In the design and operation of reverse osmosis installations, it is important to predict the calcium carbonate scaling properties of the concentrate stream. Because of the increase in total dissolved solids in the concentrate stream and the differences in salt passages for calcium ion, bicarbonate ion, and free CO₂, the calcium carbonate scaling properties of the concentrate stream will generally be quite different from those of the feed solution. This practice permits the calculation of the S & DSI for the concentrate stream from the feed water analyses and the reverse osmosis operating parameters.

A positive S & DSI indicates the tendency to form a calcium carbonate scale, which can be damaging to reverse osmosis performance. This practice gives procedures for the adjustment of the S & DSI.

1.1 This practice covers the calculation and adjustment of the Stiff and Davis Stability Index (S DSI) for the concentrate stream of a reverse osmosis device. This index is used to determine the need for calcium carbonate scale control in the operation and design of reverse osmosis installations. This practice is applicable for concentrate streams containing more than 10000 mg/L of total dissolved solids. For concentrate streams containing less than 10000 mg/L of total dissolved solids, refer to Practice D 3739.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.