Fouling

Fouling depends on the attraction of substances to the membrane and on concentration. As concentration polarization increase concentration right at the worst possible place, the surface of the membrane, it can seriously increase fouling. Even a new membrane quickly shows a decline in flux.

Decline in Flux with Time

Attraction depends on the natures of the fouling materials and the membrane. Many common fouling materials are organic in nature and will be attracted to a hydrophobic membrane. A hydrophillic membrane should foul more slowly in the presence of such compounds.

Scouring of the membrane will remove fouling compounds and reduce concentration polarization.

Particle migration in the fluid is also important, but an animation of such effects is not presently in this presentation.

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Last update 8-FEB-95