RO membranes can't be ...

RO membranes can't be backwashed in the traditional sense - the thin-film composite layer is too fragile. What actually works: (1) forward flush at high velocity to displace foulants from the feed spacer, (2) CIP (clean-in-place) using low-pH citric acid for mineral scale or high-pH detergent for biological/organic fouling, and (3) most importantly, fixing the pre-treatment that's causing the fouling in the first place — antiscalant dosing, SDI monitoring, and temperature-adjusted pressure. Normalization data (tracking pressure drop and salt rejection over time) tells you whether you have scaling, biofouling, or compaction. Pre-treatment and RO system design guide: https://www.purecowater.com/e-series-reverse-osmosis-system/