Monitoring Membrane Fouling Using Fluid Dynamic Gauging: Influence of Feed Characteristics and Operating Conditions
Journal article, 2023

Recent studies on membrane fouling have made considerable progress in reducing its adverse effects. However, a lack of comprehensive studies focusing on the underlying fouling mechanisms remains. This work aims to address a part of this gap by investigating the influence of feed suspension chemistry and operating conditions on the fouling characteristics of microcrystalline cellulose. Fluid dynamic gauging (FDG) was employed to monitor the properties of fouling layers under varied conditions. FDG results revealed that the cohesive strength of fouling layers increased in the direction towards the membrane, which can be associated with the higher compressive pressures exerted on foulants deposited near the surface. At lower pHs and higher ionic strengths, reduced electrostatic repulsions between particles likely resulted in particle agglomeration, leading to the formation of thicker cakes. In addition, thicker cake layers were also observed at higher feed concentrations, higher operating transmembrane pressures, and longer filtration times. The cross-flow velocity influenced the resilience of fouling layers significantly, resulting in thinner yet stronger cake layers in the transition and turbulent flow regimes. These findings regarding the influence of feed characteristics and operating conditions on the fouling behavior can be beneficial in developing effective antifouling strategies in membrane separation processes.

fluid dynamic gauging

microfiltration

membrane fouling

microcrystalline cellulose

Author

Kenneth Gacutno Arandia

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemical Technology

Nabin Kumar Karna

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemical Technology

Tuve Mattsson

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemical Technology

Hans Theliander

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemical Technology

Membranes

20770375 (eISSN)

Vol. 13 10 834

Investigation of membrane fouling during cross-flow filtration of wood components

Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, 2019-04-15 -- 2023-11-15.

Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, 2014-03-01 -- 2019-02-28.

Driving Forces

Sustainable development

Areas of Advance

Production

Energy

Subject Categories

Paper, Pulp and Fiber Technology

Chemical Process Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Roots

Basic sciences

DOI

10.3390/membranes13100834

More information

Latest update

11/7/2023