1
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Wang Q, Lin W, Chou S, Dai P, Huang X. Patterned membranes for improving hydrodynamic properties and mitigating membrane fouling in water treatment: A review. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 236:119943. [PMID: 37054608 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Membrane technologies have been widely applied in water treatment over the past few decades. However, membrane fouling remains a hinderance for the widespread use of membrane processes because it decreases effluent quality and increases operating costs. To mitigate membrane fouling, researchers have been exploring effective anti-fouling strategies. Recently, patterned membranes are gaining attention as a novel non-chemical membrane modification for membrane fouling control. In this paper, we review the research on patterned membranes used in water treatment over the past 20 years. In general, patterned membranes show superior anti-fouling performances, which mainly results from two aspects: hydrodynamic effects and interaction effects. Due to the introduction of diversified topographies onto the membrane surface, patterned membranes yield dramatic improvements on hydrodynamic properties, e.g., shear stress, velocity field and local turbulence, restraining concentration polarization and foulants' deposition on the membrane surface. Besides, the membrane-foulant and foulant-foulant interactions play an important role in the mitigation of membrane fouling. Due to the existence of surface patterns, the hydrodynamic boundary layer is destroyed and the interaction force as well as the contact area between foulants and surface are decreased, which contributes to the fouling suppression. However, there are still some limitations in the research and application of patterned membranes. Future research is suggested to focus on the development of patterned membranes appropriate for different water treatment scenarios, the insights into the interaction forces affected by surface patterns, and the pilot-scale and long-term studies to verify the anti-fouling performances of patterned membranes in practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Weichen Lin
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Shuren Chou
- Beijing OriginWater Membrane Technology Co., Ltd, Beijing 101407, China
| | - Pan Dai
- Beijing OriginWater Membrane Technology Co., Ltd, Beijing 101407, China
| | - Xia Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Research and Application Center for Membrane Technology, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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2
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Casetta J, Gonzalez Ortiz D, Pochat-Bohatier C, Bechelany M, Miele P. Atomic layer deposition of TiO2 on porous polysulfone hollow fibers membranes for water treatment. Sep Purif Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2023.123377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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3
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Ilyas A, Vankelecom IFJ. Designing sustainable membrane-based water treatment via fouling control through membrane interface engineering and process developments. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 312:102834. [PMID: 36634445 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2023.102834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Membrane-based water treatment processes have been established as a powerful approach for clean water production. However, despite the significant advances made in terms of rejection and flux, provision of sustainable and energy-efficient water production is restricted by the inevitable issue of membrane fouling, known to be the major contributor to the elevated operating costs due to frequent chemical cleaning, increased transmembrane resistance, and deterioration of permeate flux. This review provides an overview of fouling control strategies in different membrane processes, such as microfiltration, ultrafiltration, membrane bioreactors, and desalination via reverse osmosis and forward osmosis. Insights into the recent advancements are discussed and efforts made in terms of membrane development, modules arrangement, process optimization, feed pretreatment, and fouling monitoring are highlighted to evaluate their overall impact in energy- and cost-effective water treatment. Major findings in four key aspects are presented, including membrane surface modification, modules design, process integration, and fouling monitoring. Among the above mentioned anti-fouling strategies, a large part of research has been focused on membrane surface modifications using a number of anti-fouling materials whereas much less research has been devoted to membrane module advancements and in-situ fouling monitoring and control. At the end, a critical analysis is provided for each anti-fouling strategy and a rationale framework is provided for design of efficient membranes and process for water treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Ilyas
- Membrane Technology Group (MTG), Division cMACS, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Box 2454, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ivo F J Vankelecom
- Membrane Technology Group (MTG), Division cMACS, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Box 2454, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
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4
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Yang M, Wang J, Zhang M, Liu K, Huang H. Particle oscillation at corrugated membrane-water interface: An in-situ direct observation and implication to membrane fouling control. Sep Purif Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.122835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
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5
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Lin W, Li D, Wang Q, Wang XM, Huang X. Dynamic evolution of membrane biofouling in feed channels affected by spacer–membrane clearance and the induced hydrodynamic conditions. J Memb Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2022.121209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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6
