1
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Qamar A, Kerdi S, Vrouwenvelder JS, Ghaffour N. Airfoil-shaped filament feed spacer for improved filtration performance in water treatment. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10798. [PMID: 37402781 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37885-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Optimal spacer design enhances the filtration performance in spiral-wound modules by controlling the local hydrodynamics inside the filtration channel. A novel airfoil feed spacer design fabricated using 3D-printing technology is proposed in this study. The design is a ladder-shaped configuration with primary airfoil-shaped filaments facing the incoming feed flow. The airfoil filaments are reinforced by cylindrical pillars supporting the membrane surface. Laterally, all the airfoil filaments are connected by thin cylindrical filaments. The performances of the novel airfoil spacers are evaluated at Angle of Attack (AOA) of 10° (A-10 spacer) and 30° (A-30 spacer) and compared with commercial (COM) spacer. At fixed operating conditions, simulations indicate steady-state hydrodynamics inside the channel for A-10 spacer, while an unsteady state is found for A-30 spacer. Numerical wall shear stress for airfoil spacers is uniformly distributed and has a higher magnitude than the COM spacer. A-30 spacer design is the most efficient in ultrafiltration process with enhanced permeate flux (228%) and reduced specific energy consumption (23%) and biofouling development (74%) as characterized by Optical Coherence Tomography. Results systematically demonstrate the influential role of airfoil-shaped filaments for feed spacer design. Modifying AOA allows localized hydrodynamics to be effectively controlled according to the filtration type and operating conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Qamar
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Kerdi
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Johannes S Vrouwenvelder
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Environmental Science and Engineering Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noreddine Ghaffour
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
- Environmental Science and Engineering Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
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2
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Improved quantitative evaluation of the fouling potential in spacer-filled membrane filtration channels through a biofouling index based on the relative pressure drop. J Memb Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2023.121400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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3
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Comparison of methods for measuring and investigating water permeability of woven filter media. Chem Eng Res Des 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cherd.2022.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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4
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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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5
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Desmond P, Huisman KT, Sanawar H, Farhat NM, Traber J, Fridjonsson EO, Johns ML, Flemming HC, Picioreanu C, Vrouwenvelder JS. Controlling the hydraulic resistance of membrane biofilms by engineering biofilm physical structure. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 210:118031. [PMID: 34998071 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.118031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The application of membrane technology for water treatment and reuse is hampered by the development of a microbial biofilm. Biofilm growth in micro-and ultrafiltration (MF/UF) membrane modules, on both the membrane surface and feed spacer, can form a secondary membrane and exert resistance to permeation and crossflow, increasing energy demand and decreasing permeate quantity and quality. In recent years, exhaustive efforts were made to understand the chemical, structural and hydraulic characteristics of membrane biofilms. In this review, we critically assess which specific structural features of membrane biofilms exert resistance to forced water passage in MF/UF membranes systems applied to water and wastewater treatment, and how biofilm physical structure can be engineered by process operation to impose less hydraulic resistance ("below-the-pain threshold"). Counter-intuitively, biofilms with greater thickness do not always cause a higher hydraulic resistance than thinner biofilms. Dense biofilms, however, had consistently higher hydraulic resistances compared to less dense biofilms. The mechanism by which density exerts hydraulic resistance is reported in the literature to be dependant on the biofilms' internal packing structure and EPS chemical composition (e.g., porosity, polymer concentration). Current reports of internal porosity in membrane biofilms are not supported by adequate experimental evidence or by a reliable methodology, limiting a unified understanding of biofilm internal structure. Identifying the dependency of hydraulic resistance on biofilm density invites efforts to control the hydraulic resistance of membrane biofilms by engineering internal biofilm structure. Regulation of biofilm internal structure is possible by alteration of key determinants such as feed water nutrient composition/concentration, hydraulic shear stress and resistance and can engineer biofilm structural development to decrease density and therein hydraulic resistance. Future efforts should seek to determine the extent to which the concept of "biofilm engineering" can be extended to other biofilm parameters such as mechanical stability and the implication for biofilm control/removal in engineered water systems (e.g., pipelines and/or, cooling towers) susceptible to biofouling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Desmond
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Mies-van-der-Rohe-Strasse 1, D52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Kees Theo Huisman
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Huma Sanawar
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nadia M Farhat
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jacqueline Traber
- Department of Process Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute for Aquatic Science and Technology (EAWAG), Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | - Einar O Fridjonsson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Michael L Johns
