Use of microbubbles to reduce membrane fouling during water filtration

作者：Watabe Tomoichi; Matsuyama Kazufumi; Takahashi Tomoki; Matsuyama Hideto^*

来源：Desalination and Water Treatment, 2016, 57(9): 3820-3826.

DOI：10.1080/19443994.2014.991946

• Microbubble
• Ultrafiltration
• Hollow fiber membrane
• Filtration flux
• Membrane fouling
• Cellulose acetate

The present study explores how microbubbles can improve membrane filtration by preventing membrane fouling. Microbubbles (MBs) 10-50m in diameter were generated by pumping the feed solution with air bubbles through a slit under high shear stress. Filtration of raw river water at pilot-plant scale confirmed that adding MBs to the feed solution does indeed reduce membrane fouling. The effect of MBs on the flux was examined under various conditions of filtration flux and experimental duration. MBs reduced fouling over both short and long (>1month) time frames, and were also effective for cleaning the membrane. Thus, incorporating MBs into water for membrane filtration may reduce the costs and energy consumption associated with water treatment.

• 出版日期2016-2-19