Protein fouling of asymmetric and composite microfiltration membranes

C. C. Ho, A. L. Zydney

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

56 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although many microfiltration membranes have asymmetric or composite structures, there is little understanding of the effects of this multilayer structure on fouling. A new model was developed that explicitly accounts for fluid flow through two layers: an upper layer with noninterconnected pores and a substructure with highly interconnected pores. Initial fouling occurs by pore blockage, with a cake layer then forming over those regions covered by foulant. Model calculations are in excellent agreement with experimental data for the filtrate flux and resistance during constant-pressure filtration of bovine serum albumin. The highly interconnected pores within the support structure reduce the rate of flux decline by shunting more fluid through the open pores. The extra resistance provided by the support also reduces the relative importance of the protein deposit. The results provide important insights into the effects of pore morphology on membrane fouling.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1412-1421
Number of pages10
JournalIndustrial and Engineering Chemistry Research
Volume40
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 7 2001

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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