1976年，佛罗里达州的一家设备制造商提出了用改性反渗透膜代替石灰软化来处理总溶解固体含量较低的水的想法。这篇文章的作者评估了过去10年在膜软化或纳滤技术领域取得的进展，得出结论认为，该工艺与传统处理具有竞争力，但警告说，应根据具体情况进行评估。现有膜软化厂的历史记录、成功完成的试点研究以及监管机构的认可都支持了膜软化值得考虑的论点。 在评估处理厂扩建时，应考虑使用膜软化工艺。简要讨论了工艺成本。包括20个参考文献、表格和图表。

In 1976, a Florida-based equipment manufacturer conceived the idea of using modified reverse osmosis membranes instead of lime softening to treat waters with low total dissolved solids. The authors of this article assess the progress made over the last 10 years in the field of membrane softening or nanofiltration technology, concluding that the process is competitive with conventional treatment but cautioning that it should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The contention that membrane softening is worthy of consideration is supported by historical records of existing membrane softening plants, successfully completed pilot studies, and acceptance by regulatory agencies. Use of the membrane softening process should be considered whenever a treatment plant expansion is being evaluated. Process costs are briefly discussed. Includes 20 references, tables, figure.