RO system scaling with focus on the concentrate line: Current challenges and potential solutions

Reverse osmosis (RO) is poised to be the primary membrane-based water desalination technology as the need for potable water increases. Current and prior research focuses on the implications of the RO membrane system performance as it pertains to scale; however, very few reviews of scale and its detrimental effects within the concentrate line that affect both system performance and reliability at pilot-scale are available. We analyzed peer-reviewed literature covering the most recent studies on scale characterization and mitigation strategies. Data gathered from a pilot-scale plant experiment conducted with an industrial collaborator were used to emphasize the importance of quality information on this topic. Published data, and data collected from the pilot plant were investigated and analyzed to determine the most significant scaling problems and methods of mitigation. Potential antiscalant alternatives to mitigate the complications caused by scale formation and fouling within RO systems, particularly in concentrate lines, were investigated. •Elucidation of the detrimental effects resulting from scale formation in reverse osmosis (RO) systems' concentrate lines.•Analysis and assessment of corollaries between published data and data from a commercial-scale RO system's concentrate line.•Analysis of antiscalant alternatives to mitigate the complications caused by scale formation in RO systems concentrate lines.•Assessment of the current and future research of RO systems concentrate lines’ scaling and mitigation methodologies.