Abstract
This paper describes fouling in simulated Point-of-Use (PoU) systems based on low pressure hollow fiber ultrafiltration membranes. Various operational configurations such as recirculation of feed, discontinuous vs. continuous filtration, and inside/out vs. outside/in were compared to study their effects on fouling and permeate production. Flux values stabilized around 2L/m2h for gravity driven (100mbar) ultrafiltration. Intermittent operation resulted in lower overall hydraulic resistances compared to continuously operated systems. This was due to the low organic loading and relaxation of the fouling layer during periods of standstill. In most experiments the fouling layer mainly consisted of diatoms, inorganic particles and few microbial clusters. The PoU systems investigated can be operated for longer duration without the need for strong chemical cleaning.
Highlights
Lack of potable water remains a major concern for most developing countries
This paper describes fouling in simulated Point-of-Use (PoU) systems based on low pressure hollow fiber ultrafiltration membranes
To address the influence of membrane module configuration on the flux behavior, two different membrane configurations i.e. hollow fiber and flat sheet type were assessed in terms of permeate production and hydraulic resistance
Summary
Lack of potable water remains a major concern for most developing countries. Household Water Treatment (HWT) technologies are increasing in popularity to meet the safe drinking water needs of people. The specific objectives of the study were to optimize and understand the effects of various operational parameters that affect the fouling development as discussed above, such as intermittent use of the system, inside/out vs outside/in operation of the hollow fiber configuration, and recirculation of feed water over the membrane surface. These parameters can be useful in designing more efficient hollow fiber based PoU systems. Two hollow fiber configurations with 3 different intermittent intervals of operation and the effect of feed recirculation on fouling development were investigated
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