Permeate flux optimisation of a pilot microfiltration plant for cost-effectiveness of water reclamation for reuse

A pilot plant was constructed with eight elements of an Asahi microfiltration (MF) membrane-a total filtration surface area of 56 m2. Performance of the plant was examined in preparation of a secondary sewage effluent without coagulant for reverse osmosis membrane treatment. Production at different permeate flux was tested for evaluation of the changes in transmembrane pressure (TMP) and specific permeate flux (SPF) with time. Clean-in-place (CIP) was conducted when TMP reached a value about 2 atm after each test. For permeate flux of 48, 55, 61 and 66 L m-2 h-1, the ceiling TMP was reached after filtration for approximately 420, 200, 225, and 195 h, respectively. The corresponding cumulative permeate volumes were 1130, 620, 765, 720 m3 before a CIP was necessary. The SPF decreased quickly with increases in permeate flux and the corresponding half-SPF times were 147, 89, 75 and 39 h for the respective flux studied. The membrane fouling tolerance was greater at a lower than at a higher flux. Analysis of the performance data suggests that run of the MF plant at higher permeate flux with more frequent and quick CIP might produce more water. The optimal filtration durations were found to be 12, 8, 7 and 3 days for permeate flux of 48, 55, 61 and 66 L m-2 h-1, respectively. Prolonged filtration after the optimal interval without CIP may not maximise the economical benefit.