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Johnston J, Dischinger SM, Nassr M, Lee JY, Bigdelou P, Freeman BD, Gleason KL, Martinand D, Miller DJ, Molins S, Spycher N, Stringfellow WT, Tilton N. A reduced-order model of concentration polarization in reverse osmosis systems with feed spacers. J Memb Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2023.121508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
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2
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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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3
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Lu X, Huang J, Pinelo M, Chen G, Wan Y, Luo J. Modelling and optimization of pervaporation membrane modules: A critical review. J Memb Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2022.121084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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4
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Zhou Z, Ladner DA. Computational modeling of discrete-object feed spacers attached directly onto reverse osmosis membranes for enhanced module packing capacity and improved hydrodynamics. Sep Purif Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.121727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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5
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Macrovoid resolved simulations of transport through HPRO relevant membrane geometries. J Memb Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2022.120958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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6
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Sutariya B, Sargaonkar A, Raval H. Methods of visualizing hydrodynamics and fouling in membrane filtration systems: recent trends. SEP SCI TECHNOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/01496395.2022.2089585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bhaumik Sutariya
- Membrane Science and Separation Technology Division, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI), Bhavnagar, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Aabha Sargaonkar
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
- Cleaner Technology and Modelling Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, India
| | - Hiren Raval
- Membrane Science and Separation Technology Division, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI), Bhavnagar, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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7
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Najid N, Hakizimana JN, Kouzbour S, Gourich B, Ruiz-García A, Vial C, Stiriba Y, Semiat R. Fouling control and modeling in reverse osmosis for seawater desalination: A review. Comput Chem Eng 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compchemeng.2022.107794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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8
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Al-Amshawee SKA, Husain MSB, Yunus MYBM, Mohamed Azmin NF, Temidayo Lekan O. Extruded and overlapped geometries of feed spacers for solution mixing in electrochemical reactors and electrodialysis-related processes. CHEM ENG COMMUN 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00986445.2022.2042271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Khudhur Abbas Al-Amshawee
- Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Pahang, Malaysia
- Centre for Sustainability of Ecosystem & Earth Resources (Earth Centre), Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Mohamed Saad Bala Husain
- Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Yusri Bin Mohd Yunus
- Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Pahang, Malaysia
- Centre for Sustainability of Ecosystem & Earth Resources (Earth Centre), Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Nor Fadhillah Mohamed Azmin
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Kulliyyah of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Oladosu Temidayo Lekan
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Perak, Malaysia
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9
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Qin Q, Cheng Z, Jia H, Cui Z, Yang G, Sun M, Wang J. Assessment of hydraulic performance and fouling control caused by pulse flow in hollow fiber membrane module. AIChE J 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/aic.17580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qingwen Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes TianGong University Tianjin China
- School of Material Science and Engineering TianGong University Tianjin China
| | - Zhiyang Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes TianGong University Tianjin China
- School of Material Science and Engineering TianGong University Tianjin China
| | - Hui Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes TianGong University Tianjin China
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering TianGong University Tianjin China
| | - Zhao Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes TianGong University Tianjin China
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering TianGong University Tianjin China
| | - Guang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes TianGong University Tianjin China
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin China
| | - Min Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes TianGong University Tianjin China
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering TianGong University Tianjin China
| | - Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes TianGong University Tianjin China
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering TianGong University Tianjin China
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10
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Koo JW, Ho JS, Tan YZ, Tan WS, An J, Zhang Y, Chua CK, Chong TH. Fouling mitigation in reverse osmosis processes with 3D printed sinusoidal spacers. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 207:117818. [PMID: 34749103 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117818] [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: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Feed spacers are an essential part of spiral wound modules for reverse osmosis (RO). They create flow channels between membrane sheets and manipulate hydrodynamic conditions to control membrane fouling. In this work, additive manufacturing (Polyjet) was used to print novel sinusoidal spacers with wavy axial filaments connected by perpendicular (ST) or slanted (SL) transverse filaments. When tested with 2 g/L NaCl solution, conventional and SL spacers had similar flux while the ST spacer had about 5-7% lower flux. The pressure losses for ST and SL spacers increased by up to 3 folds depending on the flow condition. In the colloidal silica fouling and biofouling tests, the sinusoidal spacers showed lower membrane permeability decrease of 46% for ST, 41% for SL vs 56% for conventional and 26% for ST, 22% for SL vs 33% for conventional, respectively. Optical coherence tomography images from colloidal silica fouling and confocal images from biofouling tests revealed that fouling patterns were closely associated with the local hydrodynamic conditions. Overall, sinusoidal spacers showed promising results in controlling membrane fouling, but there is potential for further optimizations to reduce channel pressure loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wee Koo
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Programme, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore; Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One #06-08, Singapore 637141, Singapore; Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Jia Shin Ho
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One #06-08, Singapore 637141, Singapore
| | - Yong Zen Tan
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 62 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 637459, Singapore
| | - Wen See Tan
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Jia An
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Yi Zhang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Chee Kai Chua
- Engineering Product Development Pillar, Singapore University of Technology and Design, 8 Somapah Road, Singapore 487372, Singapore
| | - Tzyy Haur Chong
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One #06-08, Singapore 637141, Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore.
