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Osmosis and Osmotic Pressure of Solutions

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Three-Dimensionally Printed Microfluidic Cross-flow System for Ultrafiltration/Nanofiltration Membrane Performance Testing

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Fouling distribution in forward osmosis membrane process.

Junseok Lee¹, Bongchul Kim¹, Seungkwan Hong¹

¹School of Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 136-713, Korea.

Journal of Environmental Sciences (China)

|August 1, 2014

Summary

Forward osmosis (FO) membrane fouling increases along the module length, especially at higher recoveries. Counter-current flow reduces this fouling distribution, improving membrane performance and cleaning.

Keywords:

counter-current flow FO operation forward osmosis fouling reversibility membrane module length organic fouling

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Experimental Multiscale Methodology for Predicting Material Fouling Resistance

Experimental Multiscale Methodology for Predicting Material Fouling Resistance

Area of Science:

Membrane Science and Technology
Water Treatment Technologies
Chemical Engineering

Background:

Membrane fouling is a critical challenge in forward osmosis (FO) processes, impacting performance and operational costs.
Understanding fouling distribution is essential for optimizing FO module design and operation.
Previous studies have often focused on average fouling, neglecting spatial variations within the module.

Purpose of the Study:

To systematically investigate fouling behavior along the length of a forward osmosis (FO) membrane module.
To develop and validate a flux distribution model for FO processes.
To evaluate the impact of feed recovery and flow configuration on fouling distribution and reversibility.

Main Methods:

Development of a simple flux distribution model for FO.
Lab-scale experiments simulating various feed recoveries.
Conducting organic fouling experiments using alginate as a model foulant.
Comparison of co-current and counter-current flow operations.

Main Results:

The developed flux distribution model accurately predicted experimental permeate flux decline along the membrane channel.
Higher organic fouling and flux decline were observed in the latter sections of the membrane module due to increasing foulant concentration.
Increased feed recovery exacerbated flux decline due to enhanced foulant transport and adsorption.
Fouling reversibility decreased along the module length, particularly at higher recoveries.
Counter-current flow operation significantly reduced the fouling distribution compared to co-current flow.

Conclusions:

Fouling is not uniformly distributed in FO modules; it concentrates towards the outlet, especially at higher recoveries.
Optimizing flow configuration, such as employing counter-current flow, can mitigate fouling progression and improve membrane longevity.
Detailed examination of fouling distribution is crucial for enhancing cleaning strategies and overall FO process efficiency.