In this paper, pilot data are presented for different pressure driven ultrafiltration (UF) systems operating
on four different source waters, including groundwater, two surface waters, and a
wastewater. The data present fouling rate as a function of flux both above and below the
sustainable flux. The data show that fouling rate increases exponentially with flux, the
rate of rise being determined by feed source and process design. The analysis develops
algorithms for UF/MF systems from the pilot data, thereby providing guidelines for
design and operation. By monitoring permeability, on-going operations can ensure that
long term plant performance remains steady, fouling remains under control, and that
recovery of fouled membranes is performed in a timely manner to avoid any permanent
loss of capacity, or irreversible damage to the membranes. The recommended
methodology could be applied to any of the commercial UF/MF systems currently
offered in the water/wastewater industry. Includes 6 references, tables, figures.