Flux improvement of ultrafiltration membranes using ultrasound and gas bubbling. Issue 51 (1st November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shahraki, Masoud Hashemi; Maskooki, Abdolmajid; Faezian, Ali; Rafe, Ali
• Is Part Of: Desalination and water treatment. Volume 57:Issue 51(2016)
• Page Start: 24278
• Page End: 24287
• Publication Date: 2016-11-01
• Subjects: Fouling -- Ultrafiltration -- Gas bubbling -- Ultrasound; Saline water conversion -- Periodicals; Saline water conversion; Water -- Purification; Periodicals; 628.167
• DOI: 10.1080/19443994.2016.1141377
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1944-3994

Abstract

Abstract: This study investigated the effects of ultrasound (US) and gas bubbling (GB) on permeate flux and membrane fouling. The ultrafiltration process of 1% skimmed milk was performed under various ultrasonic frequencies (37, 80 kHz, and tandem), irradiation modes (pulsed and sweeping), two-phase flow patterns (bubble and slug), and gas flow rates. The results showed that the US treatment improves the permeate flux up to 180%. The highest cleaning effect was obtained in the pulsed mode at 37 kHz. In the tandem frequency, the results showed that the fouling percentage significantly decreased with reduction in the frequency switching time. The GB injection treatment improved the mean of permeate flux up to 72% after 30 min. The slug pattern at medium gas flow rate was more effective than the other treatments. Best result was achieved in combination of the US (pulsed mode—37 kHz) and the GB (slug pattern—medium flow rate). In this condition, the permeate flux was significantly improved up to 384% in comparison with the control. Furthermore, the hydrodynamic resistance results showed the higher ability of the US in cleaning of membrane pores during ultrafiltration.