Abstract

In this study, a mathematical model was developed to assess fouling as well as membrane regeneration in a pressurized, hollow-fiber membrane system for the treatment of highly turbid surface water using periodical cleaning by backwashing and forward flushing. The model was validated using experimental data of trans-membrane pressure obtained when filtering separately, a SiO2 solution, a mixed SiO2/sodium alginate (SA) solution, a mixed SiO2/bovin serum albumin (BSA) solution and a mixed SiO2/humic acid (HA). Experimental and theoretical studies highlighted the synergistic fouling effect between SiO2 simulating the colloidal particles and the different elements (HA, SA and BSA) simulating the natural organic matter. Protein fouling was mitigated when mixed with SiO2. While the highest fouling rate was obtained for mixed SiO2/SA solution, the majority of this fouling was removed by periodic cleaning. Moreover, mixed SiO2/HA solution showed also high fouling which was mainly irreversible.

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