The influence of hydrodynamic factors, membrane surface properties and channel geometries on membrane performance and fouling mechanisms

Abstract

Abstract. Modern theoretical understanding of colloidal and suspended matter membrane fouling mechanisms are presented and discussed. Stateof-the-art simulation models of concentration polarization calculations for different channel conditions are described and influence of the fouling layers on the flux and rejection decrease are evaluated. Results of experimental investigations are presented that suggest a quantitative evaluation of fouling rates and membrane flux prognosis due to colloidal fouling with time. The influence of channel geometry on fouling is demonstrated and discussed. The main disadvantage of spiral wounded membrane modules which is attributed to the presence of a separation spacer mesh in the feed channel is discussed.