AWC manufactures membrane antiscalants, antifoulants, and cleaning chemicals for reverse osmosis (RO), nanofiltration (NF), ultrafiltration (UF), and microfiltration (MF) membrane systems.  AWC also offers a broad range of analytical services including membrane wet testing, membrane cleaning studies,and membrane autopsies.  Having pioneered the use of elemental imaging for membrane autopsies, AWC uses its advanced SEITM technique to provide meticulous reports that identify the exact nature of a scalant or foulant.

AWC was created in 1993 as a subsidiary of a water treatment equipment manufacturer (OEM) in response to its operations engineers’ demands for more reliable  RO chemicals.  They required RO antiscalants that were more resistant to biological fouling and had a better tolerance to iron.  More effective membrane cleaning chemicals were needed to restore membrane performance during the warranty period.  In just a few years, AWC developed into an independent operation that provided membrane chemicals and autopsy services  to  water treatment plants around the world.  AWC separated from the OEM in 2005, and is no longer affiliated with any equipment manufacturers.

AWC is very unique among its competitors in that it dedicates significant resources to understanding complex scaling phenomena through research and development.  In the past years, multiple papers have been presented at conferences  and accepted for publication by scientific journals.    Topics of research have included phosphate scaling, aluminosilicate scaling, ferrosilicate scaling, membrane susceptibility to biofouling, corrosion control in permeate distribution lines, and the development of more reliable scaling indices.

For over 20 years, American Water Chemicals has provided the membrane community with RO chemicals that lower operating costs, eliminate hazardous acid dosing and reduce the frequency of membrane cleanings.   In the past decade, AWC has created potable water corrosion inhibitors designed specifically for use with RO permeate, and a new line of NSF approved MF/UF cleaning chemicals.  The most recent products to be released are potable water antiscalants  that are NSF approved for inhibiting  scale in MF/UF systems, and for condition sludge in lime softening plants.

Laboratory Services

AWC has the capability to conduct water analyses and membrane antiscalant projections for Reverse Osmosis and Nanofiltration systems. AWC can also conduct chemical dosage determinations for our antiscalants, coagulants, and flocculants. For clients with extreme scaling or inorganic fouling conditions, AWC can synthesize identical water chemistries in the lab to determine optimal pretreatment and control limits.

Membrane Autopsy

RO Membrane Autopsy Services from AWC

The AWC RO membrane autopsy  includes over 20 specific tests on your RO  membrane. Each test is designed to provide a detailed investigative analysis providing specific scientific data related to the cause of membrane fouling and scaling.

American Water Chemicals membrane autopsy services can determine the presence of specific foulants and scalants on the membrane surface and provide solutions to decrease or eliminate the problems associated with membrane fouling. Typical membrane autopsy investigations can be completed in just a few short weeks after a membrane has arrived at our International Research and Development facility.

Upon ordering a RO membrane autopsy, AWC will provide a detailed instructional document on how to remove, pack and ship your membrane so the most accurate results can be provided.