1
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Lee S, Cho H, Choi Y, Lee S. Application of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to Analyze Membrane Fouling under Intermittent Operation. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:392. [PMID: 37103819 PMCID: PMC10141615 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13040392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing interest in membrane systems powered by renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, that are suitable for decentralized water supply in islands and remote regions. These membrane systems are often operated intermittently with extended shutdown periods to minimize the capacity of the energy storage devices. However, relatively little information is available on the effect of intermittent operation on membrane fouling. In this work, the fouling of pressurized membranes under intermittent operation was investigated using an approach based on optical coherence tomography (OCT), which allows non-destructive and non-invasive examination of membrane fouling. In reverse osmosis (RO), intermittently operated membranes were investigated by OCT-based characterization. Several model foulants such as NaCl and humic acids were used, as well as real seawater. The cross-sectional OCT images of the fouling were visualized as a three-dimensional volume using Image J. The OCT images were used to quantitatively measure the thickness of foulants on the membrane surfaces under different operating conditions. The results showed that intermittent operation retarded the flux decrease due to fouling compared to continuous operation. The OCT analysis showed that the foulant thickness was significantly reduced by the intermittent operation. The decrease in foulant layer thickness was found to occur when the RO process was restarted in intermittent operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Lee
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Kookmin University, 77, Jeongneung-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeongrak Cho
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Kookmin University, 77, Jeongneung-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongjun Choi
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Kookmin University, 77, Jeongneung-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangho Lee
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Kookmin University, 77, Jeongneung-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
- Desalination Technologies Research Institute (DTRI), Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC), WQ36+XJP, Al Jubayl 35417, Saudi Arabia
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2
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Hydrodynamic effects of non-uniform feed spacer structures on energy loss and mass transfer in spiral wound module. J Memb Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2023.121479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
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3
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Improved quantitative evaluation of the fouling potential in spacer-filled membrane filtration channels through a biofouling index based on the relative pressure drop. J Memb Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2023.121400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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4
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Cabrera J, Guo HY, Yao JL, Wang XM. The effect of different carbon sources on biofouling in membrane fouling simulators: microbial community and implications. BIOFOULING 2022; 38:747-763. [PMID: 36224109 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2022.2129017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Biofouling is a problem affecting the operation of nanofiltration systems due to the complexity of the carbon matrix affecting bacteria and biofilm growth. This study used membrane fouling simulators to investigate the effects of five different carbon sources on the biofouling of nanofiltration membranes. For all the carbon sources analyzed, the increase in pressure drop was most accelerated for acetate. The use of acetate as the single carbon source produced less adenosine triphosphate but more extracellular polymers than glucose. The microbial community was analyzed using 16 s rRNA. The use of more than a single carbon source produced an increase in bacteria diversity even at similar concentrations. The relative abundance of proteobacteria was the highest at the phylum level (95%) when a single carbon source was added. Additionally, it was found that the use of different carbon sources produced a shift in the microbial community, affecting the biofouling and pressure drop on membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johny Cabrera
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Hao-Yu Guo
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Xiao-Mao Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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5
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Li S, Meng H, Wang H, Vrouwenvelder JS, Li Z. A sacrificial protective layer as fouling control strategy for nanofiltration in water treatment. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 219:118554. [PMID: 35576758 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
