Evaluation of ultrafiltration process fouling using a novel transmembrane pressure (TMP) balance approach

    Authors

    C. C. Boyd;S. J. Duranceau

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Membr. Sci.

    Keywords

    Fouling; Membrane performance; Transmembrane pressure; Ultrafiltration; PILOT-PLANT INVESTIGATIONS; DRINKING-WATER TREATMENT; NATURAL; ORGANIC-MATTER; TREAT RESERVOIR WATER; HOLLOW-FIBER; OPERATING-CONDITIONS; MEMBRANE SYSTEMS; SURFACE-WATER; UF MEMBRANE; HUMIC-ACID; Engineering, Chemical; Polymer Science

    Abstract

    The successful operation of ultrafiltration (UF) membrane processes is dependent on the ability to assess and manage membrane fouling, because membrane fouling reduces process efficiency and results in increased operation and maintenance costs. An evaluation of current fouling characterization methods identified limitations with the use of specific flux and transmembrane pressure (TMP) for interpreting fouling trends. This paper proposes that fouling characterization may be Unproved by distinguishing between the membrane and associated foulants. A new IMP balance approach has thus been developed that quantifies the pressure loss associated with foulants as well as membrane deterioration and facilitates the direct comparison of membrane fouling at different flux values. A method for presenting TMP balance data relative to filtration, backwash, CEB, and CIP events is also discussed that enables the TMP balance to differentiate between physically and chemically unresolved membrane fouling. The TMP balance approach is demonstrated using over 7000 h of runtime data from an UF pilot filtering conventionally pretreated surface water. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

    Journal Title

    Journal of Membrane Science

    Volume

    446

    Publication Date

    1-1-2013

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    456

    Last Page

    464

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000324308500050

    ISSN

    0376-7388

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