Slow colloidal aggregation and membrane fouling

The effects of salt concentration and foulant surface charge on hydrocarbon fouling of a poly(vinylidene fluoride) microfiltration membrane

“…However, as discussed in detail later, the crude oil in this study was considered non-polar, so the DLVO model was more applicable. In applying the DLVO model, membrane was treated as a flat surface and oil droplets were approximated as perfect spheres and point charges, consistent with previous studies (Aimar and Bacchin 2010, Bacchin et al 1995, Bacchin et al 2002, Brant and Childress 2002, Hoek et al 2003, Muthu et al 2014. 8…”

Towards controlled fouling and rejection in dead-end microfiltration of nanoparticles – Role of electrostatic interactions

“…6b). Aimar et al [24] attributed this flux stabilization to the filtration under critical flux. At this flux, back transport of nanoparticles due to diffusion and electrostatic repulsion between nanoparticles is equal to convective transport towards the membrane surface.…”

“…However, for less stable nanoparticle suspensions, an increase in the nanoparticle concentration on the membrane surface can most likely result in local-near membrane surface clustering and aggregation of nanoparticles [24]. This lower nanoparticle stability promotes faster pore blockage, followed by the formation of a denser and less permeable cake layer.…”

TiO2 nanocomposite based polymeric membranes: A review on performance improvement for various applications in chemical engineering processes

“…Membrane fouling with colloids and biocolloids is usually known as an inherent problem in membrane processes and makes them less competitive [43]. In this event, solute or particles deposit onto a membrane surface or into membrane pores.…”