Factors influencing natural organic matter fouling in low pressure, hollow fiber membrane filtration of natural waters

Joseph G. Jacangelo, Haiou Huang, Thayer Young, Gary Amy, James Lozier, Chandra Mysore

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Low pressure, hollow fiber (LPHF) membranes are subject to fouling by natural organic matter (NOM) during the filtration of natural waters. The mechanisms of fouling were explored in an AWWARF-funded study at bench scale using representative types of LPHF membranes and natural water samples, coupled with complimentary techniques for foulant characterization. The fouling results were quantified using the new concept called the "unified modified fouling index (UMFI)". It was found that membrane fouling is affected by multiple factors, including the presence of the high molecular weight (HMW) fraction of NOM. The magnitude of fouling was more specific to each membrane/water combination, than hydrodynamic conditions of filtration; The analysis of UMFI suggested that the observed fouling usually followed a pseudo-cake formation type of fouling, with the indices varying between 0.0027∼0.034 m2/L. Hydraulic backwashing was shown to effectively remove fouling if the proper membranes were chosen for a specific source water. The results from this study offer the membrane end user a more efficacious manner to evaluate the potential of their water to foul specific membranes by employing the developed UFMI. Moreover, it suggests important factors that may influence the fouling of their membranes by natural organic matter.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAmerican Water Works Association - Water Quality Technology Conference and Exposition 2006
Subtitle of host publicationTaking Water Quality to New Heights
Pages877-887
Number of pages11
StatePublished - Dec 1 2006
EventWater Quality Technology Conference and Exposition 2006: Taking Water Quality to New Heights - Denver, CO, United States
Duration: Nov 5 2006Nov 9 2006

Publication series

NameAmerican Water Works Association - Water Quality Technology Conference and Exposition 2006: Taking Water Quality to New Heights

Other

OtherWater Quality Technology Conference and Exposition 2006: Taking Water Quality to New Heights
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDenver, CO
Period11/5/0611/9/06

Keywords

  • Fouling control
  • Hollow fiber membrane
  • Low pressure
  • Membrane fouling
  • Natural organic matter

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
  • Water Science and Technology
  • Geography, Planning and Development

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