Insight into the membrane fouling in a pilot SWNF system with different membrane module arrangements

Membrane fouling discrepancies induced by different membrane module arrangements in nanofiltration (NF) systems call for systematical investigation for the reasonable design and application of NF systems. Here three perspectives involving comparison analysis of fouling behaviors, mathematic evaluation of fouling energy losses, and fouling mechanisms, enabled deep insight into the membrane fouling differences deriving from membrane module arrangements in a pilot spiral wound nanofiltration (SWNF) system. The results showed that Two-TwoOne NF system took higher energy of 5484.28 kJ for producing 1000 L of permeate water than did Three-Two NF system with solely 4338.51 kJ, revealing that the fouling degree of Two-Two-One NF system was much more severe than that of Three-Two NF system. Finally, their fouling mechanisms further demonstrated a greater degree of membrane fouling for Two-Two-One NF system, based on its higher initial flux and the longer flow path than that of Three-Two NF system. Briefly, the systematical insight into the effects of membrane module arrangements on membrane fouling in terms of fouling behaviors and Bernoulli's equation and fouling mechanisms will lay a holistic and systematic foundation to design efficient membrane system with less membrane fouling.

Automated summary

A systematic investigation into the membrane fouling discrepancies induced by different membrane module arrangements in nanofiltration systems revealed that the degree of fouling was more severe in systems with a Two-Two-One arrangement compared to a Three-Two arrangement. The higher energy consumption and greater membrane fouling mechanisms in the Two-Two-One arrangement highlighted the importance of understanding the effects of membrane module arrangements on membrane fouling for designing efficient membrane systems.