Abstract: A method for controlling scale and/or fouling on a separation membrane. The method comprises forming a thermally, physically, electrically or chemically degradable coating layer on the membrane; using the membrane under conditions that result in the formation of scale and/or fouling species on the membrane; and removing at least some of the scale and/or fouling species from the membrane by thermally, physically, electrically or chemically degrading the coating layer.

Abstract: A method for controlling scale and/or fouling on a separation membrane. The method comprises forming a thermally, physically, electrically or chemically degradable coating layer on the membrane; using the membrane under conditions that result in the formation of scale and/or fouling species on the membrane; and removing at least some of the scale and/or fouling species from the membrane by thermally, physically, electrically or chemically degrading the coating layer.

Abstract: A closed loop water purification system comprising a feed water line (42) to supply feed water, a high pressure feed pump (62), a filter assembly (66) having an inlet supplied by the high pressure feed pump, a distribution line (68) and a reject water line (70), the reject line returning reject water from the filter assembly to the feed water line, the distribution line supplying at least one purified water take off point (86) and returning to a junction (50) in the feed water line upstream of the high pressure feed pump. The reject water line is connected to the junction in the feed water line upstream of the high pressure feed pump. A first backflow prevention device (48) is on the feed water line upstream of the junction. A second backflow prevention device (100) is on the distribution line upstream of the junction and a third backflow prevention device (80) is on the reject water line upstream of the junction. A heater system (56) is in one of the distribution line, the reject line or the feed water line.