High-performance nanofiltration (NF) membrane with super antifouling capability as well as reusability is highly desired in water treatment. A new antifouling strategy by a coating-decoating-recoating cycle was investigated for effective removal of fouling and restoring the original membrane performance. The functional membrane surface was fabricated by in-situ coating a 'green' and biodegradable carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) layer as physical barrier. The CMCS layer can be decoated and re-coated by simple procedures. Results showed that (i) the CMCS layer enhanced surface hydrophilicity, surface smoothness and fouling resistance of NF membrane, (ii) both the unfouled and fouled CMCS layer were easily decoated by the strong acid solution, (iii) the CMCS layer was easily re-coated by facile recoating and (iv) the water flux recovery ratio of membrane with coating layer was maintained more than 88.8% during fouling testing by natural organic matter (NOM) after four sequential cycles of coating, decoating and recoating process. The re-coated membrane exhibited stable, improved membrane operational and antifouling performance. The coating-decoating-recoating approach is proven to be low-cost and eco-friendly strategy for NOM fouling control on NF membrane in water treatment applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihang Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Huanna Meng
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Haihua Wang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Johannes S Vrouwenvelder
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zhenyu Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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6
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Sutariya B, Sargaonkar A, Raval H. Methods of visualizing hydrodynamics and fouling in membrane filtration systems: recent trends. SEP SCI TECHNOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/01496395.2022.2089585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bhaumik Sutariya
- Membrane Science and Separation Technology Division, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI), Bhavnagar, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Aabha Sargaonkar
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
- Cleaner Technology and Modelling Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, India
| | - Hiren Raval
- Membrane Science and Separation Technology Division, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI), Bhavnagar, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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7
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Lin W, Wang Q, Sun L, Wang D, Cabrera J, Li D, Hu L, Jiang G, Wang XM, Huang X. The critical role of feed spacer channel porosity in membrane biofouling: Insights and implications. J Memb Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2022.120395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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8
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Permeation Increases Biofilm Development in Nanofiltration Membranes Operated with Varying Feed Water Phosphorous Concentrations. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12030335. [PMID: 35323810 PMCID: PMC8950030 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12030335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Nutrient limitation has been proposed as a biofouling control strategy for membrane systems. However, the impact of permeation on biofilm development under phosphorus-limited and enriched conditions is poorly understood. This study analyzed biofilm development in membrane fouling simulators (MFSs) with and without permeation supplied with water varying dosed phosphorus concentrations (0 and 25 μg P·L−1). The MFSs operated under permeation conditions were run at a constant flux of 15.6 L·m2·h−1 for 4.7 days. Feed channel pressure drop, transmembrane pressure, and flux were used as performance indicators. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) images and biomass quantification were used to analyze the developed biofilms. The total phosphorus concentration that accumulated on the membrane and spacer was quantified by using microwave digestion and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Results show that permeation impacts biofilm development depending on nutrient condition with a stronger impact at low P concentration (pressure drop increase: 282%; flux decline: 11%) compared to a higher P condition (pressure drop increase: 206%; flux decline: 2%). The biofilm that developed at 0 μg P·L−1 under permeation conditions resulted in a higher performance decline due to biofilm localization and spread in the MFS. A thicker biofilm developed on the membrane for biofilms grown at 0 μg P·L−1 under permeation conditions, causing a stronger effect on flux decline (11%) compared to non-permeation conditions (5%). The difference in the biofilm thickness on the membrane was attributed to a higher phosphorus concentration in the membrane biofilm under permeation conditions. Permeation has an impact on biofilm development and, therefore, should not be excluded in biofouling studies.
