Modeling of spinning process for efficient production of hollow fiber membranes used in wastewater treatment

Countries generally experience continuous growth in population, living standards and industrial development. These have resulted in an increase in water consumption. Any harmful discharge into the water supply system needs to be treated. Membrane separation technology is an effective technology for wastewater or water treatment. This study attempts to model the spinning process used for fabricating the hollow fiber membrane using the design of experiment methodology. Spinning factors investigated are the dope extrusion rate, air gap length, coagulation bath temperature, bore fluid ratio and post-treatment time whilst the response investigated is rejection. Among the common significant process factors identified are bore fluid ratio, dope extrusion rate, coagulation bath temperature and air gap length. Several 2-factor interactions are also significant. The regression model obtained can be subsequently used for determining the optimum spinning conditions. This study will ultimately enable the membrane fabricators to produce high-performance membranes that contribute towards the availability of a sustainable water supply system. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.