure for the smallest,
colloid—a substance of very fine particle size, typically size of the molecular retained by an ultrafilter.
between 0.1 and 0.001 µm in diametre suspended in liquid or DBP—disinfection by-products (a rule as part of the SDWA).
dispersed in gas. A system of at least two phases, including dead end filtration—a process in which water is forced
a continuous liquid plus solid, liquid or gaseous particles so through a media which captures the retained particles on and
small that they remain in dispersion for a practicable time. within it, where the process involves one influent and one
colony forming unit (CFU)—unit used in the measure of total effluent stream.
bacterial count (TBC). deaerator—a device to remove air from water.
compaction—in crossflow filtration, the result of applied decarbonator—a device to remove carbon dioxide from
pressure and temperature compressing a polymeric mem- water.
brane which may result in a decline in flux. degasification—the process of removing dissolved gasses
composite membrane—a membrane having two or more from water.
layers with different physical or chemical properties. Mem- deionization (DI)—the removal of ions from a solution by ion
brane manufactured by forming a thin desalinating barrier exchange.
layer on a porous carrier membrane. demineralization—the process of removing minerals from
concentrate—the stream exiting a crossflow membrane device water.
which has increased concentration of solutes and particles desalination—see demineralization.
over the feed stream. Portion of the feed stream which does detergent—a cleansing agent; any of numerous synthetic
not pass through the membrane. The stream in which water soluble or liquid-organic preparations that are chemi-
dissolved solids or particulates, or both, are concentrated in cally different from soaps but resemble them in the ability to
a membrane separation process. emulsify oils and hold dirt in suspension.
concentrate recycle—a technique for improving recovery in dialysis—a separation process dependent on different diffusion
which a fraction of the concentrate is recycled through the rates of solutes across a permeable membrane without an
membrane system. applied hydraulic driving force.
concentration factor, CF— diatom—single cell marine animal having a coating consisting
CB~brinewater concentration! principally of silica.
CF 5 C ~feedwater concentration!
F diatomaceous earth (DE) filtration—filtration using an am-
1 phorous, lightweight siliceous earth medium occurring natu-
5 1 2 conversion ~approximation! rally as the fossil remains of diatoms.
concentration polarization—the increase of the solute con- disinfection—the process of killing organisms in a water
centration over the bulk feed solution which occurs in a thin supply or distribution system by means of heat, chemicals, or
boundary layer at the feed side of the membrane surface, UV light.
resulting from the removal of the solvent. dissolved solids—the residual material remaining after filter-
conductivity—the property of a substance’s (in this case, ing the suspended material from a solution and evaporating
water and dissolved ions) ability to transmit electricity. The the solution to a dry state at a specified temperature. That
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matter, exclusive of gases, which is dissolved in water to flat sheet membrane—a sheet type membrane may be coated
give a single homogeneous liquid phase. onto a fabric substrate.
distillation—the process of condensing steam from boiling floc—a loose, open-structured mass produced by the aggrega-
water on a cool surface. tion of minute particles.
electrodialysis (ED)—a process in which ions are transferred flocculent—chemical(s) which, when added to water, form
through membranes from a less concentrated to a more bridges between suspended particles causing them to ag-
concentrated solution using direct current electric power as glomerate into larger groupings (flocs) which then settle or
the driving force. float by specific gravity differences.
electrodialysis reversal (EDR)—same as ED with the addi- flocculation—the process of agglomerating fine particles into
tion of a polarity reversal step added to improve perfor- larger groupings called flocs.
mance. flow balancing—the use of an imposed pressure drop (flow
element—the component containing the membrane, generally balancing tube), to minimize conversion differences of
replaceable, such as a spiral wound cartridge. modules operating in parallel.
English degree—number of grains of substance per one flow balancing tube—see flow balancing.
