scholarly journals Applied pilot-scale studies on ceramic membrane processes for the treatment of wastewater streams

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-30

Asymmetric multilayer Al2O3 ceramic membranes with pore sizes ranging from 3 to 500 nm are synthesized in tubular form with external diameter of 14mm, internal diameter of 8mm and length of 340mm. The membrane synthesis took place on commercially available supports, with the dip-coating technique either from aloumina particle suspensions or from boehmite sols. The membranes are subsequently mounted in a pilot-scale module able to accept six specimens, and used in micro- and ultra- filtration experiments for the purification of aqueous streams from suspended solids. The experimental module is equipped with a back-flushing circuit that can be activated on demand to prevent the fouling of the membranes and the associated reduction in permeability. For the microfiltration experiments membranes with 100nm pore size are used. In the case of an aqueous solid suspension with a concentration of 0.1 to 1 wt.% consisting of solid particles with an average size of 0.5 μm, complete solid rejection is observed. The process has a capability of treating 0.8 m3 of feed per hour per square meter of membrane surface under an average pressure difference of 3 x 105 Nt m-2. The fouling of the membranes can be quite effectively reduced by back flushing at regular time intervals. Under complete retentate recycling conditions, more than 95% of the feed volume can be recovered as microparticle free water. For the ultrafiltration experiments membranes with 3 nm pore sizes are used. In the case of an aqueous solid suspension of nanoparticles with a concentration of 0.1 to 1 wt.% consisting of solid particles with sizes of 20-30 nm the rejection was also almost complete. The process has in this case a capability of treating 0.16 m3 of feed per hour per square meter of membrane surface under an average pressure difference of 3 x 105 Nt m-2. Fouling appears not to cause serious permeability drop in this case probably because even after the nanoparticle deposition the membrane hydraulic resistance is the permeability determining step. Almost the entire feed volume can be recovered as nanoparticle free water under complete retentate recycling conditions. Purification experiments are also performed in olive oil mill wastewater. Best results are achieved by using a two step membrane process with gradually decreasing pore size. Although complete rejection of solids and significant reduction of the BOD5 and phenol content of the wastes is achieved, the very low permeability is the main draw back of the process.

2012 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 151-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Hambsch ◽  
M. Bösl ◽  
I. Eberhagen ◽  
U. Müller

This study examines mechanisms for removal of bacteriophages (MS2 and phiX174) by ceramic membranes without application of flocculants. The ceramic membranes considered included ultra- and microfiltration membranes of different materials. Phages were spiked into the feed water in pilot scale tests in a waterworks. The membranes with pore sizes of 10 nm provided a 2.5–4.0 log removal of the phages. For pore sizes of 50 nm, the log removal dropped to 0.96–1.8. The membrane with a pore size of 200 nm did not remove phages. So, the removal of both MS2- and phiX174-phages depended on the pore size of the membranes. But apart from pore size also other factors influence the removal of phages. Removal was 0.5–0.9 log higher for MS2-phages compared with phiX174-phages. Size exclusion seems to be the major but not the only mechanism which influences the efficiency of phage removal by ceramic membranes.


2017 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 181-201
Author(s):  
Rebecca Johnson ◽  
Mark Longman ◽  
Brian Ruskin

