Kinetics of permeate flux decline and fouling mechanism characterization of colloidal system ultrafiltration: experimental and modeling study

摘要

Herein, three kinetic models were employed to describe the flux dynamics in terms of the initial flux, flux decline extent, flux decline rate and steady-state flux during crossflow ultrafiltration of skimmilk. Homographic kinetic model as the best approach was employed for dynamic modeling of permeate flux of skimmilk ultrafiltration at different feed flow rates (FRs), transmembrane pressures (TMPs), temperatures, pH and NaCl levels. All fouling mechanisms presented during the ultrafiltration but dominated by complete blocking. Also, fouling mechanisms were analyzed using Hermia's models. Cake layer showed the highest percentage increase per 1 bar increase in TMP (in the range of 0.3-1 bar), 0.01% increase in NaCl concentration (0-0.12% w/w), 0.1 unit decrease in pH (5.60-6.00), and 1 L/min decrease in FR (30-46 L/min) among other fouling mechanisms.