The membrane fouling simulator: A suitable tool for prediction and characterisation of membrane fouling

J. S. Vrouwenvelder*, S. M. Bakker, M. Cauchard, R. Le Grand, M. Apacandié, M. Idrissi, S. Lagrave, L. P. Wessels, J. A.M. van Paassen, J. C. Kruithof, M. C.M. van Loosdrecht

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

54 Scopus citations

Abstract

A new tool-the Membrane Fouling Simulator (MFS) - is developed to measure membrane fouling (pressure drop increase) in a small and simple system, representative for spiral wound membranes applied in water treatment. With the MFS, fouling development can be monitored systematically by (i) pressure drop, (ii) in situ and non-destructive (visual) observations using the sight glass and (iii) analysis of coupons sampled from the membrane sheet in the MFS. A comparison study of the MFS with spiral wound membrane elements (test rigs and a full scale installation) showed the same fouling. The MFS provided reproducible data. The small size and low water and chemical use of the MFS facilitate to perform systematic parallel studies. With the MFS, fouling of membranes applied in water treatment can be characterised.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationBiofilm Systems VI
EditorsM.C.M. Loosdrecht, C. Picioreau
Pages197-205
Number of pages9
Edition8-9
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameWater Science and Technology
Number8-9
Volume55
ISSN (Print)0273-1223

Keywords

  • (Bio)fouling
  • Cleaning
  • Membrane fouling simulator
  • Nanofiltration
  • Reverse osmosis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Water Science and Technology

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