Modeling of combined particles and natural organic matter fouling of ultrafiltration membrane

In this study the combined particles and organic matter (OM) fouling was investigated using kaolinite clay and humic substances. Results confirm the occurrence of a synergistic effect between the particles and the OM leading to a stronger flux decline than the one predicted by the resistance in series model. Moreover, a higher organic matter transmission through the membrane was observed when filtered with kaolinite particles compared to organic matter alone. Experimental data were successfully fitted, thanks to a phenomenological model. The developed model based on the contributions of the two components filtered separately introduces the filtration coefficient describing the capability of the cake layer being formed to hinder or capture OM. Model application to experimental data and data extracted from literature shows a better agreement than values predicted by the classical resistance in series model. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.