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11
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Kastl A, Bar-Zeev E, Spinnler M, Sattelmayer T. Impact of pulsating flows on particle deposition in forward osmosis with spacers. J Memb Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2021.119444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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12
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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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13
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de Vries HJ, Kleibusch E, Hermes GDA, van den Brink P, Plugge CM. Biofouling control: the impact of biofilm dispersal and membrane flushing. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 198:117163. [PMID: 33951583 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117163] [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: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Pure culture studies have shown that biofilm dispersal can be triggered if the nutrient supply is discontinued by stopping the flow. Stimulating biofilm dispersal in this manner would provide a sustainable manner to control unwanted biofilm growth in industrial settings, for instance on synthetic membranes used to purify water. The response of multispecies biofilms to nutrient limitation has not been thoroughly studied. To assess biomass dispersal during nutrient limitation it is common practise to flush the biofilm after a stop-period. Hence, flow-stop-induced biomass removal could occur as a response to nutrient limitation followed by mechanical removal due to biofilm flushing (e.g. biofilm detachment). Here, we investigated the feasibility to reduce membrane biofouling by stopping the flow and flushing the membrane. Using a membrane fouling simulator, biomass removal from synthetic membranes after different stop-periods was determined, as well as biomass removal at different cross flow velocities. Biomass removal from membrane surfaces depended on the nutrient limiting period and on the flow velocity during the biofilm flush. When flushed at a low flow velocity (0.1 m.s-1), the duration of the stop-period had a large effect on the biomass removal rate, but when the flow velocity was increased to 0.2 m.s-1, the length of the stop period became less considerable. The flow velocity during membrane flushing has an effect on the bacterial community that colonized the membranes afterwards. Repetition of the stop-period and biofilm flushing after three repetitive biofouling cycles led to a stable bacterial community. The increase in bacterial community stability coincided with a decrease in cleaning effectivity to restore membrane performance. This shows that membrane cleaning comes at the costs of a more stable bacterial community that is increasingly difficult to remove.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik J de Vries
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands; Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Eva Kleibusch
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Gerben D A Hermes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paula van den Brink
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline M Plugge
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands; Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.
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14
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Analysis of Concentration Polarisation in Full-Size Spiral Wound Reverse Osmosis Membranes Using Computational Fluid Dynamics. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:membranes11050353. [PMID: 34068812 PMCID: PMC8150347 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11050353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A three-dimensional model for the simulation of concentration polarisation in a full-scale spiral wound reverse osmosis (RO) membrane element was developed. The model considered the coupled effect of complex spacer geometry, pressure drop and membrane filtration. The simulated results showed that, at a salt concentration of 10,000 mg/L and feed pressure of 10.91 bar, permeate flux decreased from 27.6 L/(m2 h) (LMH) at the module inlet to 24.1 LMH at the module outlet as a result of salt accumulation in the absence of a feed spacer. In contrast, the presence of the spacer increased pressure loss along the membranes, and its presence created vortices and enhanced fluid velocity at the boundary layer and led to a minor decrease in flux to 26.5 LMH at the outlet. This paper underpins the importance of the feed spacer’s role in mitigating concentration polarisation in full-scale spiral wound modules. The model can be used by both the industry and by academia for improved understanding and accurate presentation of mass transfer phenomena of full-scale RO modules by different commercial manufacturers that cannot be achieved by experimental characterization of the mass transfer coefficient or by CFD modelling of simplified 2D flow channels.