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Hans-Curt Flemming
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore; Biofilm Centre, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, 45141, Essen, Germany; IWW Water Centre, Moritzstrasse 26, 45476, Muelheim, Germany
| | - Cristian Picioreanu
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Johannes S Vrouwenvelder
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, Netherlands
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6
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Baitalow K, Wypysek D, Leuthold M, Weisshaar S, Lölsberg J, Wessling M. A mini-module with built-in spacers for high-throughput ultrafiltration. J Memb Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2021.119602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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7
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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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8
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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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9
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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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10
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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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11
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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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12
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Salehmin MNI, Lim SS, Satar I, Daud WRW. Pushing microbial desalination cells towards field application: Prevailing challenges, potential mitigation strategies, and future prospects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 759:143485. [PMID: 33279184 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microbial desalination cells (MDCs) have been experimentally proven as a versatile bioelectrochemical system (BES). They have the potential to alleviate environmental pollution, reduce water scarcity and save energy and operational costs. However, MDCs alone are inadequate to realise a complete wastewater and desalination treatment at a high-efficiency performance. The assembly of identical MDC units that hydraulically and electrically connected can improve the performance better than standalone MDCs. In the same manner, the coupling of MDCs with other BES or conventional water reclamation technology has also exhibits a promising performance. However, the scaling-up effort has been slowly progressing, leading to a lack of knowledge for guiding MDC technology into practicality. Many challenges remain unsolved and should be mitigated before MDCs can be fully implemented in real applications. Here, we aim to provide a comprehensive chronological-based review that covers technological limitations and mitigation strategies, which have been developed for standalone MDCs. We extend our discussion on how assembled, coupled and scaled-up MDCs have improved in comparison with standalone and lab-scale MDC systems. This review also outlines the prevailing challenges and potential mitigation strategies for scaling-up based on large-scale specifications and evaluates the prospects of selected MDC systems to be integrated with conventional anaerobic digestion (AD) and reverse osmosis (RO). This review offers several recommendations to promote up-scaling studies guided by the pilot scale BES and existing water reclamation technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Swee Su Lim
- Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ibdal Satar
- Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD), 55166 Umbulharjo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Wan Ramli Wan Daud
- Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
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13
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Shang W, Li X, Liu W, Yue S, Li M, von Eiff D, Sun F, An AK. Effective suppression of concentration polarization by nanofiltration membrane surface pattern manipulation: Numerical modeling based on LIF visualization. J Memb Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2020.119021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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14
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Bopape MF, Van Geel T, Dutta A, Van der Bruggen B, Onyango MS. Numerical Modelling Assisted Design of a Compact Ultrafiltration (UF) Flat Sheet Membrane Module. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:membranes11010054. [PMID: 33466652 PMCID: PMC7828695 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The increasing adoption of ultra-low pressure (ULP) membrane systems for drinking water treatment in small rural communities is currently hindered by a limited number of studies on module design. Detailed knowledge on both intrinsic membrane transport properties and fluid hydrodynamics within the module is essential in understanding ULP performance prediction, mass transfer analysis for scaling-up between lab-scale and industrial scale research. In comparison to hollow fiber membranes, flat sheet membranes present certain advantages such as simple manufacture, sheet replacement for cleaning, moderate packing density and low to moderate energy usage. In the present case study, a numerical model using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) of a novel custom flat sheet membrane module has been designed in 3D to predict fluid flow conditions. The permeate flux through the membrane decreased with an increase in spacer curviness from 2.81 L/m2h for no (0%) curviness to 2.73 L/m2h for full (100%) curviness. A parametric analysis on configuration variables was carried out to determine the optimum design variables and no significant influence of spacer inflow or outflow thickness on the fluid flow were observed. The numerical model provides the necessary information on the role of geometrical and operating parameters for fabricating a module prototype where access to technical expertise is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mokgadi F Bopape
- Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium;
- Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
- Correspondence: (M.F.B.); (T.V.G.)
