AWWA MTC61145

Low fouling membranes have been touted as a solution to the reduction inperformance that is often observed in membrane processes. A recentinvestigation conducted by Alexander et al., however, found that a number ofmembranes characterized as "low-fouling" actually had higher foulingpropensities than other standard membranes. Nevertheless, the authors couldonly speculate as to why these membranes performed at these levels. To thisend, the study examines the surface characteristics of a low-fouling membraneand compares them to those of a standard reverse osmosis (RO) membrane. The performance ofboth membranes is characterized using hydrophilic and hydrophobic colloids anddiscussed in terms of their surface chemistries to determine the mechanisms bywhich low-fouling membranes may become fouled. Includes 24 references, tables, figures.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. - No.

Published:

03/01/2005

Number of Pages:

14

File Size:

1 file , 1.1 MB