Interfacial and fouling effects on diffusional permeability across a composite ceramic membrane

Diffusional NaCl transport across a microporous ceramic membrane was studied by measurements carried out at a constant feed concentration (Cf = 0.01 equiv./l) but different solutions stirring rates (0 ≤ ν (rpm) ≤ 1000), which allows the determination of both membrane system and true membrane diffusional permeability (Psm and Ps, respectively). Differences between both values are related with the stagnant solution layer on the membrane surface, and its thickness was also determined from these measurements. Moreover, modification in diffusional permeability and polarization layer thickness as a result of membrane static protein fouling due to membrane–protein contact for two different protein solution concentrations (0.5 and 2 g/l of bovine serumalbumin) was also studied and correlated with the system structure.