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Matin A, Laoui T, Falath W, Farooque M. Fouling control in reverse osmosis for water desalination & reuse: Current practices & emerging environment-friendly technologies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 765:142721. [PMID: 33129530 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Reverse Osmosis (RO) is becoming increasingly popular for seawater desalination and wastewater reclamation. However, fouling of the membranes adversely impacts the overall process efficiency and economics. To date, several strategies and approaches have been used in RO plants and investigated at the laboratory-scale for their effectiveness in the control of different fouling types. Amid growing concerns and stringent regulations for the conservation of environment, there is an increasing trend to identify technologies that are effective in fouling mitigation as well as friendly to the environment. The present review elaborates on the different types of environment-friendly technologies for membrane fouling control that are currently being used or under investigation. It commences with a brief introduction to the global water crisis and the potential of membrane-based processes in overcoming this problem. This is followed by a section on membrane fouling that briefly describes the major fouling types and their impact on the membrane performance. Section 3 discusses the predominant fouling control/prevention strategies including feedwater pretreatment, membrane and spacer surface modification and membrane cleaning. The currently employed techniques are discussed together with their drawbacks, with some light being shed on the emerging technologies that have the ability to overcome the current limitations. The penultimate section provides a detailed discussion on a variety of eco-friendly/chemical free techniques investigated to control different fouling types. These include both control and prevention strategies, for example, bioflocculation and electromagnetic fields, as well as remediation techniques such as osmotic backwashing and gas purging. In addition, quorum sensing has been specifically discussed for biofouling remediation. The promising findings from different studies are presented followed by a discussion on their drawbacks and limitations. The review concludes with a need for carrying out fundamental studies to develop better understanding of the eco-friendly processes discussed in the penultimate section and their optimization for possible integration into the RO plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asif Matin
- Center of Research Excellence in Desalination & Water Treatment, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia; Center for Environment & Water, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Tahar Laoui
- Dept. of Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Desalination Research Group, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Wail Falath
- Center of Research Excellence in Desalination & Water Treatment, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia; Center for Environment & Water, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia; Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohammed Farooque
- Desalination Technologies Research Institute, Saline Water Conversion Corporation, Jubail, Saudi Arabia
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Jiang B, Hu B, Yang N, Zhang L, Sun Y, Xiao X. Study of Turbulence Promoters in Prolonging Membrane Life. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:268. [PMID: 33917725 PMCID: PMC8068148 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11040268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Nanofiltration membrane technology is an effective method for secondary treated sewage purification. However, membrane fouling, which is inevitable in the membrane-separation process, can reduce membrane performance and shorten membrane life. Installing a turbulence promoter is a promising means of improving the hydraulic conditions inside the membrane chamber. In this study, the effect of turbulence promoter on prolonging membrane life was studied for the first time. Flat-sheet polyethersulfone nanofiltration membrane was used to filter humic acid solution, used for simulating secondary treated sewage. By comparing photographs and SEM images of the membrane before and after the simulated secondary treated sewage filtration, it was found that humic acid tended to be deposited on the low-velocity region, which was reflected by COMSOL simulation. After incorporating a turbulence promoter, the reduction of the humic acid deposition area and membrane fouling resistance indicated that the turbulence promoter could reduce membrane fouling due to the improved hydraulic conditions. Additionally, the turbulence promoter also increased the flux and reduced the flux decay rate. The turbulence promoter was then place in the crossflow flat-sheet membrane filtration module, and the variation of flux with time was tested in simulated secondary treated sewage with different concentrations. The results showed that the membrane life for the filtration of simulated secondary treated sewage comprising 50, 250, and 500 ppm humic acid increased by 23.1%, 80.4%, and 85.7%, respectively. The results of this article can serve as a reference for the prediction of membrane life and the performance enhancement mechanism of membranes containing a turbulence promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Xiaoming Xiao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (B.J.); (B.H.); (N.Y.); (L.Z.); (Y.S.)
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17
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Qamar A, Kerdi S, Ali SM, Shon HK, Vrouwenvelder JS, Ghaffour N. Novel hole-pillar spacer design for improved hydrodynamics and biofouling mitigation in membrane filtration. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6979. [PMID: 33772069 PMCID: PMC7998016 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86459-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Feed spacers are the critical components of any spiral-wound filtration module, dictating the filtration performance. Three spacer designs, namely a non-woven commercial spacer (varying filament cross-section), a symmetric pillar spacer, and a novel hole-pillar spacer (constant filament diameter) were studied using Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS), 3-D printed and subsequently experimentally tested in a lab-scale ultrafiltration set-up with high biofouling potential feed water at various feed pressures. Independent of the applied pressure, the novel hole-pillar spacer showed initially the lowest feed channel pressure drop, the lowest shear stress, and the highest permeate flux compared to the commercial and pillar spacers. Furthermore, less biofilm thickness development on membrane surface was visualized by Optical Coherent Tomography (OCT) imaging for the proposed hole-pillar spacer. At higher feed pressure, a thicker biofilm developed on membrane surface for all spacer designs explaining the stronger decrease in permeate flux at high pressure. The findings systematically demonstrated the role of various spacer designs and applied pressure on the performance of pre-treatment process, while identifying specific shear stress distribution guidelines for engineering a new spacer design in different filtration techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Qamar
