Bench-scale testing of surfactant-modified reverse osmosis/nanofiltration membranes

Michelle Chapman Wilbert, John Pellegrino, Andrew Zydney

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

91 Scopus citations

Abstract

An homologous series of polyethylene-oxide surfactants, with either octylphenol or polypropylene oxide 'head' groups, were applied to commercial cellulose acetate blend (CA) and polyamide (PA) reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) membranes. The pressure-normalized permeate flow (NPF) and salt rejection were evaluated before and after fouling with a vegetable protein broth. Surface changes were characterized using atomic force microscopy and electro-kinetic analysis. The transport results from both the swatch and element testing were used in a simple economic model to assess operating costs. Results indicate that cost savings are possible based on the changes in NPF and salt rejection.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)15-32
Number of pages18
JournalDesalination
Volume115
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1998

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering
  • General Materials Science
  • Water Science and Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering

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