British imperial gallon of water. (See Table 1.) flux—the membrane throughput, usually expressed in volume
EPA–Environmental Protection Agency (USA)—an organi- of permeate per unit time per unit area, such as gallons per
zation that has set the potable water standards. day per ft2 or litres per hour per m2.
equivalent per million (EPM)—a unit chemical equivalent fouling—the reduction of flux due to a build-up of solids on
weight of solute per million unit weights of solution. the surface or within the pores of the membrane, resulting in
Concentration in equivalents per million is calculated by changed element performance.
dividing concentration in ppm by the equivalent weight of fouling index (FI)—see SDI.
the substance or ion. Equivalent weight is the atomic weight FRC—free residual chlorine.
of the substance divided by the valence of the substance. freeboard—the space above a filter bed in a filtration vessel to
equivalent weight—the weight of an ion determined by allow for expansion of the bed during back washing.
dividing the sum of the atomic weights of its component free (available) chlorine—chlorine existing as hypochlorous
atoms by its valence. acid or its dissociated ions. Chlorine remaining after the
ERD—energy recovery device. demand has been satisfied.
ERT—energy recovery turbine. French degree—calcium carbonate equivalents expressed in
ESWTR—enhanced surface water treatment rule. parts per hundred thousand. Concentration in French degree
evaporation—process where a liquid (water) passes from a is calculated by dividing concentration in calcium carbonate
liquid to a gaseous state. equivalents by ten. (See Table 1.)
FAC—free available chlorine. FRP—fiberglass reinforced plastic.
Fahrenheit (°F)—designation of a degree on the Fahrenheit fungus—primitive plants distinguished from algae by the
temperature scale that is related to the International Practical absence of chlorophyll.
Temperature Scale. GAC—granular activated carbon.
FDA—Food and Drug Administration (USA). galvanic corrosion—accelerated corrosion of a metal because
feed—the input solution to a treatment/purification system or of an electrical contact with a more noble metal or non
device, including the raw water supply prior to any treat- metallic conductor in an electrolyte.
ment. The liquid entering the module. GD—gallons per day. See GPD.
feed channel spacer—a plastic netting between membrane GFD (GPDSF)—unit of permeate rate or flux; gallons per day
leaves which provides the flow channel for the fluid passing per square foot of effective membrane area.
over the surface of the membrane and increases the turbu- GPD—unit of flow rate; gallons per day. See GD.
lence of the feed-brine stream. German degree—Calcium oxide equivalents expressed in
feed distributor—the plastic mesh cylinder at the core of the parts per hundred thousand. Concentration in German degree
fiber bundle which distributes the feed evenly. is calculated by dividing concentration in calcium carbonate
feed water—that water entering a device or process. equivalents by 17.86 (See Table 1.)
ferric chloride—crystalline form of FeCl 3 6H2O, a coagulant. Grain—unit of weight, 0.648 g, 0.000143 lb.
ferric sulfate—Fe2(SO4)3-9H2O, a coagulant. grains per U.S. gallon (GPG)—number of grains of substance
ferrous sulfate—FeSO4-7H 2O, a coagulant. per one U.S. gallon of water. Concentration in GPG is
fiber bundle—the heart of the permeator consisting of the calculated by dividing concentration in ppm of the ion by
hollow fiber polymer membrane, epoxy tube sheet, nub and 17.1. One grain weighs 1/7000 lb and one U.S. gallon
feed distributor. weighs 8.3 lb.
filter cake—the accumulated particles on a filter surface, GRAS—materials “generally regarded as safe,” as listed by
usually from a slurry mixture. the FDA.
filtrate—the portion of the feed stream which has passed gravity filter—a filter through which water flows through it by
through a filter. gravity.
fixed matter—residues from the ignition of particulate or greensand—a mineral (glauconite), used as a filtration me-
dissolved matter, or both. dium. See manganese greensand.