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Kerdi
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Muztuza Ali
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology, Sydney, Post Box 129, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Ho Kyong Shon
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology, Sydney, Post Box 129, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Johannes S Vrouwenvelder
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noreddine Ghaffour
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
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Ramchander K, Hegde M, Antony AP, Wang L, Leith K, Smith A, Karnik R. Engineering and characterization of gymnosperm sapwood toward enabling the design of water filtration devices. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1871. [PMID: 33767189 PMCID: PMC7994624 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22055-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Naturally-occurring membranes in the xylem tissue of gymnosperm sapwood enable its use as an abundantly-available material to construct filters, with potential to facilitate access to safe drinking water in resource-constrained settings. However, the material’s behavior as a filter is poorly understood, and challenges such as short shelf life have not been addressed. Here, we characterize the operational attributes of xylem filters and show that the material exhibits a highly non-linear dependence of flow resistance on thickness upon drying, and a tendency for self-blocking. We develop guidelines for the design and fabrication of xylem filters, demonstrate gravity-operated filters with shelf life >2 years, and show that the filters can provide >3 log removal of E. coli, MS-2 phage, and rotavirus from synthetic test waters and coliform bacteria from contaminated spring, tap, and ground waters. Through interviews and workshops in India, we use a user-centric approach to design a prototype filtration device with daily- to weekly-replaceable xylem filters, and uncover indicators of social acceptance of xylem as a natural water filter. Our work enhances the understanding of xylem as a filtration material, and opens opportunities for engineering a diverse range of low-cost, biodegradable xylem-based filtration products on a global scale. Gymnosperm sapwood is an abundantly available material to construct water filters but the material’s behaviour as a filter is poorly understood and challenges such as short shelf live have not been addressed. Here, the authors develop guidelines for the design and fabrication of xylem filters and demonstrate gravity-operated filters with a shelf life of more than two years for the removal of contaminants from spring, tap and ground water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krithika Ramchander
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Megha Hegde
- D-Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Luda Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Institute of Microelectronics, School of Electronics Engineering and Computer Science, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Kendra Leith
- D-Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Amy Smith
- D-Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rohit Karnik
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Larocque MJ, Latulippe DR, de Lannoy CF. Formation of electrically conductive hollow fiber membranes via crossflow deposition of carbon nanotubes – Addressing the conductivity/permeability trade-off. J Memb Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2020.118859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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20
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Park S, Jeong YD, Lee JH, Kim J, Jeong K, Cho KH. 3D printed honeycomb-shaped feed channel spacer for membrane fouling mitigation in nanofiltration. J Memb Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2020.118665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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21
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Hole-Type Spacers for More Stable Shale Gas-Produced Water Treatment by Forward Osmosis. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:membranes11010034. [PMID: 33401564 PMCID: PMC7824311 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11010034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
An appropriate spacer design helps in minimizing membrane fouling which remains the major obstacle in forward osmosis (FO) systems. In the present study, the performance of a hole-type spacer (having holes at the filament intersections) was evaluated in a FO system and compared to a standard spacer design (without holes). The hole-type spacer exhibited slightly higher water flux and reverse solute flux (RSF) when Milli-Q water was used as feed solution and varied sodium chloride concentrations as draw solution. During shale gas produced water treatment, a severe flux decline was observed for both spacer designs due to the formation of barium sulfate scaling. SEM imaging revealed that the high shear force induced by the creation of holes led to the formation of scales on the entire membrane surface, causing a slightly higher flux decline than the standard spacer. Simultaneously, the presence of holes aided to mitigate the accumulation of foulants on spacer surface, resulting in no increase in pressure drop. Furthermore, a full cleaning efficiency was achieved by hole-type spacer attributed to the micro-jets effect induced by the holes, which aided to destroy the foulants and then sweep them away from the membrane surface.
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Kerdi S, Qamar A, Vrouwenvelder JS, Ghaffour N. Effect of localized hydrodynamics on biofilm attachment and growth in a cross-flow filtration channel. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 188:116502. [PMID: 33065413 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Biofilm attachment and growth in membrane filtration systems are considerably influenced by the localized flow inside the feed channel. The present work aims to map the biofilm attachment/growth mechanism under varying flow conditions. Effect of varying clearance region (space between the spacer filament and membrane surface) on biofouling pattern is investigated by using three 3D-printed pillar spacers having different filament diameters of 340, 500, and 1000 µm while maintaining the same pillar orientation, diameter and height. Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) were carried out to accurately predict the local hydrodynamics behavior and in-situ monitor the biofilm formation. On spacer filaments, biofouling attachment is primarily observed in the regions where low and non-fluctuating shear stresses are present. Conversely, on membrane surface, highest biofouling attachment was observed under spacer filaments where high shear stresses are prevalent along with low clearance height. Furthermore, as filtration time progresses, the biofilm grows faster on the membrane in the center of spacer cells where low shear stress with steady hydrodynamics conditions are prevalent. The proposed hydrodynamics approach envisages a full spectrum of spacer design constraints that can lead to intrinsic biofilm mitigation while improving filtration performance of membranes based water treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kerdi
