Abstract: A membrane assembly for separating a feed liquid into a permeate and a retentate includes a semipermeable membrane and conductive members for applying a voltage effective for charging a semipermeable surface of the membrane, thereby reducing or preventing fouling or scaling of the membrane. The conductive members may be positioned adjacent to the semipermeable membrane, and may be configured as feed spacers or permeate spacers. Alternatively or additionally, the membrane may be electrically conductive. Power from an external source may be supplied to one or more of the conductive members, or also the membrane if conductive, which may be done wirelessly. One or more membrane assemblies may be provided in a container. One or more membrane assemblies may be provided in a stacked configuration, or wrapped around a tube in a spiral configuration.

Abstract: A membrane assembly for separating a feed liquid into a permeate and a retentate includes a semipermeable membrane and conductive members for applying a voltage effective for charging a semipermeable surface of the membrane, thereby reducing or preventing fouling or scaling of the membrane. The conductive members may be positioned adjacent to the semipermeable membrane, and may be configured as feed spacers or permeate spacers. Alternatively or additionally, the membrane may be electrically conductive. Power from an external source may be supplied to one or more of the conductive members, or also the membrane if conductive, which may be done wirelessly. One or more membrane assemblies may be provided in a container. One or more membrane assemblies may be provided in a stacked configuration, or wrapped around a tube in a spiral configuration.