| | - Tim Van Geel
- Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium;
- Correspondence: (M.F.B.); (T.V.G.)
| | - Abhishek Dutta
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Izmir Institute of Technology, Gülbahçe Campus, Urla, Izmir 35430, Turkey;
| | - Bart Van der Bruggen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium;
- Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
| | - Maurice Stephen Onyango
- Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
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15
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He Y, Zhang P, Huang H, Wang X, Chen B, Guo Z, Lin H. Electrochemical degradation of herbicide diuron on flow-through electrochemical reactor and CFD hydrodynamics simulation. Sep Purif Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2020.117284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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16
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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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17
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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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Javier L, Farhat NM, Desmond P, Linares RV, Bucs S, Kruithof JC, Vrouwenvelder JS. Biofouling control by phosphorus limitation strongly depends on the assimilable organic carbon concentration. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 183:116051. [PMID: 32622233 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116051] [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: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Nutrient limitation is a biofouling control strategy in reverse osmosis (RO) membrane systems. In seawater, the assimilable organic carbon content available for bacterial growth ranges from about 50 to 400 μg C·L-1, while the phosphorus concentration ranges from 3 to 11 μg P·L-1. Several studies monitored biofouling development, limiting either carbon or phosphorus. The effect of carbon to phosphorus ratio and the restriction of both nutrients on membrane system performance have not yet been investigated. This study examines the impact of reduced phosphorus concentration (from 25 μg P·L-1 and 3 μg P·L-1, to a low concentration of ≤0.3 μg P·L-1), combined with two different carbon concentrations (250 C L-1 and 30 μg C·L-1), on biofilm development in an RO system. Feed channel pressure drop was measured to determine the effect of the developed biofilm on system performance. The morphology of the accumulated biomass for both carbon concentrations was characterized by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the biomass amount and composition was quantified by measuring total organic carbon (TOC), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), total cell counts (TCC), and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) concentration for the developed biofilms under phosphorus restricted (P-restricted) and dosed (P-dosed) conditions. For both carbon concentrations, P-restricted conditions (≤0.3 μg P·L-1) limited bacterial growth (lower values of ATP, TCC). A faster pressure drop increase was observed for P-restricted conditions compared to P-dosed conditions when 250 μg C·L-1 was dosed. This faster pressure drop increase can be explained by a higher area covered by biofilm in the flow channel and a higher amount of produced EPS. Conversely, a slower pressure drop increase was observed for P-restricted conditions compared to P-dosed conditions when 30 μg C·L-1 was dosed. Results of this study demonstrate that P-limitation delayed biofilm formation effectively when combined with low assimilable organic carbon concentration and thereby, lengthening the overall membrane system performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Javier
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nadia M Farhat
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Peter Desmond
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland; ETH Zürich, Institute of Environmental Engineering, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Rodrigo Valladares Linares
- Renewable Energy Unit, Yucatan Center for Scientific Research (CICY), 43 Street #130, Chuburna de Hidalgo, 97205, Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | - Szilárd Bucs
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Joop C Kruithof
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
| | - Johannes S Vrouwenvelder
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, the Netherlands
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Abali BE, Savaş Ö. Experimental validation of computational fluid dynamics for solving isothermal and incompressible viscous fluid flow. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-020-03253-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractIn order to validate a computational method for solving viscous fluid flows, experiments are carried out in an eccentric cylindrical cavity showing various flow formations over a range of Reynolds numbers. Especially, in numerical solution approaches for isothermal and incompressible flows, we search for simple experimental data for evaluating accuracy as well as performance of the computational method. Verification of different computational methods is arduous, and analytic solutions are only obtained for simple geometries like a channel flow. Clearly, a method is expected to predict different flow patterns within a cavity. Thus, we propose a configuration generating different flow formations depending on the Reynolds number and make the experimental results freely available in order to be used as an assessment criterion to demonstrate the reliability of a new computational approach.
