A Comprehensive Review on Membrane Fouling: Mathematical Modelling, Prediction, Diagnosis, and Mitigation

Abstract

Membrane-based separation has gained increased popularity over the past few decades, particularly reverse osmosis (RO). A major impediment to the improved performance of membrane separation processes, in general, is membrane fouling. Fouling has detrimental effects on the membrane’s performance and integrity, as the deposition and accumulation of foulants on its surface and/or within its pores leads to a decline in the permeate flux, deterioration of selectivity, and permeability, as well as a significantly reduced lifespan. Several factors influence the fouling-propensity of a membrane, such as surface morphology, roughness, hydrophobicity, and material of fabrication. Generally, fouling can be categorized into particulate, organic, inorganic, and biofouling. Efficient prediction techniques and diagnostics are integral for strategizing control, management, and mitigation interventions to minimize the damage of fouling occurrences in the membranes. To improve the antifouling characteristics of RO membranes, surface enhancements by different chemical and physical means have been extensively sought after. Moreover, research efforts have been directed towards synthesizing membranes using novel materials that would improve their antifouling performance. This paper presents a review of the different membrane fouling types, fouling-inducing factors, predictive methods, diagnostic techniques, and mitigation strategies, with a special focus on RO membrane fouling.

Fouling Prevention in Polymeric Membranes by Radiation Induced Graft Copolymerization

“…The relationship between the membrane surface’s properties and fouling has been ever in the focus of investigations since the beginning of membranes’ application for solid/liquid separations. The rate and severity of the membrane fouling are found to be greatly dependent upon the parameters pertaining to both feed water qualities and membrane surface properties [ 71 , 72 ]. Particularly, the membrane surface properties are known to determine the way the membrane interacts with foulants [ 10 , 73 ].…”

Recent Mitigation Strategies on Membrane Fouling for Oily Wastewater Treatment

“…In general, fouling is defined as the membrane-solution interaction that causes accumulation of suspension or dissolved solids either on the surface of the outer membrane, on the membrane's pores, or within the membrane's pores [54]. Membrane fouling can be classified into four types: organic precipitation, colloids, inorganic precipitation, and biofoulings [55,56]. Colloids refer to the various particle size of colloids ranging in size from several nanometres to micrometres.…”

“…Furthermore, aquatic colloids can also be classified based on their dispersed compound, either organic or inorganic [56]. Organic colloids that have been frequently reported are fats, carbohydrates, proteins, greases, and surfactants are examples of organic colloids.…”

Stability of Ar/O2 Plasma-Treated Polypropylene Membranes Applied for Membrane Distillation

“…Properties and surface structure of the membrane are the key parameters influencing separation effects in membrane processes. Indeed, the membrane pore size determines the size of the retained particles and macromolecular substances in microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) processes, respectively, while the porous support dense skin layer enables separation of ions from desalinated water by the reverse osmosis process (RO) [1][2][3].…”