Author
S. Gutiérrez Ruiz
Bio: S. Gutiérrez Ruiz is an academic researcher from University of Cádiz. The author has contributed to research in topics: Fouling & Reverse osmosis. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 1 citations.
Topics: Fouling, Reverse osmosis, Osmotic power, Reverse osmosis plant, Seawater
Papers
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TL;DR: In this paper, a previously fouled polyamide membrane was subjected to different washing agents and using different concentrations of the same cleaning reagents, and the results indicated that the performance of cleaning using a mixture of reagents and alternating alkaline and acidic media, enabled maximum recovery of the membrane permeate flux (94.2 %) and a significant reduction in the consumption of cleaning agents.
Abstract: Seawater contains a number of organic and inorganic components that cause fouling of membranes when subjected to a process of reverse osmosis desalination. This fouling is one of the most important problems in the management of desalination plants, as it entails a significant loss in system performance. For membranes to be able to continue operating under appropriate conditions, they must undergo periodic cleaning protocols. This paper presents the results obtained when, subjecting a previously fouled aromatic polyamide membrane to different washing agents and using different concentrations of the same. Optimal concentrations of cleaning reagents were established. The results indicate that the performance of cleaning using a mixture of reagents, and alternating alkaline and acidic media, enabled maximum recovery of the membrane permeate flux (94.2 %) and a significant reduction in the consumption of cleaning reagents.
1 citations
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05 Jun 2018
TL;DR: The findings revealed that the observed outstanding antiscaling performance of MWCNT–PA membranes results from a smooth surface morphology, a low surface charge, and the formation of an interfacial water layer.
Abstract: The antiscaling properties of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)–polyamide (PA) nanocomposite reverse-osmosis (RO) desalination membranes (MWCNT–PA membranes) were studied. An aqueous solution of calcium chloride (CaCl2) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) was used to precipitate in situ calcium carbonate (CaCO3) to emulate scaling. The MWCNT contents of the studied nanocomposite membranes prepared by interfacial polymerization ranged from 0 wt % (plain PA) to 25 wt %. The inorganic antiscaling performances were compared for the MWCNT–PA membranes to laboratory-made plain and commercial PA-based RO membranes. The scaling process on the membrane surface was monitored by fluorescence microscopy after labeling the scale with a fluorescent dye. The deposited scale on the MWCNT–PA membrane was less abundant and more easily detached by the shear stress under cross-flow compared to other membranes. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the attraction of Ca2+ ions was hindered by the interfacial water layer f...
31 citations