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Toh K, Liang Y, Lau W, Fletcher D. CFD study of the effect of perforated spacer on pressure loss and mass transfer in spacer-filled membrane channels. Chem Eng Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2020.115704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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21
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Jafari M, D'haese A, Zlopasa J, Cornelissen E, Vrouwenvelder J, Verbeken K, Verliefde A, van Loosdrecht M, Picioreanu C. A comparison between chemical cleaning efficiency in lab-scale and full-scale reverse osmosis membranes: Role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). J Memb Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2020.118189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Toh K, Liang Y, Lau W, Fimbres Weihs G. 3D CFD study on hydrodynamics and mass transfer phenomena for SWM feed spacer with different floating characteristics. Chem Eng Res Des 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cherd.2020.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Gu J, Luo J, Li M, Huang C, Heng Y. Modeling of pressure drop in reverse osmosis feed channels using multilayer artificial neural networks. Chem Eng Res Des 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cherd.2020.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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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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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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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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Ali SM, Qamar A, Kerdi S, Phuntsho S, Vrouwenvelder JS, Ghaffour N, Shon HK. Energy efficient 3D printed column type feed spacer for membrane filtration. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 164:114961. [PMID: 31421514 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.114961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Modification of the feed spacer design significantly influences the energy consumption of membrane filtration processes. This study developed a novel column type feed spacer with the aim to reduce the specific energy consumption (SEC) of the membrane based water filtration system. The proposed spacer increases the clearance between the filament and the membrane (reducing the spacer filament diameter) while keeping the same flow channel thickness as compared to a standard non-woven symmetric spacer. Since the higher clearance reduces the flow unsteadiness, column type nodes were added in the spacer structure as additional vortex shading bodies. Fluid flow behaviour in the channel for this spacer was numerically simulated by 3D CFD studies and then compared with the standard spacer. The numerical results showed that the proposed spacer substantially reduced the pressure drop, shear stress at the constriction region and shortened the dead zone. Finally, these findings were confirmed experimentally by investigating the filtration performances using the 3D printed prototypes of these spacers in a lab-scale filtration module. It is observed that the column spacer reduced the pressure drop by three times and doubled the specific water flux. 2D OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scans of the membrane surface acquired after the filtration revealed much lower biomass accumulation using the proposed spacer. Consequently, the SEC for the column spacer was found about two folds lower than the standard spacer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Muztuza Ali
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology, Sydney, Post Box 129, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - 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
| | - Sherub Phuntsho
- 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
| | - Ho Kyong Shon
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology, Sydney, Post Box 129, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia.