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9
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Lin W, Zhang Y, Li D, Wang XM, Huang X. Roles and performance enhancement of feed spacer in spiral wound membrane modules for water treatment: A 20-year review on research evolvement. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 198:117146. [PMID: 33945947 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Membrane technologies have been widely applied in water treatment, wastewater reclamation and seawater desalination. Feed spacer present in spiral wound membrane (SWM) modules plays a pivotal role in creating flow channels, promoting fluid mixing and enhancing mass transfer. However, it induces the increase of feed channel pressure (FCP) drop and localized stagnant zones that provokes membrane fouling. For the first time, we comprehensively review the research evolvement on feed spacer in SWM modules for water treatment over the last 20 years, to reveal the impacts of feed spacer on the hydrodynamics and biofouling in the spacer-filled channel, and to discuss the potential approaches and current limitations for the modification of feed spacer. The research process can be divided into three phases, with research focus shifting from hydrodynamics in Phase Ⅰ (the year of 2001-2008), to biofouling in Phase Ⅱ (the year of 2009-2015), and then to novel spacer designs in Phase Ⅲ (the year of 2016-2020). The spacer configuration has a momentous impact on the hydraulic performance regarding flow velocity field, shear stress, mass transfer and FCP drop. Biofouling initially occurs on feed spacer, especially around spacer filaments and the contact zones with membrane surface, and ultimately degrades the overall membrane performance indicating the importance of controlling spacer biofouling. The modification of feed spacer is mainly achieved by altering surface chemistry or introducing novel configurations. However, the stability of spacer coating and the economy and practicality of 3D-printed spacer remain a predicament to be tackled. Future studies are suggested to focus on the standardization of testing conditions for spacer evaluation, the effect of hydrodynamics on membrane fouling control, the design and fabrication of novel feed spacer adaptable for SWM modules, the application of feed spacer for drinking water production, organic fouling control in spacer-filled channel and the role of permeate spacer on membrane performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weichen Lin
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Danyang Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xiao-Mao Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Research and Application Center for Membrane Technology, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Xia Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Research and Application Center for Membrane Technology, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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10
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Gonzalez-Gil G, Behzad AR, Farinha ASF, Zhao C, Bucs SS, Nada T, Das R, Altmann T, Buijs PJ, Vrouwenvelder JS. Clinical Autopsy of a Reverse Osmosis Membrane Module. FRONTIERS IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fceng.2021.683379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The desalination of seawater using reverse osmosis membranes is an attractive solution to global freshwater scarcity. However, membrane performance is reduced by (bio)fouling. Membrane autopsies are essential for identifying the type of fouling material, and applying corrective measures to minimize membrane fouling. Information from full-scale membrane autopsies guiding improved plant operations is scant in the formal literature. In this case-study, a reverse osmosis membrane from a full-scale seawater desalination plant with a feed channel pressure drop increase of about 218% over the pressure vessel was autopsied. The simultaneous determination of microbial cells, ATP, and total organic carbon (TOC) abundances per membrane area allowed estimating the contributions of biofouling and organic fouling. The abundance of microbial cells determined by flow cytometry (up to 7 × 108 cells/cm2), and ATP (up to 21,000 pg/cm2) as well as TOC (up to 98 μg/cm2) were homogeneously distributed on the membrane. Inorganic fouling was also measured, and followed a similar coverage distribution to that of biofouling. Iron (∼150 μg/cm2, estimated by ICP-MS) was the main inorganic foulant. ATR-FTIR spectra supported that membrane fouling was both organic/biological and inorganic. High-resolution SEM-EDS imaging of cross-sectioned membranes allowed assessing the thickness of the fouling layer (up to 20 μm) and its elemental composition. Imaging results further supported the results of homogeneous fouling coverage. Moreover, imaging revealed both zones with and without compression of the polysulfone membrane layer, suggesting that the stress due to operating pressure was heterogeneous. The procedure for this membrane autopsy provided a reasonable overview of the diverse contributors of fouling and might be a starting point to building a consensus autopsy protocol. Next, it would be valuable to build a RO membrane autopsy database, which can be used as a guidance and diagnostic tool to improve the management and operation of RO desalination plants.
