Silt Density Index – (SDI)
➢ Definition
➢ Purpose in Water Treatment.
➢ SDI Testing Procedure
➢ SDI Calculation
➢ Interpretation of SDI Results
➢ Common Factors Affecting SDI
➢ Pre-Treatment Solutions to Reduce SD
➢ Practical Applications of SDI
➢ Limitations of SDI
Definition
The Salt Density Index (SDI), is a measure used to assess the fouling potential of water,
particularly in applications like reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) systems. It is a
critical parameter for evaluating the quality of feedwater and its tendency to clog membranes
due to suspended solids and colloidal particles.
Purpose in Water Treatment
SDI is primarily used to measure the fouling potential of feedwater in systems such as:
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Nanofiltration (NF)
Ultrafiltration (UF)
Fouling occurs due to suspended solids, colloids, and particulate matter that can clog the
membranes, reducing system performance and increasing maintenance costs.
SDI Testing Procedure
The test determines the rate at which a 0.45-micron membrane filter clogs when exposed to a
constant water flow under controlled pressure.
Equipment Needed
SDI tester kit with a 0.45 µm filter
Pressure regulator set to 30 psi (2.07 bar).
Stopwatch for timing flow intervals.
Steps:
Setup: Install the filter in the SDI tester and connect it to the water source. Adjust pressure to
30 psi.
Initial Flow Time (Ti): Measure the time to filter 500 mL of water.
Test Duration: Continue the filtration process for 15 minutes, measuring the time to collect
500 mL every 5 minutes (or as required).
Final Flow Time (Tf): Measure the time to filter 500 mL at the end of the test duration.
Figure 1: the Silt Density Index (SDI)
SDI Calculation
Ti: Initial time for 500 mL filtration (in seconds)
Tf: Final time for 500 mL filtration after test duration (in seconds).
T: Total test duration (usually 15 minutes).
Interpretation of SDI Results
SDI < 3: Low fouling potential. Water is suitable for RO or NF systems.
SDI 3–5: Moderate fouling potential. Pre-treatment, such as media filters or ultrafiltration,
may be required.
SDI > 5: High fouling potential. Significant pre-treatment is necessary, such as
coagulation, sedimentation, or advanced filtration.
Common Factors Affecting SDI
Suspended Solids: Particulate matter like sand, silt, and clay increases SDI values .
Colloidal Matter: Fine particles that don’t settle easily can block membrane pores.
Organic Content: Biofouling caused by organic debris or microbial activity can lead to
higher SDI values.
Water Source:
Seawater: Often has high SDI due to colloidal content
Brackish Water: May vary depending on source and location.
Pre-Treatment Solutions to Reduce SDI
To lower SDI and prevent membrane fouling
Media Filtration: Sand or multimedia filters to remove large particles.
Cartridge Filtration: Fine filtration to capture smaller particulates.
Coagulation and Flocculation: Enhances removal of colloids
Ultrafiltration (UF): Effective in reducing SDI significantly
Chemical Treatments: Anti-scalants or dispersants to minimize fouling.
Practical Applications of SDI
Desalination Plants: Monitoring seawater feed to RO systems
Industrial Processes: Ensuring clean feedwater for cooling towers or boilers
Municipal Water Treatment: Evaluating treated water quality before membrane systems.
Limitations of SDI
Lacks Specificity: SDI only provides a general measure of fouling potential, not the type
of fouling (e.g., scaling vs. biological).
Operator-Dependent: Accuracy can vary based on test execution.
Not Real-Time: SDI testing is batch-based and doesn’t provide continuous monitoring.
