Membrane fouling control and performance enhancement of ultrafiltration of latex effluent

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to minimize membrane fouling of a latex solution either through improving the membrane surface charge or using a pretreated feed. Hydrophilic polysulphone (PSU) and Ultrafilic flat membranes, with a molecular weight cut‐off (MWCO) of 60 000 and 100 000 dalton, respectively, were implemented under a constant flow rate and cross‐flow mode in ultrafiltration of simulated latex effluent. Hydrophobic polyvinylidene difluoride membrane (PVDF) with a MWCO of 100 000 dalton was also tested. The influence of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (LAS) on the ionic strength of the simulated latex effluent and the surface charge of latex particles at different LAS concentrations was investigated. LAS was also used, at different concentrations and various treatment times, to ensure the enhancement of the antifouling characteristics of the membrane surface. It was concluded that the LAS‐treated membrane surface is much more favourable than the pH‐changed feed pre‐treatment. As such, the total mass of fouling decreased by 44.00 % and 29.60 % in the cases of treated PVDF membrane surface with LAS at a concentration of 0.0001 g/L, and treated latex feed at pH 11, respectively. Nevertheless, LAS was considered to be an ineffective pre‐treatment for limiting the fouling propensity of latex solutions using hydrophilic membranes even at high concentrations and long treatment times.

Ultrasound for Membrane Fouling Control in Wastewater Treatment and Protein Purification Downstream Processing Applications

“…Membrane fouling is likewise unavoidable in other types of membrane-based processes such as membrane distillation (MD) and membrane bioreactor (MBR). In recent years, the application of UF has expanded as a promising alternative technology to obtain drinking water [1][2][3][4]. In addition, UF has become particularly important in concentrating proteinaceous solutions.…”

“…For this purpose, a wide variety of feed pre-treatment options can be used. However, this can rapidly increase operational cost and complexity [1][2][3]. Chemical cleaning consists of the use of acid, alkali, or biocide solution to prevent inorganic fouling, organic fouling, and biofouling, respectively.…”

Enhanced hydrophilic polysulfone hollow fiber membranes with addition of iron oxide nanoparticles

“…Polysulfone (PSf) is one of the most well‐known polymeric materials and is widely used as the base material in hemodialysis membranes . PSf‐based membranes show good heat resistance, physiochemical stability, oxidative stress tolerance and chemical compatibility resistance over a wide range of pH .…”

“…Polysulfone (PSf) is one of the most well‐known polymeric materials and is widely used as the base material in hemodialysis membranes . PSf‐based membranes show good heat resistance, physiochemical stability, oxidative stress tolerance and chemical compatibility resistance over a wide range of pH . Other added values include their ability to withstand various types of sterilization techniques in order to maintain a hygienic condition at the microscopic level and their fewer susceptibilities towards complement activation when exposed to blood.…”