Development of a model for flux prediction in high-shear microfiltration systems

摘要

A model that enables the prediction of permeate fluxes in high-shear microfiltration systems would be useful in designing and scaling up a given system. A semi-empirical model is proposed under the assumption that non-diffusive mechanisms (hydrodynamic shear forces) are the main means for the back-transport of particles from the membrane surface to the bulk solution during filtration in systems where these forces are applied at the membrane surface. The model also considers the use of backflushing as a method utilized for minimizing and controlling the adverse effects of concentration polarization.