REGENERATION OF ULTRAFILTRATION MEMBRANES IN THE PROCESS OF SEPARATING OIL-WATER SYSTEMS

Abstract

It is proposed to use a baromembrane process for the purification of spent oil-containing products. Tubular ultrafluorescence polymer membranes with an active layer of fluoroplast with diatomite additives and ceramic membranes based on Al2O3 were used as filter elements. During the operation of membrane elements, there is a drop in specific productivity associated with their contamination. Contamination of ultrafiltration membranes is considered as irreversible deposition of high-molecular substances, petroleum products and fats on the surface or in the pores of the membrane. However, with proper technical operation, it is possible to increase the service life of the membranes. The paper considers two strategies for maintenance of membrane elements based on their washing (regeneration) at certain intervals. The choice of the method and mode of regeneration of membrane elements is determined depending on the type of membrane material and on the specific operating conditions of their operation. For the regeneration of polymer tubular membranes due to their anisotropic design and the fragile connection between the active (fine-porous) and drainage (coarse-porous) layers, a chemical washing method using kerosene as a reagent is proposed. For ceramic membranes, due to the peculiarities of their production by sintering at high temperatures, two regeneration methods are possible: physical and chemical. The physical method consisted in using permeate backwash of membrane pores. Experiments have shown that it is most effective to regenerate membrane elements with a 30% drop in specific productivity by backwash, since it does not require the use of additional reagents and their subsequent disposal.