Characterization by Ultrasonic Time-Domain Reflectometry

Membrane Characterization by Ultrasonic Time-Domain Reflectometry 

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 

Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0427 

There is a continuing need for better ways to characterize membranes and membrane processes. In particular, noninvasive, real-time techniques are needed for characterizing membrane fouling, cleaning, module hydrodynamics, compaction, formation, morphology, and quality control. There is a particular need for characterization techniques that can be readily adapted to commercial membrane modules and processes. 

Acoustic wave transmission and reflection have been used extensively throughout the twentieth century for nondestmctive testing. In the latter part of the twentieth century ultrasound techniques were developed for the noninvasive imaging of fetuses and internal organs in the health-care industry. In 1995 the first application of ultrasonic time-domain reflectometry (UTDR) for characterizing membrane processes was reported (Bond et al., 1995). This chapter will provide an overview on the developments in applying UTDR for membrane and membrane process characterization. 

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MEMBRANE CHARACTERIZATION BY ULTRASONIC TIME-DOMAIN REFLECTOMETRY... 

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