Non-invasive visualization of the fouling of microfiltration membranes by ultrasonic time-domain reflectometry

Date
2002
Authors
Li J.
Sanderson R.D.
Jacobs E.P.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
An ultrasonic time-domain reflectometry (UTDR) technique has been applied to the non-invasive study of fouling in microfiltration (MF) membrane modules operating at 100kPa. The experimental results show a good correspondence between the UTDR signal response from the membranes and the development of a fouling layer on the membrane surface. The ultrasonic technique could effectively detect fouling-layer initiation and growth on the membrane in real-time. For experiments conducted at different axial velocities, ranging from 1.83 to 23.0cm/s (Re from 65.4 to 811), a sequential mode fouling layer growth was observed. The UTDR technique was capable of distinguishing individual modes of growth. The data also suggest the formation of a second echo in the time domain at 100kPa operating pressure. Therefore, the UTDR technique was used to quantify the thickness of a fouling layer. The non-invasive UTDR visualization of the fouling on the membrane surface was supported by 'post-mortem' SEM analysis of the membrane surface. The UTDR technique can be more suitable for non-invasive visualization of the fouling in MF system. Copyright © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V.
Description
Keywords
Fouling, Membranes, Reflectometers, Scanning electron microscopy, Ultrasonic testing, Microfiltration (MF) membranes, Ultrasonic time-domain reflectometry (UTDR), Microfiltration, fouling, industrial waste, microfiltration, non-intrusive measurement, pulp and paper industry, ultrasonic technique, wastewater treatment, article, hydrostatic pressure, membrane filter, microfiltration, priority journal, quality control, reflectometry, technique, theory, transducer, ultrasound, waste water management
Citation
Journal of Membrane Science
201
02-Jan