Predicting the penetration behavior of colloidal foulants into membrane pore channels using A collision-attachment-based particle capture model

Abstract

We present a novel particle capture model based on a collision-attachment concept to predict the penetration behavior of colloidal foulants into membrane pore channels during microfiltration/ultrafiltration processes. This approach conceptualizes fouling as the result of colloidal particles colliding with and attaching to the walls of the membrane pores. Our model predictions align closely with experimental results, effectively capturing the dynamics of flux decline under different applied pressures. Modelling results highlight the critical roles of foulant-pore wall energy barrier, membrane pore size, and membrane thickness in shaping foulant deposition patterns. A lower energy barrier increases the probability of particle capture near the entrance of the membrane pores. In contrast, a higher barrier reduces the attachment probability, allowing foulants to penetrate deeper into the pores and diminishing their overall deposition amount. A smaller pore size enhances the collision frequency of particles with pore walls, while a thicker membrane increases the likelihood of foulants adhesion to the pore walls due to the extended residence time within the pores. These insights into particles capture dynamics within membrane pores offer valuable implications for membrane design and optimization processes in water and wastewater treatment.