Investigation of cake deposition on various parts of the surface of microfiltration membrane due to fouling

The accumulation of deposited layer on membrane surface in cross-flow microfiltration was investigated. This study provides a basis for elucidation of the membrane segments with superior tendency for cake deposition due to fouling. A commercially available GVWP membrane was fouled with a colored (blue indigo suspension in water) feed. The deposition pattern or fouling tendency was obtained using a digital camera, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and image analysis. The effects of feed concentration, transmembrane pressure and cross-flow velocity on cake deposition were investigated. In the early stages of the filtration trials, cake deposition was increased from the commencement portion (feed inlet) towards the furthermost part (concentrate outlet) of the membrane surface. However, at the completion of filtration, no pronounced difference was realized between cake deposition in the median and end parts of the membrane. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of the membrane was carried out to predict the fouling behavior in various segments of the membrane at different operating conditions. The results of CFD modeling are in acceptable agreement with the experimental data. Accomplishment of the membrane sections with higher tendency for accumulation of foulants may provide a basis for manipulation of conditions to diminish the buildup of fouling deposition in the proposed segments. This results in lower cake deposition on vital parts to minimize the overall fouling.