Effect of coagulation conditions on ultrafiltration for wastewater effluent

• DOI: 10.12989/mwt.2017.8.2.185
• Publication Date: 2017-05-11T22:39:55Z
• Authors: Sung Kyu Maeng; Thomas C. Timmes; Hyun-Chul Kim
• Keywords: Ultrafiltration (renal); Filtration (mathematics); Membrane Fouling

Low-pressure membrane filtration is increasingly used for tertiary treatment of wastewater effluent organic matter (EfOM), mainly comprising base/neutral compounds. In-line coagulation with underdosing, charge neutralization, and sweep floc conditions prior to ultrafiltration (UF) was studied determine removals the EfOM components consequent reduction fouling using polyethersulfone membranes. Coagulation UF substantially reduced all while removing from 7 38% acids. From 16% base/neutrals were removed at neutral pH but there no significant removal slightly acid even though reduced. Sweep produced lowest resistance may be inappropriate in-line use due large added volume solids. Charge-neutralization resulted in poor recovery initial flux hydraulic cleaning. Under-dosing paralleled reducing (for sub-critical flux) also easily recovered Hydrophobic hydrophilic identified on fouled membranes as previously reported extent not correlated accumulation base/neutrals.