The Three Forks Formation, which is about 230 ft thick along the southern Nesson Anticline (McKenzie County, ND), has four “benches” with distinct petrographic and petrophysical characteristics that impact reservoir quality. These relatively clean benches are separated by slightly more illitic (higher gamma-ray) intervals that range in thickness from 10 to 20 ft. Here we compare pore sizes observed in scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the benches to the total porosity calculated from binned precession decay times from a suite of 13 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logs in the study area as well as the logarithmic mean of the relaxation decay time (T2 Log Mean) from these NMR logs. The results show that the NMR log is a valid tool for quantifying pore sizes and pore size distributions in the Three Forks Formation and that the T2 Log Mean can be correlated to a range of pore sizes within each bench of the Three Forks Formation. The first (shallowest) bench of the Three Forks is about 35 ft thick and consists of tan to green silty and shaly laminated dolomite mudstones. It has good reservoir characteristics in part because it was affected by organic acids and received the highest oil charge from the overlying lower Bakken black shale source rocks. The 13 NMR logs from the study area show that it has an average of 7.5% total porosity (compared to 8% measured core porosity), and ranges from 5% to 10%. SEM study shows that both intercrystalline pores and secondary moldic pores formed by selective partial dissolution of some grains are present. The intercrystalline pores are typically triangular and occur between euhedral dolomite rhombs that range in size from 10 to 20 microns. The dolomite crystals have distinct iron-rich (ferroan) rims. Many of the intercrystalline pores are partly filled with fibrous authigenic illite, but overall pore size typically ranges from 1 to 5 microns. As expected, the first bench has the highest oil saturations in the Three Forks Formation, averaging 50% with a range from 30% to 70%. The second bench is also about 35 ft thick and consists of silty and shaly dolomite mudstones and rip-up clast breccias with euhedral dolomite crystals that range in size from 10 to 25 microns. Its color is quite variable, ranging from green to tan to red. The reservoir quality of the second bench data set appears to change based on proximity to the Nesson anticline. In the wells off the southeast flank of the Nesson anticline, the water saturation averages 75%, ranging from 64% to 91%. On the crest of the Nesson anticline, the water saturation averages 55%, ranging from 40% to 70%. NMR porosity is consistent across the entire area of interest - averaging 7.3% and ranging from 5% to 9%. Porosity observed from samples collected on the southeast flank of the Nesson Anticline is mainly as intercrystalline pores that have been extensively filled with chlorite clay platelets. In the water saturated southeastern Nesson Anticline, this bench contains few or no secondary pores and the iron-rich rims on the dolomite crystals are less developed than those in the first bench. The chlorite platelets in the intercrystalline pores reduce average pore size to 500 to 800 nanometers. The third bench is about 55 ft thick and is the most calcareous of the Three Forks benches with 20 to 40% calcite and a proportionate reduction in dolomite content near its top. It is also quite silty and shaly with a distinct reddish color. Its dolomite crystals are 20 to 50 microns in size and partly abraded and dissolved. Ferroan dolomite rims are absent. This interval averages 7.1% porosity and ranges from 5% to 9%, but the pores average just 200 nanometers in size and occur mainly as microinterparticle pores between illite flakes in intracrystalline pores in the dolomite crystals. This interval has little or no oil saturation on the southern Nesson Anticline. Unlike other porosity tools, the NMR tool is a lithology independent measurement. The alignment of hydrogen nuclei to the applied magnetic field and the subsequent return to incoherence are described by two decay time constants, longitudinal relaxation time (T1) and transverse relaxation time (T2). T2 is essentially the rate at which hydrogen nuclei lose alignment to the external magnetic field. The logarithmic mean of T2 (T2 Log Mean) has been correlated to pore-size distribution. In this study, we show that the assumption that T2 Log Mean can be used as a proxy for pore-size distribution changes is valid in the Three Forks Formation. While the NMR total porosity from T2 remains relatively consistent in the three benches of the Three Forks, there are significant changes in the T2 Log Mean from bench to bench. There is a positive correlation between changes in T2 Log Mean and average pore size measured on SEM samples. Study of a “type” well, QEP’s Ernie 7-2-11 BHD (Sec. 11, T149N, R95W, McKenzie County), shows that the 1- to 5-micron pores in the first bench have a T2 Log Mean relaxation time of 10.2 msec, whereas the 500- to 800-nanometer pores in the chlorite-filled intercrystalline pores in the second bench have a T2 Log Mean of 4.96 msec. This compares with a T2 Log Mean of 2.86 msec in 3rd bench where pores average just 200 nanometers in size. These data suggest that the NMR log is a useful tool for quantifying average pore size in the various benches of the Three Forks Formation.


