ADEQ Water Treatment 2 Practice Test

The main idea is chemical compatibility of the membrane material with cleaning agents. Cleaning protocols are set by how far the membrane can be exposed to cleaners without being damaged, which hinges on two properties: the pH range the membrane can tolerate (pH tolerance) and how well it holds up under oxidizing conditions (oxidation resistance). If a membrane is sensitive to high or low pH, or to oxidants like chlorine, aggressive cleaners can degrade the polymer, alter pore structure, or cause flux loss. So choosing cleaners and operating conditions is guided by those two material properties to ensure effective cleaning without harming the membrane. For example, some membranes are damaged by chlorine and strong bases, while others tolerate higher pH and certain oxidants within safe limits, illustrating why pH tolerance and oxidation resistance are the most relevant factors.