On the effect of flocculation as pretreatment process and particle size distribution for membrane fouling reduction

Flocculation changes the fouling outcome on the membranes by changing sensibly the particle size distributions of the solution. The membrane's performances are strictly dependant on the coagulant type used during the pretreatment operation. In order to develop full advantages on fouling issues, the particle size shift effect of the flocculation process should be carefully studied and evaluated, and needs fine-tuned optimization.