Question 30General Subjects - 1st Asst/Chief

The correct answer is C) The freshwater production rate would be lower than normal, and the feed pressure would be higher than normal. When the reverse-osmosis membrane modules become fouled, the water permeability of the membrane decreases. This results in a lower freshwater production rate. At the same time, the feed pressure needs to be increased to maintain the desired freshwater output, as the fouled membrane creates more resistance to the water flow. This higher feed pressure is required to push the water through the less permeable membrane. The other options are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the effects of membrane fouling on the freshwater production rate and feed pressure. Fouling would not increase the freshwater production rate or decrease the feed pressure.