Predictive membrane transport model for nanofiltration processes in water treatment

Abstract

AbstractA membrane transport model was developed for prediction and simulation of membrane filtration (nanofiltration) dynamics with reference to permeate flux. It incorporates important phenomenological aspects of membrane transport, such as concentration polarization and gel layer formation, and illustrates the concentration of solutes as foulants in the mass‐transfer boundary layer on the membrane surface. Membrane filtration tests using tannic acid as a model organic compound were designed for investigating permeate fluxes, as well as solute concentration profiles for permeates and concentrates. Membrane performance experiments were conducted under various operation conditions by varying several parameters including solute concentrations, transmembrane pressures, and reject flow rates. The tests showed that the NF‐45 membrane composed of polypiperazine amide was more susceptible to organic fouling by tannic acid than the NF‐70 membrane made of cross‐linked aromatic polyamide. These observations were supported by surface‐potential measurements that demonstrated higher negative surface charges and greater hydrophilicity for the NF‐70 membrane in the presence of tannic acid. The predictive capability of the membrane transport model was evaluated using the results from membrane filtration tests. Model sensitivity studies were conducted to obtain information on effects of various input parameters pertaining to operating conditions and fluid‐dynamic regimes.