Influence of foulant particle shape on membrane fouling in dead-end microfiltration

In view of the proliferating applications involving membrane-based separation, inevitable membrane fouling phenomenon is well-studied. However, influence foulant shape on remained incompletely understood. Therefore, goal this study was to investigate behaviors by three different shapes latex particles (namely, peanut, pear and sphere) with similar mean diameters in range 3.5–3.8 ?m. External internal were studied using polycarbonate track-etched (PCTE) membranes nominal pore sizes 2 8 ?m, respectively. Flux data taken, models, optical coherence tomography (OCT) field-emission scanning electron microscope employed. Regarding external fouling, sphere-shaped displayed worst flux decline, which tied greatest tendency deposit pores, as revealed network model. As for decline curves more among particle types. The model shows gave densest cake, caused slightly steeper latter part filtration. Furthermore, OCT indicates that highest fractions at 7.5 ?m below exhibited peanut-shaped particles, due preferential vertical orientation resulting deeper penetration. Results here highlight non-negligible shape, warrants further understanding accounting studies. • Used reveal fouling. Spheres prone pore-blockage thus decline. Non-spherical less dense cakes rotational effects. Peanut-shaped penetrated orientation. Particle affected when dominant.