North Carolina State University

Sirena C Hargrove

Miles E Talbert

Shamsuddin Ilias

A method for improving the permeate flux of a cross-flow membrane filter having at least two membrane ports through which the feed solution passes and at least two permeate outlets. The method includes the steps of establishing a first flow of a feed solution in a first direction through the membrane ports of the cross-flow membrane filter; reversing the first flow after a predetermined time to a second flow direction opposite that of the first flow direction; and repeating steps (a) and (b) until the permeate flux through the cross flow membrane filter reaches an unacceptable level by using a feed pump and a valve manifold assembly located between the feed pump and the cross flow membrane filter for selectively reversing the flow of the feed solution through the membrane ports of the cross flow membrane filter.

Method for improving the permeate flux of a cross-flow membrane filter

A filtration system for a cross-flow membrane filter which reduces the deleterious effects of concentration polarization and membrane fouling, thereby increasing the average transmembrane flux. The filtration system includes a feed supply for providing a feed solution; a feed pump connected to the feed supply; a cross-flow membrane filter connected downstream of the feed pump for separating the feed into a permeate and a retentate, the cross-flow membrane filter including at least two membrane ports and at least two permeate outlets; a valve manifold assembly located between the feed pump and the cross-flow membrane filter; and a control system for controlling the valve manifold to selectively reverse the flow of the feed through the cross-flow membrane filter. Periodic reversal of the direction of flow of the feed stream in the membrane module, while maintaining the cross-flow, keeps the system in a hydrodynamically transient state and prevents the formation of an undesirable stable boundary layer at the membrane surface thereby increasing the average transmembrane flux.

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Kittrell, NC, United States of America

Sirena C Hargrove