Ultrafiltration membrane module configurations

Table 16.3 Advantages and limitation of various module configurations for microfiltration and ultrafiltration membranes.

Figure 8.42 shows the basic configuration of electrofiltration, where an electric field is applied across micro or ultrafiltration membranes in flat sheet, tubular, and SWMs. The electrode is installed on either side of the membrane with the cathode on the permeate side and the anode on the feed side. Usually, the membrane support is made of stainless steel or the membrane itself is made of conductive materials to form the cathode. Titanium coated with a thin layer of a noble metal such as platinum could, according to Bowen [93], be one of the best anode materials. Wakeman and Tarleton [94] analyzed the particle trajectory in a combined fluid flow and electric field and suggested that a tubular configuration should be more effective in use of electric power than flat and multitubular module. 

In this chapter, we will introduce fundamental concepts of the membrane and membrane-separation processes, such as membrane definition, membrane classification, membrane formation, module configuration, transport mechanism, system design, and cost evaluation. Four widely used membrane separation processes in water and wastewater treatment, namely, microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltrafion (NF), and reverse osmosis (RO), will be discussed in detail. The issue of membrane foufing together with its solutions will be addressed. Several examples will be given to illustrate the processes. 

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