title: Analyzing the spatial and temporal characteristics of membrane fouling.
abstract: Fouling characteristics of crossflow flat-sheet membranes for two Nanofiltration (NF), one Ultrafiltration (UF), and one Microfiltration (MF) membranes were analyzed using 12.5 parts per million (mg/L) FeCl3 solution and 350 mg/L copper nanofluid. FeCl3 solution represents dissolved contaminant whereas copper nanofluid simulates particulate contaminant. The spatial and temporal fouling evolutions were captured using digital photography and analyzed using ImageJ software. FeCl3 fouling studies for one NF membrane showed uniform fouling whereas for the other NF membrane, isolated fouling was apparent and the fouling initiated at the outlet then gradually extended towards the inlet. Copper nanoparticle fouling studies analyzed through gravimetric and image processing revealed spatial and temporal fouling developments. Both non-equilibrium and equilibrium fouling stages/regions were evaluated through fouling density analysis.
authors: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University Calumet, Hammond, IN 46323, USA; Purdue Water Institute, Hammond, IN 46323, USA E-mail: Jinsong.yu@case.edu.
authors: A G
authors: AG
authors: Agwu Nnanna
authors: Purdue Water Institute, Hammond, IN 46323, USA E-mail: Jinsong.yu@case.edu.
authors: Jinsong
authors: J
authors: Yu
authors: Center for Composite Materials, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
authors: Ishita
authors: I
authors: Biswas
mesh_terms: D057219:Biofouling; D002712:Chlorides; D003300:Copper; D005290:Ferric Compounds; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D014462:Ultrafiltration
chemical_list: D002712:Chlorides; D005290:Ferric Compounds; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D003300:Copper; C024555:ferric chloride