2003 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 257-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Boonsong ◽  
S. Piyatiratitivorakul ◽  
P. Patanaponpaiboon

The study evaluated the possibility of using mangrove plantation to treat municipal wastewater. Two types of pilot scale (100 × 150 m2) free water surface constructed wetland were set up. One system was a natural Avicennia marina dominated forest system. The other system was a newly planted system in which seedlings of Rhizophora spp., A. marina, Bruguiera cylindrica and Ceriops tagal were planted in 4 strips. Municipal wastewater was retained within the systems for 7 and 3 days, respectively. The results indicated that the average removal percentage of TSS, BOD, NO3-N, NH4-N, TN, PO4-P and TP in the newly planted system were 27.6-77.1, 43.9-53.9, 37.6-47.5, 81.1-85.9, 44.8-54.4, 24.7-76.8 and 22.6-65.3, respectively. Whereas the removal percentage of those parameters in the natural forest system were 17.1-65.9, 49.5-51.1, 44.0-60.9, 51.1-83.5, 43.4-50.4, 28.7-58.9 and 28.3-48.0, respectively. Generally, the removal percentages within the newly planted system and the natural forest system were not significantly different. However, when the removal percentages were compared with detention time, TSS, PO4-P and TP percentages removed were significantly higher in the 7-day detention time treatment. Even though the removal percentages were highly varied and temporally dependent, the overall results showed that mangrove plantation could be used as constructed wetland for municipal wastewater treatment in a similar way to the natural mangrove system.


1996 ◽  
Vol 431 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. P. Steckle ◽  
M. A. Mitchell ◽  
P. G. Apen

AbstractOrganic analogues to inorganic zeolites would be a significant step forward in engineered porous materials and would provide advantages in range, selectivity, tailorability and processing. Rigid molecular foams or “organic zeolites” would not be crystalline materials and could be tailored over a broader range of pore sizes and volumes. A novel process for preparing hypercrosslinked polymeric foams has been developed via a Friedel-Crafts polycondensation reaction. A series of rigid hypercrosslinked foams have been prepared using simple rigid polyaromatic hydrocarbons including benzene, biphenyl, m-terphenyl, diphenylmethane, and polystyrene, with p-dichloroxylene (DCX) or divinylbenzene (DVB) as the crosslinking agent. Transparent gels are formed suggesting a very small pore size. After drying the foams are robust and rigid. Densities of the resulting foams can range from 0.15g/cc to 0.75g/cc. Nitrogen adsorption studies have shown that by judiciously selecting monomers and crosslinking agent along with the level of crosslinking and the cure time of the resulting gel, the pore size, pore size distribution, and the total surface area of the foam can be tailored. Surface areas range from 160 to 1,200 m2/g with pore sizes ranging from 6Å to 2,000Å. Further evidence of the uniformity of the foams and their pore sizes has been confirmed by high resolution TEM.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amira Abdelrasoul