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groundwater—water confined in permeable sand layers be- ion—a charged portion of matter of atomic or molecular
tween rock or clay; that part of the subsurface water that is dimensions.
in the saturated zone. ion exchange—a reversible process by which ions are inter-
HAA—A group of six halo acetic acids regulated in drinking changed between a solid and a liquid with no substantial
water (mono, di and tri-chloroacetic acid, mono and di structural changes in the solid; ions removed from a liquid
bromoacetic acid and chlorobromoacetic acid). by chemical bonding to the media.
halogen—any element of the family of the elements fluorine, ion-exchange capacity (volume basis)—the number of mil-
chlorine, bromine and iodine (definition for purpose of this liequivalents of exchangeable ions per millilitre of back-
standard). washed and settled bed of ion-exchange material in its
hardness—the polyvalent-cation concentration of water (gen- standard form.
erally calcium and magnesium). Usually expressed as mg/L ion-exchange capacity (weight basis)—the number of mil-
as CaCO 3. liequivalents of exchangeable ions per dry gram of ion-
header—see manifold. exchange material in its standard form.
head loss—the reduction in liquid pressure usually associated ion-exchange material—a water insoluble material that has
with the passage of a solution through a filter media bed. the ability to reversibly exchange ions in its structure, or
heavy metals—elements having a high density or specific attached to its surface as functional groups, with ions in a
gravity of approximately 5.0 or higher. A generic term used surrounding medium.
to describe contaminants such as cadmium, lead, mercury, ion-exchange membrane—an ion-exchange material in a
etc. Most are toxic to humans in low concentration. form suitable for use as a barrier between two fluids.
high brackish water—water with an approximate concentra- ion-exchange particle—an ion-exchange material in the form
tion of total dissolved solids ranging from 10 000 to 30 000 of spheroids or granules.
mg/L. See brackish water and sea water. ion-exchange resin—an organic ion-exchange material sub-
strate, usually synthetic.
high-purity water—highly treated water with attention to
microbiological, particle, organics and mineral reduction or ionic strength—measure of the overall electrolytic potential of
elimination. a solution, the strength of a solution based on both the
concentrations and valencies of the ions present.
hollow fiber (HF) membrane—self-supporting membrane
ionization—the disassociation of molecules into charged par-
fibers which have a hollow bore like a cylinder. In reverse
ticles (ions).
osmosis, the membrane is usually on the outside with the
bore conveying the permeate. In ultra and micro filtrations jackson turbidity unit, JTU—unit of measure used with the
the membrane is generally on the inside. jackson candle turbidimeter.
jar test—a laboratory procedure for the evaluation of a
HPC—heterotrophic plate count. Formerly called SPC.
treatment to reduce dissolved, suspended colloidal and non
humic acid—a variety of water-soluble organic compounds, settleable matter from water (see Practice D 2035).
formed by the decayed vegetable matter, which is leached
langelier saturation index, LSI—an index calculated from
into a water source by runoff or percolation. Present in most
total dissolved solids, calcium concentration, total alkalinity,
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surface and some ground waters. Higher concentrations

pH, and solution temperature that shows the tendency of a
cause a brownish tint. Difficult to remove except by adsorp-
water solution to precipitate or dissolve calcium carbonate.
tion, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration or reverse osmosis.
LD-50—concentration required for 50 % mortality (lethal
humidity, absolute—the mass of water vapor per unit volume dose).
of the atmosphere usually measured as grams per m3.
leaf—the sandwich layer of flat-sheet membrane/product chan-
humidity, relative—the ratio of the actual pressure of existing nel spacer/flat-sheet membrane, glued together on the sides
water vapor to the maximum possible (saturation) pressure and across the outer end in a spiral wound element.
of water vapor in the atmosphere at the same temperature, lime—Ca(OH)2, calcium hydroxide, a common water treat-
expressed as a percentage. ment chemical.
hydrated lime—dry calcium hydroxide. lime soda softening—use of lime and Na 2CO3 for softening
hydrophilic—having an affinity for water. water.