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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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29
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Jung SY, Jung HI, Kang TG, Ahn KH. Fouling mitigation in crossflow filtration using chaotic advection: A numerical study. AIChE J 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/aic.16792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Seon Yeop Jung
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Hae In Jung
- School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Korea Aerospace University, Goyang‐si Gyeonggi‐do Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Gon Kang
- School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Korea Aerospace University, Goyang‐si Gyeonggi‐do Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hyun Ahn
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University Seoul Republic of Korea
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30
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Lippert T, Bandelin J, Schlederer F, Drewes JE, Koch K. Impact of ultrasound-induced cavitation on the fluid dynamics of water and sewage sludge in ultrasonic flatbed reactors. ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY 2019; 55:217-222. [PMID: 30712849 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2019.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The fluid dynamics of water, thickened waste activated sludge (WAS, total solids concentration 4.4%) and digested sludge (DS, total solids concentration 2.5%) within a lab-scale ultrasonic flatbed reactor were experimentally investigated. For a visual observation of the opaque sludge flow, sewage sludges were approximated by transparent xanthan solutions with identical flow behavior. The visualization of the flow was realized by use of an ultrasonic reactor with a transparent panel and dye streams injected into the flow. Without ultrasonic treatment, xanthan solutions showed distinct laminar flow behavior (generalized Reynolds numbers < 1), at a flow rate of 100 L/h. In water, dye streams remained coherent as well, but with slightly unsteady features (Reynolds number ∼ 350). Activation of the ultrasound reactor caused strong fluid dynamic disturbance in the water flow and dye streams were dissolved instantly, thus indicating turbulent mixing. For the xanthan solutions, however, mixing was considerably less pronounced. The dye streams in the DS substitute (0.5% xanthan solution) remained overall in laminar shape, but exhibited an eruption-like branching and an increase in diameter with advancing treatment duration. For the solution resembling WAS (2.0% xanthan solution), only weak dye stream disruption was observed, thus indicating that WAS flow in flatbed reactors is nearly laminar during ultrasonic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lippert
- Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Am Coulombwall 3, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Jochen Bandelin
- Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Am Coulombwall 3, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Felizitas Schlederer
- Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Am Coulombwall 3, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Jörg E Drewes
- Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Am Coulombwall 3, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Konrad Koch
- Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Am Coulombwall 3, 85748 Garching, Germany.
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Bhattacharjee C, Saxena VK, Dutta S. Static turbulence promoters in cross-flow membrane filtration: a review. CHEM ENG COMMUN 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/00986445.2019.1587610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chiranjit Bhattacharjee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India
| | - V. K. Saxena
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India
| | - Suman Dutta
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India
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Farhat NM, Javier L, Van Loosdrecht MCM, Kruithof JC, Vrouwenvelder JS. Role of feed water biodegradable substrate concentration on biofouling: Biofilm characteristics, membrane performance and cleanability. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 150:1-11. [PMID: 30508707 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.11.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Biofouling severely impacts operational performance of membrane systems increasing the cost of water production. Understanding the effect of critical parameters of feed water such as biodegradable substrate concentration on the developed biofilm characteristics enables development of more effective biofouling control strategies. In this study, the effect of substrate concentration on the biofilm characteristics was examined using membrane fouling simulators (MFSs). A feed channel pressure drop (PD) increase of 200 mbar was used as a benchmark to study the developed biofilm. The amount and characteristics of the formed biofilm were analysed in relation to membrane performance indicators: feed channel pressure drop and permeate flux. The effect of the characteristics of the biofilm developed at three substrate concentrations on the removal efficiency of the different biofilms was evaluated applying acid/base cleaning. Results showed that a higher feed water substrate concentration caused a higher biomass amount, a faster PD increase, but a lower permeate flux decline. The permeate flux decline was affected by the spatial location and the physical characteristics of the biofilm rather than the total amount of biofilm. The slower growing biofilm developed at the lowest substrate concentration was harder to remove by NaOH/HCl cleanings than the biofilm developed at the higher substrate concentrations. Effective biofilm removal is essential to prevent a fast biofilm regrowth after cleaning. While substrate limitation is a generally accepted biofouling control strategy delaying biofouling, development of advanced cleaning methods to remove biofilms formed under substrate limited conditions is of paramount importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- N M Farhat
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| | - L Javier
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - M C M Van Loosdrecht
- Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629, HZ, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - J C Kruithof
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911, MA, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
| | - J S Vrouwenvelder
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629, HZ, Delft, the Netherlands
