Evaluation of the Efficacy of chemical cleaning approaches to mitigate fouling of fine bubble membrane diffusers

摘要

This paper evaluated the efficacy of chemical cleaning approaches to mitigate fouling of fine bubble diffusers. Overall, it was concluded that although all chemicals tested in batch tests showed potential to increase OTE and decrease DWP, the long term tests only showed the impact on DWP. The fouling factor progression was independent of treatment or diffuser type, and thus mainly driven by the wastewater characterization. In addition, increased pressure escalation was observed after acid cleaning. This increased rate will need to be taken into account when evaluating the feasibility of acid cleaning for managing pressure needed. At least an acid cleaning frequency of 3 times a year seems to be needed to decrease pressure escalation with 20-30%.