hydrophobic—lacking an affinity to water. limestone—either calcite limestone (CaCO 3) or dolomitic
hydroxyl alkalinity—see alkalinity. limestone (CaCO3-MgCO3).
hyperfiltration—separation of dissolved ions from a feed loose RO—see nanofiltration.
stream as in nanofiltration and reverse osmosis. LSI—langelier saturation index, measure of CaCO3 solubility
imperial gallon (IG)—1.2 times U.S. gallon. in brackish waters. See S&DSI.
in-line coagulation—a filtration process performed by con- manganese greensand—a manganese dioxide coated green-
tinually adding a coagulant to the raw feedwater and then sand used as a filter medium for removal of manganese and
passing the water through a filter(s) to remove the microfloc iron. See greensand.
which has been formed. manifold—an enlarged pipe with connections available to the
interconnector—a device to connect adjacent membrane ele- individual feed, brine and product ports of a desalination
ments in series and to seal the product channel from the device.
feed-brine channel. mass transfer coefficient (MTC)—mass (or volume) transfer

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through a membrane based on driving force. housing. Pressure vessel containing membrane element(s).
MCL—maximum contaminant level. molality (−m1)— Moles (gram molecular weight) of solute per
megohm—unit of measurement of water purity by electrical 1000 g of solvent.
resistance; One million ohms; reciprocal of conductivity. See molarity (m1)—moles (gram molecular weight) of solute per
microsiemens, ohm. litre of total solution.
membrane—engineered thin semipermeable film which molecular weight cut off (MWCO)—the rating of a mem-
serves as a barrier permitting the passage of materials only brane for the size of uncharged solutes it will reject. Also
up to a certain size, shape, or electro-chemical character. referred to as nominal molecular weight cut off (NMWCO).
Membranes are used as the separation agent in reverse multimedia filter—filter with a bed consisting of three or
osmosis, electrodialysis, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and more separate filter media. The coarsest, lowest density at
microfiltration, as disc filters in laboratories, and as pleated the top and the finest, highest density at the bottom.
filter cartridges, particularly for microfiltration. m-value—the negative slope of a curve plotting log flow
membrane area—the active area available for micro, nano versus log time. A measurement of the degrees of membrane
and ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis. compaction as a result of temperature, pressure and time.
membrane compaction—see compaction. NaHMP—sodium hexametaphosphate, an antiscalant.
membrane configuration—the design and shape of a given Nanofiltration (NF)—a crossflow process with pore sizes
membrane element (cartridge) such as tubular, spiral wound designed to remove selected salts and most organics above
or hollow fiber. about 300 molecular weight range, sometimes referred to as
membrane element—a bundle of spiral membrane envelopes loose RO.
or hollow fiber membranes bound together as a discrete NOM—natural organic matter.
entity. nephelometer—a device used to measure mainly the turbidity
membrane filter—geometrically regular porous matrix; re- of water with results expressed in nephelometric turbidity
moves particles above pore size rating by physical size units (NTU). Measures light at 90°.
exclusion. non-carbonate hardness—hardness caused by chlorides, sul-
membrane salt passage—SPm is the concentration of a fates, and nitrates of calcium and magnesium.
compound in the permeate related to its average concentra- nonionic polyelectrolyte—neutral charged polymers, usually
tion on the feed/concentrate side. polyacrylamides, used for coagulation/flocculation. See
membrane softening—use of crossflow membrane to substan- polyelectrolytes.
tially reduce hardness ions in water. See nanofiltration. normalization—converting actual data to a set of reference
MGD (MGPD)—millions of gallons per day. conditions in order to “standardize” operation to common
Mho—a measure of water purity by conductance, reciprocal of base.
ohms. See ohm. NTU—see nephelometer.
microaerophilic bacteria—aerobic bacteria that require OEM—original equipment manufacturer.
