Visual Observation methods: recently, a new high-pressure optical membrane module has
been developed to enable direct visual observation of bacterial deposition onto reverse
osmosis membranes under practical seawater desalination operating conditions. The
new optical membrane module withstands pressures up to 8.3MPa while allowing high
transmission of UV and visible light. Computational fluid dynamic analyses of the
optical module suggest practically relevant cross-flow hydrodynamic conditions exist
through the viewing area of the optical window