An investigation into the factors affecting precoat performance in woven-fibre microfiltration

Submitted in fulfilment of the academic requirements for the Degree of Masters in Technology: Chemical Engineering, M.L. Sultan Technikon, 2002. / Crossflow microfiltration (CFMF) using a fabric support has been successfully used to treat a range of problematic waters. Experimental evidence indicates that the formation of a dynamic membrane or precoat on a woven-fibre microfilter can significantly increase the performance of the filter, that is, the production rate and rejection. The use of precoats in filtration applications is based on the precoat's unique microstructure that is able to trap sub-micron particles while maintaining a permeable filter cake. However, to date the precoating step has been more of an art than a science. Very little knowledge exists on the best type of precoat to use, or the the optimal velocity, pressure and concentration to form a stable precoat. Further, although various models have been proposed for CFMF, their still exists a lack of knowledge of the mechanisms by which precoats improve performance. / M

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:dut/oai:ir.dut.ac.za:10321/2859
Date January 2002
CreatorsVallabh, Shadana
ContributorsPillay, Lingam
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
Format143 p

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