This powerpoint presentation begins by providing a brief overview of two types of pressure drop,
feed spacer channel and transmembrane, and the effect of biomass accumulation on
pressure drop. Topics presented include: development of pressure drop, flux
and fouling; the need for a monitor; membrane fouling simulator; fouling analysis - comparison
full scale vs test rig vs MFS; effect of linear velocity at constant nutrient load; observations from practice; NMR / MRI -
a potential powerful tool; pressure drop increase; 2D images and velocity profiles
during biofilm accumulation; and, influence spacer presence on
pressure drop development.
Presentation conclusions indicate the following: membrane biofouling can be studied using membrane
fouling simulator
- representative, sensitive, fast and early detection;
pressure drop (increase) must be focus of research
- effect accumulated biomass on pressure drop (increase)
affected by hydrodynamic conditions; restricted biomass has big impact on velocity field; and, pressure drop (increase) is feed spacer problem. Includes figures.