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Liu L, Chen X, Feng S, Wan Y, Luo J. Enhancing the Antifouling Ability of a Polyamide Nanofiltration Membrane by Narrowing the Pore Size Distribution via One-Step Multiple Interfacial Polymerization. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:36132-36142. [PMID: 35881887 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c09408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Application of nanofiltration membranes in industries still has to contend with membrane fouling that causes a significant loss of separation performance. Herein, an innovative approach to design antifouling membranes with a narrowed pore size distribution by interfacial polymerization (IP) assisted by silane coupling agents is reported. An aqueous solution of piperazine anhydrous (PIP) and γ-(2,3-epoxypropoxy) propytrimethoxysilane (KH560) is employed to perform IP with an organic solution of trimesoyl chloride and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) on a porous support. In accordance with the results of molecular dynamics and dissipative particle dynamics simulations, the reactive additive KH560 accelerates the diffusion rate of PIP to enrich at the reaction boundary. Moreover, the hydrolysis/condensation of KH560 and TEOS at the aqueous/organic interface forms an interpenetrating network with the polyamide network, which regulates the separation layer structure. The characterization results indicate that the polyamide-silica membrane has a denser, thicker, and uniform separation layer. The mean pore size of the polyamide-silica membrane and the traditional polyamide membrane is 0.62 and 0.74 nm, respectively, and these correspond to the geometric standard deviation (namely, pore size distribution) of 1.39 and 1.97, respectively. It is proved that the narrower pore size distribution endows the polyamide-silica membrane with stronger antifouling performance (flux decay ratio decreases from 18.4 to 3.8%). Such a membrane also has impressive long-term antifouling stability during cane molasses decolorization at a high temperature (50 °C). The outcomes of this study not only provide a novel one-step multiple IP strategy to prepare antifouling nanofiltration membranes but also emphasize the importance of pore size distribution in fouling control for various industrial liquid separations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China
| | - Xiangrong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China
| | - Shichao Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China
| | - Yinhua Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China
- Ganjiang Innovation Academy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ganzhou 341119, PR China
| | - Jianquan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China
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7
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Shang C, Xia J, Sun L, Lipscomb GG, Zhang S. Concentration polarization on surface patterned membranes. AIChE J 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/aic.17832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chuning Shang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering National University of Singapore 4 Engineering Drive 4 Singapore Singapore
| | - Jianzhong Xia
- Institute for Advanced Study Shenzhen University Shenzhen China
| | - Lili Sun
- Department of Chemical Engineering The University of Toledo Toledo Ohio USA
| | - G. Glenn Lipscomb
- Department of Chemical Engineering The University of Toledo Toledo Ohio USA
| | - Sui Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering National University of Singapore 4 Engineering Drive 4 Singapore Singapore
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8
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Samuel O, Othman MHD, Kamaludin R, Sinsamphanh O, Abdullah H, Puteh MH, Kurniawan TA, Li T, Ismail AF, Rahman MA, Jaafar J, El-Badawy T, Chinedu Mamah S. Oilfield-produced water treatment using conventional and membrane-based technologies for beneficial reuse: A critical review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 308:114556. [PMID: 35124308 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Oilfield produced water (OPW) is one of the most important by-products, resulting from oil and gas exploration. The water contains a complex mixture of organic and inorganic compounds such as grease, dissolved salt, heavy metals as well as dissolved and dispersed oils, which can be toxic to the environment and public health. This article critically reviews the complex properties of OPW and various technologies for its treatment. They include the physico-chemical treatment process, biological treatment process, and physical treatment process. Their technological strengths and bottlenecks as well as strategies to mitigate their bottlenecks are elaborated. A particular focus is placed on membrane technologies. Finally, further research direction, challenges, and perspectives of treatment technologies for OPW are discussed. It is conclusively evident from 262 published studies (1965-2021) that no single treatment method is highly effective for OPW treatment as a stand-alone process however, conventional membrane-based technologies are frequently used for the treatment of OPW with the ultrafiltration (UF) process being the most used for oil rejection form OPW and oily waste water. After membrane treatment, treated effluents of the OPW could be reused for irrigation, habitant and wildlife watering, microalgae production, and livestock watering. Overall, this implies that target pollutants in the OPW samples could be removed efficiently for subsequent use, despite its complex properties. In general, it is however important to note that feed quality, desired quality of effluent, cost-effectiveness, simplicity of process are key determinants in choosing the most suitable treatment process for OPW treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ojo Samuel
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, UTM JB, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia; Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, P.M.B 35, Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria
| | - Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, UTM JB, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.
