Ricerc@Sapienza

The design and operation of membrane purification plants implies the prediction and control of dynamic fouling phenomena as a key to succeed. In this research article, the boundary flux theory was used to set-up and control the operating framework and model the performance of a NF membrane operation, for the purification of olive mill wastewater (OMW) previously conducted to different pretreatments. Olive oil is produced by means of a technological process which avoids the use any chemicals.

Dynamic membrane system behaviour must be adequately addressed to avoid process unfeasibility. The lack of proper analysis will mean relying on erroneous permeate flux values in the system design, which will lead to quick and/or steady high fouling rates. In this paper, the authors present additional data supporting the boundary flux theory as a helpful tool for membrane engineers to carefully avoid process failures.

The boundary flux concept permits to describe the fouling behaviour of membrane systems as a function of the operating time. The method relies on a set of equations that is possible to integrate in time, thus permitting to evaluate the separation process outcome and performances. This study focuses on the relationship between the membrane area requirements and specific parameters of the boundary flux concept on different membrane systems characterized by different waste feed streams and operating conditions.

The boundary flux concept permits to describe the fouling behaviour of membrane systems as a function of the operating time. The method relies on a set of equations that is possible to integrate in time, thus permitting to evaluate the separation process outcome and performances. This study focuses on the relationship between the membrane area requirements and specific parameters of the boundary flux concept on different membrane systems characterized by different waste feed streams and operating conditions.