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11
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Thamaraiselvan C, Manderfeld E, Kleinberg MN, Rosenhahn A, Arnusch CJ. Superhydrophobic Candle Soot as a Low Fouling Stable Coating on Water Treatment Membrane Feed Spacers. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:4191-4200. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c01677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chidambaram Thamaraiselvan
- The Jacob Blaustein Center for Scientific Cooperation, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer Campus, Midreshet Ben-Gurion 8499000, Israel
- Department of Desalination and Water Treatment, Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer Campus, Midreshet Ben-Gurion 8499000, Israel
| | - Emily Manderfeld
- Analytical Chemistry—Biointerfaces, Faculty for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Maurício Nunes Kleinberg
- Department of Desalination and Water Treatment, Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer Campus, Midreshet Ben-Gurion 8499000, Israel
- Albert Katz International School for Desert Studies, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer Campus, Midreshet Ben-Gurion 8499000, Israel
| | - Axel Rosenhahn
- Analytical Chemistry—Biointerfaces, Faculty for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Christopher J. Arnusch
- Department of Desalination and Water Treatment, Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer Campus, Midreshet Ben-Gurion 8499000, Israel
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12
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Salehmin MNI, Lim SS, Satar I, Daud WRW. Pushing microbial desalination cells towards field application: Prevailing challenges, potential mitigation strategies, and future prospects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 759:143485. [PMID: 33279184 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microbial desalination cells (MDCs) have been experimentally proven as a versatile bioelectrochemical system (BES). They have the potential to alleviate environmental pollution, reduce water scarcity and save energy and operational costs. However, MDCs alone are inadequate to realise a complete wastewater and desalination treatment at a high-efficiency performance. The assembly of identical MDC units that hydraulically and electrically connected can improve the performance better than standalone MDCs. In the same manner, the coupling of MDCs with other BES or conventional water reclamation technology has also exhibits a promising performance. However, the scaling-up effort has been slowly progressing, leading to a lack of knowledge for guiding MDC technology into practicality. Many challenges remain unsolved and should be mitigated before MDCs can be fully implemented in real applications. Here, we aim to provide a comprehensive chronological-based review that covers technological limitations and mitigation strategies, which have been developed for standalone MDCs. We extend our discussion on how assembled, coupled and scaled-up MDCs have improved in comparison with standalone and lab-scale MDC systems. This review also outlines the prevailing challenges and potential mitigation strategies for scaling-up based on large-scale specifications and evaluates the prospects of selected MDC systems to be integrated with conventional anaerobic digestion (AD) and reverse osmosis (RO). This review offers several recommendations to promote up-scaling studies guided by the pilot scale BES and existing water reclamation technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Swee Su Lim
- Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ibdal Satar
- Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD), 55166 Umbulharjo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Wan Ramli Wan Daud
- Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
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13
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Kerdi S, Qamar A, Vrouwenvelder JS, Ghaffour N. Effect of localized hydrodynamics on biofilm attachment and growth in a cross-flow filtration channel. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 188:116502. [PMID: 33065413 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Biofilm attachment and growth in membrane filtration systems are considerably influenced by the localized flow inside the feed channel. The present work aims to map the biofilm attachment/growth mechanism under varying flow conditions. Effect of varying clearance region (space between the spacer filament and membrane surface) on biofouling pattern is investigated by using three 3D-printed pillar spacers having different filament diameters of 340, 500, and 1000 µm while maintaining the same pillar orientation, diameter and height. Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) were carried out to accurately predict the local hydrodynamics behavior and in-situ monitor the biofilm formation. On spacer filaments, biofouling attachment is primarily observed in the regions where low and non-fluctuating shear stresses are present. Conversely, on membrane surface, highest biofouling attachment was observed under spacer filaments where high shear stresses are prevalent along with low clearance height. Furthermore, as filtration time progresses, the biofilm grows faster on the membrane in the center of spacer cells where low shear stress with steady hydrodynamics conditions are prevalent. The proposed hydrodynamics approach envisages a full spectrum of spacer design constraints that can lead to intrinsic biofilm mitigation while improving filtration performance of membranes based water treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kerdi
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adnan Qamar
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Johannes S Vrouwenvelder
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noreddine Ghaffour
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
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14