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adnan Qamar
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Johannes S Vrouwenvelder
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noreddine Ghaffour
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
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Lin WC, Shao RP, Wang XM, Huang X. Impacts of non-uniform filament feed spacers characteristics on the hydraulic and anti-fouling performances in the spacer-filled membrane channels: Experiment and numerical simulation. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 185:116251. [PMID: 32771564 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Feed spacer is universally used in spiral-wound nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) membrane modules. It can separate membrane sheets, create flow channels, promote turbulence and enhance mass transfer. However, it also induces increased pressure drop across the flow channel, and generates dead zones for biofilm growth at specific locations. Optimization of feed spacer geometries is highly desirable for energy saving and biofouling control. In this study, four kinds of commercial feed spacers featured with non-uniform filaments were compared in terms of hydraulic and anti-fouling performances. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were launched to give insights into the impacts of feed spacer characteristics on the flow field. Results show that the hydraulic performance was substantially affected by the number of filament layers (single or dual layer), the non-uniformity of filament diameter and the width of thinning zones. The design of single layer feed spacer of non-uniform filaments was not recommended due to high flow resistance and poor anti-fouling performance. The feed spacer structure of alternating filament diameter contributed to reducing dead zones and alleviating membrane fouling. The thinning zones located adjacent to the filament junctions achieved better anti-fouling performance, as it disturbed the dead zones and partially washed away the deposited foulants. This study demonstrates for the first time that the characteristics of non-uniform filament feed spacer had a crucial impact on the hydraulic and anti-fouling performances, and suggests that more emphasis should be laid on number of filament layers, variation of filament diameter and width and positioning of thinning zones for the optimization of feed spacer geometries in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chen Lin
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Rui-Peng Shao
- 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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A Review of CFD Modelling and Performance Metrics for Osmotic Membrane Processes. MEMBRANES 2020; 10:membranes10100285. [PMID: 33076290 PMCID: PMC7602433 DOI: 10.3390/membranes10100285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Simulation via Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) offers a convenient way for visualising hydrodynamics and mass transport in spacer-filled membrane channels, facilitating further developments in spiral wound membrane (SWM) modules for desalination processes. This paper provides a review on the use of CFD modelling for the development of novel spacers used in the SWM modules for three types of osmotic membrane processes: reverse osmosis (RO), forward osmosis (FO) and pressure retarded osmosis (PRO). Currently, the modelling of mass transfer and fouling for complex spacer geometries is still limited. Compared with RO, CFD modelling for PRO is very rare owing to the relative infancy of this osmotically driven membrane process. Despite the rising popularity of multi-scale modelling of osmotic membrane processes, CFD can only be used for predicting process performance in the absence of fouling. This paper also reviews the most common metrics used for evaluating membrane module performance at the small and large scales.
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26
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Bogler A, Kastl A, Spinnler M, Sattelmayer T, Be’er A, Bar-Zeev E. Where, when and why? Quantifying the relation of particle deposition to crossflow velocity and permeate water flux in forward osmosis. J Memb Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2020.118055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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27
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Liu X, Du D, Tu G, Li W. Unraveling effects of Dean vortices on membrane fouling in a sinusoidally curved channel. J Memb Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2020.118008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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28
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Kastl A, Bogler A, Spinnler M, Sattelmayer T, Be'er A, Bar-Zeev E. Impact of Hydrodynamics on the First Stages of Biofilm Formation in Forward Osmosis with Spacers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:5279-5287. [PMID: 32207926 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c00380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Initial deposition of bacteria is a critical stage during biofilm formation and biofouling development in membrane systems used in the water industry. However, the effects of hydrodynamic conditions on spatiotemporal deposition patterns of bacteria during the initial stages of biofilm formation remain unclear. Large field epifluorescence microscopy enabled in situ and real-time tracking of Bacillus subtilis in a forward osmosis system with spacers during the first 4 h of biofilm formation. This study quantitatively compares the spatiotemporal deposition patterns between different hydrodynamic conditions: high and low permeate water flux (6 or 30 L m-2 h-1) as well as high and low crossflow velocity (1 or 14 cm s-1). Low crossflow velocity and high permeate water flux maximized bacterial attachment to the membrane surface, which was 60 times greater (6 × 103 cells mm-2) than at high crossflow velocity and low permeate water flux (<100 cells mm-2). Imaging at 30 s intervals revealed three phases (i.e., lag, exponential, and linear) in the development of deposition over time. Quantification of spatial deposition patterns showed that an increase in the ratio of permeate water flux to crossflow velocity led to a homogeneous deposition, while a decrease had the opposite effect. The insights of this research indicate that an appropriate choice of hydrodynamic conditions can minimize bacteria accumulation prior to biofilm formation in new and cleaned FO membrane systems treating water of high fouling propensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Kastl
- Lehrstuhl für Thermodynamik, Technische Universität München, Boltzmannstrasse 15, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Anne Bogler
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research (ZIWR), Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boker, Beer-Sheva 84990, Israel
| | - Markus Spinnler
- Lehrstuhl für Thermodynamik, Technische Universität München, Boltzmannstrasse 15, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Thomas Sattelmayer
