Physicochemical Characterization of Membrane (Bio-)Fouling with Field-Flow Fractionation and Raman Microspectroscopy / BayWater_Part D
Objectives
- Development, implementation, and validation of a Membrane-Fouling-Simulator (MFS)
- Physicochemical characterization of reverse osmosis membrane (bio-) fouling using the MFS, Raman Microspectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy
Methods of Approach
- Field-flow fractionation (FFF)
- Raman Microspectroscopy (RM)
- Image analysis employing TUM-ParticleTyper
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Description
The aim of the BayWater project is to enable the implementation of long-lasting and efficient membrane filtration for the treatment of lightly polluted wastewater in industry. Currently, the energy-efficient use of membrane filtration in continuous processes is hindered by the deposition of particles or solutes on the membrane, known as (bio-)fouling. To reduce this attachment, adequate pre-treatment steps must be included before the membrane filtration. To find the most efficient pre-treatment, better knowledge of the (bio-)fouling process and the affecting parameters has to be gained.
In this sub-project, comprehensive physicochemical characterization of the reverse osmosis membrane (bio-)fouling should be enabled using an easily adjustable Membrane-Fouling-Simulator (MFS) coupled to a Field-Flow Fractionation (FFF) System (Postnova Analytics GmbH). The MFS will be developed and implemented based on an existing AF4 channel in collaboration with Postnova Analytics GmbH. Synthetic wastewater will be used for analysis. The online analytical methods of the retentate include inline detection with Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS) and UV-Vis. The membrane will be analyzed using offline analytical techniques such as Raman Microspectroscopy (RM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) / Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX).
