Disc-Tube Reverse Osmosis (DTRO) membrane technology is one of the most effective technologies for landfill leachate treatment. Although DTRO membrane technology itself has certain anti-fouling properties, if the DTRO membranes are not adequately protected over a long period during operation, coupled with the prolonged accumulation of pollutants in the water, membrane fouling will occur. This leads to decreased membrane permeability, reduced flux, significantly shortened membrane life, and continuously increased operating costs. Therefore, during the operation of the DTRO process, analysis should be conducted based on factors such as membrane technology, permeate volume, and membrane performance, and correct maintenance and improvement methods should be applied.

Since DTRO membrane technology requires acidic influent conditions during treatment, industrial hydrochloric acid needs to be added to the leachate being treated to adjust its pH. Through testing of the membrane material, the pH range is determined. Only by maintaining the membranes under slightly acidic working conditions can a service life of over 5 years be guaranteed.

For wastewater after pH adjustment, water temperature control is essential. Generally, the water temperature should be maintained above 5°C to ensure efficient membrane operation. Under constant operating pressure, increasing temperature can reduce the rate of membrane fouling.

Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial. However, during cleaning, attention must be paid to the impact of operating pressure on membrane fouling. In the initial stage of membrane operation, due to strong adsorption between the membrane and solutes, increasing the operating pressure allows more solute molecules to permeate, thereby reducing membrane fouling. However, continuously increasing operating pressure will accelerate the deposition of colloidal substances on the membrane surface, which in turn speeds up membrane fouling. Therefore, in practice, the operating pressure should be selected based on actual conditions, and corresponding threshold values should be set for better flux control. When the transmembrane pressure difference reaches a certain value, membrane cleaning should be performed.