2-10 % oxygen in order to grow. See bacteria (microaero- O&M—operation and maintenance.
philes) . ohm—unit of electric resistance equal to the resistance of a
microfiltration (MF)—filtration designed to remove particles circuit in which a potential difference of one volt produces a
in the approximate range of 0.05 to 2 µm. current of one ampere.
microbe—bacteria and other organisms that require the aid of operating pressure—the gage hydraulic pressure at which
a microscope to be seen. feedwater enters a device.
micron (micrometre)—a metric unit of measurement equiva- osmosis—the spontaneous flow of water from a less concen-
lent to 10–6 metres, 10–4 centimetres. Symbol is µm. trated solution to a more concentrated solution through a
microorganism—see microbe. semipermeable membrane until chemical potential equilib-
microsiemens—unit of measurement of water purity by elec- rium is achieved.
trical conductivity; one micromho; reciprocal of resistivity. osmotic pressure—a measurement of the potential energy
See megohm, ohm. difference between solutions on either side of a semiperme-
milliequivalent per litre (meq/L)—a weight-volume mea- able membrane. A factor in designing the operating pressure
surement obtained by dividing the concentration expressed of reverse osmosis equipment. The applied pressure must
in milligrams per litre by the equivalent weight of the first overcome the osmotic pressure inherent in the chemical
substance or ion. If specific gravity is unity meq/L is the solution in order to produce any flux.
same as epm. oxidation-reduction potential—the electromotive force de-
milligram per litre (mg/L)—a weight-volume measurement veloped by a noble metal electrode immersed in the water,
which expresses the concentration of a solute in milligrams referred to the standard hydrogen electrode.
per litre of solution. When specific gravity is unity mg/L 5 oxygen demand—the amount of oxygen required for the
ppm. When specific gravity is not unity, mg/L divided by oxidation of waterborne organic and inorganic matter under
specific gravity of solution equals ppm. the specified test conditions.
mixed-bed—a physical mixture of anion-exchange and cation- PAC—powdered activated carbon or poly-aluminum chloride.
exchange materials. parts per billion (ppb)—a measure of proportion by weight,
module—a membrane element combined with the element’s equivalent to a unit weight of solute per billion unit weights
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of solution (approximate µg/L or mg/m3 in dilute solutions). hydraulic pressure driving the separation mechanism.
parts per million (ppm)—a measure of proportion by weight, pretreatment—processes such as chlorination, filtration, co-
equivalent to a unit weight of solute per million unit weights agulation, clarification, acidification which may be used on
of solution (approximate mg/L or g/m3 in dilute solutions). feedwater ahead at membrane devices to improve quality,
parts per trillion (ppt)—a measure of proportion by weight, minimize scaling and corrosion potential, control biological
equivalent to a unit weight of solute per trillion unit weights activity.
of solution (approximate g/L or µg/m3 in dilute solutions). product staging—a process in which the permeate from one
pass—a treatment step or one of multiple treatment steps membrane plant is used as the feed to another membrane
producing in a membrane system a product stream. plant in order to further improve product quality.
permanent hardness—the total milliequivalents of hardness product channel spacer (permeate carrier)— the fabric or
minus the milliequivalents of bicarbonate alkalinity in a other material through which permeate water flows after it
water. See hardness, alkalinity. passes through the flat sheet membrane.
permeable—allowing material to pass through. productivity—flow rate of product water.
permeate—that portion of the feed stream which passes product tube—the tube at the center of the spiral wound
through a membrane. cartridge which collects permeate water.
permeate collector fabric—see product (permeate) channel product water—purified water produced by a process. See
spacer. permeate.
permeator—a reverse osmosis module of the hollow fiber projection—a calculation, usually performed by a software
configuration consisting of membrane(s) and pressure ves- package, which predicts the performance of parts or all of a
sel. water plant.
