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.