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Updated: May 8, 2025

Three-Dimensionally Printed Microfluidic Cross-flow System for Ultrafiltration/Nanofiltration Membrane Performance Testing
Published on: February 13, 2016
The Operational Performance of an Ultrafiltration Pilot Unit for the Treatment of Ultra-Concentrated Brines
Giuseppe Scelfo1,2, Paula Serrano-Tari3,4, Ritamaria Raffaelli1
1Department of Engineering, Università degli Studi di Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
Abstract:
The valorization of ultra-concentrated seawater brines, named bitterns, requires preliminary purification processes, such as membrane filtration, before they can be fully exploited. This study investigates the performance of an ultrafiltration pilot plant aimed at separating organic matter and large particles from real bitterns. An empirical model for the bittern viscosity was developed to better characterize the membrane. Distinct variations in permeability, fouling resistance and rejection coefficient were observed under operational pressures ranging from 2 to 4 bar. Working at low pressure (2 bar), the pilot plant achieves permeability and rejection coefficient values of 17 L/m2hbar and 95%, respectively. Foulant behavior was characterized by determining a "fouling resistance", obtaining an average value of 1013 m-1. Tests with three distinct bittern samples were conducted to assess the influence of chemical composition and organic matter content on membrane permeability and fouling characteristics. The collected data enabled a comprehensive characterization of the ultrafiltration pilot unit working with this particular saline feed solution, which has very high technical-economic potential.
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