pervaporation—a separation process involving vaporization pyrogens—any substance capable of producing a fever in
of one liquid from a mixture of two or more liquids, with the mammals. Often a bacterial endotoxin such as lipo polysac-
aid of a membrane which functions as a barrier to the liquid caride generated by gram negative bacteria at destruction.
phase. Chemically and physically stable, pyrogens are not neces-
pH—negative logarithm of the effective hydrogen-ion activity, sarily destroyed by conditions that kill bacteria.
approximately - log10 [H+] where [H+] is equivalents per quicklime—CaO, calcium oxide.
litre concentration. ranney collector—an underground water collection system
phase—a state of matter, either solid, liquid, or gaseous. sometimes called ranney wells.
plant capacity—manufacture of product per unit time, ex- raw water—water which has not been treated. Untreated water
pressed as m3/day, m3/h, GPD, MGD. from wells, surface sources, the sea or public water supplies.
plugging factor—see fouling factor and SDI. recovery—Y (conversion)—the ratio of product quantity
polarization—see concentration polarization. (permeate stream flow rate) over the feed quantity (feed
polyelectrolyte—synthetic (or natural) molecules, containing stream flow rate), given as fraction or in percent.
multiple ionic groups, used as coagulants and flocculants; regeneration—in ion exchange systems, the process of using
available as anionic, cationic and nonionic. either an acid, alkali, or salt solution to remove the accumu-
polymers—a substance consisting of molecules characterized lated cations or anions. The cation exchange resins take on
by the repetition of one or more types of monomeric units. hydrogen or sodium ions and the anion exchange resins take
pore—an opening or void in a membrane or filter matrix. on hydroxide ions to restore themselves to the original
porous—substances containing pores for fluids to pass due to hydrogen or hydroxide form when using strong acid and
an open physical structure. strong alkali solutions for the process.
porosity—that portion of a membrane filter volume which is reject—brine, (concentrate) stream from a desalination device.
open to fluid flow, also known as void volume. Portion of the feed stream which does not pass through the
post treatment—a process of applying chemical(s) to a membrane.
membrane after formation to improve its performance. resin particle—specially manufactured polymer beads used in
post treatment—the addition of chemicals to the product or the ion exchange process to remove dissolved salts from
concentrate stream to make it suitable for the desired end use water.
application. resistivity—the property of a substance (in this case, water) to
post treatment—utilization of equipment such as degasifiers resist the flow of electricity; the measurement of that
to make the product or concentrate stream, or both, suitable resistance. The inverse of conductivity. Measured by a
for the desired end use application. resistivity monitor, and described in ohms·cm.
precipitate—an insoluble product of a chemical reaction of retentate—see concentrate.
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soluble compounds in water. reverse osmosis (RO)—the separation process where one
precoat—the initial coating of the septum in a diatomaceous component of a solution is removed from another compo-
earth filter to provide initial straining medium. nent by flowing the feed stream under pressure across a
pressure filtration—filtration performed in an enclosed pres- semipermeable membrane. RO removes ions based on elec-
surized filter vessel. tro chemical forces, colloids, and organics down to 150
pressure vessel—the vessel containing one or more individual molecular weight. May also be called hyperfiltration.
membrane elements and designed to withstand safely the RO train—one of two or more complete RO installations,

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including membranes and high pressure pump operating in ion-exchange resin principally to remove cations as calcium
parallel. and magnesium.
ryznar stability index (RSI)—an index indicating if a water solids contact clarifier—water treating device used in lime
has a tendency to corrode or precipitate CaCO3; equals 2 pH softening, waste water treatment and coagulation processes.
(CaCO3 saturation) - pH (actual), RSI < 6.0 scale formation, solubility product—[M+] a[X–]b/[MX] where the brackets
> 7.0 corrosive. indicate the concentrations of the components of the ioniza-
salinity—the concentration of inorganic salts in water. tion equilibrium M aXb → aM++ bX. For sparingly soluble
salt flux—amount of dissolved salt passing through the mem- salts [MX] is essentially unity.
brane, moles per day per square unit of membrane area. solutes—matter dissolved in a solvent.
salt passage, SP— solvent—here defined as water.