The low-pressure membrane applications are considered to be the most effective and sustainable methods of addressing environmental problems in treating water and wastewater that meets or exceed stringent environmental standards. Nevertheless, membrane fouling is one of the primary operational concerns that is currently hindering a more widespread application of ultrafiltration (UF) with a variety of contaminants. Membrane fouling leads to higher operating costs, higher energy demand, reduced membrane life time, and increased cleaning frequency. As a consequence, an efficient and well-planned UF process is becoming a necessity for consistent and long-term monetary returns. Examining the source and mechanisms of foulant attachment to the membrane’s surface is critical when it comes to the research of membrane fouling and its potential practical implementation. A mathematical model was developed in this study in order to predict the amount of fouling based on an analysis of particle attachments. This model was developed using both homogeneous and heterogeneous membranes, with a uniform and non-uniform pore sizes for the UF of simulated latex effluent with a wide range of particle size distribution. The objective of this mathematical model was to effectively identify and address the common shortcomings of previous fouling models, and to account for the existing chemical attachments in membrane fouling. The mathematical model resulting from this study was capable of accurately predicting the mass of fouling retained by the membrane and the increase in transmembrane pressure (TMP). In addition, predictive models of fouling attachments were derived and now form an extensive set of mathematical models necessary for the prediction of membrane fouling at a given operating condition, as well as, the various membrane surface charges. Polycarbonate and Polysulfone flat membranes, with pore sizes of 0.05 μm and a molecular weight cut off of 60,000 respectively, were used in the experimental designs under a constant feed flow rate and a cross-flow mode in UF of the simulated latex paint effluent. The TMP estimated from the model agreed with the experimentally measured values at different operating conditions, mostly within 5.0 - 8.0 % error, and up to 13.0% error for the uniform, and non-uniform pore size membranes, respectively. Furthermore, different types of membranes with a variety of molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) values were tested so as to evaluate the accuracy of the models for a generalized application. In addition , a power consumption model, incorporating fouling attachment as well as chemical and physical factors in membrane fouling, was developed in order to ensure accurate prediction and scale-up. Innovative remediation techniques were likewise developed and applied in order to minimize membrane fouling, enhance the membrane performance, and save energy. Fouling remediation methodologies included the pre-treating of the latex effluent, so as to limit its fouling propensity by using different types of surfactants as cationic and anionic, in addition to the pH change. The antifouling properties of the membranes were improved through the implementation of the membrane pH treatment and anionic surfactant treatment. Increasing the ionic strength of latex effluent or enhancing the membrane surface hydrophilicity facilitated a significant increase in the cumulative permeate flux, a substantial decrease in the total mass of fouling, and a noticeable decrease in the specific power consumption.


Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (22) ◽  
pp. 7029
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Blauciak ◽  
Pawel Szymanski ◽  
Dariusz Mikielewicz

This paper presents the results of experiments carried out on a specially designed experimental rig designed for the study of capillary pressure generated in the Loop Heat Pipe (LHP) evaporator. The commercially available porous structure made of sintered stainless steel constitutes the wick. Three different geometries of the porous wicks were tested, featuring the pore radius of 1, 3 and 7 µm. Ethanol and water as two different working fluids were tested at three different evaporator temperatures and three different installation charges. The paper firstly presents distributions of generated pressure in the LHP, indicating that the capillary pressure difference is generated in the porous structure. When installing with a wick that has a pore size of 1 μm and water as a working fluid, the pressure difference can reach up to 2.5 kPa at the installation charge of 65 mL. When installing with a wick that has a pore size of 1 μm and ethanol as a working fluid, the pressure difference can reach up to 2.1 kPa at the installation charge of 65 mL. The integral characteristics of the LHP were developed, namely, the mass flow rate vs. applied heat flux for both fluids. The results show that water offers larger pressure differences for developing the capillary pressure effect in the installation in comparison to ethanol. Additionally, this research presents the feasibility of manufacturing inexpensive LHPs with filter medium as a wick material and its influence on the LHP’s thermal performance.


1970 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M.R Othman, H. Mukhtar ◽  
A.L. Ahmad

An overview of parameters affecting gas permeation in inorganic membranes is presented. These factors include membrane physical characteristics, operational parameters and gas molecular characteristics. The membrane physical characteristics include membrane materials and surface area, porosity, pore size and pore size distribution and membrane morphology. The operational parameters include feed flow rate and concentration, stage cut, temperature and pressure. The gas molecular characteristics include gas molecular weight, diameter, critical temperature, critical pressure, Lennard-Jones parameters and diffusion volumes. The current techniques of material characterization may require complementary method in describing microscopic heterogeneity of the porous ceramic media. The method to be incorporated in the future will be to apply a stochastic model and/or fractal dimension. Keywords: Inorganic membrane, surface adsorption, Knudsen diffusion, Micro-porous membrane, permeation, gas separation.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amira Abdelrasoul

