Assessment of the fouling potential of wastewater treatment plant effluent using a modified capillary suction time measurement.
A new technique was developed to measure membrane fouling, which is derived from the capillary suction time (CST)--a parameter often used to indicate the dewaterability of sludge--and which is called the modified CST (CSTm). The results indicate a good repeatability and reproducibility of the test. Spiking tests with suspended solids and humic acid, which have a high fouling potential, resulted in a significant rise of the CSTm value, indicating a sensitive assessment of these fouling components. However, the CSTm measurement is mainly indicative for the colloidal fouling of the sample.
De Rudder
J
J
Laboratory for Microbial Ecology and Technology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Gent, Belgium.
Van Hege
K
K
Verstraete
W
W
D002197:Capillary Action; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D006812:Humic Substances / Q000032:analysis; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D013396:Suction / Q000379:methods; D014462:Ultrafiltration / Q000379:methods; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid / Q000379:methods
D006812:Humic Substances; D008567:Membranes, Artificial