| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 284055 | Journal of China University of Mining and Technology | 2007 | 6 Pages |
The characteristics of membrane fouling and cleaning, in a hybrid MBR process, was investigated. Under the condition of sub-critical flux operation, a characteristic three-stage trans-membrane pressure (TMP) profile is observed as time passes. The initially extended period of slow pressure rise, followed by a somewhat faster rise, is then supplanted by a sudden transition to rapid pressure rise. Membrane cleaning experiments and SEM examination make it apparent that the rapid TMP rise is mainly caused by the accumulation of a surface cake layer, which is a reversible fouling that can be removed by tap water washing. Fouling caused by a gel layer, which is an irreversible fouling, can be removed efficiently by chemical cleaning. NaClO can oxidize the gel layer, which is formed mainly of macro-molecular organic substances. The HCl can remove inorganic particles formed by Ca2+, Mg2+ ions etc. The sequence of chemicals used in membrane cleaning has an influence on the cleaning result. The effect of the NaClO+HCl cleaning procedure is superior to that of the HCl+NaClO one. Particle size distribution measurements (PSD) reveal that fine particles are inclined to deposit or attach on the membrane surface, or in the membrane pores, and caused rapid fouling.