The low-pressure membrane applications are considered to be the most effective and sustainable methods of addressing environmental problems in treating water and wastewater that meets or exceed stringent environmental standards. Nevertheless, membrane fouling is one of the primary operational concerns that is currently hindering a more widespread application of ultrafiltration (UF) with a variety of contaminants. Membrane fouling leads to higher operating costs, higher energy demand, reduced membrane life time, and increased cleaning frequency. As a consequence, an efficient and well-planned UF process is becoming a necessity for consistent and long-term monetary returns. Examining the source and mechanisms of foulant attachment to the membrane’s surface is critical when it comes to the research of membrane fouling and its potential practical implementation. A mathematical model was developed in this study in order to predict the amount of fouling based on an analysis of particle attachments. This model was developed using both homogeneous and heterogeneous membranes, with a uniform and non-uniform pore sizes for the UF of simulated latex effluent with a wide range of particle size distribution. The objective of this mathematical model was to effectively identify and address the common shortcomings of previous fouling models, and to account for the existing chemical attachments in membrane fouling. The mathematical model resulting from this study was capable of accurately predicting the mass of fouling retained by the membrane and the increase in transmembrane pressure (TMP). In addition, predictive models of fouling attachments were derived and now form an extensive set of mathematical models necessary for the prediction of membrane fouling at a given operating condition, as well as, the various membrane surface charges. Polycarbonate and Polysulfone flat membranes, with pore sizes of 0.05 μm and a molecular weight cut off of 60,000 respectively, were used in the experimental designs under a constant feed flow rate and a cross-flow mode in UF of the simulated latex paint effluent. The TMP estimated from the model agreed with the experimentally measured values at different operating conditions, mostly within 5.0 - 8.0 % error, and up to 13.0% error for the uniform, and non-uniform pore size membranes, respectively. Furthermore, different types of membranes with a variety of molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) values were tested so as to evaluate the accuracy of the models for a generalized application. In addition , a power consumption model, incorporating fouling attachment as well as chemical and physical factors in membrane fouling, was developed in order to ensure accurate prediction and scale-up. Innovative remediation techniques were likewise developed and applied in order to minimize membrane fouling, enhance the membrane performance, and save energy. Fouling remediation methodologies included the pre-treating of the latex effluent, so as to limit its fouling propensity by using different types of surfactants as cationic and anionic, in addition to the pH change. The antifouling properties of the membranes were improved through the implementation of the membrane pH treatment and anionic surfactant treatment. Increasing the ionic strength of latex effluent or enhancing the membrane surface hydrophilicity facilitated a significant increase in the cumulative permeate flux, a substantial decrease in the total mass of fouling, and a noticeable decrease in the specific power consumption.


2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 3122-3133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruben Heimböckel ◽  
Frank Hoffmann ◽  
Michael Fröba

A new capacitor model that confirms the non-constant capacitive contribution of different pore sizes and provides the possibility of simulating the capacitance values of porous carbons.


Author(s):  
Bingbing Li ◽  
Bani Davod Hesar ◽  
Yiwen Zhao ◽  
Li Ding

Pore size, external shape, and internal complexity of additively manufactured porous titanium scaffolds are three primary determinants of cell viability and structural strength of scaffolds in bone tissue engineering. To obtain an optimal design with the combination of all three determinants, four scaffolds each with a unique topology (external geometry and internal structure) were designed and varied the pore sizes of each scaffold 3 times. For each topology, scaffolds with pore sizes of 300, 400, and 500 µm were designed. All designed scaffolds were additively manufactured in material Ti6Al4V by the direct metal laser melting machine. Compression test was conducted on the scaffolds to assure meeting minimum compressive strength of human bone. The effects of pore size and topology on the cell viability of the scaffolds were analyzed. The 12 scaffolds were ultrasonically cleaned and seeded with NIH3T3 cells. Each scaffold was seeded with 1 million cells. After 32 days of culturing, the cells were fixed for their three-dimensional architecture preservation and to obtain scanning electron microscope images.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document