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Lin WC, Shao RP, Wang XM, Huang X. Impacts of non-uniform filament feed spacers characteristics on the hydraulic and anti-fouling performances in the spacer-filled membrane channels: Experiment and numerical simulation. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 185:116251. [PMID: 32771564 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Feed spacer is universally used in spiral-wound nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) membrane modules. It can separate membrane sheets, create flow channels, promote turbulence and enhance mass transfer. However, it also induces increased pressure drop across the flow channel, and generates dead zones for biofilm growth at specific locations. Optimization of feed spacer geometries is highly desirable for energy saving and biofouling control. In this study, four kinds of commercial feed spacers featured with non-uniform filaments were compared in terms of hydraulic and anti-fouling performances. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were launched to give insights into the impacts of feed spacer characteristics on the flow field. Results show that the hydraulic performance was substantially affected by the number of filament layers (single or dual layer), the non-uniformity of filament diameter and the width of thinning zones. The design of single layer feed spacer of non-uniform filaments was not recommended due to high flow resistance and poor anti-fouling performance. The feed spacer structure of alternating filament diameter contributed to reducing dead zones and alleviating membrane fouling. The thinning zones located adjacent to the filament junctions achieved better anti-fouling performance, as it disturbed the dead zones and partially washed away the deposited foulants. This study demonstrates for the first time that the characteristics of non-uniform filament feed spacer had a crucial impact on the hydraulic and anti-fouling performances, and suggests that more emphasis should be laid on number of filament layers, variation of filament diameter and width and positioning of thinning zones for the optimization of feed spacer geometries in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chen Lin
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Rui-Peng Shao
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xiao-Mao Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Research and Application Center for Membrane Technology, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Xia Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Research and Application Center for Membrane Technology, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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15
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Wei X, Binger ZM, Achilli A, Sanders KT, Childress AE. A modeling framework to evaluate blending of seawater and treated wastewater streams for synergistic desalination and potable reuse. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 170:115282. [PMID: 31739242 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.115282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A modeling framework was developed to evaluate synergistic blending of the waste streams from seawater reverse osmosis (RO) desalination and wastewater treatment facilities that are co-located or in close proximity. Four scenarios were considered, two of which involved blending treated wastewater with the brine resulting from the seawater RO desalination process, effectively diluting RO brine prior to discharge. One of these scenarios considers the capture of salinity-gradient energy. The other two scenarios involved blending treated wastewater with the intake seawater to dilute the influent to the RO process. One of these scenarios incorporates a low-energy osmotic dilution process to provide high-quality pre-treatment for the wastewater. The model framework evaluates required seawater and treated wastewater flowrates, discharge flowrates and components, boron removal, and system energy requirements. Using data from an existing desalination facility in close proximity to a wastewater treatment facility, results showed that the influent blending scenarios (Scenarios 3 and 4) had several advantages over the brine blending scenarios (Scenarios 1 and 2), including: (1) reduced seawater intake and brine discharge flowrates, (2) no need for second-pass RO for boron control, and (3) reduced energy consumption. It should be noted that the framework was developed for use with co-located seawater desalination and coastal wastewater reclamation facilities but could be extended for use with desalination and wastewater reclamation facilities in in-land locations where disposal of RO concentrate is a serious concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wei
- Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, United States
| | - Zachary M Binger
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Andrea Achilli
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Kelly T Sanders
- Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, United States
| | - Amy E Childress
- Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, United States.
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Shin H, Park C, Lee CK, Lee YS, Kim JO. Mitigating biofouling with a vanillin coating on thin film composite reverse osmosis membranes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:1677-1685. [PMID: 31755056 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06653-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Several methods, such as pretreatment, membrane surface modification, feed water chlorination, and chemical cleaning, have recently been applied to control biofouling on reverse osmosis (RO) membranes-with limited success. As an alternative, compounds that inhibit bacterial quorum sensing can be used to disrupt formation of bacterial colonies. In this study, anti-biofouling using vanillin, which is a natural substance among quorum sensing inhibitor compounds, was trialed, by modifying RO membrane surfaces with vanillin, at various concentrations. We then reviewed consequential changes to membrane surface characteristics and vanillin anti-biofouling properties. A long-term RO membrane simulator was used to analyze permeability, contact angle was measured for hydrophilicity evaluation, and membrane surface morphology was analyzed, through atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. A quorum quenching effect was confirmed by utilizing Petrifilm to count bacteria on the surface of a modified membrane. As a result, the permeability of the surface modified membranes was slightly decreased compared to the pristine membrane, but the hydrophilicity was increased, and the number of colonies decreased remarkably, the membrane modified with 0.5 M vanillin outperforming that modified with 0.25 M vanillin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunseo Shin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-Ro, Sungdong-Gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Chansoo Park
- Research Engineering Development Inc., 488 Maesohol-ro, Namdong-gu, Incheon, 22223, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Kyu Lee
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-Ro, Sungdong-Gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
- Research Engineering Development Inc., 488 Maesohol-ro, Namdong-gu, Incheon, 22223, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Soo Lee
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-Ro, Sungdong-Gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Oh Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-Ro, Sungdong-Gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.