- Lehrstuhl für Thermodynamik, Technische Universität München, Boltzmannstrasse 15, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Avraham Be'er
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research (ZIWR), Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boker, Beer-Sheva 84990, Israel
| | - Edo Bar-Zeev
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research (ZIWR), Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boker, Beer-Sheva 84990, Israel
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29
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de Vries HJ, Stams AJM, Plugge CM. Biodiversity and ecology of microorganisms in high pressure membrane filtration systems. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 172:115511. [PMID: 31986400 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
High-pressure membrane filtration (reverse osmosis and nanofiltration) is used to purify different water sources, including wastewater, surface water, groundwater and seawater. A major concern in membrane filtration is the accumulation and growth of micro-organisms and their secreted polymeric substances, leading to reduced membrane performance and membrane biofouling. The fundamental understanding of membrane biofouling is limited despite years of research, as the means of microbial interactions and response to the conditions on the membrane surface are complicated. Here, we discuss studies that investigated the microbial diversity of fouled high-pressure membranes. High-throughput amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene have shown that Burkholderiales, Pseudomonadales, Rhizobiales, Sphingomonadales and Xanthomonadales frequently obtain a high relative abundance on fouled membranes. The bacterial communities present in the diverse feed water types and in pre-treatment compartments are different from the communities on the membrane, because high-pressure membrane filtration provides a selective environment for certain bacterial groups. The biofilms that form within the pre-treatment compartments do not commonly serve as an inoculum for the subsequent high-pressure membranes. Besides bacteria also fungi are detected in the water treatment compartments. In contrast to bacteria, the fungal community does not change much throughout membrane cleaning. The stable fungal diversity indicates that they are more significant in membrane biofouling than previously thought. By reviewing the biodiversity and ecology of microbes in the whole high pressure membrane filtration water chain, we have been able to identify potentials to improve biofouling control. These include modulation of hydrodynamic conditions, nutrient limitation and the combination of cleaning agents to target the entire membrane microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik J de Vries
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708, WE, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911, MA, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
| | - Alfons J M Stams
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708, WE, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Caroline M Plugge
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708, WE, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911, MA, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands.
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Bogler A, Kastl A, Spinnler M, Sattelmayer T, Be'er A, Bar-Zeev E. Particle counting and tracking: Zooming on deposition and flow paths during initial stages of cake formation in forward osmosis with spacers. J Memb Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2019.117619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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31
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Hydrodynamic modeling of the spiral-wound membrane module including the membrane curvature: reverse osmosis case study. KOREAN J CHEM ENG 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11814-019-0372-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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32
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The Effect of Spacer Orientations on Temperature Polarization in a Direct Contact Membrane Distillation Process Using 3-d CFD Modeling. ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s13369-019-04089-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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33
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Qamar A, Bucs S, Picioreanu C, Vrouwenvelder J, Ghaffour N. Hydrodynamic flow transition dynamics in a spacer filled filtration channel using direct numerical simulation. J Memb Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2019.117264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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34
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Investigation on hydrodynamics and mass transfer in a feed channel of a spiral-wound membrane element using response surface methodology. Chem Eng Res Des 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cherd.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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35
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Kerdi S, Qamar A, Alpatova A, Ghaffour N. An in-situ technique for the direct structural characterization of biofouling in membrane filtration. J Memb Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2019.04.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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36
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Influence of Surface Micro-Patterning and Hydrogel Coating on Colloidal Silica Fouling of Polyamide Thin-Film Composite Membranes. MEMBRANES 2019; 9:membranes9060067. [PMID: 31167422 PMCID: PMC6630248 DOI: 10.3390/membranes9060067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In this work, colloidal fouling by silica particles of different sizes on micro-patterned pristine and poly-(N-isopropylacylamide)-coated polyamide (PA) thin-film composite (TFC) membranes was studied. The competing impacts of surface micro-patterning vs. surface chemical modification on enhancing antifouling propensity in unstirred dead-end filtration conditions were systematically explored. Spatially selective deposition of silica microparticles (500 nm), driven by unequal flow distribution, was observed on micro-patterned membranes such that silica particles accumulated preferentially within the surface pattern’s valleys, while keeping apexes regions not fouled. This interesting phenomenon may explain the substantially enhanced antifouling propensity of micro-patterned PA TFC membranes. A detailed mechanism for spatially selective deposition of silica microparticles is proposed. Furthermore, micro-imprinted surface patterns were revealed to influence deposition behavior/packing of silica nanoparticles (50 nm) resulting in very limited flux decline that was, almost, recovered under influence of triggering stirring stimulus during a continued silica filtration experiment. The current findings provide more insights into the potency of surface micro-patterning consolidated with hydrogel coating toward new fouling-resistant PA TFC membranes.