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Kleffner C, Braun G, Antonyuk S. Influence of Membrane Intrusion on Permeate‐Sided Pressure Drop During High‐Pressure Reverse Osmosis. CHEM-ING-TECH 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/cite.201800104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Kleffner
- Technische Hochschule KölnInstitut für Anlagen- und Verfahrenstechnik Betzdorfer Straße 2 50679 Köln Germany
| | - Gerd Braun
- Technische Hochschule KölnInstitut für Anlagen- und Verfahrenstechnik Betzdorfer Straße 2 50679 Köln Germany
| | - Sergiy Antonyuk
- Technische Universität KaiserslauternMechanische Verfahrenstechnik Gottlieb-Daimler-Straße 44 67663 Kaiserslautern Germany
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35
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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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36
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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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37
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Farhat N, Loubineaud E, Prest E, El-Chakhtoura J, Salles C, Bucs S, Trampé J, Van den Broek W, Van Agtmaal J, Van Loosdrecht M, Kruithof J, Vrouwenvelder J. Application of monochloramine for wastewater reuse: Effect on biostability during transport and biofouling in RO membranes. J Memb Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2018.01.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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38
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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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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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40
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Haaksman VA, Siddiqui A, Schellenberg C, Kidwell J, Vrouwenvelder JS, Picioreanu C. Characterization of feed channel spacer performance using geometries obtained by X-ray computed tomography. J Memb Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2016.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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41
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Bucs SS, Valladares Linares R, Vrouwenvelder JS, Picioreanu C. Biofouling in forward osmosis systems: An experimental and numerical study. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 106:86-97. [PMID: 27697688 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluates with numerical simulations supported by experimental data the impact of biofouling on membrane performance in a cross-flow forward osmosis (FO) system. The two-dimensional numerical model couples liquid flow with solute transport in the FO feed and draw channels, in the FO membrane support layer and in the biofilm developed on one or both sides of the membrane. The developed model was tested against experimental measurements at various osmotic pressure differences and in batch operation without and with the presence of biofilm on the membrane active layer. Numerical studies explored the effect of biofilm properties (thickness, hydraulic permeability and porosity), biofilm membrane surface coverage, and biofilm location on salt external concentration polarization and on the permeation flux. The numerical simulations revealed that (i) when biofouling occurs, external concentration polarization became important, (ii) the biofilm hydraulic permeability and membrane surface coverage have the highest impact on water flux, and (iii) the biofilm formed in the draw channel impacts the process performance more than when formed in the feed channel. The proposed mathematical model helps to understand the impact of biofouling in FO membrane systems and to develop possible strategies to reduce and control biofouling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szilárd S Bucs
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Rodrigo Valladares Linares
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of 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), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC Delft, The Netherlands; Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.
| | - Cristian Picioreanu
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC Delft, The Netherlands.
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Farhat NM, Vrouwenvelder JS, Van Loosdrecht MCM, Bucs SS, Staal M. Effect of water temperature on biofouling development in reverse osmosis membrane systems. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 103:149-159. [PMID: 27450353 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Revised: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the factors that determine the spatial and temporal biofilm development is a key to formulate effective control strategies in reverse osmosis membrane systems for desalination and wastewater reuse. In this study, biofilm development was investigated at different water temperatures (10, 20, and 30 °C) inside a membrane fouling simulator (MFS) flow cell. The MFS studies were done at the same crossflow velocity with the same type of membrane and spacer materials, and the same feed water type and nutrient concentration, differing only in water temperature. Spatially resolved biofilm parameters such as oxygen decrease rate, biovolume, biofilm spatial distribution, thickness and composition were measured using in-situ imaging techniques. Pressure drop (PD) increase in time was used as a benchmark as to when to stop the experiments. Biofilm measurements were performed daily, and experiments were stopped once the average PD increased to 40 mbar/cm. The results of the biofouling study showed that with increasing feed water temperature (i) the biofilm activity developed faster, (ii) the pressure drop increased faster, while (iii) the biofilm thickness decreased. At an average pressure drop increase of 40 mbar/cm over the MFS for the different feed water temperatures, different biofilm activities, structures, and quantities were found, indicating that diagnosis of biofouling of membranes operated at different or varying (seasonal) feed water temperatures may be challenging. Membrane installations with a high temperature feed water are more susceptible to biofouling than installations fed with low temperature feed water.
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Affiliation(s)
- N M Farhat
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| | - J S Vrouwenvelder
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, The Netherlands; Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - M C M Van Loosdrecht
- Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Sz S Bucs
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - M Staal
- Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, The Netherlands
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