Peroxyformic acid compositions for membrane filtration cleaning in energy services

A method for removing mineral deposits from a membrane system comprising:

• contacting a membrane fouled with mineral deposits comprising sulfate, sulfur, and/or sulfide with a peroxyformic acid composition comprising peroxyformic acid and hydrogen peroxide, wherein the ratio of the peroxyformic acid to the hydrogen peroxide in the peroxyformic acid composition is from about 5:1 to about 40:1;
• and
• removing the mineral deposits from the membrane;
• wherein the contacting occurs not more frequently than once every 24 hours, and wherein the peroxyformic acid composition contacts the membrane for less than about 12 hours;
• and
• wherein the peroxyformic acid composition is membrane compatible and does not damage the membrane as measured by a decrease in flux of the membrane.