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Laser induced fluorescence (LIF) technique visualizes and characterizes concentration polarization and fouling layer in the cross-flow nanofiltration. Sep Purif Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2018.11.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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38
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Cao H, O'Rourke M, Habimana O, Casey E. Analysis of surrogate bacterial cell transport to nanofiltration membranes: Effect of salt concentration and hydrodynamics. Sep Purif Technol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2018.06.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Rice D, Barrios AC, Xiao Z, Bogler A, Bar-Zeev E, Perreault F. Development of anti-biofouling feed spacers to improve performance of reverse osmosis modules. WATER RESEARCH 2018; 145:599-607. [PMID: 30199804 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.08.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the biofouling resistance of modified reverse osmosis (RO) feed spacers. Control spacers (made of polypropylene) were functionalized with a biocidal coating (silver), hydrophilic (SiO2 nanoparticles) or superhydrophobic (TMPSi-TiO2 nanoparticles) anti-adhesive coatings, or a hybrid hydrophilic-biocidal coating (graphene oxide). Performance was measured by adhesion assays, viability tests, and permeate flow decline in a bench scale RO system. The control spacers proved to be one of the better performing materials based on bacterial deposition and dynamic RO fouling experiments. The good anti-adhesive properties of the control can be explained by its near ideal surface free energy (SFE). The only surface modification that significantly reduced biofouling compared to the control was the biocidal silver coating, which outperformed the other spacers by all measured indicators. Therefore, future efforts to improve spacer materials for biofouling control should focus on engineering biocidal coatings, rather than anti-adhesive ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Rice
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, United States; Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Ana C Barrios
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, United States; Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Zhiwei Xiao
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, United States; Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Anne Bogler
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research (ZIWR), Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sde-Boker, 84990, Israel
| | - Edo Bar-Zeev
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research (ZIWR), Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sde-Boker, 84990, Israel
| | - Francois Perreault
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, United States; Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States.
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40
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CT scanning of membrane feed spacers – Impact of spacer model accuracy on hydrodynamic and solute transport modeling in membrane feed channels. J Memb Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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41
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Kerdi S, Qamar A, Vrouwenvelder JS, Ghaffour N. Fouling resilient perforated feed spacers for membrane filtration. WATER RESEARCH 2018; 140:211-219. [PMID: 29715645 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.04.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The improvement of feed spacers with optimal geometry remains a key challenge for spiral-wound membrane systems in water treatment due to their impact on the hydrodynamic performance and fouling development. In this work, novel spacer designs are proposed by intrinsically modifying cylindrical filaments through perforations. Three symmetric perforated spacers (1-Hole, 2-Hole, and 3-Hole) were in-house 3D-printed and experimentally evaluated in terms of permeate flux, feed channel pressure drop and membrane fouling. Spacer performance is characterized and compared with standard no perforated (0-Hole) design under constant feed pressure and constant feed flow rate. Perforations in the spacer filaments resulted in significantly lowering the net pressure drop across the spacer filled channel. The 3-Hole spacer was found to have the lowest pressure drop (50%-61%) compared to 0-Hole spacer for various average flow velocities. Regarding permeate flux production, the 0-Hole spacer produced 5.7 L m-2.h-1 and 6.6 L m-2.h-1 steady state flux for constant pressure and constant feed flow rate, respectively. The 1-Hole spacer was found to be the most efficient among the perforated spacers with 75% and 23% increase in permeate production at constant pressure and constant feed flow, respectively. Furthermore, membrane surface of 1-Hole spacer was found to be cleanest in terms of fouling, contributing to maintain higher permeate flux production. Hydrodynamic understanding of these perforated spacers is also quantified by performing Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS). The performance enhancement of these perforated spacers is attributed to the formation of micro-jets in the spacer cell that aided in producing enough unsteadiness/turbulence to clean the membrane surface and mitigate fouling phenomena. In the case of 1-Hole spacer, the unsteadiness intensity at the outlet of micro-jets and the shear stress fluctuations created inside the cells are higher than those observed with other perforated spacers, resulting in the cleanest membrane surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kerdi
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adnan Qamar
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Johannes S Vrouwenvelder
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noreddine Ghaffour
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
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Yanar N, Son M, Yang E, Kim Y, Park H, Nam SE, Choi H. Investigation of the performance behavior of a forward osmosis membrane system using various feed spacer materials fabricated by 3D printing technique. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 202:708-715. [PMID: 29602103 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.03.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Recently, feed spacer research for improving the performance of a membrane module has adopted three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. This study aims to improve the performance of membrane feed spacers by using various materials and incorporating 3D printing. The samples were fabricated after modeling with 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software to investigate the mechanical strength, water flux, reverse solute flux, and fouling performances. This research was performed using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), and natural polylactic acid (PLA) as printing material, and the spacer model was produced using a diamond-shaped feed spacer, with a commercially available product as a reference. The 3D printed samples were initially compared in terms of size and precision with the 3D CAD model, and deviations were observed between the products and the CAD model. Then, the spacers were tested in terms of mechanical strength, water flux, reverse solute flux, and fouling (alginate-based waste water was used as a model foulant). Although there was not much difference among the samples regarding the water flux, better performances than the commercial product were obtained for reverse solute flux and fouling resistance. When comparing the prominent performance of natural PLA with the commercial product, PLA was found to have approximately 10% less fouling (based on foulant volume per unit area and root mean square roughness values), although it showed similar water flux. Thus, another approach has been introduced for using bio-degradable materials for membrane spacers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Numan Yanar
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), 261 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Moon Son
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 125 Sackett Building, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Eunmok Yang
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), 261 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Yeji Kim
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), 261 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Hosik Park
- Center for Membranes, Advanced Materials Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, South Korea
| | - Seung-Eun Nam
- Center for Membranes, Advanced Materials Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, South Korea
| | - Heechul Choi
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), 261 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, South Korea; Center for Membranes, Advanced Materials Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, South Korea.
