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Bench‐scale evaluation of critical flux and TMP in low‐pressure membrane filtration
Author(s) -
Choi Kevin YoungJune,
Dempsey Brian A.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal ‐ american water works association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.466
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1551-8833
pISSN - 0003-150X
DOI - 10.1002/j.1551-8833.2005.tb10939.x
Subject(s) - membrane fouling , fouling , filtration (mathematics) , flux (metallurgy) , membrane , materials science , environmental science , process engineering , environmental engineering , chemistry , engineering , mathematics , metallurgy , biochemistry , statistics
Critical flux has been defined as the permeate flux of a membrane system under which little or no fouling is observed. Exceeding critical flux results in rapidly increasing transmembrane pressure and fouling. This article describes bench‐scale techniques that can be used to measure critical flux and determine the effects of changing water quality on membrane performance. The bench‐scale technique also demonstrates the effectiveness of coagulation on low‐pressure membrane system performance. The critical flux test for low‐pressure filters could be considered the operational equivalent of jar testing in conventional water treatment plants. It is proposed that utilities and consultants should use similar bench‐scale critical flux measurements to assist in low‐pressure membrane system design, to modify operation during periods of changing water quality, and to determine the effects of coagulation or other treatments on low‐pressure membrane system performance.