CP 3 100, SPC—standard (heterotrophic) plate count—measurement
SP 5 CF method for enumerating bacteria.
specific gravity—the ratio of the mass (density) of a sample

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the ratio of product (CP ) and feed (CF) salt concentrations material to the mass (density) of an equal volume of water at
expressed as percent. the same specified temperature.
salt rejection, SR—(100 - salt passage) expressed as percent: specific flux—flux divided by net pressure driving force.

S D
spiral wound cartridge—a crossflow membrane element
CP
SR 5 100 1–CF design consisting of a product tube, flat membrane leaves,
feed channel spacers, anti-telescoping devices, and brine
. (concentrate) seal.
sanitization—reduction in the number of bacterial contami- spiral wound membrane—a flat sheet membrane with one or
nants to safe levels. See disinfection. more feed channel spacers and barrier layers, all of which
saturation—the point at which a solution contains enough of are rolled into a spiral configuration.
a dissolved solid, liquid, or gas so that no more will dissolve stage—a sequestial arrangement of pressure vessels, usually
into the solution at a given temperature and pressure. reject staged such as 2:1 array, sometimes permeate staged
SBS—sodium bisulfite, NaHSO3. as in double pass RO.
scale inhibitor—a chemical which inhibits the growth of staging—see brine staging and product staging.
micro-crystals (inhibits precipitation of sparingly soluble standard test conditions—the parameters under which a
salts). See antiscalant. membrane manufacturer tests devices for flow and salt
scaling—the build-up of precipitated salts on a surface, such as rejection.
membranes, pipes, tanks, or boiler condensate tubes. sterilization—destruction or removal of all viable organisms.
SDI—silt density index—an index calculated from the rate of Stiff & Davis stability index, S&DSI—an index calculated
plugging of 0.45 µm membrane filter. It is an indication of from total dissolved solids, calcium concentration, total
the amount of particulate matter in water, sometimes called alkalinity, pH and solution temperature that shows the
fouling index. tendency of a water solution to precipitate or dissolve
S&DSI—Stiff and Davis saturation index, measure of CaCO3 calcium carbonate. S&DSI is used primarily for seawater
solubility in seawater or highly saline water. See LSI. RO applications.
SDWA—Safe Drinking Water Act of the United States, speci- STP—sodium triphosphate - Na5P 3O10, a cleaning agent.
fying required purity levels of municipal potable water. STPP—sodium tripolyphosphate. See STP.
sea water—water with an approximate concentration of total supersaturation—a state in which the inorganic salt (s) are in
dissolved solids ranging from 30 000 to 60 000 mg/L. See solution at a level higher than the respective solubility
brackish water, high brackish water. product.
sedimentation—the precipitation or settling of insoluble ma- suspended solids (SS)—solid organic and inorganic particles
terials from a suspension, either by gravity or artificially. For that are held in suspension in a liquid.
example, centrifuge, pressure. SWRO—seawater reverse osmosis.
semipermeable membrane—a membrane which preferen- symmetric membrane—membrane and bulk polymer have
tially allows the passage of specific compounds while equivalent characteristic (isotropic).
rejecting others. TBC—total bacteria count, the total number of viable micro-
SHMP—sodium hexametaphosphate. (NaHMP) organisms present in the sample, excluding anaerobic organ-
Siemens—a measure of electrical conductance in water, isms.
equivalent to a mho. See Mho, Ohm. TCC—total colony count.
slime—biological deposits of gelatinous or filamentous matter. TDS—total dissolved solids, usually expressed as mg/L or
sludge—a water-formed sedimentary deposit. ppm (parts per million).