| | - Roziana Kamaludin
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, UTM JB, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Oulavanh Sinsamphanh
- Faculty of Environmental Science, National University of Laos, Dongdok, Campus, Xaythany District, Vientiane Capital, LOA PDR, Laos
| | - Huda Abdullah
- Department of Electrical, Electronic & Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment, The National University of Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hafiz Puteh
- School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | | | - Tao Li
- School of Energy & Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Ahmad Fauzi Ismail
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, UTM JB, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Mukhlis A Rahman
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, UTM JB, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Juhana Jaafar
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, UTM JB, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Tijjani El-Badawy
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, UTM JB, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Stanley Chinedu Mamah
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, UTM JB, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
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9
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Shang W, Yang S, Liu W, Wong PW, Wang R, Li X, Sheng G, Lau W, An AK, Sun F. Understanding the influence of hydraulic conditions on colloidal fouling development by using the micro-patterned nanofiltration membrane: Experiments and numerical simulation. J Memb Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2022.120559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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10
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Zainol Abidin MN, Nasef MM, Matsuura T. Fouling Prevention in Polymeric Membranes by Radiation Induced Graft Copolymerization. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:197. [PMID: 35012218 PMCID: PMC8747411 DOI: 10.3390/polym14010197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of membrane processes in various fields has now undergone accelerated developments, despite the presence of some hurdles impacting the process efficiency. Fouling is arguably the main hindrance for a wider implementation of polymeric membranes, particularly in pressure-driven membrane processes, causing higher costs of energy, operation, and maintenance. Radiation induced graft copolymerization (RIGC) is a powerful versatile technique for covalently imparting selected chemical functionalities to membranes' surfaces, providing a potential solution to fouling problems. This article aims to systematically review the progress in modifications of polymeric membranes by RIGC of polar monomers onto membranes using various low- and high-energy radiation sources (UV, plasma, γ-rays, and electron beam) for fouling prevention. The feasibility of the modification method with respect to physico-chemical and antifouling properties of the membrane is discussed. Furthermore, the major challenges to the modified membranes in terms of sustainability are outlined and the future research directions are also highlighted. It is expected that this review would attract the attention of membrane developers, users, researchers, and scientists to appreciate the merits of using RIGC for modifying polymeric membranes to mitigate the fouling issue, increase membrane lifespan, and enhance the membrane system efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Nidzhom Zainol Abidin
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering Department, Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, Kuala Lumpur 54100, Malaysia;
| | - Mohamed Mahmoud Nasef
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering Department, Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, Kuala Lumpur 54100, Malaysia;
- Center of Hydrogen Energy, Institute of Future Energy, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, Kuala Lumpur 54100, Malaysia
| | - Takeshi Matsuura
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada;
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11
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Ismail MF, Islam MA, Khorshidi B, Tehrani-Bagha A, Sadrzadeh M. Surface characterization of thin-film composite membranes using contact angle technique: Review of quantification strategies and applications. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2022; 299:102524. [PMID: 34620491 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2021.102524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Thin-film composite (TFC) membranes are the most widely used membranes for low-cost and energy-efficient water desalination processes. Proper control over the three influential surface parameters, namely wettability, roughness, and surface charge, is vital in optimizing the TFC membrane surface and permeation properties. More specifically, the surface properties of TFC membranes are often tailored by incorporating novel special wettability materials to increase hydrophilicity and tune surface physicochemical heterogeneity. These essential parameters affect the membrane permeability and antifouling properties. The membrane surface characterization protocols employed to date are rather controversial, and there is no general agreement about the metrics used to evaluate the surface hydrophilicity and physicochemical heterogeneity. In this review, we surveyed and critically evaluated the process that emerged for understanding the membrane surface properties using the simple and economical contact angle analysis technique. Contact angle analysis allows the estimation of surface wettability, surface free energy, surface charge, oleophobicity, contact angle hysteresis, and free energy of interaction; all coordinatively influence the membrane permeation and fouling properties. This review will provide insights into simplifying the evaluation of membrane properties by contact angle analysis that will ultimately expedite the membrane development process by reducing the time and expenses required for the characterization to confirm the success and the impact of any modification.