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Carrel M, Morales VL, Beltran MA, Derlon N, Kaufmann R, Morgenroth E, Holzner M. Biofilms in 3D porous media: Delineating the influence of the pore network geometry, flow and mass transfer on biofilm development. WATER RESEARCH 2018; 134:280-291. [PMID: 29433078 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.01.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the functional correspondence between porescale hydrodynamics, mass transfer, pore structure and biofilm morphology during progressive biofilm colonization of a porous medium. Hydrodynamics and the structure of both the porous medium and the biofilm are experimentally measured with 3D particle tracking velocimetry and micro X-ray Computed Tomography, respectively. The analysis focuses on data obtained in a clean porous medium after 36 h of biofilm growth. Registration of the particle tracking and X-ray data sets allows to delineate the interplay between porous medium geometry, hydrodynamic and mass transfer processes on the morphology of the developing biofilm. A local analysis revealed wide distributions of wall shear stresses and concentration boundary layer thicknesses. The spatial distribution of the biofilm patches uncovered that the wall shear stresses controlled the biofilm development. Neither external nor internal mass transfer limitations were noticeable in the considered system, consistent with the excess supply of nutrient and electron acceptors. The wall shear stress remained constant in the vicinity of the biofilm but increased substantially elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxence Carrel
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, Stefano-Franscini-Platz 5, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Verónica L Morales
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, Stefano-Franscini-Platz 5, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Mario A Beltran
- School of Science, RMIT, Melbourne, Australia; Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Center for X-ray Analytics, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Derlon
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, Stefano-Franscini-Platz 5, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland; Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Rolf Kaufmann
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Center for X-ray Analytics, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Eberhard Morgenroth
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, Stefano-Franscini-Platz 5, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland; Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Markus Holzner
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, Stefano-Franscini-Platz 5, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
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Meyer J, Ulbricht M. Poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) diblock copolymers as functional additive for poly(vinylidene fluoride) ultrafiltration membranes with tailored separation performance. J Memb Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2017.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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47
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Jankhah S. Hydrodynamic conditions in bench-scale membrane flow-cells used to mimic conditions present in full-scale spiral-wound elements. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/s0958-2118(17)30096-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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48
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Fortunato L, Leiknes T. In-situ biofouling assessment in spacer filled channels using optical coherence tomography (OCT): 3D biofilm thickness mapping. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2017; 229:231-235. [PMID: 28111031 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Membrane systems for water purification can be seriously hampered by biofouling. The use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to investigate biofilms in membrane systems has recently increased due to the ability to do the characterization in-situ and non-destructively. The OCT biofilm thickness map is presented for the first time as a tool to assess biofilm spatial distribution on a surface. The map allows the visualization and evaluation of the biofilm formation and growth in membrane filtration systems through the use of a false color scale. The biofilm development was monitored with OCT to evaluate the suitability of the proposed approach. A 3D time series analysis of biofilm development in a spacer filled channel representative of a spiral-wound membrane element was performed. The biofilm thickness map enables the time-resolved and spatial-resolved evaluation and visualization of the biofilm deposition pattern in-situ non-destructively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Fortunato
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Biological and Environmental Science & Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| | - TorOve Leiknes
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Biological and Environmental Science & Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
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Liu X, Li W, Chong TH, Fane AG. Effects of spacer orientations on the cake formation during membrane fouling: Quantitative analysis based on 3D OCT imaging. WATER RESEARCH 2017; 110:1-14. [PMID: 27974248 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Spacer design plays an important role in improving the performance of membrane processes for water/wastewater treatment. This work focused on a fundamental issue of spacer design, i.e., investigating the effects of spacer orientations on the fouling behavior during a membrane process. A series of fouling experiments with different spacer orientation were carried out to in situ characterize the formation of a cake layer in a spacer unit cell via 3D optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. The cake layers formed at different times were digitalized for quantitatively analyzing the variation in the cake morphology as a function of time. In particular, the local deposition rates were evaluated to determine the active regions where the instantaneous changes in deposit thickness were significant. The characterization results indicate that varying the spacer orientation could substantially change the evolution of membrane fouling by particulate foulants and thereby result in a cake layer with various morphologies; the competition between growth and erosion at different locations would instantaneously respond to the micro-hydrodynamic environment that might change with time. This work confirms that the OCT-based characterization method is a powerful tool for exploring novel spacer design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Weiyi Li
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
| | - Tzyy Haur Chong
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
| | - Anthony G Fane
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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50
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Fortunato L, Bucs S, Linares RV, Cali C, Vrouwenvelder JS, Leiknes T. Spatially-resolved in-situ quantification of biofouling using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and 3D image analysis in a spacer filled channel. J Memb Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2016.11.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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