sludge blanket—suspended bed of solids in a solids contact or telescoping—the movement of the outer layers of a spiral
sludge blanket clarifier. wound cartridge in the direction of the feed flow caused by
SMBS—sodium metabisulfite, Na2S 2O5. excessive pressure drop through the feed channel spacer.
softening—see membrane softening. temperature correction factor (TCF)—defines the effect of
softener—water treatment equipment that uses a sodium based temperature on permeate flow relative to a base temperature

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(25°C), is mainly a function of fluid characteristics but also tyndall effect—the path of light through a heterogeneous
membrane polymer. medium made visible by the solid particles.
temporary hardness—usually the bicarbonate salts of cal- ultrafiltration (UF)—a process employing semipermeable
cium and magnesium. membrane under a hydraulic pressure gradient for the
thickener—a vessel designed to concentrate treatment slud- separation of components in a solution. The pores of the
ges; similar to a clarifier. membrane are of a size which allow passage of the solvent(s)
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thin film composite (TFC)—see composite membrane. but will retain non-ionic solutes based primarily on physical
threshold treatment—the process of stopping precipitation at size, not chemical potential.
the start of occurrence; usually does not stop the formation
ultra pure water—water generally used in semiconductor
of nuclei but does inhibit growth. See antiscalant.
THM—trihalomethanes; a group of low molecular weight industry having specifications (chemical, physical and bio-
molecules which can result from chlorination of organics logical) for extremely low contaminant levels.
typically found in surface water. USEPA—U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
THMP—trihalomethane precursors; organic molecules found ultraviolet (UV) radiation—wave lengths between 200 to 300
in water which have the potential of reacting with chlorine to nm. These wave lengths have a strong germicidal effect. The
form THMs. maximum effect is at 253.7 nm.
thrust collar—a plastic cylinder placed between the last spiral viable—ability to live or grow. For example, bacteria, plants.
wound cartridge and vessel end plate to support the last
VOC (viable organism count)—a measure of biological
cartridge in a pressure vessel against telescoping.
activity (living or growing) in water.
TOC—total organic carbon, a measure of the level of organic
constituents in water. VOC (volatile organic compound)—an organic compound
TOCl—total organic chlorine. with a vapor pressure higher than water.
TOX—total organic halides. WQA—water quality association.
TOXFP—total organic halide formation potential. water softener—a vessel having a cation resin in the sodium
train—a grouping of devices. See array, bank, block. form that removes cations such as calcium and magnesium
transmembrane pressure—the net driving force across the from water and releases another ion such as sodium. The
membrane. The hydraulic pressure differential from the feed resin is usually regenerated. See softener.
side to permeate side less the osmotic pressure differential on Y—conversion, recovery.
each side.
zeolite—any of various natural or synthetic hydrated alumi-
TRC—total residual chlorine.
num silicates used as ion exchange substrates in water
trisodium phosphate (TSP)—Na3PO 412H2O, a cleaning
softening.
agent.
TSS—total suspended solids. Concentration of undissolved zero discharge—a condition whereby a facility discharges no
solids in a liquid, usually expressed in mg/L or ppm. process effluent.
TTHM—total trihalomethane. zeta potential—colloidal stability measured in millivolts.
turbidity—a suspension of fine particles that scatters or High negative value (–10 to –30 mv) results in particulate
absorbs light rays. stability.
turbidity, jackson candle (JTU)—an empirical measure of
turbidity in special apparatus, based on the measurement of 5. Summary
the depth of a column of water sample that is just sufficient
5.1 This terminology is common to membrane separation
to extinguish the image of a burning standard candle
processes but independent of the source of manufacture.
observed vertically through the sample.
turbidity, nephelometric (NTU)—an empirical measure of
6. Keywords
turbidity based on a measurement of the light-scattering
characteristics (tyndall effect) of the particulate matter in the 6.1 crossflow; membranes; microfiltration; nanofiltration;
sample. reverse osmosis; terminology; ultrafiltration

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