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Pilot-Scale Assessment of Urea as a Chemical Cleaning Agent for Biofouling Control in Spiral-Wound Reverse Osmosis Membrane Elements. MEMBRANES 2019; 9:membranes9090117. [PMID: 31500149 PMCID: PMC6780893 DOI: 10.3390/membranes9090117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Routine chemical cleaning with the combined use of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) is carried out as a means of biofouling control in reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. The novelty of the research presented herein is in the application of urea, instead of NaOH, as a chemical cleaning agent to full-scale spiral-wound RO membrane elements. A comparative study was carried out at a pilot-scale facility at the Evides Industriewater DECO water treatment plant in the Netherlands. Three fouled 8-inch diameter membrane modules were harvested from the lead position of one of the full-scale RO units treating membrane bioreactor (MBR) permeate. One membrane module was not cleaned and was assessed as the control. The second membrane module was cleaned by the standard alkali/acid cleaning protocol. The third membrane module was cleaned with concentrated urea solution followed by acid rinse. The results showed that urea cleaning is as effective as the conventional chemical cleaning with regards to restoring the normalized feed channel pressure drop, and more effective in terms of (i) improving membrane permeability, and (ii) solubilizing organic foulants and the subsequent removal of the surface fouling layer. Higher biomass removal by urea cleaning was also indicated by the fact that the total organic carbon (TOC) content in the HCl rinse solution post-urea-cleaning was an order of magnitude greater than in the HCl rinse after standard cleaning. Further optimization of urea-based membrane cleaning protocols and urea recovery and/or waste treatment methods is proposed for full-scale applications.
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Thamaraiselvan C, Carmiel Y, Eliad G, Sukenik CN, Semiat R, Dosoretz CG. Modification of a polypropylene feed spacer with metal oxide-thin film by chemical bath deposition for biofouling control in membrane filtration. J Memb Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2018.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Tsai HY, Huang A, soesanto JF, Luo YL, Hsu TY, Chen CH, Hwang KJ, Ho CD, Tung KL. 3D printing design of turbulence promoters in a cross-flow microfiltration system for fine particles removal. J Memb Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2018.11.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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21
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22
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CT scanning of membrane feed spacers – Impact of spacer model accuracy on hydrodynamic and solute transport modeling in membrane feed channels. J Memb Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Feng XC, Guo WQ, Zheng HS, Wu QL, Luo HC, Ren NQ. Effect of metabolic uncoupler, 3,3′,4′,5-tetrachlorosalicylanilide (TCS) on Bacillus subtilis: biofilm formation, flocculability and surface characteristics. RSC Adv 2018; 8:16178-16186. [PMID: 35542191 PMCID: PMC9080271 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra02315h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to understand the inhibitory mechanism of metabolic uncoupler in biofilm, this study investigated the effect of TCS on B. subtilis biofilm formation, flocculability, surface characteristics and thermodynamic properties. An optimal concentration of TCS, a metabolic uncoupler, was observed to substantially inhibit biofilm formation and the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The effect of TCS on the zeta potential and flocculability of bacterial suspension implied the addition of 100 μg L−1 TCS increased the net negative charge of cell surface which induced the reduction of B. subtilis flocculability. Meanwhile, the effects of TCS on bacterial surfacial thermodynamic properties were analyzed by the Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO) and extend DLVO (XDLVO) theories. As DLVO and XDLVO predicted, the primary energy barrier between bacterial cells incubated with 100 μg L−1 TCS were increased compared to that of control, indicating that B. subtilis incubated with 100 μg L−1 TCS must consume more energy to aggregate or form biofilm. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory mechanism of metabolic uncoupler on biofilm formation through surface characteristics and thermodynamics analysis.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Chi Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment
- Harbin Institute of Technology
- Harbin
- P. R. China
| | - Wan-Qian Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment
- Harbin Institute of Technology
- Harbin
- P. R. China
| | - He-Shan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment
- Harbin Institute of Technology
- Harbin
- P. R. China
| | - Qing-Lian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment
- Harbin Institute of Technology
- Harbin
- P. R. China
| | - Hai-Chao Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment
- Harbin Institute of Technology
- Harbin
- P. R. China
| | - Nan-Qi Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment
- Harbin Institute of Technology
- Harbin
- P. R. China
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Siddiqui A, Lehmann S, Haaksman V, Ogier J, Schellenberg C, van Loosdrecht MCM, Kruithof JC, Vrouwenvelder JS. Porosity of spacer-filled channels in spiral-wound membrane systems: Quantification methods and impact on hydraulic characterization. WATER RESEARCH 2017; 119:304-311. [PMID: 28501608 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The porosity of spacer-filled feed channels influences the hydrodynamics of spiral-wound membrane systems and impacts the overall performance of the system. Therefore, an exact measurement and a detailed understanding of the impact of the feed channel porosity is required to understand and improve the hydrodynamics of spiral-wound membrane systems applied for desalination and wastewater reuse. The objectives of this study were to assess the accuracy of porosity measurement techniques for feed spacers differing in geometry and thickness and the consequences of using an inaccurate method on hydrodynamic predictions, which may affect permeate production. Six techniques were applied to measure the porosity namely, three volumetric techniques based on spacer strand count together with a cuboidal (SC), cylindrical (VCC) and ellipsoidal volume calculation (VCE) and three independent techniques based on volume displacement (VD), weight and density (WD) and computed tomography (CT) scanning. The CT method was introduced as an alternative for the other five already existing and applied methods in practice. Six feed spacers used for the porosity measurement differed in filament thickness, angle between the filaments and mesh-size. The results of the studies showed differences between the porosities, measured by the six methods. The results of the microscopic techniques SC, VCC and VCE deviated significantly from measurements by VD, WD and CT, which showed similar porosity values for all spacer types. Depending on the maximum deviation of the porosity measurement techniques from -6% to +6%, (i) the linear velocity deviations were -5.6% and +6.4% respectively and (ii) the pressure drop deviations were -31% and +43% respectively, illustrating the importance of an accurate porosity measurement. Because of the accuracy and standard deviation, the VD and WD method should be applied for the porosity determination of spacer-filled channels, while the CT method is recommended for numerical modelling purposes. The porosity has a linear relationship with the flow velocity and a superlinear effect on the pressure drop. Accurate porosity data are essential to evaluate feed spacer performance in spiral-wound membrane systems. Porosity of spacer-filled feed channels has a strong impact on membrane performance and biofouling impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Siddiqui
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| | - S Lehmann
- LANXESS BU Liquid Purification Technologies, R&D Membranes, 06803 Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany.
| | - V Haaksman
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - J Ogier
- LANXESS BU Liquid Purification Technologies, R&D Membranes, 06803 Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany.
| | - C Schellenberg
- LANXESS BU Liquid Purification Technologies, R&D Membranes, 06803 Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany.
| | - M C M van Loosdrecht
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - J C Kruithof
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.
| | - J S Vrouwenvelder
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands; Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.
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