Fouling control investigation by pH optimization during olive mill wastewater ultrafiltration

In recent years, the study of membrane processes for recovery valuable phenolic compounds from olive mill wastewater (OMW) has been intensified. The selected OMW pH ultrafiltration is one variables affecting productivity, selectivity and fouling. An in-depth characterization fouling was performed 150 kDa ceramic tubular selected. At three tested (2, 6 9), a high retention suspended matter 98% associated to low (1%). 2, volume reduction only 15% reached with permeate flux 15 L.h-1.m-2. Adsorption phenomena due formation compact gel layer pectin highly mineralized have caused severe productivity at 9 were quite similar initial 160 L.h-1.m-2 final 80%. As fractionation around 25% carbohydrate content measured 6, this specific seems be more relevant than where 7% retained. Furthermore removable mainly by agglomerates.