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12
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Gu K, Pang S, Zhou Y, Gao C. Sodium Chloroacetate Modified Polyethyleneimine/Trimesic Acid Nanofiltration Membrane to Improve Antifouling Performance. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:705. [PMID: 34564521 PMCID: PMC8466547 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11090705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Nanofiltration (NF) is a separation technology with broad application prospects. Membrane fouling is an important bottleneck-restricting technology development. In the past, we prepared a positively charged polyethyleneimine/trimesic acid (PEI/TMA) NF membrane with excellent performance. Inevitably, it also faces poor resistance to protein contamination. Improving the antifouling ability of the PEI/TMA membrane can be achieved by considering the hydrophilicity and chargeability of the membrane surface. In this work, sodium chloroacetate (ClCH2COONa) is used as a modifier and is grafted onto the membrane surface. Additionally, 0.5% ClCH2COONa and 10 h modification time are the best conditions. Compared with the original membrane (M0, 17.2 L m-2 h-1), the initial flux of the modified membrane (M0-e, 30 L m-2 h-1) was effectively increased. After filtering the bovine albumin (BSA) solution, the original membrane flux dropped by 47% and the modified membrane dropped by 6.2%. The modification greatly improved the antipollution performance of the PEI/TMA membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yong Zhou
- Center for Membrane and Water Science & Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; (K.G.); (S.P.); (C.G.)
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13
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Ye Y, Du Y, Hu T, You J, Bao B, Wang Y, Wang T. 3D Printing of Integrated Ceramic Membranes by the DLP Method. Ind Eng Chem Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.1c02224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyao Ye
- Department of Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Yao Du
- Department of Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Tianyu Hu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Jian You
- Department of Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Binghui Bao
- Department of Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Yong Wang
- Guang Lei Intelligent Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Foshan, Guangdong 528000, P. R. China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
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14
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Lin W, Zhang Y, Li D, Wang XM, Huang X. Roles and performance enhancement of feed spacer in spiral wound membrane modules for water treatment: A 20-year review on research evolvement. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 198:117146. [PMID: 33945947 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Membrane technologies have been widely applied in water treatment, wastewater reclamation and seawater desalination. Feed spacer present in spiral wound membrane (SWM) modules plays a pivotal role in creating flow channels, promoting fluid mixing and enhancing mass transfer. However, it induces the increase of feed channel pressure (FCP) drop and localized stagnant zones that provokes membrane fouling. For the first time, we comprehensively review the research evolvement on feed spacer in SWM modules for water treatment over the last 20 years, to reveal the impacts of feed spacer on the hydrodynamics and biofouling in the spacer-filled channel, and to discuss the potential approaches and current limitations for the modification of feed spacer. The research process can be divided into three phases, with research focus shifting from hydrodynamics in Phase Ⅰ (the year of 2001-2008), to biofouling in Phase Ⅱ (the year of 2009-2015), and then to novel spacer designs in Phase Ⅲ (the year of 2016-2020). The spacer configuration has a momentous impact on the hydraulic performance regarding flow velocity field, shear stress, mass transfer and FCP drop. Biofouling initially occurs on feed spacer, especially around spacer filaments and the contact zones with membrane surface, and ultimately degrades the overall membrane performance indicating the importance of controlling spacer biofouling. The modification of feed spacer is mainly achieved by altering surface chemistry or introducing novel configurations. However, the stability of spacer coating and the economy and practicality of 3D-printed spacer remain a predicament to be tackled. Future studies are suggested to focus on the standardization of testing conditions for spacer evaluation, the effect of hydrodynamics on membrane fouling control, the design and fabrication of novel feed spacer adaptable for SWM modules, the application of feed spacer for drinking water production, organic fouling control in spacer-filled channel and the role of permeate spacer on membrane performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weichen Lin
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Danyang Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xiao-Mao Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Research and Application Center for Membrane Technology, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Xia Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Research and Application Center for Membrane Technology, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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